Devotions

Opposite Day! – Family Devotion – February 23, 2022

2022/02/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 12:14-21

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:14-16a

Opposite Day!

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Family Devotion – February 23, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:14-16a

See series: Devotions

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

Today, let’s learn how to play a silly game called “Opposite Day!” It’s simple. Do the opposite of what you normally do—like having spaghetti for breakfast and pancakes for dinner. Say something and then do the opposite of that. You might have to spend a good chunk of time trying to come up with different lines in order to get a rise out of a family member before saying, “Opposite Day!” in a sing-song voice. For example, “It’s so rainy outside!” (“Opposite Day!”) “I would much rather eat carrots than Cheetos!” (“Opposite Day!”) “Your t-shirt is not cool!” (“Opposite Day!”)

It almost seems as if Paul is playing “Opposite Day!” in our reading today: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse!” What!? That’s so different from how we feel. Our sinful selves want to shout out, “Opposite, Paul! If someone is bullying me—then I’m going to bully them right back!” But if anyone knows about opposites, it’s the apostle Paul. Before Paul became one of the greatest Christian missionaries; he was first Saul, one of the greatest slayers of Christians. Saul hated Christ and anyone who professed him. And then, God worked in Saul’s heart an “Opposite Day!”

God worked an “Opposite Day” with us as well. We were conceived and born sinful. Every day since then we have sinned, and we deserve nothing but to suffer eternally in hell. But when God sent his only Son to take our place and suffer on the cross for us, he showed us grace! He gave us the opposite of what we deserved! We deserve hell—we get heaven. We deserve suffering—we get eternal life and happiness! What an amazing gift! Knowing about that amazing gift enables us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to do what the passage tells us! We can be nice to those who are mean to us! We can show love to those who are not happy with the way we vote or view vaccinations! We can bless those who persecute us! And then, like a bunch of happy dominoes falling over each other; we can live in peace and harmony with everyone!

Let’s play one last round of “Opposite Day!” to end our devotion: “God doesn’t exist!” (“Opposite Day! God is real!”) “Jesus is dead!” (“Opposite Day! Jesus lives!”) “God doesn’t care about you!” (“Opposite Day! God loves you!”)

Closing Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, even though at times we want to hurt those who hurt us, help us remember what you did for us on the cross! Help us to show love for everyone, even our enemies! Thank you for bringing us to heaven, the opposite of what we deserve. 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

Playing the Opposite Game is fun! Can you think of any opposites?
Grace is getting the opposite of what we deserve! What do we deserve? But what do we get?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Ever heard a choir sing in parts or harmony? Describe what that sounds like.
Now imagine a screechy, off-pitched, untuned clarinet player joins your choir. How would that change the sound? (The point: Try to remember beautiful harmonious sounds of a choir the next time you feel like fighting with a sibling. “Live in peace and harmony” not “screechy, grinding noise.”)

Questions for Middle School and Above

Can you think of a time when you were able to “rejoice with those who rejoice” or “mourn with those who mourn” even though it might not have been easy for you?
Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Can you think of one example in your own life where you could overcome evil with good?

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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.

Revenge – February 23, 2022

2022/02/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19

Revenge

Daily Devotion – February 23, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:19

See series: Devotions

“Revenge is a dish best served cold.” This old saying about revenge goes back at least to the early 1800s. It means that taking revenge on someone is more satisfying when you allow a good amount of time to pass by first. From caper movies like Ocean’s 11 to westerns like Once Upon a Time in the West, the cold dish of revenge makes for a compelling plotline.

But there’s a downside to revenge. English philosopher Francis Bacon put it quite well. He wrote, “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.”

God, of course, knows us far better than we will ever know ourselves. He knows that revenge is simply a broad opportunity for my old sinful self to run amok. In the name of righteous indignation, it’s an opportunity for my old sinful self to indulge in all kinds of toxic impulses, from bitterness and resentment to arrogance and self-absorption. All of which threatens to harden my heart. All of which threaten to pull me away from the only Savior you and I are ever going to have.

When Jesus walked this earth on our behalf, not once did he ever give in to the temptation to plot revenge on someone who had wronged him, not even as he hung on the cross. And because of Jesus’ perfect faithfulness, God has washed us clean through faith in his Son—and that includes even our poisonous thoughts of revenge against someone who has wronged us.

Cleansed and embraced by our Savior, you and I are now free. In the words of Francis Bacon, you and I no longer have to study revenge, keeping our own wounds green. Instead, you and I can bask in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. We can entrust all things to our just and good God. Instead, you and I can get on with the business of proclaiming Jesus Christ with our lives.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when someone wrongs me, purge my heart of revenge. Fill me with the same spirit of forgiveness you have shown me. Amen.

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

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

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

Joseph’s Eyes – February 22, 2022

2022/02/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “. . . God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”
Genesis 45:4,7

Joseph’s Eyes

Daily Devotion – February 22, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 45:4,7

See series: Devotions

And so there Joseph stood. As the Prime Minister of Egypt, he had just revealed to his brothers his true identity. He was their brother, Joseph—the very one his brothers sold into slavery many years earlier.

In that moment, Joseph could have fixed his eyes only on his brothers. He could have filled his field of vision only with what they had done to him so many years earlier.

But he didn’t. Instead, by God’s grace, Joseph’s eyes rested on his Lord. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Joseph could see that God’s hand had been guiding his life all along. He could see that God’s hand had caused even the past actions of his brothers to submit to his good and gracious will.

Like Joseph, you and I can have times when we can easily fix our eyes only on those who have hurt us. Perhaps there’s someone who has disappointed us. Perhaps there’s someone who has humiliated us. Perhaps there’s someone who has abandoned us.

If that is where we fix our eyes, however, then we are placing our eyes precisely where Satan wants them to be. For when we look only at those who have hurt us, then we are blocking our line of sight to see the hand of God.

But that’s why Jesus came. As our substitute, he lived a life of perfect trust in his heavenly Father’s will. Even when he endured the cruelty of sinful men, Jesus knew that his heavenly Father would guide it all for good. The result was full forgiveness for our every sin. The result was a home for each of us in heaven. The result was a place for you and me in God’s family through faith in his Son. That, and God’s promise that he will guide all things in your life for good.

And here’s the best part. It is his very forgiveness of our sins that empowers you and me to lift up our eyes and see God’s guiding hand.

Prayer:
Lord, lift up my eyes to see that your hand is always at work in my life. Amen.

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

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

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

Forgiveness Defeats Fear – Family Devotion – February 21, 2022

2022/02/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Genesis 45:3-15

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.”

And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
Genesis 45:3-5,8,15

Forgiveness Defeats Fear

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Family Devotion – February 21, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 45:3-5,8,15

See series: Devotions

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

Joseph’s brothers were terrified of him. They had been so mean to him, hurt him, and sold him for money to die in Egypt. They thought they’d never see him again. They were some of the worst brothers.

When someone hits you, you often want to hit them back. If someone hurts you, you often want to hurt them back. Joseph’s brothers thought that was what Joseph would do to them, that he would get angry and hurt them. He was powerful enough to do it, even to put them to death!

But Joseph did not give in to anger. Instead, Joseph trusted God to take care of him, and he forgave his brothers. God took care of Joseph and protected him through all the bad things he suffered. God blessed Joseph and brought him from slavery and prison to become the second in command over all Egypt! The bigger miracle was that God gave Joseph the ability to forgive. He didn’t hurt his brothers or try to get revenge. He let go of anger, and he trusted God. You know what else God did? God worked sorrow and fear in the brothers over what they had done. Through forgiveness God brought them back together as a family. Forgiveness defeated fear.

God has made us his family. We are sinners, and we do things that are wrong, sinful, and awful against God every day. At one time we were even enemies of God, born in sin, the worst! But God showed love to us even though we didn’t deserve it. God forgave us. He made us his own at our baptism and grows us through his Word when we hear it and learn it. God took care of us. God sent his Son Jesus to take away our sins and pay for them on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead to prove it. God’s forgiveness takes away our fear and makes us part of his family. God gives us the ability to forgive those who hurt us and let go of anger or wrath. God will take care of it. God will take care of us. Forgiveness defeats fear.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the forgiveness you give to us, and help us to forgive those who sin against us. Help us trust you, and bless us. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Joseph was powerful and could hurt his brothers, but what did Jesus help him do instead?
What did Jesus do for us to forgive us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What makes it hard for you to forgive classmates when they hurt you?
How can forgiveness bring people back together?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree/Disagree: It’s the best policy to talk to someone right away if they’ve hurt you.
How can forgiving someone in your heart be a blessing even when the other person isn’t sorry?

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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.

Love in Action – Week of February 21, 2022

2022/02/21/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Love in Action – Week of February 21, 2022

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 12:9-16a

ECME Devotion February 21, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Ministry is not for the faint of heart. The NIV entitled this section, “Love in Action”. So often, as teachers, we focus on our students and their families. I’d like for us to use these verses and apply them to our faculty.

Think about the people that you work with and what it would be like if everyone was…

“…devoted to one another in love. Honoring one another above yourselves.” (v.10)
“Never lacking in zeal, but keeping spiritual fervor…” (v.11)
“…joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (vs.12)

Think of the work a faculty can do when they…

“Live in harmony with one another.” (vs. 16)

Do you lean on your faculty members? If not, try it. God has put you with a group of people to do his work. If you don’t have a large faculty, lean on your school board, a pastor, or a mentor.

Throughout your ministry there will certainly be times when you are persecuted, have cause to rejoice, or go through a rough time and mourn. What a blessing it is not to have to go through all of that alone.

Sometimes we find ourselves putting our heads down and just doing the work that’s right in front of us. Lift up your head, dear friend. Try to notice a co-worker that you could encourage. Make it a point to smile at them when you see them in the hallway. When you feel like no one understands what you’re going through, just know that they might be the ones who understand the most.

The Lord has put the people in your life for a reason. Live in harmony with them. When they rejoice, rejoice with them. If they’re struggling, lift them up. Spur them on in their ministry. Pray for them.

Love in action takes work. It takes time. It takes intentionality. Ask the Lord to help with this. Ask Him to instill in you these qualities so that you can be a productive part of your group, reflecting God’s love to those around you.

Maybe your faculty is great at this. Praise God!

Maybe your faculty could use some work. Pray to God!

You are a team, put together, by God, to do his work.

May God bless you in all of your efforts.

Prayer

We all are one in mission; we all are one in call,
Our varied gifts united by Christ, the Lord of all.
A single great commission compels us from above
To plan and work together that all may know Christ’s love. Amen
Christian Worship ’93 566:1

A Question to Consider:
How can you be a light to someone on your faculty? Think of some ways and plug them into your calendar for the rest of the year. Then, put your ideas into action! That’s love.

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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.

Old Enemies – February 21, 2022

2022/02/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “. . . [D]o not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Genesis 45:4,5

Old Enemies

Daily Devotion – February 21, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 45:4,5

See series: Devotions

The story of Joseph is one of the most extraordinary accounts in the entire Bible. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph endures years of twists and turns until he finds himself serving in the extraordinary position of Prime Minister in Egypt. When famine strikes the region, his brothers come to Egypt looking to purchase food. The climax of the account arrives when Joseph finally reveals to his brothers who he really is. The sheer emotion of the scene is potent.

As soon as he reveals his true identity, however, Joseph displays a deep concern. His brothers are now in shock. They are now having to confront the terrible thing they did to Joseph so many years ago. Joseph is afraid that the distress and despair his brothers feel will overwhelm them.

Perhaps you have never sold a sibling into slavery. Chances are excellent, however, that you, too, have dark moments in your past. Maybe it’s something you said or did. Maybe it’s something you failed to say or do. Maybe there was a long period when you were too arrogant, lazy, afraid, or self-absorbed to do all kinds of things you should have been doing all along.

Such dark moments are perfect weapons for the devil. With them, he can smother you with guilt and block out the light of hope. With them, he can isolate and shove you into the solitary confinement of despair.

Enter Jesus. On our behalf, God the Son lived the kind of life you and I have failed to live. In our place, God the Son suffered and died for our every sinful failure, our every wasted moment. And now he lives. He lives to assure you and me that the old enemies of guilt and regret and despair no longer have the final word. Jesus does.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by nature I was once your enemy. But now you have made me your friend. Your blood has washed my guilt away. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Amen.

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

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

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

The Importance of Family – February 20, 2022

2022/02/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:9-16

The Importance of Family

Daily Devotion – February 20, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:9-16

See series: Devotions

We all know and appreciate how important our families are. Family is there for you when you are really in need, they laugh with you and cry with you, and stand with you through the good times and the bad. Family members are linked together with a strong and common bond.

That bond is not always genetic.

There is a spiritual bond among fellow believers, and together we make up a spiritual family. I am so very privileged to have a group of brothers and sisters in the Lord—and so are you.

Remember your spiritual family. It’s far too easy to take them for granted. When times are good, we may feel that we don’t need a relationship with the people at church. When times are bad, however, their thoughts, prayers, acts of kindness, and deeds of love are priceless. If you need help and support from your fellow believers—ask! We are all willing to be there for you. If you don’t need any help and support at this time—someone needs you! Ask and look for anyone who needs encouragement and go out of your way to help them. We have all received so much from God. What a joy it is to be able to give a little back and help a brother or sister in the Lord. A Christian family is priceless!

Prayer:
Lord, thank-you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I be a blessing to them, and may they be a blessing to me. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – February 20, 2022

2022/02/20/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Jesus speaks clearly to his disciples and us and directs us toward radical love.

But to you who are listening I say, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Luke 6:27-28,36

Uncovered Love

But Jesus, that’s not fair. It’s not just. It is just not right.

That’s the way it feels. If someone hurts us, that wrong must be righted. If an injustice occurs, there must be justice. If someone speaks evil about us, then we must speak up and speak out against them. At the very least, we should do nothing.

But Jesus goes beyond calling us to inaction here. He calls us to action. He calls us to loving action. He calls us to do good to those who may have done us harm. He calls us to pray for them, to intercede for them. He calls us bless them and to mean it when we do.

This kind of love to which Jesus calls us seems to be upside down. It’s the hardest kind of love.

Well, kind of. When we think this way, we are assuming that we deserve better from other people and better from God. We assume that we’ve never hated, that we’ve never cursed, that we’ve never mistreated. We’re thinking to ourselves that we have somehow deserved goodness and blessing.

Do you know what mercy is? It is to withhold the justice that is due. It is to not give what is deserved.

That’s what God has shown toward you. He has given you blessing and forgiveness, instead of eternal cursing and condemnation. He turns his face and his attention toward you instead of turning away from you in anger. He does not give you what you deserve—though he has every right to do it. Instead, he gives you everything—and I do mean everything—that you do not deserve.

Maybe you and that enemy of yours are not so different after all. Perhaps you and those who mistreat you are not so different after all. So, let’s do the weird thing (at least to the world), the radical thing, the God-thing. Let’s hear Jesus today and be merciful just like God has been merciful to us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you call me to a love that is like yours. That’s so hard. It’s hard to not want to give what is deserved to another. But that’s the way you loved me. You did not give me the justice I deserved. Teach me to be merciful, just like you are merciful. 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.

Refreshment for the Thirsty Soul – February 19, 2022

2022/02/19/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Refreshment for the Thirsty Soul

Daily Devotion – February 19, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

See series: Devotions

The oldest tree in the world is thought to be a bristlecone pine tree named Methuselah, located in California’s White Mountains. The estimated age of this tree is almost 5,000 years, meaning that it has remained standing and living through many seasons of extreme California heat. Over this long time, the roots of this tree were consistently able to reach life-sustaining water.

The length of our days on earth will never reach 5,000 years, but our experience with life on earth can be much the same as it has been for this tree. There are times we feel the heat of life: pressure at work, family demands, or daily troubles and challenges.

Jesus knows how hard those moments are. He felt the heat of this world too. He walked its dry dirt, felt its hurt, and saw its pain. He knows what it’s like to be thirsty for love that many people did not show him. And though he didn’t need forgiveness for any sin, he still knows the hellish pain of being punished for every sin, as he offered his perfect life on a cross as a sacrifice, all to assure us that there is no heat or drought or sin on earth that will keep us from standing forever in the perfection of heaven.

So, you don’t need to worry. But if you do from time to time, you always have a stream of Living Water to which you can satisfy your thirsty soul. You have the words of the Bible, which is where you will always find Jesus and his promises to be with you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me such perfect promises of love and forgiveness to trust as we walk through life. Let me never fail to refresh my thirsty soul with the truth of all that you have done to save me. Amen.

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

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

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

Blessed? – Family Devotion – February 18, 2022

2022/02/18/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 6:17-26

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.
Luke 6:20b-23a

Blessed?

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Family Devotion – February 18, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:20b-23a

See series: Devotions

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

Tommy was looking forward to three months of summer ahead of him. He just finished second grade and was thinking of all the summer activities he would enjoy. As the summer days came and went, Tommy found it difficult to make a lot of friends in his neighborhood. He knew God wanted him to respect his parents and people of authority by listening to them and obeying them.

A few boys in the neighborhood were talking about Mrs. Beekermann. Mrs. Beekermann was a kind grandma, who asked the boys to stay out of her flowers during the summer. The flowers brought much joy to her and to those with whom she shared them. But often, the neighborhood boys rode their bikes through the flower beds, killing the flowers. “Mrs. Beekermann—or should I say Mrs. Beeker-meanie-man—is such a mean lady,” Joey joked. “Let’s plan to ride through her flowers this summer. We can always get a good laugh watching her try to save the flowers,” said Joey.

That bothered Tommy. “Mrs. Beekerman is a wonderful person who should be respected. She shares her flowers with others, and they bring lots of smiles,” Tommy told the boys.

The neighborhood boys made fun of Tommy for speaking up for Mrs. Beekermann. Every day when Joey and a few others saw Tommy outside, they would make fun of him for following Jesus’ commands. But then one day, an older neighborhood boy named Peter had enough. Peter also believed in Jesus and knew the words Tommy used when talking to the other boys were from Jesus. You see, Peter read the Bible too. Tommy and Peter started playing together and enjoyed talking about other lessons Jesus taught them. The other boys in the neighborhood may not have invited Tommy and Peter to all of their summer activities; however, Tommy and Peter had a great summer together.

Someone would not hear Tommy and Peter’s story and call them “blessed.” According to this world, blessed people have lots of friends, lots of toys, or lots of talents. Then again, God turns this world’s definition upside down. He tells us that we are blessed when we are poor, hungry, crying, hated, excluded, insulted, and rejected because of him. From the world’s point of view and even from our own experiences, that seems like a contradiction. As a follower of Christ, we live with a heavenward focus. Knowing the work of getting right with God is accomplished through Jesus, we work hard—not to get a reward but to follow Christ in willing obedience with words and actions that reflect him.

While we might or might not be enjoying an earthly abundance of stuff, the kingdom of heaven is ours—what more do we need? While we might suffer hurt feelings, name-calling, and being left out here on earth (like Tommy and Peter did), we will be part of the greatest party ever that never ends. Blessed to be poor, sad, and hurt? Yes, indeed—because of what God has in store for us eternally, great is your reward in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, when our feelings are hurt because we’re living as your disciples, keep our eyes focused on the real reward—life eternally in heaven with you! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Why didn’t Tommy want to ride his bike in Mrs. Beekermann’s flowers?
Why were the other neighborhood boys so mean?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Describe three blessings of having a grandparent in your life.
Why is it more of a blessing to have Jesus as our Savior than to own lots of earthly possessions?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Describe a time when you had to say “no” to something friends wanted you to do with them that you knew was wrong.
How does today’s Bible passage remind you how blessed you are even if you face trouble for following Jesus?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Strength in Christ Uncovered – February 18, 2022

2022/02/18/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Strength in Christ Uncovered

Daily Devotion – February 18, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

See series: Devotions

Although he is one of the most famous Christians of all time, the apostle Paul knew he was weak. In our Bible reading for today, he writes about a figurative “thorn in [his] flesh” that “tormented” him with regular reminders of his inadequacy to successfully handle his struggles against the sinful world and his sinful flesh. He begged and pleaded that God remove this thorn from him so he could find relief. But God did not remove it and not because he wanted Paul to suffer. Rather, he wanted to teach Paul about the strength we find in resting our entire lives in his grace.

We are weak too. Our lives regularly prove it. We are weak against various temptations, despite often promising to do better. Our resolve is often easily weakened as we live in a dying world filled with unspeakably difficult troubles and brokenness. Yet the Bible assures us that we are already victorious over all these things, not because we regularly prove our strength against them, but because Jesus was already strong enough to defeat sin, death, and Satan with his perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection.

That allows each of us to always say, along with Paul, that “I am strong.” I am strong in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior may your victory over sin, death, and Satan always be the first place I go to seek my strength. 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.

Precious blood – February 18, 2022

2022/02/18/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Precious blood – February 18, 2022

But the LORD said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.
Genesis 4:15

Military Devotion – February 18, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 4:15

See series: Military Devotions

His blood seeped into the pristine soil. It was worse than a tragedy. It was murder. It was evidence of paradise lost.

The victim’s name was Abel, beloved son of Adam and Eve. The one who ended his life was Cain, also a beloved son of the first humans placed into God’s creation.

To Cain, the Lord of life and death said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

Thus, we sing, “Abel’s blood for vengeance pleaded to the skies.”

We ask, “What hope is there for such as Cain and us, who transgress the code of divine law in any part—not just murder?

From the future, a voice would tell Cain, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 43:5). The Lord of life is the only hope.

Murder stands out as one of the worst crimes. Stolen property can be replaced. A ruined reputation can be restored. Not so a snuffed-out life. Death leaves loving survivors feeling helpless, hopeless, and hurting.

Worse, when one brother kills the other brother! That’s fratricide. The anguish that seared the hearts of the first parents must have been beyond description.

How their tears must have flowed! How bitterly they must have recalled living in a world without death! How guilty they must have felt for bringing sin into Paradise!

“Unto dust shalt thou return.” They had heard this with their own ears. Little did they realize that the first one to return to dust would be their son. Bitter was the realization that Cain was not the promised one who would crush the head of the serpent. Instead, he had served as the hand of the serpent—the hand of Satan.

Both brothers had placed offerings to the one who had blessed their labors. Cain brought fruits of the soil. His brother sacrificed the firstborn of his flock. One offering was accepted. The other was rejected.

We ask, “Why?”

The answer is not found in the difference of the offerings. It lies in the contrast of the hearts.

We learn: “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead” (Hebrews 11:4).

Loving trust in the Lord over life and death always spells the difference between receiving divine favor or disapproval.

We are warned: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous” (1 John 3:12).

What hope was there for Cain? There would be consequences of his sin: “You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

Yet, the word of the psalmist, “Put your hope in God!” still applied to this murderer—as it does to all who transgress the commands of the Holy One. The mark of Cain was for his protection. He was given more time to repent and return to the Lord who offers life.

Significantly, Scripture points to another beloved son whose dying blood dripped onto hungry soil at the feet of those who murdered him. This one was the beloved of the heavenly Father. His blood calls out a message different from that of Abel’s.

“Father, forgive them!”

It is true that “Abel’s blood for vengeance pleaded to the skies.”

Yet, it is just as certain, “But the blood of Jesus for our pardon cries.”

The one we call my Savior, my God, listens to that cry. He grants that pardon.

We now only await the door opening for us to paradise regained.

Thus, we call out to one another: “Lift we, then, our voices, swell the mighty flood; louder still and louder, Praise the precious blood!” 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.

Confidence in Christ Uncovered – February 17, 2022

2022/02/17/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Confidence in Christ Uncovered

Daily Devotion – February 17, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

See series: Devotions

The prophet Jeremiah said that someone who is rooted in the Lord: 1) does not fear when the heat comes, 2) has no worries in the year of drought, and 3) never fails to bear fruit. Those are three powerful illustrations that lead to three very natural questions we frequently use to help us evaluate how we’re doing in life:
What am I currently afraid of?
What am I currently worried about?
And finally, where have I failed to bear fruit in my Christian life?

These are questions that not only help us evaluate how we’re doing in our Christian lives; they also often bring an unwelcomed guest into our lives when we’re trying to answer them. A guest that shows up as a voice saying: “Shame on you” for being or feeling any of those things. “Shame on you” for being the kind of person who’s afraid or worried, though God commands us not to be. “Shame on you” for failing to be all that God tells us to be.

That’s a hard voice to hear, and it’s a hard voice to silence once it starts talking. This is why Jeremiah so intentionally points us to the “him” we can confidently put our trust in.

That “him” is Jesus. He was never afraid that all our failures wouldn’t be forgiven, since he was the one fully responsible for making it happen. Jesus knows the frequency of our fears, worries, and failings but also wants us to know that, because of our connection to him by faith, we stand here today as those who do not need to be worried or afraid of any trouble or sin.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord Jesus, help me to always place my confidence in your perfect and completed work as our 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.

Boast in Weakness? – Family Devotion – February 16, 2022

2022/02/16/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boast in Weakness?

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Family Devotion – February 16, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

See series: Devotions

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

It is time for the annual family reunion game of tug-of-war. All the cousins under the age of five are on side “A” of the rope while all of the strong grade school through high school-aged cousins are on side “B”. It is pretty obvious which side will win. But wait…an army of strong uncles suddenly picks up the rope on the young children’s side. Can you say game changer?! The little cousins cheered as they won, thanks to the strength of their uncles.

So it is with God and us. He’s like a strong uncle who grabs the rope for us who are weak and little. Normally we try to hide our weaknesses. It’s embarrassing to admit you’re not a great speller, can’t make free-throw shots, and talk before you think. The apostle Paul admitted his weaknesses. But he has some rather interesting words for us in today’s reading. He tells us to boast about our weakness. In our devotions this week, we see God turning the definitions of the world upside down.

List some things the world would tell us to boast about. Some lists might include athletic ability, winning an art contest, or getting straight A’s. What does Paul encourage us to delight in? He tells us to enjoy weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, difficulties. What?! That’s upside down!

We’re not exactly sure what Paul’s weakness was. He describes it in verse 7 as a “thorn in the flesh.” Ever get a deep sliver in a finger that hurts horribly? It’s kind of like that. When Paul asked God to take his “thorn in the flesh” away, God heard his prayer but didn’t remove it. He could have but found a way to use Paul’s weakness. It would constantly remind Paul that he was just a weak human and entirely dependent on God’s grace (undeserved love). By experiencing weakness, Paul would need to rely on God’s greatness and power to carry out his work.

Can you boast in a weakness? It doesn’t mean we jump up and down with joy because we have trouble in life. Boasting in our weaknesses means even as we experience troubles, those are the very moments we can joyfully rely entirely on God’s grace and power—like the younger cousins depending entirely on their uncles to win the tug-of-war game. For when I am weak, then I am strong with Christ’s power!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, use our weaknesses, troubles, and sadnesses in life to keep our eyes fixed on your grace and power. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

List one thing you need help to do because you are too small or weak.
Give an example of one thing Jesus did for us because we are too weak to do it ourselves.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name two things that you like to boast about. But according to today’s devotion, what does God want us to boast about?
What can you remind yourself in times of sadness or weakness to stay focused on God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

In an upside-down way, how did Paul’s weakness glorify God?
Name one weakness/trouble that is hurting you right now. Discuss with your family how it can bring you closer to and make you more dependent on God.

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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.

Roots Uncovered – February 16, 2022

2022/02/16/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Roots Uncovered

Daily Devotion – February 16, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

See series: Devotions

In Mpumalanga, South Africa, there is a place known as the Echo Caves. The caves are fascinating enough by themselves, as they take you through a breathtaking view of stalagmites and stalactites miles under the ground. But what this area is most well-known for are the fig trees growing above the caves. As far as fig trees go, there’s nothing all that special about how they look or how the figs taste. What makes these trees unique is the part you cannot see until you go into the caves. What makes them famous are their roots.

Researchers and spelunking scientists have followed the roots of these 10-foot-tall trees deep into the Echo Caves and discovered that the roots go down about 400 feet. That’s 40 times as tall as one tree, making it the deepest known root system in the entire world. The roots that bring hydration to these trees from 400 feet underneath the earth’s surface so they can live, survive, and thrive in what is an incredibly harsh, dry climate.

It’s not only a somewhat interesting science lesson, but it’s also an illustration the Bible often uses of how we can survive an environment that isn’t always easy to live in.

Indeed, those who root themselves in God’s Word are connected with a Savior whose power over death gives us comfort and strength as we suffer through harsh seasons of loss and suffering. The consistency of our Savior’s unfailing love keeps us stable as we endure the winds of change that sometimes bring in challenges we never saw coming. The forgiveness our Savior earned for us fills us with hope, strength, and confidence as we daily battle with sin and temptation.

Remain rooted in all our Savior is, and all he so graciously did on our behalf, and he will never fail to provide all that you need to keep going.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep me forever rooted in your gracious love for me. Amen.

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

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

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

Joy Uncovered – February 15, 2022

2022/02/15/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.
Luke 6:23

Joy Uncovered

Daily Devotion – February 15, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:23

See series: Devotions

A teacher had a memorable way of reminding his students what joy looks like in the life of a Christian. He had the word “JOY” hanging vertically on one of the classroom walls. After the letter “J,” he hung the phrase, “Jesus first.” After the “O,” it said, “others second.” After the “Y,” he put, “yourself last.” Jesus first. Others second. Yourself last.

What that looks like is easy enough to understand.

Putting “Jesus first” means that having Jesus guiding our entire life by his Word means more to us than anything. It means that the forgiveness he earned has a bigger impact on our self-esteem than even our worst sin. And that his gracious promises have a bigger impact on our mood than our fears, worries, or frustrations.

Putting “others second” means caring about meeting the needs of others more than we care about meeting our own. It means being patient and kind with those who so far have only given us reason to feel frustration.

And finally, considering “yourself last” means that whatever happens to us on earth and whatever anyone else thinks of us really is the least important thing our heart is ever considering.

The basic principles are easy enough to understand. They aren’t so easy to put into practice.

Jesus himself made it clear to the whole world exactly what place he considered himself to be in—last. The humble Son of God, who guided his entire life according to God’s will perfectly, was persecuted on a cross and insulted in ways that we cannot imagine, really did not consider what happened to him on earth to be as important as the one thing his heart wanted more than anything—YOU—completely forgiven for every sin that would keep you from the place where you will never again mourn, your heart will always be whole, nothing important will ever be missing, and your joy will be everlasting.

The secret to joy rests entirely on what Jesus has already done for us. We help others find that joy by letting the heart of Jesus shine through us.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, fill me with joy that comes from your perfect work on my behalf, and give me all I need to faithfully share the joy of the Gospel with others. Amen.

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

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

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

Real Strength – Family Devotion – February 14, 2022

2022/02/14/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Jeremiah 17:5-8

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:5,7

Real Strength

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – February 14, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:5,7

See series: Devotions

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

Who is stronger: Spiderman or Superman? Sure, Superman has huge strength; but Spiderman’s strength is also superhuman, and he also possesses agility, speed, incredible reflexes, not to mention his spider senses. Then again, it is easy to physically harm Spiderman, while it is nearly impossible to harm Superman—unless you have some kryptonite nearby. In the comic world, fate relies on the strength of the superhero. People put their trust in the strength of these figures. In the real world, many people do the same thing. They put their confidence in the strength and abilities of human beings rather than God. To this point the prophet Jeremiah has a strong warning. He says those who put their trust in man are cursed.

This week we’re taking a look at how being a disciple of Christ turns the definitions of this world upside down. Today we look at the word strength. The dictionary tells us strength is the state of being physically strong—filled with power, muscle, and toughness. This world tells us superheroes, steel, diamonds, spider silk, and NFL linebackers are strong. What does God say? Jeremiah gives us the answer: Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh. While power, physical toughness, and material things that can’t be easily broken are blessings from God, they are not what makes someone strong.

Because we follow Jesus, we place our trust in God alone. We do that when we take our problems and struggles to God in prayer and ask his guidance. We build our happiness and dependence on what God has done for us, such as redeeming us from sin (he paid sin’s price), and not upon what we do. In verse 8, Jeremiah uses the image of a tree planted next to a stream of water. It illustrates a confidence in God’s promises. The tree planted near water doesn’t worry about drying up; it will always have what it needs to survive. Even in the hardest conditions, the tree by the stream is strong and healthy. That’s what God promises us. He knows there will come difficult days and places in our lives—we are sinful, and we live in a broken world. But he will always provide the strength we need. Oftentimes he may use difficult times to remind us he is the stream providing everything we need.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child through the water of my baptism. May its power help me to stand confidently in your grace and trust in you completely. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Who is someone you think is physically strong?
Why can we trust in God’s strength completely?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How does God define strength?
Kryptonite weakened Superman’s strength. Think back to a “kryptonite” moment in your life where your strength failed so you asked for God’s strength.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Like today’s reading, Psalm 1 also talks about a tree planted by streams of water. Explain what God is teaching you through that picture.
God’s idea of strength is different from what the world believes to be strong. Think of one example that illustrates that truth (example: military strength vs. gospel power that saves).

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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.

Grace – Week of February 14, 2022

2022/02/14/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Grace – Week of February 14, 2022

But [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

ECME Devotion February 14, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Earlier in the week, I accidently sent the “Show-and-Tell” bag home with the wrong student. In the middle of the week, I jammed the copier. Later in the week I accidently put the 3K information in the 4K newsletter. That, my dear friends, is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Why can’t I do anything right? Why can’t I get it together? Why can’t I be…well…perfect?

Deep breath. Shoulders down. Take a second.

God doesn’t say, “Be better. Dig deeper. Find it within you. Pull your bootstraps up.”

He says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

These standards that we put on ourselves are not from him. They are a lie from the devil. When we are weak we don’t need to figure it out and be our own savior. If that were the case, we would be a continual mess.

When we are weak, our true Savior, our Best Friend, our greatest Advocate, carries us through.

Therefore, instead of being ashamed of my mistake in the newsletter or filled with prideful defensiveness when someone points it out, I can simply say, “Dear parents, I apologize for the mistake. Here’s the new newsletter with the correct information in it.” Just like that. No one got hurt. No one suggested I get fired for messing up. No one yelled, “shame!” and threw me to the gauntlet.

I realize this might seem dramatic, but these things happen. A lot. Often we are seriously that hard on ourselves.

Don’t lean on yourself. Ever.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

So, dear friends. When mistakes happen, don’t be overcome with self-loathing. Get in the Word. That’s where your strength comes from. His Word will uncover our eyes and show us that he has already done it all. He was born, he lived a perfect life, he died, and rose again.
He is preparing a perfect place for you…a sinner. That’s grace. And it’s yours. Praise God!

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for loving me, despite my weaknesses. When I start to search inward, please redirect me to your Word. Bring me closer to you as I read your promises and find my true worth in You. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

Have you been dwelling on your shortcomings? Write them down and then write three truths from His Word next to them. May God bless you on your journey to truth and grace in him.

.

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.

Transformed – teen devotion – February 13, 2022

2022/02/13/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: The wisdom of the world is turned upside down, and the one we are to trust is uncovered.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Uncovered Blessings

It is all upside down.

We show up at school, and they try to make us smarter and give us more wisdom. They tell us that this will ensure our success in the future. “Just graduate from high school,” they say. “Just get a degree,” they tell us. “That’s the way to success.”

We’re told to surround ourselves with good counselors and advisors. We’re told to seek out trustworthy people to put in our corner. We’re encouraged to save up as much as we can for our financial future, have a strong security plan, and so on. We must make ourselves safe and sound.

That’s what we’re told by the people around us. But then God’s says something rather upside down. He tells us that it’s no good to trust in people or to draw our strength in flesh and blood. He says that this is the sure way to ensure we will not see prosperity.

Truth is, there’s nothing wrong with wisdom and learning, but we can’t count on it to protect us. There is nothing wrong with making good plans for our future, but those things dare not be our security. To lean on these things as if they were the ultimate thing is only to set us up for a downfall.

That’s why Jeremiah turns the tables for us so that we know where to find our blessing. He shows us that only when we trust in our God can we be sure that we will never face a downfall. Only when we trust in him are we rooted and grounded. Only when we trust in him are worries erased.

He is our Rock. He is our Savior. He is immovable. He assures us that when we trust in him, we cannot and will not lose. In him, all things are right again.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for turning my attention to you. You are my Rock. You are my Savior. You are immovable. Help me to turn to and trust in you above all other things. 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.

Power Made Perfect in Weakness – February 13, 2022

2022/02/13/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10

Power Made Perfect in Weakness

Daily Devotion – February 13, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:9,10

See series: Devotions

When fishing from my boat, I used to wear my life jacket only when there were large waves. I would never wear one when the weather was nice. The irony is that I was safer in bad weather with a life jacket than in good weather without a life jacket.

We can be tempted to do the same in our spiritual lives. When things are going well, we don’t always express our trust in God and confidently depend on him. We think we have everything under our control. But when the storms of life reveal our weakness, we are led to plead for God’s help and turn to him for strength. Ironically, we are stronger during difficult times because of Christ’s power than during good times when we tend to trust in ourselves.

Are you feeling weak and vulnerable? Trust in Christ and his sufficient grace to bring you through your troubles.

Prayer:
When difficulties and troubles weaken me, Jesus, wrap me in your strength and lead me by your grace. Teach me to depend on you for help and guidance in all matters of my life, confidently trusting that you will help me by your power as my 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.

Fisher of People – February 12, 2022

2022/02/12/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”
Luke 5:4-10

Fisher of People

Daily Devotion – February 12, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:4-10

See series: Devotions

Peter and his companions knew how to fish. When a person spends their life doing something, they usually become pretty good at it. Maybe this is why Jesus’ miracle had such an impact on Simon. When Jesus sent so many fish into their nets that they began to break, and their boats began to sink, he was astonished. Falling at his master’s knees he said, “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Does Peter’s reaction surprise you? Wouldn’t we expect him to say, “Lord, since you can do miracles like this, stay right next to me! If this is how you fish, we are going to be rich!” Instead, he says, “Get away from me!” Peter knew that he didn’t have any business being near the one who had power over creation and all its creatures.

We can understand his response, can’t we? Thankfully, Jesus deals with us the same way he dealt with Peter. He says, “Don’t be afraid.” Although we have every reason to be afraid of a holy God, we need not be because that holy God sent Jesus to pay for every sin and set us right with him. Spend this day celebrating the good news and worshiping the holy God who has called you to follow him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, send your Holy Spirit to assure me of your love and forgiveness. 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.

Chosen: Who, Me? – Family Devotion – February 11, 2022

2022/02/11/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 5:1-11

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:8-11

Chosen: Who, Me?

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Family Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:8-11

See series: Devotions

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

What makes a team “the greatest”? Do they win the most games, have the strongest players, or the biggest superstars? If you were choosing a team of helpers for Jesus, who would you choose? The best speaker? The best looking? The strongest men? The richest? Take a look at who Jesus chose: “When Simon Peter saw this (the miraculous catch of fish) he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (v. 8)

Not only did Simon Peter realize he was a sinful man, but he was a common fisherman—not a popular, rich, handsome superstar. Fishermen were just common workers, useful, hard-working, usually a little gruff, and probably a little smelly from fish. Maybe a little like a garbage collector, yet God chose Peter, James, and John—all fishermen—to be his first disciples.

What qualified them to be chosen as disciples of Jesus? Not their actions or efforts, but simply the words of the all-powerful God: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will fish for people.” The Holy Spirit worked in their hearts to willingly leave behind everything and follow Jesus. For three years they learned from their Lord and then were given this great command, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

God has also chosen you—a sinner, a commoner. He has chosen you as his child at your baptism. His Holy Spirit is working in your heart through the same powerful Word of God to grow your faith. You, too, have been given the great commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Like Simon Peter, you may wonder why God has chosen you for such an important job. Like Simon Peter, hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid.” And with his powerful Word ringing in your ears, share God’s word with your family, your friends, your neighbors, your classmates—with everyone!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child, for the gift of forgiveness, and the sure hope of eternal life. Help me rely on your power as I share you with others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What did Peter do for a living?
Instead of fishing for fish, what did Jesus want Peter to go fishing for?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What did Jesus mean when he said to Peter, “From now on, you will fish for people?”
Jesus tells Peter to “not be afraid.” How does that make you feel better about sharing Jesus with others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Put the Great Commission in your own words.
Name at least two ways you see the Great Commission carried out in your church. Name two ways you see it carried out in your home.

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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.

Fishing for People – February 11, 2022

2022/02/11/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Luke 5:8-10

Fishing for People

Daily Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:8-10

See series: Devotions

Simon Peter had just witnessed a miracle. Jesus had given him a catch of fish so miraculously large that his nets began to break, and his boats began to sink. Peter immediately realized that he had nothing to do with this great catch of fish and that it happened by the power of Jesus’ word. He knew that he was in the presence of God and was deeply aware of the fact that he did not belong there.

But Jesus absolutely wanted him there. He was at a turning point in his ministry. Before this event, he was a lone teacher. Now Jesus wanted others to help him. So he said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Jesus called people to fish for other people.

But notice the kind of people Jesus called! These were not professional speakers, they were fishermen. Jesus used regular guys to preach and teach. God still does the same thing. He sends ordinary people to preach and teach.

Why does God give such an important task to such unimportant people? To show that the power is from God and not from people. The net with which Jesus catches people is the good news about his perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection. The message itself carries the power to catch people for Jesus.

God gets all the credit for all the good that comes from preaching. The more unworthy the messenger, the more God’s power stands out. He uses sinful men and women as his messenger to tell other sinners about their Savior and lead them to faith in him.

Prayer:
Lord, I am a sinful person. Forgive my sins by your grace, and work through your people to fill the nets of your kingdom with those caught in unbelief. 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.

Isaiah’s Desert Storm – February 11, 2022

2022/02/11/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Isaiah’s Desert Storm – February 11, 2022

“Look, here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses. And he gives back the answer: ‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!’”
Isaiah 21:9

Military Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 21:9

See series: Military Devotions

The prophet Isaiah begins the 21st chapter of his book with these words: “An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

This was Isaiah’s famous Desert Storm.

Just a little bit north of Baghdad was the city of Babylon, the heart of the Babylonian Empire, which spread terror far and wide.

The Southern Kingdom of Israel had barely escaped extinction by the Assyrians only to face invasion by Babylon. The walls of Jerusalem were breached. The magnificent temple of Solomon was first stripped of its precious pieces and then leveled to the ground.

Uncounted numbers of Israelites were slaughtered. Long lines of prisoners plodded over desert paths to head for lifelong captivity. There was no escaping the death-grip.

The Lord God promised they would be released after 70 years. But how could that be?

Through the mouth of his prophet, the Lord God tells them how.

“Like whirlwinds sweeping through the south land, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.”

It will be like a desert storm.

Americans who have spent time in that desert can see the picture in their mind’s eye. They have seen the brown clouds of sand that blow with stinging force. A desert storm can quickly destroy most everything in its path.

That’s what happened to Babylon in its self-satisfied and comfortable arrogance.

Coming up from the south like a desert storm, the Persians blew through the Babylonian outposts and smashed its defenses. The news spread throughout the desert regions.

“Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Unbelievable! But true.

Israel’s rebellion against its gracious God brought his decree of captivity. Now, he proclaims the fall of her captor. He decrees Israel will be free again.

The Lord God keeps his promises—always.

He announced the judgment against rebellious humans with the words: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19).

This was a death sentence. Humans were now captive to sin, death, and the devil.

But not forever.

Satan was warned that his death grip would be broken. The Lord spoke of One who would come to set his people free. “He will crush your head…” (Genesis 3:15).

Isaiah foretold Israel’s freedom with the words, “Babylon has fallen, has fallen!”

Jesus announced our escape from death’s grip with the words, “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:26). He told the disciples returning from spreading the news about him, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).

Jesus died that we might live.

Not Babylon, but Satan, had held us captive. Like Babylon, Satan was overthrown.

He had been warned, but he had no escape.

The Son of God came upon him like a desert storm.

We are free.

Prayer: Lord God of the nations, let the word of your victory over sin, death, and the devil banish fear from the hearts of your people. Keep us forever safe. 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.

Because Jesus Says So – February 10, 2022

2022/02/10/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Luke 5:4-6

Because Jesus Says So

Daily Devotion – February 10, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:4-6

See series: Devotions

Can you imagine the scene? Jesus had just finished teaching crowds of people, using Simon’s boat as an impromptu stage. Now he taught Simon how to fish. The problem was that Simon was a professional fisherman, and Jesus was not.

Jesus told him to put out into the deep water during the day. But Simon knew that the best time to fish was the evening and that the best place to throw your nets was in the shallow water. In fact, Simon had labored with all his skill all night long and caught nothing. And now Jesus wanted him to drop his nets again at a less favorable time. It didn’t make any sense.

But there was something about Jesus that caused Simon to take him at his word. And so, he said to Jesus, “…because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Jesus’ word has authority and power. Because Jesus is the almighty Son of God, he filled the nets with fish to their breaking point.

The miracle taught Simon to always trust Jesus’ word. This would be important when Simon began doing the important work of what Jesus called “catching people.” You see, after this miracle, Jesus called Simon to fish for people. Jesus’ word is what catches people for him by bringing them to faith, and now Simon knew the power of Jesus’ word.

Do you? Christianity has been spreading and growing for millennia, not by human skill or technique, but by the word of Jesus. It may seem strange or go against your expectations for how God should work, but because Jesus says so, trust in his word to do the job. He will not let you down!

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to always trust your word. Amen.

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

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

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

Chosen To Go – Family Devotion – February 9, 2022

2022/02/09/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 10:12-17

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

Chosen To Go

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Family Devotion – February 9, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 10:14-15

See series: Devotions

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

Take a good look at your family’s feet. Yep, take off your shoes, take off your socks, and bravely glance downward at them. What do they look like? What if you were to smell your feet or even a family member’s feet? Eww, right?

Did you know there are over 26 bones in your foot? God created our feet so that no two people have the exact same footprint (or toe-print). Most of us can count ten toes, but not everyone’s toes are the same length. The average person under 18 years of age uses his or her feet to walk about 10,000-16,000 steps each day. Our feet are wonderful in the way they support our bodies and weight. Like a car, they transport us around each day.

But would you call them beautiful?

God describes what beautiful feet look like. He says the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful. We cheer for and hug the person who announces that it’s a no school day or that we’re going on vacation to Disney. But that is not the kind of good news God is talking about. The good news in today’s Bible reading announces the best news ever: Jesus is your Savior. He loved you so much that he came to earth to live a perfect life and die for you, so that your sins can be forgiven and you can live forever with him in heaven.

God looks at your feet and considers them beautiful whenever you share the best news—the news that he so loved the world that he gave his life for us. God has chosen you to be the way that the world hears about him. Remember: “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Use your beautiful feet to go tell someone that God loves them. Use your beautiful feet to pray with someone who is hurting, to invite a teammate to church, to make God’s love visible in your caring actions for others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you have given us the blessings of faith in you, forgiveness of sins, and the hope of heaven. Thank you for our feet too. Help us to use them to share your good news with someone in need of it. 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

Share some good news you heard about.
What is the good news God shared with us in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Who has the most beautiful feet in your family?
According to today’s devotion, what makes your feet so beautiful?

Questions for Middle School and Above

True or False: In a world of technology and mass communication, God doesn’t really need my feet to share his good news.
True or False: The beautiful thing about my feet is not the feet themselves, but the fact that they carry me to someone I can support with good news.

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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.

Choose Me! – Family Devotion – February 7, 2022

2022/02/07/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it, he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:5-8

Choose Me!

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Family Devotion – February 7, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 6:5-8

See series: Devotions

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

The teacher needs a volunteer. Some students eagerly raise their hands and jump up and down, wanting to be chosen. Other students try their best to hide, hoping not to be chosen. Which one are you? What if the teacher says she needs a volunteer to clean up a milk spill? Are you jumping up eagerly wanting to help or working hard not to get chosen?

Being chosen can be quite exciting—picked first for the kickball team, chosen to be line leader, team captain, or the main role in the school play. Being chosen can also be intimidating—the coach chooses you to shoot the buzzer-beater that could win or lose the game for your team, or you are chosen to give the answer in the class game that could win extra recess for the class. In these instances, you might feel a little nervous or not ready.

In our reading for today, Isaiah felt very unworthy to be chosen. He was standing in front of the holy God who was seated on his throne and surrounded by angels. Isaiah was so scared that he was shaking as he stood before our perfect, holy God, knowing that he was unworthy because of his sin. God used one of his angels to touch Isaiah’s lips with a live coal, changing Isaiah’s standing before God. Isaiah could now stand before God confidently, as a forgiven child of God and a worthy choice, not because of anything Isaiah did, but because of God’s act of choosing Jesus to suffer and die to take away all sin. Because his sins are and his guilt is wiped away, Isaiah eagerly volunteers to be chosen. Instead of focusing on his shortcomings, Isaiah focuses on God’s love for him and with excitement states, “Send me! Choose me!”

God could have used angels for his work, but he has chosen you. You might be excited about being chosen, or like Isaiah, you might feel unworthy or unprepared. Sinful, imperfect you. Forgiven, child of God—you are his chosen messenger. Like Isaiah, let us excitedly jump up and down and say, “Send me!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child. Thank you for forgiving all my sins. Give me confidence as I work as your messenger. Help me to see the opportunities to share your Word, and give me the words to say. Knowing your Holy Spirit is always with me, 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 do you like to be chosen (picked first)?
Who do you want to tell about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why did Isaiah feel unqualified to stand before a holy God?
What makes you worthy to be God’s messenger?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What makes sharing God’s word hard for you?
Discuss with your family how to become better at sharing God’s Word.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

He Heard the Message – Week of February 7, 2022

2022/02/07/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

He Heard the Message – Week of February 7, 2022

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17

ECME Devotion February 7, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Many moons ago, I asked my class what they were afraid of. We made a list. Everyone had something to add. I told my students that I was afraid of the dark. We all kind of giggled about it. They thought it was funny that I, the teacher, was afraid of something. Then, I taught the lesson of the disciples in the boat with Jesus. The waves were high, the wind was howling, and the disciples were scared. They were wondering how in the world Jesus could be sleeping during such a storm. “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘LORD, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’” Matthew 8:23-26

After going through the lesson, we looked back at our list of things that we were afraid of. We came to the conclusion that we don’t need to be afraid of anything, because God is with us! We are under his tender, loving care. Praise the Lord!

The next morning, one of my students walked straight up to me and handed me his nightlight. I gave him a smile and said, “What is this?”. He smiled and replied, “This is my nightlight. I do not need it anymore. You said that you were afraid of the dark. I am not afraid anymore, so you can have it.”
Gulp.

One of my favorite teaching moments of all time.
This sweet student heard the message of the gospel. Through it, he gained faith—that precious, amazing, coveted, child-like faith.
His eyes were uncovered and he knew the truth that God is with us in all things.

We have the message at all times. We can open the Bible and read it. We can click on an app and listen to it. We can watch a pastor preach it on the television or on our computer screen.

Afraid? “Do not fear…” (Isaiah 4:10) Anxiety-ridden? “Cast all your cares upon on him…” (1 Peter 5:7) Tired? “…I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
When we hear the Word of God we are uplifted. We are rescued. We are rejuvenated.
So, hand over your nightlight. Hear the Word. Believe it. Have faith!

Prayer

Good and gracious God, thank you for your Word. Forgive me when I find myself out of the habit of daily studying Scripture. Help me be aware of the great power your Word has. Thank you for your saving Word! Amen.

A Question to Consider: Have you offered a variety of ways to your school parents to get in the Word? Create a list of ideas for them to be in the faith-strengthening Word.

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.

Transformed – teen devotion – February 6, 2022

2022/02/06/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: These whom Jesus called to follow him were not the most likely agents of his mission, yet these were the ones whom he called. In this we see the method of Jesus: he doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies and equips the called.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:10-11

Uncovered Agents

Strange, isn’t it, the ones whom Jesus calls to follow him? Even the location of the calling strikes us as odd. They were fishermen who had been up all night fishing a lake and didn’t have a single fish. This was their calling and their living.

These guys had no education, not formal rabbi training anyway. They didn’t come from the local Jewish Seminary. In fact, later, people were amazed at these guys because they were unschooled, ordinary men (cf. Acts 4:13). There was nothing special about them.

But these were the ones whom Jesus called to follow him, to learn from him, and to carry the gospel out into the world after him.

Strange, isn’t it? Jesus also calls you. You…

Let that sink in for a moment.

Sinful you? With all that you’ve done against him, he has still called you.

Timid-and-afraid you? With all your frailties and weaknesses, he has called you.

Unlearned-and-without-all-the-answers you? He has called you.

Jesus doesn’t need perfect people to tell other people about him. He forgives us and then he sends us. He doesn’t need us to get rid of our weaknesses. His gospel is powerful and matters more than any presentation style. He doesn’t need you to know all the answers and be eloquent with words. He promises to give you the Holy Spirit to give you words to say.

Awesome, isn’t it! Jesus has called you. First, he called you to faith. Now, he calls you to tell others about him. Jesus has called you.

Who will you tell about him today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is amazing that you have called me—sinful, weak, and uneducated me. It proves your power and grace! Use me in any way that you choose so that more and more people might know you and believe in you. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Sent For All, So We Tell All – Family Devotion – February 4, 2022

2022/02/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 4:38-44

But [Jesus] said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Luke 4:43-44

Sent For All, So We Tell All

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Family Devotion – February 4, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 4:43-44

See series: Devotions

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

The students rehearsed for hours. They knew they needed to have each song memorized and the words of the story clear. It was the best story ever told! They would perform a musical for their parents and grandparents, telling the story of Jesus’ birth. But they didn’t want to do just one performance. They prepared so they could go out to the community and perform to others in the community—to nursing homes, to group homes, and assisted living centers.

When you have good news, you are eager to tell others. You don’t just stop at the first or second person, but you continue sharing the good news with other people too, and even more so when it is news about Jesus.

This past Christmas season, we heard again how God kept his promise to send a Savior to rescue his creation from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Jesus came to earth as a baby and grew up in a family. When Jesus began to preach to the people of Galilee and perform miracles, they wanted him to stay among them for good. Jesus knew he couldn’t. Why? Because his Father sent him on a mission to “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” to all people. God’s plan held so much more than an earthly king to free people from their troubles. Jesus knew the people who needed his power to be healed and people who needed to hear that he was the Savior to rescue them. This was all part of God’s plan so that others would come to know who Jesus is.

Jesus didn’t stop sharing the good news of God’s plan after the first or second person he met. He wants more and more people all over the world to hear his good news. You are part of God’s plan. Think of how you came to know about Jesus. Think about how many events and people were part of the reason you came to know Jesus. All because people knew they needed to tell more people. Someone told you!

But don’t let the good news stop with you! Now that we have heard and been healed by Jesus, may we be eager to share this news. Why? Because Jesus was sent for all, we tell all!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, our Savior, forgive us for the times we have kept you to ourselves instead of giving out your Word to others around us. Give us hearts focused on you. Help us go out into all the world and share the good news. In your name we 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

What kind of news did Jesus share while he was on earth?
What exactly did Jesus do that makes it good such good news?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why did Jesus tell the people that he had to preach to other people too?
In what ways did Jesus fulfill God’s plan for him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Read Luke 4:42. The people wanted Jesus to stay among them. Was this selfish of them? Why or why not?
If you and your family stopped sharing Jesus today, discuss together a list of people who would be impacted. Double down on that list and pray for those names.

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Read: Romans 12:14-21

Opposite Day!

Closing Prayer:

Revenge

Joseph’s Eyes

Read: Genesis 45:3-15

Forgiveness Defeats Fear

Closing Prayer:

Love in Action – Week of February 21, 2022

ECME Devotion February 21, 2022

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Old Enemies

The Importance of Family

Refreshment for the Thirsty Soul

Read: Luke 6:17-26

Blessed?

Closing Prayer:

Strength in Christ Uncovered

Precious blood – February 18, 2022

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Confidence in Christ Uncovered

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

Boast in Weakness?

Closing Prayer:

Roots Uncovered

Joy Uncovered

Read: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Real Strength

Closing Prayer:

Grace – Week of February 14, 2022

ECME Devotion February 14, 2022

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Power Made Perfect in Weakness

Fisher of People

Read: Luke 5:1-11

Chosen: Who, Me?

Closing Prayer:

Fishing for People

Isaiah’s Desert Storm – February 11, 2022

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Because Jesus Says So

Read: Romans 10:12-17

Chosen To Go

Closing Prayer:

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8

Choose Me!

Closing Prayer:

He Heard the Message – Week of February 7, 2022

ECME Devotion February 7, 2022

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Read: Luke 4:38-44

Sent For All, So We Tell All

Closing Prayer:

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