Devotions

Called to Preach – June 4, 2022

2022/06/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:6-10

Called to Preach

Daily Devotion – June 4, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 16:6-10

See series: Devotions

When Jesus sent out his disciples, they heard from his own mouth where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say. After Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent special gifts from the Spirit to tell those disciples where he wanted them to go and what he wanted them to say.

In today’s reading from the book of Acts, Jesus made it clear where he wanted Paul and his companions to go. But they already knew what to say. God had called them to preach the gospel to people.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus lived a perfect life in our place and then died to take the punishment for our sins. The gospel is the good news that we have forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus. God called Paul to preach the gospel.

And God still calls people to preach that gospel today. He does not use visions from the Spirit. Instead, God calls people through the Church, through people who have come to believe in Jesus through the gospel.

And there are still people asking preachers to teachers to “come over and help us.” All around the world, from Tennessee to Tibet, people are asking to be reassured of their forgiveness through faith in Jesus. How good it is to know God still answers those prayers by sending his representatives to proclaim the good news of sins forgiven!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, send your messengers wherever the good news needs to be proclaimed. 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.

I’m Praying for You – June 3, 2022

2022/06/03/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: John 17:20-26

[Jesus said], “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:20-21

I’m Praying for You

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – June 3, 2022

Devotion based on John 17:20-21

See series: Devotions

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

“I’m praying for you!” Has anyone ever said that to you? Have you said it to someone? What a loving and kind thing it is when we offer to pray for someone and then we go to God in our prayers. You might ask God to help someone get better when they’re sick. You may pray for God to calm a friend’s fears or worries. You may say a prayer of thanks when something really great happens to someone in your family or to a friend. God tells us we can pray to him at anytime and anywhere.

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? When you read today’s words from the book of John, you hear Jesus praying for his disciples, but also for you! You are one of those who believe in him though hearing about God’s message in the Bible. Jesus also prays for anyone else who comes to faith in him. In his prayer, Jesus asks “that all of them may be one.” Another word for that is unity. Jesus wants all of us (including you and me) to have unity. What does that mean? He wants us to have the strong bond that comes from being one with God and with each other. He wants us all to work together to share God’s Word. He wants us to all share the same message—that Jesus is the Savior and that because of him, we have forgiveness and the gift of heaven.

Do you know why unity is so important? Imagine you are in a canoe with someone. One is facing the front and one is facing the back and you are both using the oars to move the boat. However, because of how you’re sitting, you’re rowing in opposite directions. That won’t work! It’s the same with us and all believers. Satan wants us to quarrel and disagree with each other because then we can’t work well in telling others about God. However, if we work together, share the same message, be in the Word together, and get along well, there is so much that can be done to spread God’s Word. Jesus is praying for that kind of unity with each other and with him.

“I’m praying for you.” Let’s do that for each other. Let’s pray for each other and ask God, just like Jesus did, that he blesses our unity with him and with each other so that many others can see Jesus through us.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for praying for your disciples and for us. Help us to keep our focus on the truths in your Word and to encourage each other in faith in you. In your name, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Jesus prayed for you, and we can pray for others. Sometimes we might think that praying is something grownups do for us, but God loves to hear everyone pray. Think of someone you would like to pray for.
Take a moment and say out loud a little prayer for that person.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Unity was at the heart of Jesus’ prayer in our reading today. He prays that “all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” What does it mean that he wants all believers to be one?
Name at least one way you can help keep unity in your home.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Satan is so good at trying to turn believers away from God. Some ways are very sneaky, and some are obvious. Think of at least one sneaky and one obvious way that he might do so.
Name two ways that we can stay strong and encourage others to be strong in faith so that God’s message of grace can be shared with as many as possible?

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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.

Things Change – June 3, 2022

2022/06/03/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Things Change – June 3, 2022

Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.
Exodus 1:8

Military Devotion – June 3, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 1:8

See series: Military Devotions

Of course, things change. Spring converts into summer. Software is updated. We expect such changes. We adjust to them and move on. We often welcome change. It prevents boredom.

But sometimes, change is not wanted.

The onset of an illness, an accident, or the death of someone close to us, are unwelcome changes.

We know we must expect them. But they are not so easy to accept.

Then, there are the changes that we do not expect, do not want, and regret after they happen. Sometimes, they involve relationships.

Ancient Israel faced just such a change with the governing powers of Egypt.

An Israelite by the name of Joseph had once saved the nation of Egypt from starvation. So vital was his role that Pharoah elevated Joseph to one of the highest seats of power—and welcomed his family with appreciation.

The seventy family members from the land of Canaan were invited to stay as guests in Egypt. They were honored out of respect for what Joseph had done.

It was a warm relationship—until it changed.

We might fault the new king for not knowing Joseph’s vital role in Egypt’s past. But then, we know how easy it is to forget the roles foreigners played in our past.

How many remember the young Frenchman who played a critical role in our War for Independence? He was highly honored by us when he was alive. One hundred fifty years later, he still was highly regarded.

“Layfette, we are here!” American doughboys announced upon landing in France in World War One.

But today, few Americans even know that the cities called Fayetteville were named in honor of the young French soldier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Why, then, should we be surprised to learn that the Egyptian government didn’t know about a Joseph who had helped them out 400 years earlier?

From a favored position, the Israelites had fallen to become despised and feared in Egypt.

Things changed.

The same can happen to us. People that we once counted on, organizations that once appreciated us, and relationships that we once treasured can fade away. Friends can become enemies. Our sense of security can be shattered.

“Change and decay in all around, I see,” the hymnist laments.

The line of pharaohs had changed. Egypt had changed. The status of Israel had changed.

The God of Israel had not.

His promise was the same as always. His love was the same. So was his guarding presence.

The miraculous life-saving exodus from Egypt was proof of that.

The miraculous life-saving arrival of his Son into this world was greater proof.

The death and resurrection of his Son is the greatest proof.

It shows that we are free from the deadly grip of evil. We can scoff at its threat.

Jesus said it best, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Prayer:
“O you who changes not, abide with me.” Amen.

Ponder Points:

What changes concern us most?
Has any dreaded change turned out to be a blessing?
How did the disciples adjust to the changes that Good Friday brought?

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.

Getting Rid of Stains – June 3, 2022

2022/06/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
Revelation 22:14

Getting Rid of Stains

Daily Devotion – June 3, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 22:14

See series: Devotions

My mom did so much for me as I grew up, and I will be forever grateful. Of all the things she did for me, there is one task that I am sure was no fun: washing my high school football practice jerseys and pants. First, there are few odors worse than a football locker room. Second, they were regularly covered in all kinds of stains: grass, mud, sweat. Mom did everything she could. She would lovingly scrub and scrub and do her best, but not even mom could remove some of those stains.

Life can feel like that sometimes. Our daily lives have a way of staining us as well. There are things in the past that we have said and done. Things that have left some deep stains: guilt and hurt and remorse. And like mom with the bleach, we try our best to get rid of those stains. We try to forget and block them out of our minds. We try hard to do better and be good. We try to make it up in some way. We do everything we can, but we can’t scrub them clean. Certainly, such stained people like us can’t make it into God’s heaven.

Thankfully, there was One who could and did scrub us clean of all sin. He didn’t use detergent or bleach. Rather, he used his very blood—blood he shed on the cross for you and me. Blood that was pure and holy and able to wash every single one of our sinful stains away. Because of Jesus, we now are pure, holy, and righteous in Gods sight. Our robes have been washed and we now have the right to the tree of life and to go through the gate into heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life in my place and washing me clean in your precious blood. Lead me today and every day to thank you for your grace and look forward to the day when I will walk through those gates and see you face to face. 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.

Constants in Your Life – June 2, 2022

2022/06/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13

Constants in Your Life

Daily Devotion – June 2, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 22:13

See series: Devotions

Do you have any constants in your life? Is there anything in your life that is completely dependable and never lets you down? The reality is that our lives are in constant flux. Our jobs can change in a moment, even after many years of faithful service. Our significant other can just up and leave even after months or years of a relationship. Friends can betray us in real life or unfriend us on social media. A spouse or family member can let us down from time to time. Even the people who love us are not always there for us in the way we need them to be. Life in this world can often feel like we are adrift at sea, without anyone or anything that is truly and completely dependable.

That’s where Jesus is different. He says to you, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” With these comforting words, Jesus reminds us that he is eternal. He never changes. He has always been there for us and will always be there. His promises are dependable. Jesus does not change.

That sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Maybe you have even been aware that God is with you at times. But then there are times when everything goes from bad to worse, and you wonder if, in fact, God is real or if he’s even paying attention to you. Make no mistake: Jesus has never left you and never will. He is the Alpha and Omega. You can depend on him. And just to prove how faithful he is to you, he willingly died on that cross to make sure that sin could not separate you from him. Then, he kept his promise, and he rose from the dead to make sure that death could not separate you from him.

Do you have any constants in your life? You only need one. And his name is Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the one constant in my life. Teach me to depend on you each day and to trust your promises. Never leave me, Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

He’s Coming! Let Them Know! – June 1, 2022

2022/06/01/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Revelation 22:12-17,20

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Revelation 22:17,20

He’s Coming! Let Them Know!

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – June 1, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 22:17,20

See series: Devotions

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

Think about a time when you got invited to a special event. It could have been a birthday party or even someone’s wedding. You may have been invited to go to the zoo or a play with someone. You may get invited to dinner at someone’s house or just to hang out with them. It can be so exciting when someone asks you to come and join them for whatever is planned! You’ve likely done the same and have invited others to join you.

Our reading today has the most amazing invitation ever. It’s an invitation from God himself. He simply says, “Come!” The Spirit who is inviting you is the Holy Spirit. He is the one who puts faith in our hearts to believe in Jesus as our Savior. He is saying to anyone who does not believe to put their life of sin behind them and “Come”—turn in faith to Jesus.

God doesn’t stop there with the invitation. He tells us that we can invite anyone we want as well! “Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’” When you get an invitation to a party, that invitation is for you only, and you wouldn’t just invite another friend who wasn’t included on the guest list. Not so with this invitation. Jesus tells you and I to go ahead and tell as many as we can about him and to invite them to hear his message of forgiveness and grace. There will never be too many people in heaven with Jesus.

There’s one more thing that Jesus shares and it’s a promise. He says, “I am coming soon.” That’s awesome news that makes us say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” But how soon will Jesus come? To be honest, we don’t know. God never shares the time, the year, the day that Jesus will come again to take us to heaven. He could come at any time, or it could be years and years. So, what does that mean for us? We need to get going! We’ve got people to invite! Tell as many people as possible the wonderful news of Jesus as their Savior.

You’ve got an invitation from Jesus, and you’ve got that invitation to share to the most amazing get together ever—in heaven forever with Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for calling me your child. Help me to share your invitation and your message of grace with everyone I know. Give me the excitement and courage to do so. In your name I pray. 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

When people come over to your home, what do you do to get ready for them?
We don’t know when Jesus is coming to take us to heaven, but what can we do to get ready for him while we wait?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

You learned in today’s devotion that Jesus is coming again, but he doesn’t say exactly when. Why do you think God doesn’t tell us the exact time?
You have the greatest invitation ever. It’s from Jesus, and he says to share it with as many as you can. Share as many people as you know that you could tell about God’s invitation for us. How will you let them know?

Questions for Middle School and Above

When Jesus was about to leave the disciples and go back to heaven, he made them a promise—that he would be back. How do you think this promise helped the disciples and can help us?
Since we don’t know the specific time, day, month, or year that Jesus will return, how does that impact our urgency to share our faith?

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 Reward – June 1, 2022

2022/06/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Revelation 22:12

My Reward

Daily Devotion – June 1, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 22:12

See series: Devotions

If you knew Jesus was coming back to earth tomorrow, what would you do? If you were aware that tomorrow was judgment day and Jesus was coming back to bring this world to an end, how would you choose to live life today? Some, likely, would live it up and make poor decisions in a last-ditch effort to have some worldly fun. Others, perhaps, would try to clean up their lives a lot to make a good impression for Jesus. Maybe they would rush around doing as many kind things as they could to pile up a few points before Jesus makes his judgment.

Either approach would be terrifying. Either way, we would know that we are not worthy of our Savior, Jesus. He tells us in this verse that on that day, he will bring his reward and give to everyone according to what he has done. No matter how many good deeds we could pile up in a day, we would never be able to make ourselves worthy enough for heaven—there are just too many sins already piled up in our lives.

No, we cannot earn our heavenly reward from Jesus; but it is ours just the same. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we have eternal life. Jesus lived a perfect life in our place. He died to pay for all our sins. He rose from the dead so that death would no longer have control over us. As we trust in our Savior, Jesus and his work on our behalf, Jesus blesses us with the reward of faith. Through faith in Jesus our reward is secure.

So if Jesus does come back tomorrow, the next day, or many days from now, our reward is secure because of him. And when he does come back, we will receive the reward of heaven. It will be the first day of the rest of our eternal lives in heaven. Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for securing my heavenly reward. Help me to trust in you as my Savior from sin, and to look forward to the day of your return. 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 Ultimate Goal – May 31, 2022

2022/05/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
John 17:24

The Ultimate Goal

Daily Devotion – May 31, 2022

Devotion based on John 17:24

See series: Devotions

What are your life goals? What aspirations do you have? Where do you see yourself in five, ten, or twenty years? Maybe you have your sights set on a dream job at a certain company or in a certain part of the country. Perhaps you have an amazing retirement mapped out in your mind. Or it could be that you have the dream of being financially independent and traveling the world. Whatever dream you may have, it will only be achieved through action. We are encouraged to chase our dreams and work towards our goals.

Whatever dreams you have, be assured that Jesus has already set loftier goals for you. Jesus prayed to his Father in heaven and had a clear goal in mind for you: he wants you in heaven with him forever. To achieve that lofty goal, it was not as simple as applying to the right colleges or selecting the right mix of investments in his 401(k). No, to achieve his heavenly goals for all of us, Jesus elected to suffer and die on the cross to pay the bill that our sins had racked up. Then, to guarantee our victory over death and the grave, Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. His resurrection guarantees that we too will rise to live forever in heaven. Now through faith, he invites us to put our trust in him so that we can receive the blessings of faith, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Christ has achieved the ultimate goal for us. As you chase your dreams here on earth, always keep an eye on the heavenly home that Jesus has waiting for you. Rest assured that no matter what happens here, the loftiest goal possible has already been achieved for you.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to win my salvation. Help me to keep my eyes on my heavenly home and bless me as I set goals for my time here. Help me to always glorify 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.

Me? A Missionary? – Family Devotion – May 30, 2022

2022/05/30/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Acts 16:6-10

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:9-10

Me? A Missionary?

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Family Devotion – May 30, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 16:9-10

See series: Devotions

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

Paul was a missionary. A missionary is a person sent by a church into an area to share the gospel (that’s God’s good news that our sins are forgiven and that heaven is ours). Paul spent years traveling from place to place telling people about the gospel. But it wasn’t easy. He traveled mostly by walking. He depended on others to provide food and a place to stay. Do you wonder how he knew where to go? He didn’t have Google maps! The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit guided his journeys. We don’t know exactly how the Holy Spirit did so, except in today’s reading. We’re told that the Holy Spirit gave a vision of a man from Macedonia begging Paul to come and help. It’s hard to imagine what that would have been like!

What did Paul do? He went. He journeyed to Macedonia to preach to the people there. He went where the Holy Spirit led him. In a span of 17 years, Paul traveled about 10,000 miles to share the gospel. God blessed his work in spite of the challenges Paul and his friends faced, including being arrested, jailed, beaten, shipwrecked, and run out of towns.

How about us? When we read about Paul, the stories are remarkable! He faced so many dangers and still worked everyday to tell others about their Savior. It would be easy to say that we can’t do what Paul did. To pick up, leave, and spend our lives on foot, telling people about Jesus seems like too big of a task. Even though God may not provide us with a vision, he still asks us to preach and share the gospel. For most of us, we know people in our own neighborhood or in our family that need to hear about their Savior. We don’t need to be a pastor or teacher to share Jesus. We can tell our friends and those in our family. When someone is discouraged or worried, we can share how much God loves them and watches over them. When great things happen, we can celebrate with them and thank God for those blessings. You and I are part of God’s team of missionaries and can tell others how much God loves them, what Jesus did for them, how God forgives them, and God’s promise to be with us in all things.

So, missionaries, who can you tell? What opportunities might you have to share a simple message of God’s grace with others? Ask God to help you to see those opportunities and to be eager and excited to tell others about Jesus their Savior.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for missionaries like Paul who served you with faith and trust. Help us to trust you to be with us and help us to be excited to tell others about 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 do you think would be really great about being a missionary?
You can be a missionary starting now. What is the most important thing you can tell your friends and others about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

It’s easy to think that the work of telling others is for our pastor and others who serve at our church. Today, we were reminded that we are missionaries as well. What’s the hardest thing about sharing your faith with your friends and others?
What would help you be more confident in sharing your faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Sometimes sharing faith happens with someone we know is going through a difficult time. Think of a friend who was struggling with something. What did you say, or could you have said, to encourage their faith?
Discuss at least two ways your family can share your faith with others. How can having others with you help?

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.

Relentless in Prayer for Each Other – Week of May 30, 2022

2022/05/30/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Relentless in Prayer for Each Other – Week of May 23, 2022

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Ephesians 1:17-19

ECME Devotion May 30, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Relentless. Betsy was absolutely relentless. This little girl had in her mind that if she kept asking, the answer would eventually be the one she hoped for. You either have a child like that in your class, remember a child like Betsy, have a Betsy in your family, or may even have been that child.

Today’s reading is a prayer, spoken by the apostle Paul, for the people in Ephesus. It’s clear how much he cared for them. Did you notice how he started this part of the prayer—“I keep asking that God the Father…” ? He keeps going to God the Father in prayer on their behalf. He knew them well including their strengths, their opportunities, and their challenges. In verse 15 he mentions their “love for all the saints.” It sounds like they were a caring congregation watching out for one another. Paul’s prayer for them focuses on a couple of key areas:

The Spirit of wisdom and revelation: Paul wants them to know more and more about God which will lead to growth in faith.
That the eyes of [their] heart may be enlightened: Paul wants them to know as much as possible about God and his Word. Why? Paul gave three reasons:
- So that they can understand the hope to which God has called [them]. That hope is not a wish but the assurance that grace is theirs.
- So that they know the riches of his glorious inheritance: Heaven is theirs through faith. They can’t do anything to earn it. It’s a gift from God.
- So that they can know of his incomparably great power for all who believe. God’s power is above anything we can imagine. This is God who created all things and through Jesus, provided relief from sin and the peace of heaven.

Paul’s prayer is that the people of Ephesus never waiver from the faith they have. That, my friends, is our prayer for each other as well. As you wrap up this year, remember your colleagues who serve within your own ministry and those who serve in other early childhood ministries. Like Paul, we can go back and back, asking the Lord to keep each other strong in the faith, growing in the Word, confident in God’s grace for us, and filled with awe of God’s power.

Like Betsy, let’s be relentless when we go to God in prayer on behalf of each other. May each of us be an encouragement for one another and a reflection of God’s grace for us.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I thank you for all those who serve in our early childhood ministries in so many places. Be with them Lord, guide them, watch over them, and above all, keep them always close to you. In your name I pray. Amen

For further reflection, consider the following hymn:
Dear Lord, to Your True Servants Give.
Christian Worship ’21 896
Christian Worship ’93 542

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.

Complete Unity – May 30, 2022

2022/05/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:23

Complete Unity

Daily Devotion – May 30, 2022

Devotion based on John 17:23

See series: Devotions

Complete unity. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Can you even imagine it? Our world struggles to attain even partial unity. Russia invades Ukraine. Democrats and Republicans constantly argue and accuse each other. Different church bodies and religions teach different things about how we get to heaven. Even the voices calling for unity these days only want unity if that means everyone agrees with their view of the world.

Clearly, the world does not enjoy complete unity, but we are no better at achieving it in our own lives. We can’t even find it in our own families, as we disagree about everything from sports teams to medical decisions. Complete unity? Again, it sounds nice, but it is not reality.

Did you know that Jesus prayed for his people to have unity? Jesus wanted his followers to have complete unity—a perfect unity. A unity of faith, purpose, and love that would last. Such a unity would bring great blessing, but it would prove costly. Jesus was willing to pay the cost for us all. He gave his life on the cross to pay for our sins of disunity. He gave his life in our place so that we could all have God’s forgiveness and salvation. Through his death, Jesus has united us as God’s children. He has brought us into God’s family. Now, through faith in Jesus, we are one. We are on the same team. We are united in the love of Jesus and his call to live as his children.

Can you imagine a place where there is no disagreement? No war or factions or opposing political parties? A place with no shouting, arguing, or violent opposition? There is such a place, and we have been invited there through faith in our Savior, Jesus. Through faith in him, we will enjoy complete unity in heaven forever. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, through the life and death of your son Jesus, you have brought us unity. Keep us in faith and bring us to our heavenly 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – May 29, 2022

2022/05/29/in Teen Devotions

God’s people celebrate diversity and strive for unity.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20-23

Unity Marches Victorious in Diversity

When the question “What’s your favorite food?” is asked to a large group of people, there are many answers—cheeseburgers; pizza; spaghetti; maybe even a few people would answer Brussel sprouts or green beans.

People are different that way. Not just when it comes to food, though. But also in our fashion sense, our musical genres, our choice of entertainment and more.

“Different” is a good thing. Our God loves variety. He created a vibrant different world exploding with plenty of different colors, shapes, and sizes.

“Different” is a good thing. But only so far as being “different” doesn’t harm the unity our God wants us to have in worship and praise of his holy name.

In our reading today, Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. He will shortly be betrayed, arrested, beaten, and then nailed to a piece of wood. All of what awaited him is what causes us amazement as he spends this precious time before his suffering and death praying about… others.

Listen again as the Son of Man prays, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” In a world of diversity, unity in Christ Jesus marches victorious.

And why? Because wherever you come from, no matter what your abilities are, no matter your favorite food or musical genre, Jesus Christ died for you. His victory is your victory. His resurrection from the dead is proof that your every sin is forgiven and that heaven is your home.

You may never eat a Brussel sprout—unless it’s wrapped in bacon. You may not be a fan of certain kinds of music, and romantic comedies may just put you to sleep. You might be different… and that’s okay. “Different” is good, as long as we are united in Christ Jesus—together praising him and proclaiming his holy name for all to hear.

Prayer: Be with me today, Lord Jesus, as I live in a world not unified to serve you alone. By your Word and sacrament, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may live to glorify you and proclaim your holy name. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Help Others – May 29, 2022

2022/05/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Acts 16:9

Help Others

Daily Devotion – May 29, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 16:9

See series: Devotions

How long will eternity last? Seriously stop and think about that question.

When you think about it, it’s mind-boggling. The hymn Amazing Grace reads, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’d first begun.” And that’s true! Eternity will go on and on and on and on and, well, you get the picture.

Of course, for those who are believers in Jesus, that’s an awesome thing! They will enjoy God’s love and praise him forever.

But for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, it will be awful. They will be separated, forever, from God and his love.

So, can we understand the plea from the Macedonian man? What did the people in that area need? More than anything else, they needed to know about Jesus and his forgiving love. More than anything else, they needed to know that God loved them. More than anything else, they needed to know that heaven was open for them because Jesus had died and risen.

These are the things we need more than anything else as well. Thankfully, we have them because they are all promised by God in his Word.

Thank God today that you have heard about what Jesus has done for you and what he promises you–an eternity of joy with him in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for doing everything necessary for me to spend my eternity with 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.

Turn From Worthless Things – May 28, 2022

2022/05/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.
Acts 14:15

Turn From Worthless Things

Daily Devotion – May 28, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 14:15

See series: Devotions

Whenever a person moves from one home to another, questions abound. What will the next place be like? What will the new neighbors be like? Then there is the most pressing question: What do I take with me? How does one sift through years of memories and memorabilia? How does one determine what is worthless and disposable? It is not an easy question to answer. But it is an important question to answer when a person is moving.

It is even more important for every person to ask this question regarding their spiritual life. When the apostle Paul visited the ancient city of Lystra, he explained to the people there that the false gods they worshiped were worthless. “Turn from worthless things to the living God,” he told them.

Nearly two thousand years later, Paul’s message still applies. If he would look at us, he would say the same thing: Turn from worthless things. Although difficult to accept and, even more difficult to undertake, it is exactly what we must do.

Because, like the people in Lystra, we often worship what is worthless. We spend far too much of our time and effort chasing things that are not worthy, things that will not last. Nothing this world offers can match the lasting value of knowing Jesus and what he has done for us. His precious life was lived to offer us perfect obedience. His priceless death was given to release us from judgment. His incomparable resurrection now provides eternal blessing in heaven.

Recognizing what Jesus gives us makes us realize it is time to clean house, to turn from worthless things to the priceless blessings of the living God and our precious Savior.

Prayer:
O gracious Lord and Savior, how can I thank you for your gifts of priceless worth! Turn my heart to that which has lasting value, and strengthen me to turn away from things that have no worth. 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.

What Will Heaven Be Like? – Family Devotion – May 27, 2022

2022/05/27/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Revelation 21:21-27

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God … the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. … the city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Revelation 21:2,21,23

What Will Heaven Be Like?

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – May 27, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:2,21,23

See series: Devotions

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

In this week’s devotions, we have been celebrating the ascension of Jesus to heaven. After he died to pay for all our sins, he came alive again to prove we are forgiven. Forty days later, he returned to heaven because his work was done. But before he left, he promised, “I’ll come back to take you to be with me.” Because of Jesus, we get to go to heaven! Heaven is the most awesome place ever!

Have you ever wondered what heaven will look like? Let’s start by thinking of the most beautiful, fun place you have ever been to in your life. Okay, got that place locked in your head? Heaven is a gazillion times better. It’s more beautiful than any place on earth! But in today’s Word of God, a follower of Jesus named John got a glimpse firsthand what heaven will be like. He tried to describe it in ways we could understand:

He saw white pearls as big as a garage that were gateways into heaven. Awesome! As he entered the gates of heaven,
He saw streets paved with pure gold, but remarkably he could see through the gold pavement like a glass window!
He saw there were no road signs pointing in the direction of God’s house because heaven is so filled with God’s presence that everyone there sees him face to face all the time. Remarkable!
He didn’t see a sun or moon in heaven because Jesus is the light, not only of this world, but also in the world to come. Amazing!

Put it all together, what is heaven like? Heaven is a perfect place that will always be open for you. No one locks their doors in heaven—you will always be perfectly safe because Jesus has defeated all your enemies. Nothing will ever scare or harm you in heaven because there’s no nighttime—darkness and spooky things don’t exist there. Everything and everyone in heaven is perfectly clean, because Jesus has washed us clean and made us all his special people.

Tell me, do you sometimes cry because life is not easy and your feelings get hurt? Are you tired of living in a world filled with darkness and dirtiness? “I’m coming back to take you to be with me,” Jesus promised before he ascended back into heaven. A perfect city. A place filled with beautiful light where we get to walk with our beautiful Savior. Together, heaven is where we get to live happily ever after!

Closing Prayer:

Jerusalem the golden, with milk and honey blest—
The sight of it refreshes the weary and oppressed.
I know not, oh, I know not what joys await us there,
What radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare.
To sing the hymn unending with all the martyr throng,
Amidst the halls of Zion resounding full with song.
(Christian Worship 889:1)

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is the name of the place Jesus wants us to live someday?
What is the best thing you heard that you love about heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why is there is no darkness or dirt in heaven?
What important event in your life “washed you clean” of sin’s dirt? How is your baptism comforting when hear that “Nothing impure will enter [heaven]?” (See Rev. 21:27.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

Has there been a moment when you wondered if you were good enough to go to heaven? Discuss with your family what you need to remember the next time you’re struggling with this doubt.
Take a moment down and walk down “memory lane.” Say out loud the names of loved ones who already are walking the streets of gold in heaven!

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Where Duty Calls – May 27, 2022

2022/05/27/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Where Duty Calls – May 27, 2022

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

Military Devotion – May 27, 2022

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:13

See series: Military Devotions

A famous hymn bids us, “Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there” (CW 474:3).

Most Americans understand the idea of danger. Sadly, it comes in too many forms and is far too common.

Duty is a different matter. To many, that is a hazy concept. Rights, wants, and demands are discussed regularly. Duty? Not so much.

Scripture, however, speaks plainly about duty. Duty is something that is expected to be carried out no matter how difficult, no matter the cost, no matter the location.

Location can be a major factor. Often, it is the location that brings the danger.

Those who wear, or have worn, the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces, have the meaning of the word “duty” ingrained in them. The oath taken by our Army officers declares: “I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.”

The lowered flags on a Memorial Day remind us that there have been Americans who have lost their lives while doing their duty.

The soil in faraway places like Tarawa, Flanders, the Chosen Reservoir, and the Michelin rubber plantations of Vietnam have soaked up the blood of Americans who carried out their duty to our nation.

They had sworn to do their duty to defend our nation “against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Many of them had taken another oath that they were fulfilling at the same time. On a special Sunday, they had knelt before an altar and promised to be faithful to the Lord, their Savior God, and would be willing to lose everything, including their earthly life, rather than desert him.

Their induction or commissioning into the service of their nation ended with the words, “So help me God.”

Their confirmation vows ended much the same way.

For the Christian, the enemies domestic or foreign included forces of darkness with supernatural powers. These demonic powers are quick to attack any sign of faithfulness to the Lord of glory or hope of rescue by him.

The prize of battle is not some piece of land for a little while. This fight is over immortal souls for time and eternity.

The enemy is evil. The danger is deadly—and constant.

The command is: “Stand your ground!”

The weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Those who lose their earthly lives fighting this battle with this weapon need to be remembered by no lowered flag.

Mark their grave with the flag of victory. They wear the crown of life.

Prayer:
Lord of glory, we remember that a price has been paid for the freedoms we enjoy. That memory brings sadness. We look to you for comfort and assurance. We thank you for freeing us from the tyranny of evil men and fallen angels. Give us the courage to take a stand against evil. Bestow upon us the honor of standing up for Jesus. Amen.

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

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

Joy Victorious Over Hardship – May 27, 2022

2022/05/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Joy Victorious Over Hardship

Daily Devotion – May 27, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 14:21,22

See series: Devotions

Paul and Barnabas wanted to strengthen and encourage the faith of the young disciples they had previously met. So they told them that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

At first glance, those words don’t seem to be that encouraging. They seem to be predicting that life will be harder for them than they would like. In fact, they seem to be promising that this will be the case—that there is no other way to live as a follower of Jesus. “We must go through many hardships,” they said. Certainly, the thought of hardships is not at all encouraging.

But thinking of the kingdom of God is.

The kingdom of God is perfect beyond what we can imagine. It is perfect harmony with God and with one another. It is an existence entirely without sin and its ability to corrupt every part of our lives—one without any guilt, sadness, or pain.

And it is already yours by all that Jesus already accomplished on your behalf as your Savior.

No hardship on earth can take it away from you. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,” Paul would write in the book of Romans, “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39).

Expect hardship on earth. Also, expect one day to be entirely free from it in the kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, may your victory on my behalf over sin, death, and Satan always be my heart’s greatest treasure. 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.

Joy Victorious Over Grief – May 26, 2022

2022/05/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”
John 16:20

Joy Victorious Over Grief

Daily Devotion – May 26, 2022

Devotion based on John 16:20

See series: Devotions

“You will grieve,” Jesus promised, “but your grief will turn to joy.”

Notice what he didn’t say. He didn’t say, “Your grief will be replaced by joy,” or “Your grief will be destroyed by joy,” or “Your grief will be swallowed up by joy.” He said, “Your grief will turn to joy.” In other words, the same thing that causes your grief will produce your joy. That might sound a bit strange. But this is what Easter is.

Easter turns a sad, seemingly hopeless situation into joy. It turns the ugly cross from which the disciples ran away into the focal point of the beautiful gospel they went into the world to proclaim. It turns the grave we spend so much effort to avoid into the red carpet leading us into the perfection of heaven. It turns Satan’s greatest win into ours. It turns the sad tears we cry when someone we love dies into tears of joy over their new and eternal paradise. It even turns those who are undeniably weak in so many ways into a source of seemingly impossible strength.

Nothing is impossible for our God. Nothing gets the best of him. Not one of his enemies will ever be able to boast that they were more powerful than him. Indeed, as the Bible says, “all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Even those things that cause our grief.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep me firmly rooted in my eternal victory won by you so that I live with an ongoing expectation of the joy you have promised. 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.

Life Is Looking Up – Family Devotion – May 25, 2022

2022/05/25/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Acts 11:1-11

After Jesus said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

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

Life is Looking Up

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – May 25, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 11:9-11

See series: Devotions

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

Linda and her 13-year-old daughter were upset at another teenager who said bad things about her daughter. So after school at a bus stop, the mom encouraged her daughter to go beat her up. “Hit her, hit her,” she instructed her 13-year-old. “That’s what you get for backstabbing your friend!” she yelled.

That’s shocking to hear, isn’t it? Does it make you shake your head in amazement and wonder, “What is our world coming to? Before we drop our heads into depressing thoughts, let’s remember something worth celebrating. Because Jesus ascends into heaven, life is looking up! Life is looking up because he left and because Jesus is coming back.

Forty days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus left earth. There’s a part of us that wishes he would have stayed longer and never left. If Jesus would have stayed, he’d set straight that mom encouraging her daughter to be a bully. Think how much better life would be if Jesus lived next door to us! When we see the mess we make of our life, we wish, “Dear Jesus, why didn’t you just stay with us? Why did you have to leave earth?”

“I left because I won and my work is finished, that’s why!” Jesus answers. It’s as simple as that. Jesus left because his work was done, and he didn’t need to stay any longer. No more sacrificing. No more suffering, no more dying. Everything was exactly as God wanted: All your sin is forgiven, and heaven’s door swings wide open. So Jesus left.

Now what do we do? To the sky-gazing disciples and our hurting hearts comes this comforting message delivered by two angels: “This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back.” And with those words, life is looking up again because Jesus is coming back for us! He’s come back for us to take us home. The more we look up, the more we long for that day when he will set on our heads the crown of life, eternal life.

As you look up to Jesus, look around at each other. For many people, life is not looking up—life is a confusing mess with no end in sight. You know some of them. So the last command he gave us before he left earth was: “Be my witnesses.” Don’t ever stop reaching out to someone with the message of Jesus. Turn their eyes and hearts heavenward to Jesus. And when you do, it will cause their lives to look up as well!

There is one thing that can truly lift us up—it’s Jesus! With him, life is looking up!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we celebrate that you ascended back into heaven where you now live and rule. But don’t leave us alone. Send your Holy Spirit to help us finish the purpose for our lives and share your love. After that, take us to live with you forever and ever. 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

The word “ascension” means to go up. Where did Jesus ascend to?
Until Jesus returns to take us to heaven, what does he want to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why did Jesus ascend back up to heaven?
Name two reasons why your life is looking up because Jesus ascended back up into heaven.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Share the biggest thing that’s got you a little down right now.
Why is it so important to spend more time reading, thinking, singing, and praying about God’s goodness, especially when you are feeling down?

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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.

Joy Victorious Over Feelings – May 25, 2022

2022/05/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Joy Victorious Over Feelings

Daily Devotion – May 25, 2022

Devotion based on John 16:22

See series: Devotions

Consider how many people in the Bible lost their joy between the Thursday when Jesus spoke these words and the following Sunday morning, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.

Think of Peter after the rooster crowed, running outside, and weeping bitterly over his sin. Think of Mary Magdalene on Easter morning, soaking Jesus’ tomb with her tears, blinded by so much sorrow that she didn’t even recognize Jesus when he was standing right next to her in the garden. Think of the other disciples, too scared or ashamed to stay with Jesus; too afraid of Jesus’ enemies to do anything but lock themselves away in a room and hope that no one would find them.

As you read through these moments of personal grief and pain, do you ever wonder why the Bible includes all of them? Do you ever wonder why God wanted us to know about these different people in their lowest moments?

There is one likely explanation.

God includes all these stories of personal pain because he wants you to be able to find yourself in his Word. He knew there would be times when you would feel like Peter, very guilty about something. Or like Mary when your heart is breaking because you lost someone you loved. He knew there would be times you would be paralyzed by fear or overwhelmed by guilt. God knew.

And he wanted you to know that, despite those powerful and painful feelings, “no one will take away your joy.” The joy of Jesus’ disciples did not at all depend on how well they reacted to Jesus’ suffering and death. It depended entirely on the fact that Jesus earned complete forgiveness for them by his death and on the certainty of his resurrection—just as it does for you.

No one will take away your joy: for Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, guide my emotions by the certainty of your completed work as 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.

Joy Victorious Over Waiting – May 24, 2022

2022/05/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Joy Victorious Over Waiting

Daily Devotion – May 24, 2022

Devotion based on John 16:16

See series: Devotions

Jesus wanted his disciples to know that he would soon be gone from their sight, and he knew this wouldn’t be easy for them. Jesus knew that most of them wouldn’t see him after they abandoned him in the garden. He knew that most of them would be too scared or sad to even show up at his crucifixion. He knew their hearts would be crushed with grief and guilt when they would see his dead body taken down from the cross and buried.

But he also knew that just three days after this conversation, he was going to be standing in front of them, fully alive after he had died as their Savior, and fully victorious over sin, death, and Satan. He knew exactly how long their “little while” would be—just as he knows yours.

He knows how long you’ll be sick. He knows how long you’ll suffer. He knows how long you’ll grieve. He knows how long your heart will ache. He knows how long before you finally get to heaven to see your loved ones again. He knows that it will be just “a little while.”

It’s hard to suffer, grieve, and carry guilt for even “a little while.” But, as it happened for Jesus’ first disciples, all our “little whiles” have an expiration date. After “a little while,” our eyes will also see the Jesus, whose innocent death and resurrection prepared our place in God’s family. And then, as Scripture says, “we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17), and there will no longer be any “little whiles.”

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, keep my faith firmly focused on your work as my Savior until the day you return to take me 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.

On Your Mark, Get Set … Wait! – Family Devotion – May 23, 2022

2022/05/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: John 16:16-24

[Jesus said], “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me. Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:16,22

On Your Mark, Get Set … Wait!

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – May 23, 2022

Devotion based on John 16:16,22

See series: Devotions

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

“On your mark, get set …” What comes next? Before you say, “go,” just … wait. But waiting is hard to do, isn’t it? When you are so hungry you feel like you could eat an entire elephant, you don’t want to wait. When it’s your birthday and you see the wrapped presents, you don’t want to wait. Or, when you are sick and feeling awful, you don’t want to wait—you just want it to be over.

Later this week, it will be exactly forty days since Easter Sunday. After Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended back up into heaven. Oh, how his disciples wished Jesus would have motioned them to join him and said, “Ready, set, let’s go! Come join me in heaven!” Instead, Jesus told them to be ready and get set, but now … wait. He said, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

Jesus understands how hard waiting is. He especially knows how those who follow him hate to wait. That’s because we know something about Jesus, don’t we? Jesus can turn us from being sad to being happy just as sure as he turned death to life! Jesus can turn sickness into health. He listens to our prayers. We know he even promised a wonderland with our names on it—a city with gates made out of single pearls and streets paved with gold!

But “In a little while …” he promised. So now we live and wait. Think of going to a doctor’s office and having to wait in the waiting room. We live as God’s children waiting for him to motion us through the door of heaven at the right time. Sometimes, we get impatient with life in God’s waiting room! There will be plenty in life that will make us sad and cry. But Jesus wipes every one of our tears away with his promise: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Then he tells us to keep waiting and to keep praying: “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

May Jesus bless and keep us as we wait—just a little while longer!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you have done great things for us, and it fills us with joy! As we eagerly wait to see you again, bless and keep us living one day at a time in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

“On your mark, get set …” What comes next?
Instead of “Go!” Jesus says, “Wait!” What are we waiting for?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Waiting for Jesus to return is hard. But why is it worth it?
What does Jesus encourage to be doing while we wait for him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

As we wait for Jesus to return, how can we be sure that he’s coming back for us?
AGREE or DISAGREE: Until Jesus returns, life will be all giggles and grins.

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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.

Peace – Week of May 23, 2022

2022/05/23/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Peace – Week of May 23, 2022

[Jesus said,] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:26-27

ECME Devotion May 23, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Peace. If you could describe what the word “peace” means to you, what would you say? Is it an idyllic setting on the edge of a beautiful lake? Is it the quiet of the house after everyone else had headed to bed? It could be that feeling of calm after a stressful visit to the doctor or with an anxious parent. Peace can come in many forms, and it’s something we all crave.

Our reading today comes again from Jesus’ conversation with his disciples in the Upper Room the night before his crucifixion. He has shared so much with them up to this point. He’s given them instruction after instruction and shares that he will no longer be with them physically. They have so much to process and so much to take in. How could they possibly sort it all out and grasp all that he’s telling them? I picture them leaning in trying to get every word. However, with human limitations like ours, they couldn’t possibly understand everything he was sharing. Jesus knows them and anticipates their reaction. “Peace.” That one-word reminder and gift. Like a parent calming a child in the night, he tells them that they don’t need to be afraid. On the brink of a heart-wrenching day for them, Jesus reminds them and us, that the peace he gives is not the same as the world’s peace. It’s not the removal of earthly challenges, disasters, and heart-breaking events. We live in a time of division in our country, horrendous acts of violence in Ukraine, violence in our cities, and on and on. We have more than enough worldly concerns. Jesus is clear that his peace doesn’t depend on harmony between countries or relationships among people. His peace calms our fearful hearts knowing that we are one with God through forgiveness that is ours because of Jesus. We have the peace of confidence in our eternal salvation. Our peace from Jesus comes from being God’s chosen child, loved and redeemed.

Take heart, my friends. Not only does Jesus provide us with a peace that is greater than any earthly concern, but he also promises to send the Holy Spirit to help us, as he did with the disciples, who teaches and reminds us of all that Jesus said and did.

Peace. It’s a quiet spot on a serene lake. It’s a restored relationship with someone we care about. However, ultimate peace, greater than any worry or concern, is the peace from Jesus of sins forgiven, a relationship with God secure, and the gift of heaven. No earthly challenge can take that peace from us as children of God with faith in him.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I thank you for the peace you give me that is greater than anything I may face. Thank you especially for the peace that comes from knowing that you love me and forgive me. Help me reflect that peace to others in all I do. In your name I pray. Amen.

For additional meditation, consider the following hymn:
“It Is Well with My Soul”
Christian Worship (21) 850:1-4

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

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

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

Joy Victorious Over Circumstance – May 23, 2022

2022/05/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Joy Victorious Over Circumstance

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2022

Devotion based on John 16:20-22

See series: Devotions

Jesus statement that “a woman giving birth to a child has pain” needs no explanation for those who have given birth to a child. Childbirth is painful. His statement that “when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish” also needs no explanation for any new mother who has cradled her newborn in her arms for the very first time. It’s not that the labor pain didn’t happen. It’s not that the new mother’s body has healed in any way by the time the new child is delivered. Rather, the joy of holding her new child is so great it overwhelms all the immense pain.

Jesus promised the same type of experience for his disciples. “You will grieve,” he said, as he alluded to the grief that would consume them as they would soon witness Jesus’ arrest, suffering, crucifixion, and death. They would grieve in other ways as well, just as we do, living with sinful hearts in a sinful world that regularly rebels against God’s Word.

But though the circumstances of our lives in this world cause real grief, the victory of Jesus on our behalf is great enough to overwhelm it. One day, that will happen in eternity as God “will wipe every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 21:4). And, just as the woman in labor finds strength to endure her labor pains in the knowledge that her joy is coming, so also Christians find daily strength to endure our grief knowing our victory is coming; for Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins is completed and his victory over death is already won.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by your death and resurrection, give me daily strength to endure the hard circumstances of earthly life in anticipation of my final victory that is already won. 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 – May 22, 2022

2022/05/22/in Teen Devotions

Easter joy reigns supreme over our present circumstances in life.

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:21-27

Joy Marches Victorious Over Circumstance

Have you ever tried to picture heaven? If you can color or draw or paint, do you know how you would depict it?

Perhaps it’s because of the majesty of our eternal home or because our current circumstance is anything but “heavenly,” but sinful human beings often find it difficult to picture or describe what heaven will exactly be like.

That struggle, though, does not mean our anticipation of being united with our God isn’t the excited hope of every Christian. That’s especially true when the apostle John paints such an amazing picture of what it will be like in the last book of the Bible, Revelation.

Each person reading this devotion has different strengths and weaknesses. We have different likes and dislikes. One’s life might be filled with joy right now and another’s a day-to-day struggle just to get by. Whatever situation you find yourself in, these words written by John through inspiration of the Holy Spirit are for you.

And why is that? Because no matter what you have going on in life, your eternal home is in the heaven described here through faith in Christ. The One who suffered and died made that possible for you. The One who burst forth from the tomb proving his sacrifice was sufficient for the Father to call us his own has made this our reality by grace alone.

Easter joy reigns supreme over our present circumstances in life. Don’t take my word for it, though. Listen to Jesus, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). None of us will ever live a trouble-free life. All of us will suffer setback and sadness. Jesus says so. But he also continues, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We live in a world of darkness, my dear friends. But this world does not define us. In fact, this world cannot even steal the joy we have Jesus. The joy we have, the purpose we live with, the confidence that drives us is not based on our current circumstance. No, it is found today and always with the certain hope that while we live on earth, our home is in heaven—for all eternity!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that despite whatever I have going on in life, you are there. In good times and in bad, your love for me reigns supreme and your victory over death and the devil is mine as well. Grant me strength today and always to do your will for my life, finding my strength in you and the desire to serve you alone. 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.

Enduring Temple – May 22, 2022

2022/05/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
Revelation 21:22

Enduring Temple

Daily Devotion – May 22, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:22

See series: Devotions

Perhaps the most famous church building in all of England is St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It’s famous for many reasons. For one, it has dominated the London skyline since before the birth of the United States. For another, it’s been the site for numerous historic events, from royal weddings to state funerals.

Its greatest fame, however, may have come from World War II. If you go online and search the words “photo—St Paul’s—WWII,” you’ll see why. You’ll see a picture of London just after a severe German bombing raid. Every building in the picture is a smoking ruin of rubble—every building except St Paul’s. That picture rallied the spirits of the British people throughout the rest of the war.

In our society of the twenty-first century, it often feels as if we Christians are simply enduring one long bombing raid. Everything we believe seems to be under attack. Everything we hold dear seems to be a target.

But take a closer look at the picture. Yes, Christianity is under attack, as it has always been. And yes, the forces of Satan and sin have turned much of our society into a smoking ruin of rubble. But above the dust and debris of a fallen world, there still stands the enduring temple of our God. It endures because that temple is the Lamb of God himself.

In that temple you will find shelter and forgiveness. In that temple you will find refreshment and life and light. For that enduring temple is your Savior, who died and rose and lives for you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, in the smoking rubble of this fallen world, you remain. You endure. Your promises never fail. Move me by your Spirit to find my refuge 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.

Limitless Love – May 21, 2022

2022/05/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34

Limitless Love

Daily Devotion – May 21, 2022

Devotion based on John 13:34

See series: Devotions

The thing about love is that it almost always has limits.

You might love someone or something, but there is probably a limit to that love. You may love a certain food, but you will only pay so much for it. Perhaps you love a certain sports team, but after so many losing seasons, you may just give up. Even in a marriage, a lifelong love, we say our vows with, “Till death do us part.”

Even though almost every love we know has its bounds, we still crave truly limitless and unconditional love—a love without any end.

God filled our desire for limitless love by sending Jesus to win eternal life for us. God didn’t set a limit or an end to his love. With his limitless love, Jesus came to live and die for us to take away our sins and to win for us a place before God forever. This love will never end.

When God commands us to love one another as he has loved us, he gives us no small task. He says to love with the love that he has shown to us.

How can we do that? We can do the kinds of things that will make sure even death will not limit our love. If you want to love your spouse, pray for and encourage their faith. If you want to love your child, make sure that they grow up in a place where their faith can be nurtured. If you want to love your neighbor, do the kinds of things that allow you to share with them the hope you have in Jesus. Helping those you love to be in the Word of Christ and to follow his commands is one of the greatest expressions of love because it is the only thing that is truly limitless.

God loves you in an ultimate way by winning eternity for you. Go and love people by sharing that message with them.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus. Help us to love with the limitless love you have shown to us. Amen.

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

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

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

See What God Sees – Family Devotion – May 20, 2022

2022/05/20/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Acts 11:1-18

The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that people who were not Jewish had accepted God’s word.
Acts 11:1 (GW)

See What God Sees

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Family Devotion – May 20, 2022

Devotion based on Acts 11:1

See series: Devotions

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

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see a nose and eyes and teeth to be brushed? What do you see when you walk down the street? Do you see the sun shining, a towering tree trunk, and sky that is blue? What do you think God sees when he looks at us and looks around at everyone else in the world? Let’s find out! But first, he hands us a pair of glasses so we can see what God sees.

In today’s Word of God, Peter needed new glasses. He grew up around people who looked, talked, ate, and lived like him. “God wants people to be like me,” he thought. “And if they aren’t like me, why would I want to be friends with them or even go over to their house?” Peter needed new glasses to see clearly that God was changing things. God gave Peter new glasses to see an amazing sight—a big sheet from heaven with a mix of cows, sheep, and pigs in it. As he was looking at them, suddenly, his doorbell rang! There stood three guys. “Go with them,” God said. So Peter did.

You know where they went? To the home of a total stranger who was the total opposite of Peter. His name was Cornelius. Cornelius gathered all his family and friends and invited Peter to tell them about Jesus. Finally, Peter saw things differently. It was okay to visit the home of someone different because God’s love isn’t based on your skin color, what your face looks like, or anything else your eye might see. What matters are people who respect and worship God, who want to do what is right, but know something’s not right. They know they’ve done wrong, and it scares them. Cornelius and his family wanted to know how to get peace. So Peter told them, “You get peace through Jesus Christ.”

We might look differently at people who don’t look like us. Today, God is telling us that he doesn’t care if you have the funniest personality or the most boring one. He doesn’t care if all your neighbors are in awe of you or if your neighbors make fun of you behind your back. He doesn’t care whether you are—in the eyes of the world—beautiful or ugly, whether you are African or Spanish, whether you are rich or poor.

The only thing that matters is to put on your new glasses and see what God sees—a person for whom Jesus died. The only thing that matters is to love them. Talk to them. Treat them like you want to be treated. Tell them the good news of peace through Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, your word today was like putting on a new pair of glasses so I could see! Help me see others the way you see them—no different from me. Loved by you, make me a little bolder to love them too. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Peter saw a big white sheet from heaven with what mix of animals?
There’s a mix of people living in your home. What makes each of them different? Why is that okay?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Glasses help correct your vision. What did Peter need help seeing in today’s devotion?
When God looks at different people, what about them matters the most to him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How is judging ourselves on what other people see different from what God sees?
Discuss with your family why demeaning another race or culture is not seeing things as God sees.

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.

Did we forget? – May 20, 2022

2022/05/20/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Did we forget? – May 20, 2022

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50,51

Military Devotion – May 20, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 24:50,51

See series: Military Devotions

We might wonder if angels wonder about us.

We eagerly and joyfully celebrate the entrance of Jesus of Nazareth into our world at Bethlehem. Special music sounds from our airwaves as early as November 1. Special trees are placed into homes. Special sales are advertised to shoppers hungry to buy. Special gifts are given. Special worship services are held.

The Christian world, and much of the secular, pause and hush to hear the music of “Silent Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.

And the victorious departure of Jesus of Nazareth to his heavenly home?

No Ascension Day sales, no decorating of houses, no special foods—should we say, no notice?

Surely, no song labeled “O Little Town of Bethany.”

We can understand the non-Christian world ignoring a holiday that does not offer special food or entertainment. It’s the expected response to the question, “What’s in it for me?”

But how do we explain the silence and inaction of those who claim this Jesus as their rescuer and ruler?

Surely the angels must wonder about this.

If we imagine that Christmas is celebrated with songs of joy by the heavenly host, if we expect that Easter rings with shouts of “Hallelujah!” by saints and angels, what do we envision the remembrance of the Ascension to be like?

Would heaven forget the day Jesus returned to his throne on high from his victorious mission to rescue mankind?

Hardly.

Through a prophetic vision, the psalmist declared, “God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets” (Psalm 47:5).

In the Bible, we hear, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9).

In the Easter hymn, we sing, “He lives eternally to save. He lives all-glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.” (CW 152:2)

The return of Jesus to his throne of glory in heaven is wonderful news. But it is also critical news.

We need him to claim his throne. We need him to rule over all things on heaven and earth for us.

He said he would return to heaven to his father when his mission was accomplished. He declared he was going to prepare a place for us in his father’s house.

He backed that up with a promise.

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3).

His ascension to heaven is our blessed assurance that he will, indeed, enable us to ascend to heaven as well.

How could we forget Ascension Day?

We should not.

We dare not.

We will not.

Prayer:
Mighty, reascended Lord, the blessing that you gave to your disciples as they watched you begin your trip home has descended upon us through your Word. We thank you for that. We commit ourselves to pass the blessing on to others as we tell them of the marvels of your love. Remind us often of your ascension—lest we forget. Amen.

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

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

Love Is the Greatest – May 20, 2022

2022/05/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Love Is the Greatest

Daily Devotion – May 20, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:13

See series: Devotions

Faith is terrifically important. Whoever believes in Jesus will be saved, and whoever does not believe in him will be condemned. Faith is your connection to the promises of God, the conduit through which you receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

Hope is terrifically important. Hope helps you through the darkest days of your life. If you have hope that things will get better, you wait patiently when things are difficult. One definition of hell is living without any hope of hope.

So how can love be even greater than faith and hope? Maybe it’s because faith and hope are looking forward to things that will be accomplished. Someday hope will not be necessary because you will have what you are hoping for. Someday faith will be fulfilled.

But the love of God will continue through eternity. The same love for the whole world that caused Jesus to live, die, and rise from the dead for you, will continue to surround you for all eternity. As time marches on into timelessness, God’s selfless love marches victoriously in an endless parade.

Believe it. Hope for it. And express your love for the people around you and for God himself as you bask in his perfect love.

Prayer:
I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor. In your great love, O God, answer me with your sure 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.

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Called to Preach

Read: John 17:20-26

I’m Praying for You

Closing Prayer:

Things Change – June 3, 2022

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Getting Rid of Stains

Constants in Your Life

Read: Revelation 22:12-17,20

He’s Coming! Let Them Know!

Closing Prayer:

My Reward

The Ultimate Goal

Read: Acts 16:6-10

Me? A Missionary?

Closing Prayer:

Relentless in Prayer for Each Other – Week of May 23, 2022

ECME Devotion May 30, 2022

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Complete Unity

Help Others

Turn From Worthless Things

Read: Revelation 21:21-27

What Will Heaven Be Like?

Closing Prayer:

Where Duty Calls – May 27, 2022

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Joy Victorious Over Hardship

Joy Victorious Over Grief

Read: Acts 11:1-11

Life is Looking Up

Closing Prayer:

Joy Victorious Over Feelings

Joy Victorious Over Waiting

Read: John 16:16-24

On Your Mark, Get Set … Wait!

Closing Prayer:

Peace – Week of May 23, 2022

ECME Devotion May 23, 2022

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Joy Victorious Over Circumstance

Enduring Temple

Limitless Love

Read: Acts 11:1-18

See What God Sees

Closing Prayer:

Did we forget? – May 20, 2022

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Love Is the Greatest

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