Devotions

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:21

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – December 4, 2020

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

Is it four or five? What exactly am I asking you? That’s the number of baths and showers Ian, Lincoln, and Nolan took in one day this past summer. Their parents recently built a new home, and with new construction comes new and exciting things to play with … particularly MUD. Lots and lots of mud! Sprinkle in some of God’s rain, and they had themselves a muddy mess. Add a pinch of three boys drawn to dirt and grime and, voila! The three little brothers were covered from head to toe … in mud.

The first time the parents cleaned them up was amusing. But by the third and fourth times in the SAME day, for multiple days? Um, not so much. There was mud on new white walls, lost clothing because of mud, plugged bathtub drains … mud made for a real disaster.

On a bigger scale, the human race in Noah’s day really “muddied” things up with their lack of trust and love for God. We are no different today. We can shower and put on our best clothes, but beneath the dress pants and shirt lies a heart caked with the mud of our sin. Left to ourselves, we deserved to sink into the pit of despair. But enter our Savior Jesus who in his willingness said “As you wish” to God and laid down his life for us. He lowered himself into the muddy pit to rescue us! And now the water of baptism is not only simple water that washes away dirt, it assures us that ALL our sins are washed away. Not a single muddy streak remains!

Coming this Christmas is someone who will make us clean and keep our consciences clear. So look to the manger, look to the skies, and take heart. Jesus is coming to earth so he can one day take us to be with him in heaven. Be assured that you, as a baptized child of God, are already showered and ready to go!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, heavenly Father, for the Christmas gift of my baptism. In it, you washed away all my sins and said I am your child. Help me improve my obedience to live my life for 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

Because we are muddy inside, what water did God use to wash us?
Ask your parents to share the story of your baptism day.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Have your parents help you find your baptism certificate. Then read it out loud and discuss what it says.
What were the most important words spoken at your baptism? (hint: every WELS Family Devotion begins with them!)

Questions for Middle School and Above

Growing up can be hard. If you struggle being comfortable with who you are, how does your baptism give you identity?
If baptism is an important part of our identity, name someone you know and care about who may not yet be baptized. Discuss what you might say in order share with them God’s wonderful promise of washing!

Hymn: CW 299:1 – All Who Believe and Are Baptized

All who believe and are baptized
Shall see the Lord’s salvation;
Baptized into the death of Christ,
They are a new creation.
Through Christ’s redemption they shall stand
Among the glorious, heav’nly band
Of ev’ry tribe and nation.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

God’s Judgment Saves His People – Family Devotion – December 2, 2020

2020/12/02/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Genesis 6:1-3,5-14,17-22

Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark.
Genesis 6:17,18

God’s Judgment Saves His People

Devotion based on Genesis 6:17,18

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – December 2, 2020

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

If you listen to the news on TV or read the latest top story on your smart phone, it doesn’t take long before you hear news about bad storms and bad people that result in damaged homes and destroyed lives. It’s hard to hear of it. It hurts our hearts.

In Noah’s time, the world was no different. People didn’t care about God. They did not live as God wanted them to live. Instead, they did what they wanted, married who they desired and disrespected everything God asked them to do. When God saw that the people were very bad and were always thinking only evil in their hearts, it hurt his heart.

So the LORD said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”

As we read this, we do not need to look at our phone or watch the news to see the same disrespect. Go look in a mirror. The answer is staring right at us. Each one of us has, at times, cared more about what we wanted instead of God.

The weeks before Christmas (called the Advent season) are no different; we are more concerned about stuff than we are our sins. God should say, “I will wipe you from the face of the earth.” But he doesn’t. Listen: “I will establish my covenant (a mutual agreement) with you, and you will enter the ark.” God directed Noah to build an ark that would save him and his family. That ark would also keep safe God’s promise to send a Savior.

This same Jesus saves you and me. Jesus was “wiped out” on the cross, not you. As the waters lifted Noah and his family in the ark, the waters of baptism assure us that we are saved. We are God’s favorites! Now there’s some good news that brings joy to our hearts!

Closing Prayer:

Use your power, Lord, and come to help us! Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins. 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 God tell Noah to build to save him, his family, and two of every living thing?
Who did God send to save you and your family?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Admit an evil thought in your heart that proves we are no different than the people of Noah’s day.
Why is God’s promise to save Noah and his family in the ark so important for us to know our badness is 100% forgiven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How did God use the destruction of the flood to save the world?
Read 1 Peter 3:18-20. Then compare the waters of the flood and the waters of your Baptism.

Hymn: CW 6:1 – Come, O Long-Expected Jesus

Come, O long-expected Jesus,
Born to set your people free;
From our sins and fears release us
By your death on Calvary.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope to all the earth impart,
Dear Desire of ev’ry nation,
Joy of ev’ry longing heart.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

Be Ready! – Week of November 30, 2020

2020/11/30/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Be Ready! – Week of November 30, 2020

[Jesus said,] “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Mark 13:35-37

ECME Devotion November 30, 2020

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

A four-year-old bounded down the hallway to her toddler brother and announced “Hey, you are going to heaven!” This might have been an endearing moment, had she not added, in a sing-song voice, “but first you have to die…“ The parents overhearing this were first filled with joy at the tender announcement and quickly switched to shock over the blunt morbidity of the second statement. How can a young child so easily speak the sad truth that we will all die- and present it without fear, but with joy?

Yes, we will someday die. When Adam and Eve committed the first sin at the very beginning of the world, God promised that they would surely die for their disobedience. God also promised that someday, he would send Jesus to take away their sins and all the sins of their decedents.

The end of the world has been wrongly predicted by scientists, archeologists, religious leaders, and philosophers for the past several hundred years. Some predictions were made based on ancient calendars, others on signs of nature, and some predictions were even based on parts of scripture.

But we know this for sure: we do not know when Jesus will return! Earlier in the chapter, Jesus even says that only God himself knows the date of his return (Mark 13:32). It is not our job to try to figure out when he will come. In fact, it could even be dangerous, spiritually, for us to know the day or time. We might allow ourselves to become immersed in the sins of the world, knowing that we “have time to repent”. Purposely waiting our last moments of life to ask for forgiveness is very dangerous, indeed.

God tells us that our job is to “be ready”. He wants us to come to him in prayer, and he wants us to read about his promises in his Word. He talks to us every time we read the Bible, and he offers us comfort. God always keeps his promises, and we eagerly await the fulfillment of his “ultimate promise”, when he comes back to take us to the mansion in heaven that he is preparing for us. God promised that the entire world would be redeemed through the precious blood of his Son, and this promise was fulfilled on the first Easter weekend when Jesus died, beat the devil, and came back to life. We are ready for our Savior to come again!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us time on this earth to enjoy your creation and do the work that you have given us. Help us not to fear death, but to see the opportunity that you have given us to use our time to study your Word and proclaim your love to others. We look forward to the time that you will come again to bring us to our true home, heaven, where there will be only joy. Amen.

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

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.

Watch for Jesus Coming – Family Devotion – November 30, 2020

2020/11/30/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Mark 13:32-37

“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Mark 13:37

Watch for Jesus Coming

Devotion based on Mark 13:37

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 30, 2020

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

Two brothers rode the bus to school every weekday morning. Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, the bus would stop outside their home. The boys would run outside and hop on for the short ride to their grade school. Mom made them responsible to get ready each morning and to watch for the bus so that it didn’t come and go without them on it.

One morning, they were playing with each other and fooling around instead of watching for the bus. The unthinkable happened—the bus arrived and then left, but they weren’t on it. Despite having a small window of time to keep watch, they were not alert to its coming and going. They missed the bus. Their mom was upset when they called and admitted their mistake. She had to rearrange her schedule and drive out of her way to come home in order to take them to school.

The Christmas season will soon be here! The days before it are called the season of Advent. Advent is like a small window of time to keep watch. For what should we be watching? How easy to be distracted by the glitz and glitter of Christmas lights and trees. Will our eyes miss the true reason we love this time of year? It is not gifts, decorations, and holiday parties. It’s the incredible, almost unbelievable blessing of Jesus who once left a perfect heaven and came to this imperfect earth to be with us. Why? Because that’s the only way we someday can leave this imperfect earth to be with him in a perfect heaven.

The people of the Old Testament did not know when that first Christmas would arrive. They heard God’s promises that it would be coming. So they watched for them to be fulfilled. As we celebrate Jesus’ first coming to earth on Christmas, we also need to keep our focus on the day of his second coming to take us away from earth to be with him in heaven. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus promised, “About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). Because we are unaware of the timing of Jesus second coming, it is so important that we be prepared to go at all times. That’s why Jesus encourages, “Be on guard! Be alert!” If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. (Mark 13:33,36).

Our God loves us enough to give us a warning to keep watch, to keep our eyes locked on Jesus despite the distractions and sin of the world.

So keep watch! When Jesus comes, you don’t want to miss the bus.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you have planted in us the hope of your coming again. In these days of Advent, keep us alert and watchful for an eternal Christmas that will never end. 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

Whose birth do we celebrate at Christmas?
Until it’s Christmas, what does Jesus want us to be doing?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

When will Jesus return to take us to heaven?
Why does Jesus warn us to keep watch?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Name two specific ways that you can stay focused on Jesus during the Advent season.
Think of the name of one person who may be unaware of Jesus’ coming. How can you help them keep watch for Jesus?

Hymn: CW 9:1,5 – Jesus, Your Church with Longing Eyes

Jesus, your church with longing eyes
For your expected coming waits.
When will the promised light arise
And glory beam from heaven’s gates?

Teach us in watchfulness and prayer
To wait for your appointed hour,
And fit us by your grace to share
The triumphs of your conqu’ring pow’r.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Humble pie – November 29, 2020

2020/11/29/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Humble pie – November 29, 2020

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6

Military Devotion – November 29, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:6

See series: Military Devotions

It is said that years ago a farmer sat down with his family for the Thanksgiving meal and offered the following prayer: “Lord, last fall my boys and I plowed the fields. In winter we bucked the cold and snow drifts to take care of our livestock. In spring, we sowed the seed and watched for drought and hail in the summer. Now we have bent our backs and tired our muscles to bring in the fall harvest. But it is Thanksgiving Day, so we must thank you for what we have done.”

Had we been there, we may have offered that man a large slice of humble pie.

He already had enough conceit and arrogance. He was stuffed full of self-importance and vanity. What he lacked was humility.

The story might seem humorous until we begin wondering if we ever have felt the same way.

We find ourselves now walking on the bridge between Thanksgiving and Advent. Without humility, neither have meaning.

Without humility, it is hard to offer thanks because we feel we do not owe it—neither to our fellowman nor to our Creator. Indeed, we might even feel cheated out of the credit we deserve. Like that farmer, we might mouth the words because they are expected of us. But the giving of thanks does not flow from our hearts.

We might even be thinking, “Thanks for nothing!”

The apostle Peter once had a problem with too much self-confidence. We recall how he boasted of his courage. He said he was ready to die for Jesus. We remember how he was humbled. A simple slave girl knocked him off of his smug throne.

Peter had taken a big bite of humble pie. He had left the trial of Jesus with bitter tears running down his face. But he learned his lesson. Now he will teach others: “Humble yourself…”

He had learned that not only was his Lord to be thanked for blessings given in the past, but also for the privilege of serving in the future.

When he tells us: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” He is speaking from personal experience.

At Thanksgiving we look at what God has done for us. In Advent, we look at what he will do for us.

Advent has us recall the promises and blessings given to us by the Messiah who was to come. It shows us that our God is trustworthy and true. It offers help in his name.

Without humility, we see little need for help. We are convinced that we can take care of ourselves. Without humility, we think can face the future without failing. We agree with the words of the poet who said, “My head is bloody but unbowed,” then continued, “I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul.”

Forgiveness? “No thank you. I don’t need it.”

Let those words never cross our lips. Let that thought never enter our head.

Our Lord comes to us with open hands of blessing. He points us toward open gates of glory.

We need him. We must thank him. We must serve him.

After all, he humbled himself that we might be lifted up on high.

We gladly eat the humble pie.

Prayer: God of our fathers, our ready help in time of need, our only source of strength and hope. Accept our humble thanks. To you be all the glory, now and forever more. 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – November 29, 2020

2020/11/29/in Teen Devotions

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:3-4

The gospel comes first

Was your preferred candidate elected as president earlier this month? Is your political party of choice in control in our country? Do you think our country is doing fine, or do you think there is massive need for change and improvement? Do you want to be active in political thought and discussion? Do you want to be an advocate for change? Or are just not interested and want to go back to your latest TikTok marathon session?!

What is a Christian to think or do with politics and government today? What should be my greatest concern?

This whole month we’ve had devotions that have refocused our hearts and minds to be in line with what God says in his Word regarding these topics. However, as we work with God’s strength to honor and respect those whom God has established as our leaders, there is much freedom that we have in our political choices and beliefs. Thanks be to God that we can have differing viewpoints and philosophies and still be brothers and sisters in Christ! That said, there is a non-negotiable for life in this world and under any government. That would be this—the gospel always takes priority.

The joy of our Christian faith is that the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—is what took priority in the heart of our God. In his grace and goodness, he revealed his own good news to us—that he does in fact want all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. What amazing love, that God would desire first and foremost that sinners be forgiven, saved, and join him in life everlasting!

In the same, the love of Christ compels us to make the gospel a priority as well. You may think this or that about Republicans or Democrats, you may desire this or that as a reform in our country, and you may want him or her to be the next leader of your community or our country. Yet while we may lovingly and respectfully disagree on some of these points, we can all be in complete unity in our desire for other people to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Governments and leaders come and go, but the soul is an eternal matter. How important it is for us to urgently seek the salvation of souls through faith in Jesus Christ!

Dear Christian, watch your life, your heart, and your words carefully. Satan would divide us by frustration, anger, and hatred. And if he can divide us from each other in our country enough, he hopes to perhaps divide and separate us also from our God. Don’t let the things of this life and our country distract you from the greatest goal and good—the salvation of souls. As Christ has put us first when he came to save us, so we can put our neighbor first. In our lives, our hearts, and our words, let’s look for ways to let the gospel ring out clearly so that others may be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we live under a government which you have established, help us to make it a priority to share the salvation which you have won. Give us hearts that earnestly seek to share gospel with others, that they too may be saved and join us in life everlasting. 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.

Our King is Victorious Now and Forever – Family Devotion – November 27, 2020

2020/11/27/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Our King is Victorious Now and Forever

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 27, 2020

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

Do people ever tell you that you look like your parents? Parents pass down their traits, or the way they look, to their children. You can probably recognize such things as the color of your hair, the shape of your nose, the color of your eyes, or your height as being passed on to you from your mom, your dad, or a combination of the two. Other things get passed down from parents to children as well. Children often have similar personalities to their parents, similar interests, or hobbies that they enjoy.

Today’s Bible verses remind us of something else that was passed on to us from our parents. But this time, it’s not good. From the moment we begin to exist, the Bible tells us we have inside us a sinful desire that naturally wants to do whatever we want, not what God wants.

Where did this sinful nature first come from? Today’s Bible reading tells us. These passages remind us about the how Adam and Eve fell into sin in the Garden of Eden shortly after creation. They disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Ever since, every parent has passed the same sinful nature to their children. Sin separates us from God and leads to eternal death in hell. That is why 1 Corinthians says that “death came through one man” and “in Adam all die.” How sad!

God loved us too much to let us die like that. If our inner sinful condition can be traced back to one man, Adam, so our rescue from it can be traced back to one man as well—Jesus! Jesus was born a human being from a mother just like us! Unlike us, Jesus was born the Son of God! He lived a perfect life—inside and out. Jesus kept God’s commandments perfectly. He died in place of every parent and person born with a sinful nature. Why? So that Christ’s pure nature would replace our human nature. His coming alive at Easter means we can look forward to an eternity with God in heaven. Death has no power over us anymore! In Jesus, the day we die will be the day we open our eyes to our heavenly home! “In Christ, all will be made alive!” Jesus has won the victory over sin and death!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for loving us despite our sinfulness! Thank you for taking upon yourself the punishment of hell that we deserved and dying to forgive our sins! Give us the confidence that heaven is our home and that we have the victory over sin and death through 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

How do you look like your parents?
What did Jesus “pass on” to you so that you can look like him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How did death come from one man? How did life come from one man?
Why does our sinful nature make baptism so important—even for newborn babies?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why was it important for Jesus to be both true God and true man?
A common belief in our world is that someone gets to heaven by being a good person. Use our Bible passages for today to explain why that isn’t true.

Hymn: CW 378:1,5,6 – All Mankind Fell in Adam’s Fall

All mankind fell in Adam’s fall;
One common sin infects us all.
From one to all the curse descends,
And over all God’s wrath impends.

As by one man all mankind fell
And, born in sin, was doomed to hell,
So by one Man, who took our place,
We all were justified by grace.

We thank you, Christ; new life is ours,
New light, new hope, new strength, new pow’rs;
This grace our ev’ry way attend
Until we reach our journey’s end.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Our King Heals Body and Soul – Family Devotion – November 25, 2020

2020/11/25/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 17:11-19

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.
Luke 17:17-19

Our King Heals Body and Soul

Devotion based on Luke 17:17-19

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 25, 2020

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

Melpomeni Dina is a 92-year-old woman. Over 75 years ago, during World War II, Melpomeni and her family hid a family of Jewish people in their home in Greece to protect them from the German Nazi soldiers. Because Melpomeni and her family bravely hid this Jewish family in their home, the family survived World War II and were kept safe from those who wanted to harm them.

Seventy-five years later, one of the surviving children of that Jewish family asked to be reunited with Melpomeni. The first thing this person, now 86-years-old herself, did was throw her arms around Melpomeni in a hug and tell her, “Thank you,” over and over again. How good it felt for that Jewish woman to find the person who had rescued her so many years earlier and thank her face to face!

In our Bible verses for today, we also see someone returning to say thank you for saving their life. Ten men with leprosy had begged for Jesus to heal them. Leprosy was an awful disease that often led to a slow and painful death . When the lepers begged Jesus to have pity on them, Jesus did something interesting. Jesus told them to go to the priest and show themselves to him. While on the way there, they were suddenly healed of their disease! Jesus had healed them! Their lives were spared!

Sadly, only one of the ten men healed returned to thank Jesus for being healed. How good it must have felt that day for that cured man to thank Jesus face-to-face.

In this story we see the awesome power of Jesus to heal both our body and soul. Jesus loves us and cares for all our needs—both physical and spiritual. Whenever we are sick, we can pray to Jesus for healing with full confidence that he has the power to heal us!

Even more importantly, when we recognize the sickness of our sinfulness and repent of the sins we commit each day, we can trust how Jesus healed us by removing the horrible disease of our sins. Cleansed and forgiven, let us return often to Jesus and thank him for what he has done to make us well! Someday, in the glory of heaven, we will be able thank him face to face!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and having care and compassion on us. You have proven that you have the power to heal both our physical and spiritual sicknesses. Thank you for taking care of our worst sickness—sin—and earning us an eternal home in heaven where there will be no more sickness or sin to bother 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

After hearing today’s devotion, what is the sickness Jesus came to cleanse us from? Why is it the worst? (Hint: It’s not a physical sickness!)
Name a sick person you would like to pray for Jesus to help today.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Discuss why you would take the time to cry out to Jesus when you or someone in your family is sick.
Sometimes sickness ends in death. Why can we still be thankful?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Today’s reading tells us the one leper who returned to thank Jesus was a Samaritan. Why was that surprising?
What are three ways you can thank Jesus today for the spiritual and physical healing he has given you in your life?

Hymn: CW 385:1,4 – Chief of Sinners, Though I Be

Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed his blood for me,
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am his and he is mine!

Chief of sinners though I be,
Christ is all in all to me.
All my wants to him are known;
All my sorrows are his own.
Safe with him in earthly strife,
I await the heav’nly life.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Our God, Our King- Week of November 23, 2020

2020/11/23/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Our God, Our King- Week of November 23, 2020

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

Psalm 47:1-4

ECME Devotion November 23, 2020

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

“Our King is coming!”, said the pastor one Sunday morning. A 3-year-old scrambled out from under a pew, jumped on to the seat, looked out towards the back of the church and shouted “Where? Where’s the king? I want to see the King!”

Where’s the king? Many are asking that today. We see communities ruined by economic stress, social unrest, and natural disasters. Many feel a sense of hopelessness and abandonment. Where is God? Did he leave us? Oh, how we want to see our King!

But our Lord is the King over all the earth! He IS here, and he never left us. The pages of the Bible are filled with examples of God’s power over the world. First, he made the entire world-the heavens and the earth-with just his power and his words. We saw God flood the world in Noah’s time, and with this same power he made the waters evaporate. We saw God win battles for His people and send food to them when they were in the middle of the desert. Through Jesus, we saw God heal the sick and bring people back to life. Our God IS king over heaven and earth.

We often feel as though we need a king to rescue us from this world—from natural disasters, physical pain and disease, and from the sins of others. But truly, we need someone to save us from ourselves. We are sinful. We are the problem with this world. We need someone to save us because we are evil. Sin is not just a product of the world around us, it is not something that someone is doing to us, it is a product of ourselves, from within ourselves.

On judgement day, the last day of the world, God will return. All people will submit to our King, who defeated the darkness of sin on our behalf. Our King over heaven and earth will come back to rescue us from this dark world and bring us to the eternal light of heaven. Our king IS coming! He is our Savior. We rejoice as we look forward to the day when he returns and his name is proclaimed everywhere as ruler of all. We do as the Psalm says and clap our hands and shout with joy! God IS King and has given us heaven, our inheritance.

Prayer:

Dear God, our King,
Thank you for the reminder that you are in control of all things in this world. I rejoice that you are our King of this world. I am sorry for my sins, for all that I do to bring hurt and sadness into this world. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me and help me to show others that you are our Savior. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
The power of God over this world often can be seen in nature. How have you seen God’s power in the world around you?

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

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.

Our King Suffered and Died for Us – Family Devotion – November 23, 2020

2020/11/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 27:27-31

After they [the soldiers] had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his [Jesus’] own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
Matthew 27:31

Our King Suffered and Died for Us

Devotion based on Matthew 27:31

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 23, 2020

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

Imagine your best friend’s birthday is next week. You spend hours shopping for the perfect gift to give them on their birthday. When you finally find that perfect item, you spend some of your own money to buy that gift and wrap it in beautifully colored wrapping paper.

Now, imagine your friend’s birthday has arrived. You can’t wait to give the present you picked out. You hand your friend the gift and watch eagerly. After unwrapping the present, your friend unexpectedly says, “Ugh! I hate it!” If that wasn’t bad enough, your friend begins to make fun of the present you chose and say unkind things to you. How would you feel?

You might be hurt and devastated, maybe even a little mad at your friend. Humiliated, you might even be thinking, “How can we stay friends after all I did to pick out a special gift?”

In today’s Bible verse, Roman soldiers make fun of Jesus before he was sent to be crucified. They spit on Jesus, put a crown of thorns on his head, and hit him over and over. Little did they know, they were making fun of and hurting the one who was about to give them the best gift they would ever be given. Little did they know, they were ridiculing the very Savior who was about to give his life for them to forgive them of all their sins.

We must admit that we, too, daily show ourselves to be ungrateful towards our Savior and all that he has done for us. Each day we must admit that we often ignore God’s commandments and choose to sin. Rather than treasuring Jesus and putting his Word first in our lives, we often put ourselves and our wants ahead of God.

Yet, despite the actions of the soldiers and despite our own daily sins against Jesus, we see the amazing love of Jesus. Humiliated, he still chose to die for those soldiers, for us, and for all people who have ever lived. At any moment during his suffering, Jesus could have put a stop to it. He could have used his awesome power or commanded his angels to defend him. Yet Jesus had you in mind when he selflessly chose the way of suffering and the cross. He laid down his life for his friends. Because of the forgiveness Jesus won for us, through faith we are right with God and fully forgiven! Heaven is our home!

We thank God for this amazing gift of grace. It’s truly the greatest gift of love that we will ever receive!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, your love for us is amazing! Even though we daily fall short of your commandments and expectations for us, you still choose to love us with a deep and undeserved love. Thank you for dying on the cross to take away our sins and earn us heaven! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is the most loving thing someone has ever done for you? Why did they do it?
What are some ways you can thank Jesus for his great gift of love for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What do you think of when you hear the word grace? Why is this a great word to describe what Jesus did for us?
To prevent us from being ungrateful for the gift of Jesus, name at least one way you can express your heartfelt thanks and love for Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Recall a moment you were made fun of or ridiculed. How did that make you feel? How did you respond to the people who gave you a hard time?
In light of today’s devotion, discuss how you would respond the next time someone is rude or unkind to you.

Hymn: CW 379:1,3 – Amazing Grace

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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 beginning of the end – November 22, 2020

2020/11/22/in Devotions, Military Devotions

The beginning of the end – November 22, 2020

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Genesis 1:2

Military Devotion – November 22, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 1:2

See series: Military Devotions

To better understand the end of time, it may help to consider its beginning. After all, the One who started it will end it.

We have lived our lives with mountains, oceans, and stars in place. It’s hard to imagine them not being there. They impact our lives. They brush off our feeble attempts to control them. We have learned we are at their mercy if they threaten us.

Their size and power may impress us, but we do not seem to impress them. They threaten us with earthquakes, hurricanes, and radiation as if we do not exist.

But the One who made them and controls them, he knows about us.

He has taken the time to tell us what he thinks about us. What he says is worrisome before it becomes wonderful.

We began as nothing at a time when this universe was nothing. When he started what now is, we were not in it. We could not be. We would not have wanted to be.

Out of nothing came something: a creation. It started without form, without light, but with God upon the waters.

Before time was, before creation was, before mankind was, God was. If all that exists now would cease to exist, he would still be.

So, would we!

The reality is that we will exist forever—either with the Lord God or without him.

To exist apart from him is the punishment assigned to fallen angels. The same punishment awaits all those who leave earthly life joined in spirit with them.

That is the worrisome part.

We understand those who rebel against the Maker of heaven and earth. We were born among them. We were born one of them. What’s worse, we still find ourselves carrying out acts of rebellion at times. The common name for that rebellion is sin.

We are sinners.

When time ends, we could find ourselves locked forever in what Jesus called, “outer darkness” where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12).

We then might wish we had never been born, or that the world had never been created.

But we have been born—and reborn—while in this creation.

The wonder is, the miracle is, that if all this creation were now destroyed, the children of God will be forever with him. They became his children when the Holy Spirit created faith in their hearts. For many, that happened when they were baptized as a baby. For some, like the thief on the cross, it took place a half-step before death.

At some time, it happened to us. Our faith in him testifies that we are his children.

That is the wonderful part.

The purpose of creation is to allow the Creator to be glorified and his people to share in his bliss and glory.

When we look back to the beginning of time, we see God. When we look forward to the end of time, we see God.

The banner that is strung across the band of time from start to finish carries the words, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

He makes sense of it all. He is in control of it all. He is Jesus. He tells us, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End “(Revelation 22:13).

With him, we need fear neither the beginning nor the end of anything. Nor need we ever fear the beginning of the end of everything.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, without you, life would only end in death. With you is the beginning of life that never ends. Accept now our heartfelt thanks and our life of service in your kingdom. 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – November 22, 2020

2020/11/22/in Teen Devotions

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13: 6,7

Christian citizens

“Why would I support the government when it allows ________ to happen in our country? . . . I’m not paying taxes until the government proves it knows how to use my money! . . . How could I ever respect a president/governor/mayor who acts like that? Who could honor someone so dishonorable?”

Our sinful nature just eats this stuff up. Satan preys on my heart when it is not happy with our government or governmental leaders. Is it wrong to be dissatisfied with leaders? No. Is it wrong to want justice, moral laws, and peace? No. Is it wrong to personally feel a different leader could do a better job? Not at all. But the problem is how I react when Satan leads me to twist those thoughts in my heart into doing as I see fit. It’s almost as if Satan convinces us that if anyone in government sins or fails us, then we are justified in sinning back with disobedience, disrespect, or dishonor.

First of all, that’s not how Jesus lived. Our perfect Savior showed perfect respect and honor for those in authority. Perhaps you remember the time he told the Jewish leaders to, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” A fascinating statement of humble respect from our true God considering that Caesar claimed to be a god himself! We also consider how humble and respectful Jesus was to the weak-willed yet hard-hearted Pontius Pilate who sent him off to his crucifixion. How thankful we can be for Jesus, our perfect Savior, who lived a perfect life of humble respect in our place and then died to pay for our selfish sins.

In thanks for our Savior’s forgiveness, we too can live such a life of humble love and respect—yes, even when we disagree with or disapprove of our leaders. Thus, the apostle Paul teaches us that we can pay taxes to those who ask us to, even if we aren’t quite sure how well that money is being spent. And we can give respect and honor to those who lead us—yes, even if they have acted disrespectful and dishonorable themselves. Though we don’t condone the sins of leaders, we also understand that only Jesus is perfect. All other worldly leaders will fall into sin. Thus, we need to ask God to give them strength for the difficult task of leadership. For that alone—the challenge of their position and task—there is in fact a certain level of respect and honor due.

How challenging! God give us the strength and the wisdom to respond to Jesus’ incredible love with our lives of humble love and respect for all—including our government and its leaders.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my heart that so often strays in selfish anger, disrespect, and dishonor toward others, especially our government and its leaders. Move my heart to live in your love and to show respect and honor to all for whom it is due. 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.

Death is Only Sleep – Family Devotion – November 20, 2020

2020/11/20/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Death is Only Sleep

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 20, 2020

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

What are you most afraid of? Is it spiders? Thunderstorms? Scary things happening on the news? Getting a shot at the doctor’s office? Are you afraid of the dark? Do you have a fear of heights?

There is one more fear we need to talk about: the fear of death. We may fear our own death or the death of someone we love.

Death can be an uncomfortable topic. It is not something we enjoy talking or thinking about. Thankfully, God knows that this is something we often have fears and worries about! He wants to take away our fear. That’s why in today’s Bible verse God compares death to something that doesn’t show up any list of fears young people have. Did you catch what God compared death to?

If you answered, “Sleep,” you are right! Is going to sleep at night something that you fear? Sleep is typically not something we would ever fear! Rather than being afraid of sleep, we often look forward to lying down, closing our eyes, and resting after a long and busy day.

As a believer in Jesus, thanks be to God that death is just like sleep. It is not something we have to fear! Because Jesus died and woke again to life on Easter, death lost its sting! It’s as harmless as closing our eyes and going to bed! Just like we look forward to our comfortable bed, pajamas, and blankets at night because we are tired, we can look forward with eagerness to our eternal home in heaven. There in heaven we will have an eternal rest from all the challenges, fears, and disappointments that sin brings to our lives in this world.

When a fellow believer in Jesus whom we love dies, there certainly will be sadness. We will miss them and be sad that they are no longer with us. However, we don’t have to be sad like people who have no hope or see that as the final ending. We look forward to the day where we will be together with our loved ones again in heaven forever! In heaven death will never be able to separate us from our loved ones again!

On judgment day, Jesus will bring all believers, those still living and those who have fallen asleep to be with him forever in heaven. How we long for that day when Jesus comes back again!

Closing Prayer:

Risen Lord, thank you for defeating sin and death on our behalf! Help us to view death as just sleep and as the day you will bring us home to our eternal home in heaven. Help us to look forward to our eternal home in heaven where we will live with you forever! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What makes you afraid? How does Jesus help you with your fear?
What are you looking forward to most about heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

List your top five fears in life. How does Jesus help us with each of them?
Do you think death is something we should talk about more? Why or why not?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What things do you see in the world around you that show people are afraid of getting older and dying? Why are people so afraid of death?
Imagine a friend just lost a loved one who was a believer in Jesus. What from today’s devotion would you use to comfort your friend?

Hymn: CW 376:5,6 – Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness

When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies,
E’en then this shall be all my plea:
Jesus has lived and died for me.

Jesus, be worshiped endlessly!
Your boundless mercy has for me,
For me and all your hands have made,
An everlasting ransom paid.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Redeemed by the Blood of Jesus – Family Devotion – November 18, 2020

2020/11/18/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 52:1-6

For this is what the Lord says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.”
Isaiah 52:3

Redeemed by the Blood of Jesus

Devotion based on Isaiah 52:3

See series: Devotions

Family Devotion – November 18, 2020

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

Sarah helped her family lug all sorts of unwanted furniture, household items, and clothes out to the garage to sell at their family garage sale that Saturday.

Among the items hauled out was a doll that Sarah considered herself too old to play with anymore. She hoped that she could sell the doll and use that money toward the phone she had her eye on.

During the garage sale a handful of people looked at the doll she had for sale. However, after seeing the price, everyone passed on buying it. Disappointed, she asked her mom why no one bought her doll. Her mom responded, “While that doll may have been worth that price when it was brand new, it is now slightly worn and well-used. You’ll have to lower the price if you want to sell it. Things are only worth as much as people are willing to pay for them.”

Things are only worth as much as people are willing to pay for them. How much are you worth? God’s Word tells us our worth and how much someone was willing to pay for us.

In our Bible passage today, we heard the word redeemed. The word redeem means to buy back. This is a beautiful word that describes exactly what God did for us. Because of our sinfulness, we were like slaves to sin. On our own, we were helpless to be free. We were destined to be enslaved forever.

Then, along came Jesus. Jesus loved us so much that he bought us back from our slavery. However, Jesus didn’t buy us with money. No, we are so valuable to Jesus that he paid the full price with his life. On the cross, Jesus suffered the punishment of hell that we deserved. On that day, Jesus declared how much you are worth to him! You’re priceless! Through faith in Jesus, our sins are fully forgiven! We have been redeemed—set free from sin and death!

This is why we are able to eagerly look forward to Jesus’ return on judgment day. He has already redeemed and forgiven us by his blood. That day will be a joyous day reunion with him! On that day, Jesus will bring us to be with him in our eternal home in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for redeeming us from our slavery to sin. Thank you for suffering the punishment for sins that we deserve and giving your life to save us! Help us to find comfort every day in knowing that we are your dearly loved children and to eagerly look forward to the day you bring us home to heaven! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

How much are you worth to God? How do you know?
Why will judgment day be a happy day for us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does the word redeem mean? From what did God redeem you?
Many people mistakenly believe that someone gets to heaven by being a good person. How would you explain to them how someone gets to heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Many young people and teenagers struggle with negative thoughts and opinions about themselves. How does thinking about the way God views us help us deal with these feelings?
Identify a bad habit in your life that has enslaved you. How does Christ’s redemption through the cross free you from it?

Hymn: CW 304:2,7 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive

We deserve but grief and shame,
Yet his words, rich grace revealing,
Pardon, peace, and life proclaim;
Here their ills have perfect healing
Who with humble hearts believe
Jesus sinners does receive.

Jesus sinners does receive.
Even I have been forgiven.
And when I this earth must leave,
I shall find an open heaven.
Dying, still to him I cleave
Jesus sinners does receive.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

Keep Watch for Jesus to Return – Family Devotion – November 16, 2020

2020/11/16/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 25:1-13

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:13

Keep Watch for Jesus to Return

Family Devotion – November 16, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 25:13

See series: Devotions

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

“Don’t forget to prepare and practice your presentation about a United States president for next week,” Jeff’s teacher reminded his class on Friday. “Each day, starting next week Monday, I will randomly choose five students from the class to give their presentation to the class. Make sure you are ready to go on Monday in case your name is chosen!”

With 25 kids in his class, Jeff didn’t think it was likely that he would be chosen to give his presentation right away on Monday. Rather than work on his presentation for class that weekend, Jeff chose to hang out with his friends and play video games.

That following Monday, the teacher put all of the student names on slips of paper in a bag and drew one slip prior to each speech to randomly choose the next person to present to the class. Jeff sighed with relief each time his name wasn’t chosen for any of the first four presentations. Following the fourth student’s presentation, the teacher reached her hand into the bag of names one last time.

“Last up to present to the class will be…,” the teacher paused for a moment as she reached in to grab a slip of paper with the name of the next student. “…Jeff!”

Jeff’s heart sank the moment he heard his name called out. Ashamed, he turned bright red. He had to admit to his teacher and to his entire class that he had nothing prepared and was not ready to present.

Today’s Word of God warns us to make sure we are not caught unprepared for something far more important than a presentation for school. God tells us to be ready for when he comes back again on judgment day. God has kept the date and time of judgment day hidden from us because he wants us to always live ready for that day to come at any time.

How can we make sure we are prepared for judgment day? God tells us that every time we read and listen to his Word, the Holy Spirit is at work in our hearts strengthening our faith and preparing us for judgment day! Rather than distancing ourselves from God’s Word or being distracted by other things in this life, God wants us to stay connected with him so we hear his important warning to be ready.

As we study God’s Word, we hear how Jesus made us fully ready for that day. The forgiveness Jesus won for us on the cross has made us right in God’s sight and made heaven our home! Through faith in Jesus, we have nothing to fear about judgment day. On that day, our heavenly Father will identify us as his dearly loved children and bring us to our eternal home with him in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, thank you for lovingly reminding us that the world we live in is only temporary. Help us to always put hearing your Word on the top of our priority list. Thank you for forgiving us and earning an eternal home in heaven on our behalf, so that we can look forward to judgment day as the day where we will be forever in heaven! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What are some ways we can hear God’s Word this week as a family?
What are some things you are looking forward to most about heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What are some things you and your family can do each week to make sure you are ready for judgment day?
What are some things that can distract us from putting Jesus first in our lives? What can we do to avoid letting that happen?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Being ready for judgment day means making sure that we set aside time to grow in our faith. Identify what other priorities may be getting in the way of God’s Word in your life? Discuss what you want to do that will help your priorities?
Read all of Matthew 25:1-13. What evidence do you see in the world around you that people don’t believe there will be an end to the world as Jesus says there will be? Why is it important for us to understand this truth from God’s Word?

Hymn: CW 219 – Lord When Your Glory I Shall See

Lord, when your glory I shall see
And taste your kingdom’s pleasure,
Your blood my royal robe shall be,
My joy beyond all measure!
When I appear before your throne,
Your righteousness shall be my crown;
With these I need not hide me.
And there, in garments richly wrought,
As your own bride I shall be brought,
To stand in joy beside you.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Our Eternal God – Week of November 16, 2020

2020/11/16/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Our Eternal God – Week of November 16, 2020

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 90:1-2

ECME Devotion November 16, 2020

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

We are entering the 9th month of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it seems to have no end. When will the masks be in the garage sale pile and the Clorox wipes be on sale again? When will we be able to hug our friends and shake hands with a stranger? And when, oh when, asks my 4-year-old, will indoor playgrounds and the Icee machine at Target be open again? It feels like these “uncertain times” have been going on forever!

But the only one who knows the true feeling of “forever” is God. In the beginning, before anything was made, God was there (Genesis 1:1). God has no beginning and no end, which means he always was, and always is. God’s power has never changed, either. God has always been, and always will be all-knowing and all-powerful. In a world that always changes, God never does.

While God is eternal, we are not. Because of our sin, we will someday die. Because of our sin, life on earth will be filled with sorrow and pain. Because of our sin, because of our parents’ sins, and because of the sins of every generation before and after, we deserve the punishment of death and the punishment of eternal separation from God in hell.

When we suffer in this life, we forget that God is in control and will never leave us or forsake us. We sin when we forget that our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging. We also sin when we trust anything over God. In these “uncertain times” we can sometimes put our trust into worldly things such as science, social organizations and people, or even ourselves. Sometimes we place these worldly things above God.

But our loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal God is the “remedy” for our sin. He is our “dwelling place”, as the Psalm says, our shelter. He sent his son, in our place, to die for our sins, our parent’s sins, and the sins of every generation before and after. Because of Jesus, when God looks at us he sees purity and righteousness. Because of Jesus, we have been freely given a place in heaven, where we will live eternally with Him.

Prayer:

A beloved hymn, “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” was written based on Psalm 90. In this hymn, we thank God for being our shelter in this world and for giving us the hope of heaven, our eternal home. We pray:
Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame,
from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.
Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home! Amen.

Christian Worship 441:1, 3, 6

A Question to Consider:
What “stormy blasts” have come your way in 2020, and how has God provided shelter and hope in your trials this year?

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

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.

Happy – November 15, 2020

2020/11/15/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Happy – November 15, 2020

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
Ecclesiastes 3:12

Military Devotion – November 15, 2020

Devotion based on Ecclesiastes 3:12

See series: Military Devotions

Health is important. Wealth is desirable. So is love. People want these things. But most of all, people want to be happy.

A healthy, wealthy, loved person who is not also happy will not appreciate or much enjoy the otherwise good things in life. To say he should will not change how he feels.

His disappointment with life will increase if he had been counting on these external things to bring happiness. How many have thought, “If only I was rich, I would have no problems”?

But, of course, wealth does not mean a person will not get sick or be unloved or have other problems. To have what others desire but cannot have—and still find no happiness—is depressing. Statistics show that, including the suicide statistics.

The writer of the book Ecclesiastes is an example. He had it all, surely more than most. But there was a time in his life when he was not at all happy. In those days, he labeled everything in his life as worthless: “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!”

His response to that healthy, wealthy, unhappy life? “So I hated life…”

So sad.

We would ask King Solomon, “Why were you not happy?”

He may have answered: “I was miserable because I was trying to live without God instead of living for God.”

He learned that without God in his life, life is meaningless.

In time, he came to realize that God wants to bring meaning into lives. He went on to write of God: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men…”

Though the Mighty God has been rejected, or replaced, or ignored, he has not turned away from mankind in disgust.

He has kept on showering his blessings upon people to give them a taste of happiness.

The apostle Paul once told a crowd to turn from their worthless ways to the living God. He explained: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17).

So, to an extent, it is true: wealth and good times can bring happiness. But not for long. Not forever.

They are undeserved gifts from God. They are evidence of his existence and proof of his love.

Yet, so often, they are sought out as if they were of our own making or deserving. They are grabbed without a thank-you and used without a conscience. They are treated as if this is what life is all about.

So sad.

We humans are so short-sighted. We are dazzled by what glitters and impressed by what excites our senses. We are willing to settle for feeling good for a little while—all the while we are dying.

We don’t see, or don’t care, that our Creator sacrificed his Son for us. We avert our eyes from the warning scene of awaiting dungeons of darkness. We block his calls.

Until.

Until, in his mercy, he opens our eyes to see our desperate need and opens our hearts to accept his love. Until we realize that our sin is forgiven, and all is well. Until we know that our future is bought and paid for by the one called Jesus.

Then, we can be happy.

Prayer: Lord of the nations and Savior of souls, keep our eyes fixed upon you so that we do not trade in our eternal salvation for a few moments of fun that fades. We sometimes sing, “Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.” Keep us ever among those happy people. 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – November 15, 2020

2020/11/15/in Teen Devotions

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2

Pray for and live in peace

“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” These are the famous words of JFK (John. F. Kennedy) from his presidential Inaugural Address on January 1, 1961. Wise words! Rather than seeking to be served by others or by your country, seek to serve your country and others. Certainly, a country filled with such humble servants and attitudes would be blessed with peace, unity, and strength.

Such wise thoughts don’t belong only to worldly leaders of the past though. Our God desires the same thing. As we live under a government that he has established for our good, God wants us in turn to serve our government. But not to worry! This doesn’t mean you have mandatory community service, military training, or political campaigns in your future! (Though, feel free to do so if the Lord moves your heart in such a way.) Rather, God wants us to serve our communities and our government in simple, humble ways.

The verses for our consideration this week help us to understand some of these ways we can show love and serve others. So what can I do for our country? Pray! Paul told the young pastor Timothy that he (and now we) can offer petitions, or requests to God, on behalf of the government. For example, we might pray for God to strengthen and support those who have difficult and challenging jobs. We can also pray fervently for God to give wisdom and diligence to those who lead. Other prayers we can offer include prayers of thanksgiving for those who lead. Yes, you heard me right—thanksgiving. Even if we disagree with those who lead and their laws or policies at times, we can still be thankful that we have leaders whom God has allowed into positions that serve our good.

When we have attitudes that are eager to serve our country through our humble living and fervent prayers, we will in fact accomplish much. We will do the very thing that Paul wrote at the end of verse two—we will contribute “peaceful and quiet lives” that let the light of Christ shine through us in all we can do. What a profound joy, then, that as we serve Christ in love, so also we serve our neighbor and our country. God bless us in such service!

Prayer: Lord of all, in this coming week of national thanksgiving, give to me a humble heart of thankfulness that is eager to pray for and serve others, including those who serve me in our government. 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.

Encourage Each Other About Judgment Day – Family Devotion – November 13, 2020

2020/11/13/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness… Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5, 11

Encourage Each Other About Judgment Day

Family Devotion – November 13, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5, 11

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever played hide-and-seek? It’s a fun game to play! The rules of the game are simple. First, you wait for your friends to hide. Then, you look high and low, near and far, searching for the spot where your friends might be. One way to make the game even more exciting is to play in the dark with a flashlight! Now, the game is more challenging! You have to shine your light into every corner and hiding place to see who might be there. For those who hide, the darkness can be a big help. They can sneak around without anyone noticing… until the light shines on them! Then, they’re “it!”

The Bible talks about people who like to live in darkness and people who are called to shine a light. While the idea of hiding in the dark might make for a fun game, it’s not a good way for us to live. God warns that sometimes people prefer to hide in the dark because that’s where their sins and shame can’t be seen. A person in the dark can cheat and steal without anyone else noticing… not a good place for a Christian to be! God gives us the light of his Word to keep us out of the darkness and away from sin. In that Word, God reminds us that Jesus died for us and we are his dear children who live in the light of his love. God’s Word today reminds us, “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”

When King Jesus returns in glory on judgment day, his holy love will shine a light on everything we have ever done, just like a flashlight reveals everything that is hidden in the dark. Have you ever had the lights turned on first thing in the morning? What a shock! People who live in the darkness of sin and unbelief will be surprised when Jesus returns! But believers will be ready for Jesus to come back because we are awake in faith, living in his light. We are protected by his love and we are guarded from judgment by faith.

Games like hide-and-seek’ can be fun, but we know that they are only games. When it comes to the life that Jesus has given me, it’s not a game, it’s for real! Jesus calls me to live in his light and shine his light into the world. God wants me to stay connected to his Word. Let’s encourage each other and encourage others, so all live in the light of faith until Jesus returns to take us to be with him forever in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, without your love, I would be lost in the darkness of sin. But your perfect love and bright shining Word have shown me who I really am—your own child, called to share your love in a dark world. Make me strong to share your light until you come back to take me to heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

When we do bad things, we might be tempted to hide them and not tell anyone. Why is that a bad idea? What good things happen when we come clean and admit our sins?
We are children of the light. What are some things we can do to shine like lights for Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does it look like to live in the “darkness” of sin? What does it look like to live in the “light” of faith?
What can you do to encourage someone else to walk in the light with you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

In this passage, Paul encourages us, “Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober” (v. 6). Compare and contrast what life looks like for a person who is spiritually “asleep” vs. one who is “awake and sober.”
Describe a time when someone’s encouragement meant a lot to you or impacted your life. What did they say that meant so much to you?

Hymn: CWS 771:1 – I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

I want to walk as a Child of the light
I want to follow Jesus
God sent the stars to give light to the world
The star of my life is Jesus
In Him, there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Jesus Is Our Great Judge – Family Devotion – November 11, 2020

2020/11/11/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Daniel 7:9-10

As I looked,
“thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.”

Daniel 7:9-10

Jesus Is Our Great Judge

Family Devotion – November 11, 2020

Devotion based on Daniel 7:9-10

See series: Devotions

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

In a scene from one of the most famous movies of all time, a girl named Dorothy and her three friends enter the throne room of a great and powerful wizard. They shake in fear as flames explode and a great voice booms: “I am OZ, the great and powerful! Who are you?” But anyone who has seen this movie knows the truth. The so-called “wizard” has no real power, just some clever tricks. The flames and fireworks are made by a machine. The booming voice comes from a hidden microphone. He looks mighty and powerful, but Dorothy and her friends have no reason to be afraid.

The story of Jesus we heard today is very different. Jesus is great and powerful! When he sits on his throne with flames of fire, there are no tricks involved. When he calls himself “the Ancient of Days,” he reminds us that he has eternal authority to judge the world. If he were to make a list of all our sins, we would have no way to defend ourselves. If he were to judge the world with fire or send his voice booming over the whole earth, there would be no stopping his incredible power! Our God, the Ancient of Days, is truly a great and powerful judge!

But we do not need to tremble or shake when we stand in God’s presence. We do not need to be afraid of God’s judgment. When he looks at our lives and considers the list of everything we have ever done, he sees his loving mercy stamped on every page of the book. It means that because of Jesus, we are forgiven and the record of our sins wiped clean! If God were to look at us and thunder the question, “Who are you?” he would already know the answer: This is someone I love, someone for whom I died, someone I want with me forever in heaven!

God, the Ancient of Days, allows us to see him as he actually is—mighty and powerful on his throne! But because we know that Jesus our judge rules in mercy and truth, we are not afraid. May we be amazed by his power! May we trust in his love.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are so great and powerful that no one can stand up to you.
Lord Jesus, you are so true and right that there is nothing false in you.
Lord Jesus, you are so gracious and merciful that no one could ever fully thank you.
Lord Jesus, Ancient of Days, look on me in love, now and always. 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 people sit on thrones? What does it mean that God sits on a throne, too?
How does God use his almighty power to take care of you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What is the job of a judge? When God judges you for your sins, will he find you guilty or innocent? Why?
Jesus shows himself to us in many ways in the Bible. What do each of these pictures of Jesus teach us about him?
○ Baby Jesus in a manger
○ Jesus on the cross
○ Jesus the judge sitting on a throne of flames

Questions for Middle School and Above

Re-read the detailed description of God and his throne in today’s Bible verses. What do we learn about God’s power and nature through this vivid portrayal of him as the “Ancient of Days”?
Even when our lives and our world seem to be in chaos, God is all-powerful and reigning on this throne. How does remembering that bring you comfort?

Hymn: CW 243:1 – Oh, Worship the King

Oh, worship the King, all-glorious above;
Oh, gratefully sing his pow’r and his love,
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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 Sheep and the Goats – Family Devotion – November 9, 2020

2020/11/09/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 25:31-46

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
Matthew 25:32-34

The Sheep and the Goats

Family Devotion – November 9, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 25:32-34

See series: Devotions

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

Jason was excited about his new job for the summer. He would be working as a helper at the petting zoo. Working with animals sounded like fun! At the end of each day, he would get to bring different animals out of the big corral and sort them into their own pens. The sheep had to go into their pen, the rabbits needed to be herded into their hutches, and the stubborn goats needed to be sorted, too. Jason found that sometimes it was hard to get all the animals moving in the right direction! But the easy part was figuring out which animal was which. Jason could easily tell the difference between a rabbit and a pig or a sheep and a goat. He knew the animals, so he could sort them.

One of Jesus’ jobs when he comes back to earth on judgment day is to sort out the people who believe in him and the people who do not. It will be easy for Jesus to tell the difference. Jesus can tell who loves him and who doesn’t, just like a shepherd can tell the difference between sheep and goats. Jesus knows all things. He sees everything we think, say, and do, and he can see the faith in our hearts. Everyone who has faith in Jesus will live forever with him in heaven. But people with no faith in Jesus will go to hell.

So, how will Jesus sort us? Will we go to heaven or hell? We know the answer to that! Because Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins, we know that we will live forever with him in heaven! He is our Good Shepherd and we are his sheep. We do not need to worry when Jesus comes back on judgment day. The same Jesus who died to save us will come again to sort us. On the Last Day, he will take all believers to a special place in heaven he’s prepared “since the creation of the world.”

We don’t know what day Jesus will come back to judge all people, but we know what group we will be in! By faith, we will go to heaven! By grace, we are his precious sheep! And until Jesus returns, he will fill us with faith by the power of his Word and will strengthen us to live as his own sheep every day.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, it is only by your grace that I am who I am—one of your children, one of your lambs, one of your own. Keep me close to you until the day you return. 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 will happen on judgment day?
How do you know that you will go to heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Does the thought of heaven or hell make you feel at all concerned or nervous about judgment day? Why or why not?
How could people around you know that you believe in Jesus without a word being spoken?

Questions for Middle School and Above

It’s easy for Jesus to tell the difference between ‘sheep and goats’. What might we look at to tell if a person is a believer or an unbeliever?
What would you say to someone who argues that people can be saved through good works?

Hymn: CW 442:1,4 – Have No Fear, Little Flock

Have no fear, little flock; Have no fear, little flock,
For the Father has chosen To give you the kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!

Thankful hearts raise to God; Thankful hearts raise to God,
For he stays close beside you, In all things works with you;
Thankful hearts raise to God!

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Our God, Our Judge – Week of November 9, 2020

2020/11/09/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Our God, Our Judge – Week of November 9, 2020

(Part of the story of The Sheep and the Goats) The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

ECME Devotion November 9, 2020

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

“Give Back”.” Pay it forward”. “Spread kindness like confetti.” Have you noticed any other “goodwill movements” in the news or on social media? As Christians, we have our own. We show love to others because God loved us first and gave us more than we deserve when he sent his son to die for us.

When Jesus comes again he will rule as judge. All people, those still on earth and those that have died, will be judged on the last day. Some people will go to heaven, and some people will go to hell. He will look into the heart of each person that ever lived and send them to live eternally with him in heaven or to be eternally separated from him in hell. Not everyone will be saved. Both heaven and hell are eternal and permanent. Sounds harsh, doesn’t it? That in one instant our eternity will be decided by one person?

This truth sounds harsh because it is contrary to what the world tries to tell us. The world tries to tell us that whatever a person believes is “their truth”. In this time of tolerance, the world wants us to believe that “everyone has a little good in them” and that everyone has a right to “their truth”. But not everyone will go to heaven. Not everyone believes the real truth that will give them a place in heaven.

Jesus describes this “last day” at the end of his ministry, as recorded in the book of Matthew. Jesus says that he will remember our time on earth and wants us to live a life of service for others. He wants us to help people by caring for them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

It is important that we note that Jesus is not saying that we can earn heaven by serving others. The path to heaven is through the blood of Jesus alone, not by any good we do on this earth. And yet, showing love to others by serving them is evidence that we have faith in Christ. When Jesus says “whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” he means that even the simplest of acts that we do for those he puts in our homes and community will show our faith. We are so thankful for the grace that God showed us by forgiving our many sins, that we want to serve others. By serving others, our love for God shines through.

Prayer: Dear God,
Thank you for the mercy you have shown me by sending Jesus to save me from my sins. Help me to show my love for you by caring for others. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
What opportunities has God given you to care for people in your life? Is there someone that needs help finding resources to care for their physical or emotional needs? How can you help connect the people in your life to God’s Word?

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

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.

Waxing cold – November 8, 2020

2020/11/08/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Waxing cold – November 8, 2020

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
Matthew 24:12,13 KJV

Military Devotion – November 8, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 24:12,13 KJV

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes the Bible brings a message that is chilling. This is one of those times.

We might dismiss the warning, if it had not come from the lips of the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

We might think the words are not meant for us, if we were living in less troubling times. Instead, we find ourselves staring at what Jesus was describing.

To wax is the old word for to grow. To wane is the old word for to diminish. So, we understand that wickedness will greatly increase. We might, then, expect to hear that love will wane, will decrease.

Instead, Jesus said that love will grow cold. That paints a more chilling picture. It reminds us of a body that once was warm with life and now is growing cold with death.

It shows the cause and effect of the troubling times in which we live.

We have seen iniquity abounding, have we not? Sin has been woven into human lives for generations before us. History shows us the pictures of troubled times past. Evil has waxed and waned over time. But isn’t it true that few doubt that today it is growing?

Few would deny that love is lessening—not when we see the crime reports, the child abuse statistics, and listen to the political talk.

We live at a time when love is waxing cold.

The disciples had asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

He told them. He blended a picture of the end of the nation of Israel, brought about by the Romans, into a description of the end of the world, brought about by Jesus. If we see the end of Israel was horrendous, we should know the end of the world will be worse: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken” (v. 29).

Could it be that we are living in the troubling times just before this happens? Are the hands of the clock for the world’s existence about to reach midnight?

They might be.

But the message was not given to prompt us to speculate exactly when the world will end. It was relayed so that we might better understand the times we are living in. The warning is to prepare us for what will happen.

The end will come. Our earthly life will end either when our eyes close in death or when they see Jesus returning on the clouds of glory.

That is not all bad. It is no reason to be sad. Jesus prepares us for a happy ending. He added the words: “But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”

The words, “The end is coming!” are welcome words. Comforting words. Even, exciting words—for the followers of Jesus.

Saint Luke quotes the Savior as saying about the end times, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25).

This is not a time for fear or despair. These are the types of days Jesus spoke of. We can be confident that our redemption is drawing close. We have seen the signs.

We have seen love waxing cold.

Then, isn’t it time for us to stand up for Jesus, just as the famous hymn bids us? After all, we are soldiers of the cross.

Are we not?

Prayer: We pray: Lord Jesus, Savior of the nations, open our eyes to read the signs of the times. Open our hearts to accept your words of warning and comfort. Send the Holy Spirit into our lives that our love for you and others may wax warm. Grant this for your holy name’s sake. 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – November 8, 2020

2020/11/08/in Teen Devotions

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:4

Government over me

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had no government? Then we wouldn’t have to argue so much about politics! Then we wouldn’t have to worry so much about following so many rules! Then we could drive as fast as we wanted on the freeway (at least legally this time)!

Not so fast on your wishful thinking! Though it might sound good on paper if we didn’t have government interfering with our personal business, in real life it would turn out to be one chaotic mess! If there was no local government, who would prevent anyone from committing a crime—be it small or large? If there was no state or federal government, who would protect us? If there was no government, who would keep the peace? The list could go on for all the problems that would quickly arise without government.

Surely, this last year we have seen again that no government is perfect. That means sinful people in government can sometimes abuse their power and citizens will not always feel safe or even be safe. But just because there has been political and civil unrest, protests, riots, and lots of fighting (verbally and physically), that doesn’t mean that government is useless.

As Christians, we recalled last week that God is in ultimate control and he has established all authorities in all places. This week we can pause to remember that God uses the government—yes even ours—as his servant for our good.

In the apostle Paul’s time, the Romans had all kinds of evils in their government—abuses of power, persecution of Christians, laws that permit great wickedness, and even an emperor who claimed to be a god himself. Yet at the same time, that government was used by God for Paul’s good. Paul traveled on Roman roads to preach the gospel. He relied on his Roman citizenship to protect him against unfair punishments and imprisonments. He benefited from Romans soldiers who protected him from persecutors, and he even appealed to the highest Roman court for a fair trial. Those are just a few blessings Paul experienced from God’s servant, the Roman government.

So also today, whether we are in love with our government, our president, current political trends or not, God will still use our government to serve us. From roads to civil services to government programs that we benefit from to college financial aid to laws that protect and keep order to the military that defends us and so much more, thank God for the many ways he uses government for his purposes to serve you!

Prayer: Dear Lord, though our government is flawed as is every other device of sinful humans, we thank you for using our government to serve us as you see fit. Bless our land and our people for Jesus’ sake. 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.

Stand Firm in the Freedom Jesus Gives – Family Devotion – November 6, 2020

2020/11/06/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Galatians 5:1-6

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Galatians 5:1,6

Stand Firm in the Freedom Jesus Gives

Family Devotion – November 6, 2020

Devotion based on Galatians 5:1,6

See series: Devotions

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

Every November our country celebrates Veteran’s Day. On this day, we honor the brave men and women of America’s armed forces who have fought to preserve our nation’s freedom. But what do we mean when we say that America is a free country? When we are free, we are not trapped or controlled by anyone else. We can worship, speak, and act the way we think is best. We thank God for the brave people who fought for this freedom!

In God’s Word for today, Paul reminds us that we need a different kind of freedom, too. We are all trapped in sin. We all do things that are wrong. Maybe you can think of some mistakes you’ve made already today. Maybe you got impatient with your brother or sister as your family rushed out the door this morning. Maybe you had a hard time sharing or you argued with a classmate. No matter how hard we try to be perfect, we all make mistakes that disappoint God every day. These sins tie us up, like we are trapped in chains. We are all tangled up in our mistakes, and we could never break free on our own. God knew that we could not save ourselves, so in love he sent Jesus into the world to rescue us. When Jesus died on the cross, he took away all of our sin and took the punishment we deserved. Our chains are gone! The guilt of sin is gone! Jesus has set us free!

Free from our sin, what should we do? We are so happy and thankful that we want to serve God with our lives. We praise God! We worship God! We love others! We can’t wait to show God how much we love him by living the way he wants us to live and by making choices that bring him glory. We don’t have to feel trapped by our mistakes or guilt anymore. We have peace. We don’t have to try to earn God’s love or fix our sin on our own. We have grace.

We enjoy many wonderful freedoms in our country, and many brave people have fought for us. But only Jesus could set us free from the biggest problem of our sin. Whenever we start to feel trapped by our sins, we turn to God’s Word and remember that Christ has set us free! We stand firm in the freedom Christ won for us on the cross, and we live joyful lives of love and thankfulness to God.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross set us free from our sin. Through your Word, remind us that we have your full and free forgiveness. Fill our hearts with joy as we live lives of love and thankfulness to you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is sin? What are some ways that you sin?
Why did Jesus die on the cross?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why can’t we solve the problem of our sin without Jesus?
What are some things we can do to thank God for saving us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree or disagree: Christian freedom means that I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.
What might you say to encourage a friend who is afraid they’ve sinned so big that they can’t be forgiven?

Hymn: CW 390:1,5 – Salvation Unto Us Has Come

Salvation unto us has come By God’s free grace and favor.
Good works cannot avert our doom; They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone, Who did for all the world atone;
He is the one Redeemer.

Since Christ has full atonement made And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead; Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Lord, Keep Us Strong in Faith – Family Devotion – November 4, 2020

2020/11/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Daniel 6:10-12,16-23

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”… And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.
Daniel 6:6,23

Lord, Keep Us Strong in Faith

Family Devotion – November 4, 2020

Devotion based on Daniel 6:6,23

See series: Devotions

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

When you visit the zoo, what animal do you want to see first? Some people like the playful penguins. Others love the silly, swinging monkeys. A lot of people like the biggest animals the best—lions and tigers and bears! It’s fun to see these powerful creatures, as long as they are safely behind bars or a big glass wall. But can you imagine being on the other side of the glass? Can you imagine being locked in with the lions all night?

That’s exactly what happened to a man in the Bible named Daniel. The king made a law that said people had to pray to him, but Daniel loved God and kept praying to God even though he knew he could be punished for his faith. The king found out, and he punished Daniel by locking him into a den full of lions. But God protected Daniel from the lions! The next day, Daniel said to the king, “My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me.” God showed his almighty power and his love for Daniel by keeping him safe when he was in trouble because of his faith.

Unless we’re at a zoo, we won’t have to face any lions. But as Christians, we will face difficulties because of our faith in God, just like Daniel did. Our friends might make fun of us or stop spending time with us when we refuse to say or do sinful things with them. We might lose our spot on a sports team because we attend worship on a Sunday instead of going to a game. When being a Christian comes with these consequences, we might be tempted to hide or deny our faith in Jesus.

But when troubles come, we don’t have to hide our faith or be afraid. God promises to protect our faith, just like he protected Daniel from the lions! When we were baptized, God put faith in our hearts, and when we hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit grows that faith and keeps it strong. So, when we face hard times because we believe in Jesus, we go to God’s Word. His Word gives us peace in the midst of our problems. His Word gives us courage to confidently proclaim our faith in all situations. No matter what persecution we may face, God has promised to keep our faith in Jesus strong until he takes us to be with him in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we may not come face to face with lions like Daniel did, but we do face problems and persecution because of our faith. Keep us connected to God’s Word and keep our faith strong, knowing that you have promised to guard and protect your Church on earth until you come again to take us home to be with you in heaven. In Jesus’ 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

How did God save Daniel from the lions?
What did God do to save us from our sin?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does the word “persecution” mean? How might someone your age be persecuted for believing in Jesus?
If someone made fun of you for believing in Jesus, what might you say to them?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How did Daniel have the strength to stay faithful to God? How do we have that strength?
Agree or disagree: Adults face more persecution for their faith than young people do.

Hymn: CW 200:1,3 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

Though devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none. He’s judged; the deed is done!
One little word can fell him.

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Preach God’s Word With Courage – Family Devotion – November 2, 2020

2020/11/02/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 10:16-23

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 10:18-20

Preach God’s Word With Courage

Family Devotion – November 2, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 10:18-20

See series: Devotions

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

“Here’s the phone number,” Mom said to Emma as she handed her the cell phone. Tell them we want a large pizza with pepperoni and an order of garlic bread. Emma was terrified! She had to call to order the pizza. She had never done that before! What if she said something wrong? What if she didn’t know how to answer their questions? This was so embarrassing! Have you ever been scared to talk to someone? Young children will often hide behind a parent’s leg when a stranger speaks to them. Maybe you’ve felt terrified to stand in front of your class at school. No matter how old we get, it can still feel scary to talk sometimes!

In today’s Bible lesson, Jesus tells his disciples and us that we have the important job of telling people about him. Jesus wants us to tell everyone the good news that he died on the cross to take away their sins. But he warns us that it might feel scary. He warned his disciples they could get arrested or put in jail because of their preaching. Jesus tells us, “You will be hated by everyone because of me.” He says that even families will fight when they talk about him. Talking about Jesus will be hard. People will get angry with us or make fun of us. So, should we stop talking? Should we stop proclaiming the good news of Jesus?

No! Even when it feels scary, God is there to help us. Jesus promised, “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it…. for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” When we tell people about the Savior, the Holy Spirit gives us the right words to say. Even when the conversations get hard, we are not alone. God is there with us.

If you have to call for pizza for the first time, your mom might sneak over and whisper the order into your ear. What a relief! If you have to present in front of your class, your teacher might walk over and point to the right answer on your paper. Phew! You’re not up there alone! God does the same thing for us when we tell people about Jesus. He is right there beside us giving us the words to say. This gives us the courage to keep speaking, no matter how hard the conversation gets and no matter what the consequences might be. Even when it feels scary to talk about Jesus, we can feel confident. God is with us and we will never stop sharing the amazing story of our Savior!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being with us and giving us the words to say when we tell people about you. Give us courage whenever we are scared to share your story, so that everyone we know can hear the good news that their sins are forgiven. 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

Who is Jesus and what did he do for you that makes you happy?
Who are some people you can tell about this happy news?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why might talking about Jesus with an unbelieving friend or family member feel scary?
If someone asks you a question about Jesus, what could you pray about quickly to build up your courage to have that conversation?

Questions for Middle School and Above

The Bible tells us to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) We never know when a conversation about our faith might come up. How do we stay prepared to have these conversations?
Is it worth it to talk to an unbelieving friend about Jesus if you know you might lose that friend? Why or why not?

Hymn: CW 200:4 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

The Word they still shall let remain, Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain With his good gifts and Spirit.
And do what they will—Hate, steal, hurt, or kill—
Though all may be gone, Our victory is won;
The kingdom’s ours forever!

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

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

A Mighty Fortress – Week of November 2, 2020

2020/11/02/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

A Mighty Fortress – Week of November 2, 2020

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1-3, 11

ECME Devotion November 2, 2020