Devotions

God’s Grace is for All – Family Devotion – September 2, 2020

2020/09/02/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Joshua 2:8-21

For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Joshua 2:11

God’s Grace is for All

Family Devotion – September 2, 2020

Devotion based on Joshua 2:11

See series: Devotions

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

“Why did you pick her?” No one in the class could believe that Zach had picked the new girl, Maddie, for his kickball team. Maddie had moved from a different state, and this was her first day of fifth grade in her new school. Everyone knew that Dillon and Audrey were great at kickball, but Maddie? Who would want her on the team?

Zach did. Zach had some secret information. He knew that Maddie was a soccer star at her previous school, and she was going to be a great addition to the team. And sure enough, Maddie helped Zach win the big game that first day of school. Everyone was surprised by the new girl, and quickly they were glad to have her as a part of their school family.

The words we heard for the devotion today were spoken by another surprising pick, a woman named Rahab. Joshua and the Israelites had sent two spies to secretly check out the Promised Land that God was going to give them. They ended up hiding at Rahab’s house, and she protected them.

Why was this surprising? First of all, Rahab was a foreigner and not one of the Israelites. She would have been their enemy. Secondly, Rahab had been living a sinful life. Who would want to be around her?

However, there was some secret information about this woman that the spies didn’t know, but God did. Rahab had faith in the one true God. She was the one who spoke the words we heard today: “For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Rahab had faith in the Savior God of Israel and trusted that she had forgiveness and life in him.

(Here’s one more “secret” cool fact about Rahab: Not only was she an unexpected believer that God used to help the spies that day, but Rahab actually became a mother in the family line of Jesus! The promised Savior she trusted became one of her descendants. Cool!)

What an amazing story! Through Rahab, God helps us to understand something that he doesn’t want to be a secret. Jesus is the Savior of all sinners of all places of all time! So when you see other people around your city, around the country, or around the world, rejoice in the best news of all. Jesus died for them just like Jesus died for you, and one day you will be together with all believers in the Promised Land of heaven. Now that’s a secret worth telling!

Closing Prayer:

God of all nations, thank you for sending your Son to die for the sins of all people. Just as you used Rahab in a special way, use me to be your special servant. 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 use Rahab to help his people?
What lesson about God did the spies learn when they met the believer Rahab?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

If you were one of the spies, what would have been some sinful reasons for pre-judging Rahab before you got to know her?
What are some sinful reasons we pre-judge other people in this world before we get to know them?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Matthew 1:5 is the verse that tells us Rahab was in the family line of King David and of Jesus. What reasons would God have for including her in the list of the Jesus’ family?
Explain this statement: Sometimes the biggest problem that keeps me from sharing Jesus with other people is my own pride.

Hymn: CW 391:1,3-4 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

God would not have the sinner die—His Son with saving grace is nigh.
His Spirit in the Word does teach How we the blessed goal may reach.

Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son Forgives the sins that you have done.
You’re justified by Jesus’ blood; Baptized, you are a child of God.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

A Letter – Week of August 31, 2020

2020/08/31/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

A Letter – Week of August 31, 2020

You are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts

2 Corinthians 3: 3

ECME Devotion August 31, 2020

See series: ECME Devotions

Here we are. The beginning of another new school year. The beginning of a new school year is always a mix of emotions for the children, the families, and the teachers. This year is no exception to that. How are you doing? Do you find yourself occasionally thinking, “It’s just not the same?” You may be starting in person for the first time since early spring. You might be heading back to the virtual setting. You’ve likely worked diligently all summer preparing for multiple possibilities. You may be ready for tomorrow, but you know that the day after that might be different. You are likely excited to reconnect with your students and get to know some new ones. You are probably eager to use some new ideas that you gleaned over the summer. And you also could very well be concerned about the safety of your students, their families, your colleagues, your family, and yourself.

Today’s verse is written through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration by Paul to the Christians in Corinth. He describes them as a letter from Christ…written on human hearts. They were not Paul’s witnesses but Christ’s. As they lived their life of faith and shared Christ’s message, they were like a letter carrying the most precious message ever written. They shared the gift of grace and forgiveness of Jesus with those around them.

That’s you. You too, are a letter from Christ. As you begin this year, you carry with you a message far more precious than any skill or nugget of learning. Your children may learn letters, colors, new words, number concepts, fine motor skills and many other things. You also face unique challenges this year. However, the heart of all you do is sharing Jesus with them. You’ll do it on a Zoom meeting or in person when you teach the Bible lessons for sure. You’ll share Jesus when you teach them about sharing and forgiving and apologizing. You’ll share Jesus when you notice the child who isn’t connecting in a way that you would hope, and you’ll reach out and find a way for them. Your laughter and joy in learning, your patience in the tough moments, your caring heart that reaches out to encourage each parent, your prayers with and for each child can all reflect Jesus’ love. You are a letter from Christ that reminds the children, their families, your colleagues, and even yourself that while this year may be different, the love of our Savior never changes. His letter is a love letter written in the Word for you and for all. May the Lord bless you and keep you ever close to him as you share his letter. May he bless this new school year in ways that only he can.

Prayer:
Jesus, remind me, the children in my class, their families, and my colleagues that you are with us each day of this new year. Bless all we do to reflect your love to each other. Help us to grow in faith and love for you. It’s in your name we pray. Amen

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

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

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

The Faith of a Foreign Woman – Family Devotion – August 31, 2020

2020/08/31/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 15:21-28

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:28

The Faith of a Foreign Woman

Family Devotion – August 31, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 15:28

See series: Devotions

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

A few years ago, I had the most wonderful experience. It was in a hut. That’s right, a hut. It was a small building with tree branches for walls with grass and leaves for a roof. This hut was so small I could barely stand up inside of it, and only about 10 people could fit inside. It was located in the middle of nowhere in Zambia, a country in Africa. What was I doing in a hut in Africa? I was going to church!

As I visited this small village, I found out that their normal church building had burned down. So for the time, this small hut served as their church. We sat on little benches and logs as we worshiped. I didn’t understand a lot though—the service was in a different language. However, that day I saw clearly with my own eyes something very wonderful—Jesus is the Savior of all people of all nations and all languages.

Today we hear Jesus talk about the faith of a woman. But she was not an ordinary Israelite woman. She was a Canaanite, a foreigner from a different place. She came to see Jesus and asked him to help her daughter who was suffering. At first, Jesus tested her. He said that he came just for his own people, the Israelites. But the woman responded in true faith. She said that even the leftovers, even a little bit of grace, would be more than enough for her.

Jesus was so pleased. The woman understood that he came to be the Savior not just for the Israelites, but for the whole world. She understood that Jesus was her Savior. To prove this to her, Jesus showed his mighty power and healed her daughter right away.

Sometimes we get so busy in our lives that we forget there are other people out there in the world—people outside of our neighborhood, people who don’t look like us or talk like us, people outside of our country in very different places around the world. This story today is a wonderful reminder that Jesus is Savior of all. Jesus came for his people in Israel, for people in America, in Africa, in Asia, and all over.

Won’t it be so wonderful? Someday soon we will be in heaven, and we will meet this Canaanite woman and the disciples and believers from all over the world. There we will be gathered together with our one Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh what a worship service that will be!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for coming to be the Savior of the whole world. Help me find ways to share you with others so that they can join all believers in heaven one day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What lesson did Jesus teach to the foreign woman and the others watching in the story today?
Of all the people in the Bible, whom will you be most excited to meet in heaven? Why?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why did Jesus test the woman before helping her? Wasn’t that mean of him to do?
The disciples were there when Jesus spoke with this woman. What lesson did they learn that day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why do you think Satan tempts people to think that Jesus is only for people “just like me” instead of for all people?
Identify ways that you can share Jesus with other people around the world, even if you aren’t a missionary.

Hymn: CW 391:1,2 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

Christ is the solid rock of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death.
All who confide in him alone Are built on this chief cornerstone.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – August 30, 2020

2020/08/30/in Teen Devotions

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25:21

God’s good gifts

Have you ever received a compliment from someone you admire? A parent gave you loving personal advice that helped you greatly. A coach congratulated you on a great performance and inspired you to keep playing well. A teacher took notice of your work ethic and motivated you to continue your efforts. A friend knew just the right thing to say.

What did you do to receive that compliment? Likely, you utilized some talent or ability that you have. Did you know that God’s Word says that, to everyone who believes in God, he gives spiritual gifts or special abilities! (See 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 1 Peter 4:10.)

On top of the forgiveness and goodness that Jesus richly pours into our hearts and lives, in addition to taking away your sins and taking all your troubles on himself because he cares for you, God blesses you with abilities. As a cherry on top of the joy, peace, hope, faith, and love that God serves to you in your Baptism, God gives you even more gifts, which are the very talents you have!

The gifts God gives are varied. God gives his gifts to people in varied amounts, too. But rest assured, God gives to you! Some have artistic abilities to create in awe-inspiring ways. Other people are leaders who motivate groups to get things done. Musicians skillfully use their voices or instruments. Others have the unique ability to encourage with just the right word at the right time. Those with the gift of hospitality make strangers feel like friends. Some have the ability to write clearly, give generously, serve faithfully, think deeply, or care compassionately. The list could go on and on!

Whatever your gifts may be, understand this about your gifts: your gifts are not from you or for you! First, they are from God. Your talents are not something that are from you, your hard work, or that you developed on your own. Rather, God is the giver of every good gift, including your abilities! Second, knowing that our gifts are from God we better know how we are to use them. Your gifts are for serving those around you. The reason God gives his good gifts to us is so that our neighbors will be served, and through our service to others we give glory and praise to God!

To those who use their gifts faithfully, God says, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

What an unforgettable compliment!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gifts that you give us on top of the gift of your grace! Thank you for blessing us with talents and abilities. Forgive us for using these gifts selfishly to serve ourselves. By your Spirit, help us to use all the gifts you’ve given us to give glory to you. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Not an order – August 30, 2020

2020/08/30/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Not an order – August 30, 2020

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:29-31

Military Devotion – August 30, 2020

Devotion based on Acts 16:29-31

See series: Military Devotions

Roman jailers were soldiers with a special MOS. It was a safe assignment—unless your prisoner escaped. A jailer who lost a prisoner lost his life.

Knowing this adds clarity and urgency to the situation at Philippi.

When Paul and Silas drove a demon out of a slave girl who had been telling the future, her owners lost a source of money. Angered, they dragged the apostles before the court with the charge, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice” (Acts 16:20,21).

A mob gathered to demand action. The court ordered the apostles to be stripped, beaten, then thrown into jail with feet chained in stocks. The jailer made certain they could not escape.

Imagine his fright when a midnight earthquake threw the cell doors open and unlocked the chains. Fright turned to despair. He drew his sword to kill himself.

A shout stopped him: “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” That came from Paul, his prisoner.

The jailer recognized all this was the work of God. He begged for life: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” He received a simple answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus…”

It wasn’t a command. It was an invitation.

Some folks think the Bible is only all about commands. “Thou shalt! Thou shalt not!”

Some believe the message is: “If you want to get on God’s good side, do what he says!” Such people feel they will then be rewarded—not with a ribbon or a medal, but with blessings during earthly life and a placed reserved for them in heaven.

It’s an empty hope. They don’t realize that none of us can pass divine inspection. Our best attempts fall far short of the perfection that Command demands.

The best that we can do? We hear what that’s worth: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags. We all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

The Bible seems to spell out our death sentence. So why would someone sing, “Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so”?

We sing it because it is true.

The Bible carries the lightning strikes of God’s Law. But it also brings the soft breeze of his gospel. He does not want to punish us. Listen: “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11)

But how can shriveled leaves do anything? How can they turn to God?

God makes that possible. He promised, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17).

He did.

The Holy Spirit infuses life into shriveled lives. He points to Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. He announces that Jesus obeyed the Law of God perfectly. Perfect obedience was then credited to our account. He was punished in our place. We are declared innocent.

The Holy Spirit creates the power for us to believe it. We call it saving faith.

Like that Roman soldier, we face death without it. Like that soldier, we are offered life.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus!”

It’s not an order.

It is a life-saving invitation.

Prayer: Holy Spirit source of faith and life, we thank you for allowing us to know that our salvation has been won and is offered to us full and free. Stay with us as we walk through our earthly life. Preserve us in the saving faith. 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.

We Trust Jesus to Lead Us to Heaven – Family Devotion – August 28, 2020

2020/08/28/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: James 1:2-8, 12

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:2-3, 12

We Trust Jesus to Lead Us to Heaven

Family Devotion – August 28, 2020

Devotion based on James 1:2-3, 12

See series: Devotions

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

“You can do it! Push! Push!” The coach kept encouraging his football team as the players ran up and down the field. They were exhausted! They had been running sprints for five minutes, and that was after a full practice! Some of them felt like they were going to fall over and wouldn’t make it. Somehow, they all finished their hard work.

A few weeks later, the team finally realized that their “mean coach” who tested their strength was actually a loving and wise coach. They were playing their toughest opponent of the year. At the end of the game when the other team was getting tired, their team had the strength to finish the game and win. You see, by testing them, their coach was actually strengthening them. Because they were stronger, they were able to win the big game.

Most people don’t like to be tested. Whether you are seven or seventeen, kids don’t like tests in school. Parents don’t like testing times at work that push them to stress out and work harder. And no one likes it when life is really tough and tests the strength of your faith.

However, James tells us something very strange today. He reminds us that we can celebrate when we face tough times and our faith is tested. Now why would we do that? Why would some enjoy being sick or be happy when school gets really tough or when there are all kinds of problems because of the Coronavirus?

James gives us two answers today. First, like an athlete that gets stronger by working out, Christians grow stronger in their faith when they are tested. You learn to rely on God more when life is tough. You learn to turn to the Bible more, pray more, and trust God and his promises. This is how your faith muscles grow big and strong during difficult times.

Secondly, James reminds us that we have a championship to win. As we pass the tests of faith that strengthen us, we will finally receive the ultimate trophy—the crown of life, which is eternal life in heaven. But good news! Jesus already won the trophy for us at the cross! He defeated our opponent the devil, and he gladly passes on the victory to you and to me. The trophy of heaven is already won and is waiting for you right now!

He knows how to use those difficult times to draw us closer to him. Soon enough, with his help we will pass those tests and receive that crown of life in heaven. No matter how big the test, rejoice that a loving and wise God is working for your good!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, when life is difficult and challenging, give me strength to pass the tests of faith as you lead me on to life in heaven with you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is something that is really tough for you in your life right now?
How do you know that Jesus is strong enough to help you when your life is hard?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why can God be considered loving even when he allows us to suffer in life?
Explain in your own words what “the crown of life” is.

Questions for Middle School and Above

One of the main reasons people visit a church for the first time is because something sad or bad happened in their lives. Why do you think that is the case?
When something bad happens in someone else’s life how can you encourage and help them?

Hymn: CW 379:1,4 – 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.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Jesus Encourages Us with His Word – Family Devotion – August 26, 2020

2020/08/26/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-18

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

1 Kings 19:11-13

Jesus Encourages Us with His Word

Family Devotion – August 26, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:11-13

See series: Devotions

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

“Come here, you little butterball!” Aunt Sharon reached out her hands and took pudgy little baby Tyler from his father. Tyler wasn’t about to have it, though. He didn’t recognize Aunt Sharon’s face, and he didn’t like it one bit. He couldn’t say any words, but he knew what to do when he was scared. He paused, took a deep breath, and with a red face burst into tears and a loud cry.

Tyler’s dad took his son back and did what he always does. He gently held him and whispered in his ear, “Shh! Tyler, it’ll be OK. Shh!” Instantly the tears stopped. Baby Tyler recognized his father’s voice and felt calm and safe. Everything was going to be alright.

It’s interesting how quickly children learn to recognize the voices and presence of their parents. Anytime they are lost or scared or in trouble, they learn to call out, “Dad? . . . Mom?” And as soon as they hear their parent’s voice and run into their arms, they feel better and safe.

The prophet Elijah was very afraid. A wicked queen was threatening to hurt him. It made him feel as if he was the only believer left in Israel. He was in danger, lonely, and afraid. So Elijah went to hide in a cave. That’s when God came to him. Now Elijah might have expected God to show his powerful presence in a mighty wind, an earthquake, or a fire. But surprisingly, God came to Elijah with a gentle whisper. The soothing and comforting words of God reminded Elijah that the Lord was with him and would help him.

Sometimes life makes us very afraid. We might be in danger or feel lonely or very afraid, just like Elijah. We might wonder, “Where is God’s presence? Why won’t God help me? Why won’t he show me his power?” But don’t be confused or look for him in the wrong places! Instead, listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice. No, it’s not coming from your cell phone or speaking to you in a dream. God’s gentle voice can be heard loud and clear through his Word. In the Bible, God makes his power so clear to us. He created us! He cares for us! He saved us! In the Bible, God also makes his comforting promises clear to us. He always forgives us! He’s always with us! He will take us to be with him in heaven!

Listen to the gentle whisper of your heavenly Father. The Bible is where you will find comfort and safety in his encouraging words.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to listen to your voice as you comfort and encourage me in your Word. 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 voice do you hear in the Bible?
How does God want us to feel when we hear his voice?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Even though God always shows himself to be trustworthy, why do we become afraid so often?
What Bible story or Bible verse is most comforting and encouraging to you? Why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why doesn’t God show his power in amazing miracles today like he did in Bible times?
How is a believer reading the Bible similar to a child being soothed by a parent’s voice? How is it different?

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.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Jesus Shows His Almighty Power – Family Devotion – August 24, 2020

2020/08/24/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 14:22-33

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Matthew 14:29-31

Jesus Shows His Almighty Power

Family Devotion – August 24, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 14:29-31

See series: Devotions

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

“Uh-uh!” Maggie shook her head stubbornly and said it again, “Uh-uh!” Her eyes were wide open, her hands were shaking, and she was frozen in place. “Come on, Maggie. It’s OK. I’ll catch you,” her father said. “Go ahead and jump into the pool. I’m right here, and you’ll be fine.”

This went on for almost five minutes. Maggie’s dad kept assuring her that everything was going to be alright, but little three-year-old Maggie was terrified. The water seemed so deep, and she wasn’t sure she could swim. It didn’t matter that she had puffy unicorn floaties around her arms or that her father said he would catch her. She was so afraid!

Finally, Maggie somehow managed enough courage. She closed her eyes, plugged her nose, and jumped into the water. Sure enough, Maggie’s dad caught her, held her up, and she was floating in the water. “See that wasn’t so bad! Why didn’t you trust me, honey?”

Fear can make people do a lot of crazy things! But fear also keeps people from doing a lot of things. Fear might keep you away from snakes, the edges of really high buildings, or from going to the dentist. Worst of all, fear might keep you from trusting in God.

That happened to Peter in today’s story. Even though Jesus was walking on water in front of him and invited him to do the same, and even though he actually started to walk out onto the water, the wind and the waves terrified Peter, so he began to sink. When Jesus pulled him out of the water, he asked Peter why he didn’t trust him.

There are many things in life that are very scary—sickness and cancer, hurricanes and tornadoes, evil people doing bad things, and so much more. When you are afraid of something, do what Peter forgot to do. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look at his power to help you. He can walk on water and save you like he saved Peter. Even better, look at his power at his cross and empty tomb. Jesus doesn’t just save us from worldly problems, Jesus saved us from our sins and from Satan! That almighty power makes Jesus someone that we can trust every single day!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, when I am afraid, help me to trust in you. Remind me of your mighty power that saved me from my sin and comfort me with your strength. 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 something that you are afraid of?
How does Jesus help with something you are afraid of?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does the word doubt mean?
Why does Jesus’ empty tomb prove that we should never doubt him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain this statement: If you have doubts about God, that proves you still have faith in God.
Explain this statement: What matters is not how strong your faith is, but whom you put your faith in.

Hymn: CW 379:1,2 – 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.

The Lord has promised good to me; His Word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Need a Cape? – Week of August 24, 2020

2020/08/24/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Need a Cape? – Week of August 24, 2020

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:35-37

ECME Devotion August 24, 2020

See series: ECME Devotions

Don’t you love a child with a cape. The look on their faces is pure joy and confidence. With arms raised they fly off to save the day! They can conquer the bad guys and save you, their friends, and every stuffed animal in the room! They exude a feeling of strength and ability and no evidence that they could possibly loose this battle.

Think about that child. They are excited and full of confidence. Fear is not part of their role playing. On what do they base their confidence? They have seen superheroes in videos. They have a cape and maybe a costume. In their imagination, they have all the superpowers they need.

You and I have battles to fight and fears to squelch. Every day we are faced with the influences of the world, the impact of sin in our world, and concerns that can leave us looking for that superhero.

Of all the challenges we face, the most terrifying is our own sin that could lead to a separation from Christ and his love. Without Christ, we are completely lost. Our guilt can challenge our faith and leave us feeling discouraged and despairing. All the capes of the world can’t change that.

While you might not don a cape, you can have even more confidence and enthusiasm than the young child in your room. You don’t have a fictitious character as your model of a superhero. You have someone far more powerful than a superhero. You have the loving and living God who created you and everything in your world. He is the one who looked at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden hiding after they sinned and responded with the promise of Jesus. That promise wasn’t just for Adam and Eve. It was for you and me as well! No matter what happens to you during your short life on earth, you have grace and forgiveness and heaven is yours. His forgiveness assures us that nothing can separate us from him. He has conquered far more than any superhero; he has conquered our sin. You and I can fly into each day with confidence that we are conquerors through Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am so grateful for your grace. Help me to keep the words of Romans 8 in front of me to remind me that in the words of the hymnwriter:

Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever;
Unto them his grace he showeth, and their sorrows all he knoweth. Amen.
Christian Worship 449:3

A Question to Consider: Who do you know that could use the reminders and encouragement of these verses? Consider sharing them with them by forwarding this devotion and perhaps including a personal word of encouragement.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – August 23, 2020

2020/08/23/in Teen Devotions

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14

How could a loving God send people to hell?

“How could a loving God send people to hell?” This question wrestles with two important biblical truths.

First, is God loving? Yes! God is absolutely loving. In fact, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God is also perfect. Therefore, God is perfect in his ability to love and be love!

Second, does God send people to hell? Again, yes. The same God who is perfectly loving is also just and holy. Because God is holy there are things our God cannot love. He cannot love evil, which is the opposite of holiness. God doesn’t love murder, abuse, selfishness, or pride. Therefore, God justly does something about evil and those who do evil. He punishes evil and all who sin by removing them from his presence. That is, he sends people to hell. Hell is eternal separation from God and his love.

So, is God really loving? Let me tell you how really loving God is!

Even though we all sin, deserve hell, and ought to have God remove his amazing love from us, God did something about hell. He went there. For you! God put his limitless, perfect love on display by sending his son, Jesus, to suffer the pain of hell for sinners like you and me. God didn’t just leave sins unpunished and forget about justice. He carried our sins and experienced hell for us. Jesus was separated from God’s love so we would never be. In doing so, God took our sins from us, then clothed us in Christ’s holiness.

Jesus told a parable where a king (God) invited many guests to enjoy an amazing wedding reception (God’s love in heaven). How did people respond? Sadly, many invited guests rejected the invitation because they wanted nothing to do with God or his love. Logically, they were not allowed into the party. They suffered hell.

Yet, how did the king (God) respond? With love! He determinedly sent his invitation to others so more and more might enjoy the party (God’s love in heaven)!

The same happens today. Though many reject God’s love, God responded to our human evil and sin by sending his Son to forgive. Through Christ, God gathers more and more people to himself! On the cross he removed the rags of our sin and clothed us with his robes of righteousness.

So, how do we respond to the good news of God’s love in bringing us into his eternal party of heaven?

First, enjoy it! Nothing needs to be done. The King has prepared everything for you and given every good thing to you. Enjoy what God has done for you in Christ. Enjoy who God has made you in Christ!

Second, go! Invite your friends to the party. Tell everyone they’re invited! Tell everyone they have a loving God.

Prayer: Dear God, we praise you for your love and mercy. Thank you for sending us your relentless love, which you give us even when we sin. Help us to rejoice in the righteousness you cover us with all the days our life. Use us to spread your love to others so that they too might be with us in your eternal party of heaven. 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.

The Church Militant – August 23, 2020

2020/08/23/in Devotions, Military Devotions

The Church Militant – August 23, 2020

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:11,12

Military Devotion – August 23, 2020

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:11,12

See series: Military Devotions

The follower of Jesus is always at war. He remains in the Church Militant until he enters the Church Triumphant. There is no Church Pacifist. Those who do not fight are dead.

Some folks question that by pointing to the words of Jesus: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).

And yet, Jesus overturned tables and drove the money changers out of the temple—twice. One time, with a whip!

A slap on the cheek is an insult, not a threat to life. Turning the other cheek can defuse a situation. If an actual threat arises, the government does not hold the sword in vain, nor should an individual hesitate to keep the Fifth Commandment by defending himself or others.

But the Christian’s biggest threat does not come from a terrorist or robber, as dangerous as those might be. The most they can take is our earthly life. We will eventually give that up anyway.

The deadliest threat comes from enemies who would rob us of the peace with God. To such, we dare never turn the other cheek. Never declare a truce. Their goal is to kill our faith and one day join with them in the forever-dark pits of hell.

Of such, we need to be afraid. Against such, we must fight. Yet, before such, we are helpless.

But the Lord our God is not! Using his power, we can be strong. Using his protection, we can resist them. We can defeat them!

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” is the command. “Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war.” is the song.

The enemy uses deception. That makes them more deadly. In the Battle of the Bulge, some English-speaking German SS troops put on American uniforms and began directing traffic—in the wrong direction. At times, they suddenly opened fire on unsuspecting troops.

The G.I.s had to start testing others by asking questions to which only Americans would know the answers: “Who won the last World Series?” Another was, “What is the capital of Illinois?” When U.S. General Bradley answered, “Springfield” a young soldier detained him. The soldier thought the answer should be “Chicago.” He was quickly straightened out.

Even so must we know well the facts of the kingdom of Light lest we be misled by the forces of darkness. Lest we mislead ourselves. The Bible provides the details of how our salvation was won and how it must be kept. It gives the names of our leaders and lists the heroes of old.

It identifies our Commander. It relays his commands. It carries his encouragement.

We are not alone in this fight. But we must be in this fight. The battle for our salvation has been won. The battle for our soul rages on.

Why would we throw away the victory and join the defeated?

We won’t.

Prayer:
My soul, be on thy guard,
Ten thousand foes arise,
And hosts of sin are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies.

Oh, watch, and fight, and pray,
The battle ne’er give o’er,
Renew it boldly every day,
And help divine implore.

Ne’er think the victory won,
Nor lay thine armor down;
Thine arduous work will not be done
Till thou obtain the crown.

Fight on, my soul, till death
Shall bring thee to thy God;
He’ll take thee at thy parting breath
To His divine abode. 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.

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Providing Love – Family Devotion – August 21, 2020

2020/08/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 8:35-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Providing Love

Family Devotion – August 21, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 8:37-39

See series: Devotions

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

This has been a very difficult year! Many sad and challenging things have happened in the world this year, but maybe the most difficult of them all has been the Coronavirus. This worldwide sickness has prevented people from going to school or church. Many have had to work from home. Some of have lost their jobs. And of course, many people have gotten sick, and some have even died.

Almost every part of regular life has been affected or changed by the Coronavirus. Well, except one thing. The one thing that has not changed over the last few months has been this—God still loves you. That has not changed and that will never change.

The apostle Paul is someone who also experienced a lot of challenges in his life. Sometimes he went without food or shelter. Sometimes people hurt him or put him in prison because he preached about Jesus. Yet no matter what happened to him, God still provided for him in love.

Today the apostle Paul reminds us with some very comforting words that nothing will stop God from loving us either. No trouble, no disease or virus, no angel or demon, not even death or life—no, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. Nothing. Ever. What a comfort!

You see, God loves you so much that your sins couldn’t even separate you from his love. He sent Jesus to take away your sin so that you could experience his forgiveness and love every day as his dear child. God guaranteed you that love personally when you were baptized.

Since God loved you so much that he would provide for your spiritual needs, he will also love you enough to provide for your physical needs. In other words, if God loves you enough to provide you with life in heaven, he will also love you enough to provide you with the things you need for life here on earth.

Whether it’s the Coronavirus, cancer, or another sickness, whether it’s problems with friends or in your home, or whether there is danger or disaster, you can still rejoice that one thing will never change—God will be with you with his love!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that nothing will keep you from caring and providing for me. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What are some ways that your life has changed because of the Coronavirus?
What are some ways God has shown your family love during these last few months?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Explain how God might work through bad things in life to show us love.
Why is Jesus’ death on the cross the greatest proof of God’s love for us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What are the hardest times or situations to trust that God still loves you? Why?
If God’s love is given and revealed to us in Jesus, how can we stay more connected to him and his love?

Hymn: CW 349:1,5 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide thee, Naught I ask beside thee.

Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within.
Yea, whate’er I here must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

God Provides for Me through Other People – Family Devotion – August 19, 2020

2020/08/19/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Genesis 41:41-49

Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
Genesis 41:48-49

God Provides for Me through Other People

Family Devotion – August 19, 2020

Devotion based on Genesis 41:48-49

See series: Devotions

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

Where does your food come from? There are many ways to answer that question. Some might say, “the refrigerator,” or others might say, “Dad or Mom.” Some might say that their food comes from the grocery store. None of those is wrong, but there is much more to the answer!

Think about a loaf of bread. Where does that bread come from? Well, there are farmers who grow the grain, factories filled with workers who bake the bread and package it. There are drivers who deliver it to the stores, workers who put it on the shelves, and workers in the checkout line when you pay. Of course, in order to pay you also need money. That’s why people have jobs—to earn money so they can buy things like food and clothes and more.

What an amazing puzzle that God pieces together! All of those people and many more are all doing their individual jobs, yet God uses all of them just so that you can have some toast or a sandwich!

This is the way that God works to provide all things in this world. God provides through people who are just like you! He uses farmers, factory workers, construction workers, city leaders, and countless other people so that you can have your home, clothing, food, safety, and so much more.

Today we heard about the special way that God used Joseph to provide for others. Joseph had an incredible story. His brothers were angry with him and tried to get rid of him. He ended up far away from home in Egypt and later was put in jail. Finally, after many hard times, Joseph became second in command in all of Egypt! But God was working behind the scenes in all of this. God worked to put Joseph in that place of leadership so that he could provide for many people.

Joseph had a dream from God that helped him to know that after seven years of extra blessings of food, there would be seven years of famine with almost no food. So Joseph created a plan to save up extra food during the seven good years so that there would be plenty of extra food for the seven bad years. In this way, God used Joseph to store up food and provide for many, many people.

When we understand that God uses us in these amazing ways to provide for and love our neighbors, it helps us to understand that each and every person is important. God uses the police officer, the garbage truck driver, the mailman, the doctor, the nurse, the grocery store clerk, the business owner, and so many more—all are a part of God’s loving plans to provide for you and everyone else! Thank God for the way he provides for people through others, and even through you and me!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for using so many people in this world to provide for us. Please find ways to use us to provide for others, too. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Why is going to work and earning money a blessing for grown-ups?
Discuss as a family all the people and things that God uses to provide you with a glass of milk.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How did God use bad things in Joseph’s life to bring blessings to him and to others?
God had even bigger plans in mind with Joseph! He also used Joseph to provide for and preserve his own family, the Israelites. Why was that so important?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain why God makes it so that every person’s calling—father, mother, husband, wife, employee, boss—is an important and valuable role?
What job or career do you want to have some day? How might God use you in that specific job or career to provide for many other people?

Hymn: CW 349:1,4 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide thee, Naught I ask beside thee.

Hence, all earthly treasure! Jesus is my pleasure; Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory! Naught to me thy story Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss Or shame or cross
Shall not from my Savior move me Since he deigns to love me.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

“Come,” Jesus Said – Week of August 17, 2020

2020/08/17/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

“Come,” Jesus Said – Week of August 17, 2020

“Come,” [Jesus] said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Matthew 14:29-32

ECME Devotion August 17, 2020

See series: ECME Devotions

As the little girl stands at the edge of the pool, her dad reaches out and says to her, “Jump, I’ve got you.” Some will hesitate but most, with a bit of urging, fly into dad’s waiting arms. They’ve done it before, and he caught her every time. She’s jumped from the sofa, the top step, and now the pool. She jumps with a giggle of trust and excitement.

In our verses for today, Jesus and his disciples had finished feeding the crowd with the small portions of fish and bread. Over and over, the disciples have witnessed Jesus responding in love with healing and providing for those around him. Jesus sent the disciples on ahead of him. While crossing the lake, a storm came up that tossed the boat in a way that would raise fear in most of us. On top of that, the previous verses say that Jesus went out to them shortly before dawn. What’s worse than being on a lake during a storm? Being on a lake during a storm at night. Off in the distance the disciples see someone crossing the lake. Thinking he was a ghost; their fears were heightened even more. Then they hear his voice telling them “It is I.” We can count on Peter to respond impulsively and tell Jesus that if it is truly him, to invite Peter to join him on the water. Jesus shares one word— “Come.” No long explanation to prove who he was. “Come.”

Sometimes we can feel like we’re in a storm in the middle of the night. We feel like we being tossed about by worry, fear, doubt, guilt. We can feel helpless and anxious. We can so often try to manage it all on our own. We fret. We worry. We may find ways to manage our stress that is not good for us or God pleasing. The worst of our struggles may be guilt over a particular sin or many sins.

In those times, reach for the Word. In it you will find a reassurance even greater than the trust the little girl has in her dad. Over and over the Bible reminds us of God’s love for us, his power over evil, over enemies of his, and over our sin. Recall the stories of Daniel, Noah, Joseph, and David. God’s love for his people and his power over all things is beyond our understanding. Of all the things he has done, they all point to Jesus—the ultimate promise kept. Jesus’ defeat of Satan sealed our assurance that forgiveness and heaven is ours through faith. We can trust that and we can trust him.

You may not be facing the fear of jumping into a pool or being on a boat during a storm, but each day can bring concerns and fears that make us anxious. Look to Jesus’ open arms saying to you, “Come.” Go to him in prayer and confidence knowing not only that can he help you, he wants to help you because of his unending love for you.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, you have power over wind and waves. Even more, you have redeemed me with your power over sin. Forgive me when I doubt. Help me to put my trust in you with confidence in your love for me. In your name I pray. Amen

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

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

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

God Provides in Amazing Ways – Family Devotion – August 17, 2020

2020/08/17/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 14:13-21

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:19-21

God Provides in Amazing Ways

Family Devotion – August 17, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 14:19-21

See series: Devotions

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

“You’ve done it again, honey!” Dave said to his wife. “You’ve made enough food to feed an army!” It wasn’t a normal family get-together unless Dave spoke those words at some point. Aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents—the whole family would gather for fun weekends to enjoy family, fun, and lots of food! Usually it was about halfway through the meal that Dave, patting his full belly, would announce his famous line, “This is enough food to feed an army!”

That’s a funny phrase people use. Families often have big meals with way too much food, especially at Thanksgiving or Christmas. But could their food really feed an entire army of hungry people? No way! Who could actually provide that much food? Today we are reminded of one simple, yet amazing answer—Jesus. Jesus is so powerful that he can provide for all people.

Can you picture the hungry crowd we heard about today? Thousands and thousands of people were gathered to see and hear Jesus. However, it was well past snack time and now close to dinner time, so the disciples wanted to send the people away to eat. After all, hungry, grumpy people are no fun to be around! Besides, they had hardly any food—only five loaves of bread and two fish. That wasn’t enough to feed an army, this big crowd, or even the 12 disciples.

But Jesus was about to teach them something amazing on that day. After he gave thanks for the food they had, Jesus told the disciples to start handing it out to the people. Incredibly, not only did everyone eat, and not only were they all full and satisfied, but there were even 12 basketfuls left over! Incredible!

Who else could do something so amazing besides God himself? And that’s the point! Jesus shows us with this miracle that he is true God. As God, Jesus is able to provide for every need we have. Whether your family is very large or very small, God will provide. Whether your family has a lot of money or a little money, God will provide. Whether your fridge is full or almost empty, God will provide.

And here’s the best part, the loving Savior who can feed thousands of people is also the same Savior who is so powerful that he can provide what you really need—forgiveness of sins and life in heaven. Thanks be to God for all his physical and spiritual blessings!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for using your mighty power to provide for the needs of our bodies and our souls. 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 your favorite foods that God provides for you?
How does God use your family to provide for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How does God bless people who work on farms or in fields so that they can provide food for us?
What do we mean when we ask in the Lord’s Prayer for God to give us “daily bread”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain this statement: God shows he is loving by providing even for the unbelievers.
Jesus provides us bread to eat, but what does he mean when he calls himself the Bread of Life?

Hymn: CW 349:1 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide thee, Naught I ask beside thee.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Dumbfounded – August 16, 2020

2020/08/16/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Dumbfounded – August 16, 2020

Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.
Mark 5:17

Military Devotion – August 16, 2020

Devotion based on Mark 5:17

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes the angels must be dumbfounded at what humans say and do. Sometimes they must shake their heads at our dangerous foolishness.

The plea, “Oh come, oh come, Immanuel” rose from the voices of God’s people, the Israelites, for millennia of Old Testament time. He finally came. He was standing before them. He had come to rescue them. And what was their response?

They pleaded with him to leave.

In our mind’s eye, we can picture the attending angels saying, “What?” Why in heaven would these people want Jesus to be nowhere in their life?

The answer is not found in heaven. It comes from the pit of darkness. But to those people, it must have seemed like a good answer. We want to know why.

Jesus had spent the night crossing the Sea of Galilee, where he rebuked wind and waves to still a storm. Upon reaching the shore, a frightening scene unfolded. A man came running to him from out of the tombs. He was a wild man. Not even chains could hold him. Day and night, he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

We might have thought he was crazy. He wasn’t. He was possessed by a herd of demons.

Confronted by Jesus, the demons begged him to not send them away. “Send us among the pigs!” they pleaded. A herd of them was nearby.

He did. And the 2,000 pigs rushed down a steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

The pig keepers told the townspeople and those people rushed out to see what had happened. They found Jesus sitting down with the scary man, who was now dressed and in his right mind.

This frightened them. Thus, “Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”

We wonder what they were afraid of. Did they fear Jesus would use his supernatural power against them? But couldn’t they see how he had used it to deliver this suffering person from hellish power?

Were they afraid Jesus would cause them to lose money? After all, the loss of thousands of pigs must have hurt someone’s pocketbook. Were other herds of pigs at risk if Jesus stayed?

We must ask why those pigs were there in the first place. Weren’t swine declared off-limits to God’s Old Testament people? From Mount Sinai didn’t God command them, “The pig is also unclean; although it has a split hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or touch their carcasses” (Deuteronomy 14:8).

So why were these people pig farmers? Did they like the taste of the meat? Did they like the taste of the money?

We don’t know. What we can be certain of is that they did not like Jesus being with them.

It makes us think of times when we might not want Jesus present in our lives. Might that be the times when we know we are planning to do something he would not approve of? Could it be the times when we are angry with him because he did not allow us to have something we desperately wanted—or the times when he did not prevent something we hated?

The victim of the devilish torment had a different reaction. He pleaded for permission to go with Jesus. He knew the wonder of divine deliverance.

We are like him, are we not? Don’t we know the wonder of being rescued from the powers of darkness? Do we not know the blessings that Jesus has brought us? Do we not plead with him to stay with us always?

To ever tell Jesus to get out of our lives would not just dumbfound angels. It would just be plain dumb for us to do.

Wouldn’t it?

Prayer: Abide with us, Lord Jesus! Amen.

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – August 16, 2020

2020/08/16/in Teen Devotions

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Matthew 20:16

Life’s not fair!

“Life’s not fair!” Do you agree with that statement? Have you ever said that yourself?

Imagine this: Monday through Friday you put in the proverbial blood, sweat, and tears at your job. On Friday, you receive a large paycheck. You’re pumped!

What if your co-worker, who had worked just one day that week, got paid the same amount? That would not be fair. You would be irritated! You might protest this unfairness to your boss. And if your boss said to you, “Life’s not fair”—you’d be outraged!

We want life to be fair.

Fairness makes sense. We live in a culture that emphasizes a person’s ability to work hard and get what they deserve. If we put in longer hours at our job, we make more than those who don’t. If we study harder for an exam, we get a better grade than those who didn’t. If we practice harder, we get more playing time. The best, brightest, and most beautiful all go to the front of the line. It’s only fair!

Jesus told a story that completely flips this way of thinking. In the story, a landowner (Jesus) hires workers (us). Some work a lot; some work little. But get this: they all get paid the same. Jesus finished the parable by saying, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” What’s Jesus’ point?

He does not care about fairness!

Instead, Jesus is all about graciousness!

Jesus’ story illustrates God’s grace. Grace is God’s love to you, it has nothing to do with you. Grace has everything to do with God. Grace is irrational in the sense that it is not based on anything you do or deserve. Grace has nothing to do with your talents or abilities. Grace defies logic. Grace is—quite literally—unfair.

What if God was fair? What if God did give us what we deserve? What we deserve, because of our sin and unholiness, is death and separation from God. What God gives us instead is the gracious gift of life forever with him (Romans 6:23). Fairness means we deserve “last.” Grace is us coming in “first.”

The next time you hear someone say, “Life’s not fair!” remember: they’re correct. Life’s not fair.

That’s a good thing! It means we have eternal life with Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, we praise you for your grace to us. For the times we imagine we deserve something from you, forgive us. Through your Word, help us to know the grace you’ve given us in Christ, and grow in a deeper and fuller appreciation of that gift. 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.

Nothing is More Valuable than God’s Work in Our Lives – Family Devotion – August 14, 2020

2020/08/14/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 8:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Nothing is More Valuable than God’s Work in Our Lives

Family Devotion – August 14, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 8:28

See series: Devotions

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

Maya was confused. She scratched her head. She squinted her eyes. She tilted her head sideways to the right, then slowly to the left. “I don’t get it, Momma,” she said. “This painting is ugly.”

It was Maya’s first time at an art gallery, and the very first painting she saw was so big that it stretched from floor to ceiling. Maya was staring at it for a while but couldn’t quite figure out what the painting was about. “Step back here, honey,” Maya’s mom said to her. She led Maya to the back of the room and then turned her around to face the painting again. “Oh! I see! I get it now!” Maya suddenly saw the most beautiful painting of two little children running through the fields in front of a mountain with a colorful sunset in the background.

You see, Maya was standing too close. All she saw were splashes of red here and blue there, and strokes of the paint brush all over. None of it made much sense until she stepped back and saw the whole picture. Then she realized that the artist had created a beautiful masterpiece.

This is the way our lives can be. You might get a bad homework grade. You might lose the big game. Maybe mom or dad loses their job. Maybe someone even gets sick with cancer. When these things happen to us, at the time it can be very easy for us to think, “Eww! That’s ugly! What a horrible thing!”

But the apostle Paul reminds us of something wonderful today. In all things—both good things and bad things—God is working for our good. It might not feel good at the time, but God knows how it will work out. That bad homework grade might motivate you to work harder as a student. The game you lost might encourage you to practice more. Someone losing a job or getting a sick can be a reminder how much we need God and how much we look forward to heaven.

Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at our lives and say, “Oh! I see! I get it now! How beautiful!” The whole time, God has been working by the power of his Word in our lives—bringing us to faith in Jesus, strengthening our faith, and leading us on toward heaven. Everything that happens in life is something that God can use to keep us close to him and on the path toward heaven. Then, one day, when we finally get to heaven, we will be able to look at the whole “painting” of our lives and say, “How beautiful!” God created another masterpiece!”

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, sometimes there are things that seem very bad in life. Help me to trust that you work all things, even bad things, for our good as you lead us toward our heavenly homes. 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

Can you think of something bad that has happened to you or your family?
Ask your parent(s) how God did or might in the future work that for good.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do bad things happen to us in this life?
What is the best thing that God has done for you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

When you are suffering through really hard times, what makes it so difficult to trust that God will work it out for good?
How do we know we can trust God’s promise to work all things for our good?

Hymn: CW 757:1,4 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain

O little flock, do not be frightened;
Yours is the kingdom of the Lord.
Give your possessions to the needy;
Obtain a treasure in God’s heaven safely stored.
Refrain

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth – Family Devotion – August 12, 2020

2020/08/12/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
1 Kings 3:10-12

Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth

Family Devotion – August 12, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Kings 3:10-12

See series: Devotions

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

If you could have anything in the world, absolutely anything you asked for, what would you want?

There might be all kinds of things running through your mind right now! The newest iPhone! All the video games ever! A new bike, no wait, three new bikes! A mansion on the beach! A pony! A rainbow-sparkled unicorn! A rocket ship to take me to the moon!

Meanwhile parents may be thinking, “I’d like all my bills paid, a bigger house, and a car with no dents in it, please!”

The question is hard for us even to imagine. We know it would never happen to us. No one ever gets everything they ask for.

Except, it did happen one time. It happened to King Solomon. God came to Solomon as he became king in place of his father David and told Solomon he could have anything he wanted.

Here’s the amazing thing though—Solomon didn’t ask to be famous, for money, or for anything even close to that. Solomon asked for wisdom. Solomon asked God to give him a heart and mind that would help him make good choices as king and in his life. Simply put, Solomon was asking for a heart that was guided by God’s Word. That’s true wisdom.

Now before you kids (or adults!) say, “Boring!” think again. The Lord was very pleased with Solomon. He could have asked for anything in the world, but all those things like money and possessions eventually go away. That’s why Solomon asked for something that was more valuable. And incredibly, God blessed Solomon with worldly riches too.

Learn from Solomon today. All of us may dream of various toys or tools or technology that we would love to have. But know what treasure is the most valuable! There is no treasure more valuable than knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. When you focus on your relationship with him and on his Word, that is true wisdom. And just like Solomon, God will bless it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to love and treasure your holy Word. When I read, study, and learn from your Word, I know you will bless me and give me true wisdom. 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 special things that you want to have some day?
Why is God’s Word so valuable and important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Explain why having lots of money could lead you away from God.
How can families show that they treasure God’s Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain how wisdom is different from intelligence. Then explain why wisdom is often more important than intelligence.
If someone has godly wisdom, identify the kinds of choices they will make in life.

Hymn: CW 757:1,2 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain

Look at the ravens high above you.
They do not work their whole life through,
And yet God feeds them and protects them.
So how much more will God protect and care for you?
Refrain

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Only Jesus Gives Us True Treasures – Family Devotion – August 10, 2020

2020/08/10/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Matthew 13:44-46

Only Jesus Gives Us True Treasures

Family Devotion – August 10, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 13:44-46

See series: Devotions

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

Tyrone was very proud of himself. He finally had his first job! He was proud to be flipping burgers and serving French fries because the big day was coming—pay day. Two weeks later Tyrone got his first paycheck. He biked to the bank as fast as he could—not to put the money in savings though. Nope. Tyrone cashed it immediately, biked to the store, and bought himself a new pair of Jordan shoes. Maybe one nice purchase would be OK, right? After all, it was his first paycheck ever!

Unfortunately, Tyrone developed a bad habit. Every time he got paid, he immediately went and bought stuff—clothes, Xbox games, new headphones, and more. Tyrone ran out of money quickly. So every time he did, he tried to find more time to work. However, the only other hours available for work were on the weekend. That didn’t matter to Tyrone. He wanted more money and more things. Before he realized it though, a whole year had passed, and he hadn’t been at church even once!

There are so many amazingly cool things in the world—cool things for people of every age. There are awesome toys and video games for kids. New clothes, fancy phones, and tablets for teens. Big homes and fast cars for adults. These things can be nice blessings to enjoy. However, Satan wants to tempt you to turn blessings into idols. This means that the devil wants you to make money and possessions the most important in your life—even more important than God himself. That’s the trap Tyrone fell into.

Listen carefully to Jesus today. He talks about two men who found big treasures. One found a hidden treasure in a field and then bought the whole field so he could enjoy the treasure. Another man found a priceless pearl, so he sold everything else just to have that special pearl. Both men made sure the greatest treasures were the most important to them, and they were so happy!

Jesus says that his kingdom is just like this. Jesus died for you and forgives you—for free! Jesus promises you eternal life in heaven—for free! God has welcomed you into his family—for free and forever! What else could ever be more valuable than this?

Enjoy all the blessings that God has given to you, but look for ways to treasure what Jesus gives the most. Nothing could be more valuable!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for all the blessings that you give to us. But most of all, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven. Help us to treasure these gifts every day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is the most special and precious thing that you own?
Why is heaven more valuable than anything else you own?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

As you get older, what worldly things do you think you will be tempted to love more than Jesus?
What are ways that you can show in your life that you treasure Jesus the most?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Evaluate this statement: There is nothing more important for parents to do than to make sure their children get a good education so that they are successful in life.
Some people have no choice but to work when there is church. They can’t switch schedules. Police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and others might be examples. Discuss ways that such people can both work and still make God and his Word a priority in their lives.

Hymn: CW 757:1 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

It Is True – Week of August 10, 2020

2020/08/10/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

It Is True – Week of August 10, 2020

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

ECME Devotion August 10, 2020

See series: ECME Devotions

As the little boy waits at the window for his mom and dad to pick him up, you assure him that it’s going to be okay. His mom and dad will be here soon, and you hope this is true.

Your director calls and the plans for this fall need to be changed again. She reassures you it will be okay, and you hope that this is true.

Your brother calls with news that the doctor’s results were not what he had hoped for. You reassure him that everything will be okay, and you hope that this is true.

Your conversation with a parent concerning their child’s struggles seems to leave them anxious. You assure them that as you work together for the child, it will be okay, and you hope this is true.

Today’s passage can easily be misused in a way that may make us think, “I’ve got God. This is going to be just fine.” However, you have all had situations in your life where things don’t always turn out just fine in an earthly sense. Accidents happen. Illness takes the lives of people we care about. Plans change. Children may have learning or social/emotional challenges that are with them throughout their lives.

God hasn’t left us when the outcome is not what we hoped for. He has not abandoned us to the challenges of life. He has promised to be with us, and he has made and kept the greatest promise –the promise of heaven to all who believe in him. All our daily struggles are hard, but none are more difficult than our struggle with sin. God removed our sin and our guilt when he sent Jesus. Since we know he loves us that much and since we know that our relationship with him is secure because of Jesus, we have comfort and encouragement to face all our challenges. We can be reassured, and we can reassure each other that God is there, walking alongside us. He walks with us through the challenges reminding us that he is there and that he can bring blessings from the most difficult of trials. And above all, he has promised us heaven. He assures us that while things may be hard, it will be okay because of what Jesus has done for us. Forgiveness is ours. God is with us. Heaven is assured. We don’t hope it is true. We know it is true—even when we cannot begin to make sense of the reason for the trials.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me courage when things are difficult. Remind me always to focus on you. Help me see your blessings each day and reflect your love to all around me. In your name I pray. Amen

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – August 9, 2020

2020/08/09/in Teen Devotions

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Matthew 18:21-22

The business of forgiveness

A popular basketball tournament is held every year in my community. It’s free!

Each player plays for free. Every attendee can have free food and drink. The MVP from each game receives a free pair of Air Jordan basketball shoes. At half-time of every game, free bikes are given away to young kids. It’s all free!

Except someone needs to pay for everything given away for free.

My friend works for the organization that hosts the tournament. He once told me the cost to his organization so others can eat free food, wear free shoes, and ride free bikes. What an amazing act of selfless generosity!

You know what else is free? Forgiveness! The forgiveness God gives to you for every sin you have ever done or will do, is and always will be absolutely free for you. You never have to pay for forgiveness. You never have to do anything to earn forgiveness. God forgiveness is free!

Except someone had to pay for that forgiveness.

Your friend, Jesus, paid for it all! With his blood on the cross, Christ cancelled the massive debt you owed for your millions of sins. Because Jesus rose from the dead, you owe no payment. The price for sin we could never afford, Christ paid in full. Freely! Do you know what we call that act of selfless generosity? Amazing grace!

In Matthew 18, Jesus tells his disciples a story to illustrate the immensity of his free forgiveness! Jesus tells the story so we not only know of his free forgiveness to us, but also so we show free forgiveness to others.

What about when people sin against us a lot? What if the same person continues to commit the same sin against us? Jesus disciples asked, “Should we stop forgiving at seven times?” I mean, that’s pretty generous, right? Jesus answered that at seven times, you are just getting warmed up! Giving forgiveness to those who have wronged us can be difficult. So how do you give forgiveness when it feels like it costs you a lot?

Remember Christ’s forgiveness! When Christ forgives, he also gives you the ability to give forgiveness. When Christ’s Word tells you “I forgive you!” he gives you a forgiveness that gives, and gives, and gives and won’t run out.

Freely you have received; freely give. Be in the business of forgiveness. Cancel the debt of sins someone owes you, because you know in Christ how rich you really are!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we thank you for your forgiveness of our sins, which you freely give to us. Forgive us for being unforgiving to those who sin against us. Strengthen us in the message of sins paid in full so we might go and forgive like you. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Trusting not testing – August 9, 2020

2020/08/09/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Trusting not testing – August 9, 2020

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’’
Matthew 4:7

Military Devotion – August 9, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 4:7

See series: Military Devotions

Perhaps it’s surprising to hear Satan quoting the Bible from memory. Maybe it would not surprise us to learn that he does so with evil intent.

To Jesus, he quoted from Psalm 91. He did not add to the verse. He did not subtract from it. He did, however, misapply it.

These are the divine words of assurance to which he pointed Jesus: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’’ (vs. 11,12).

The promise is dramatic. It might even surprise us to learn it could apply to us. Do angels really keep God’s loved ones from tripping over stones? Difficult to believe? Not for Jesus. He knew how carefully God watches over his own.

Jesus trusted this promise. Satan hoped to use that trust as a trap. When standing with Jesus on the highest point of the temple, he challenged: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.”

He wanted to turn the trust into a test. He tried to twist words of God into a meaning never intended.

He tries the same with us.

He suggests that it is silly to take God’s words at face value. He aims to create a level of doubt that leads to further confusion. If the Christian decides it is foolish to believe in guardian angels, Satan wins—and trust in God is damaged, if not broken.

If the Christian decides, “This means I can throw caution away and walk upright into this firefight because angels must protect me.” Satan wins again. God is now being tested.

That leads to further questions: “Is the fact that I am afraid, a sign that I do not trust God?”

We must ask, “Is caution a sign of cowardice?” Aren’t we to protect the life our Lord gave us?

“But Isn’t it true that angels will lift me up to keep me from even tripping over a stone?”

It is. It most certainly is.

But not every time. Sometimes they let me fall flat on my face. Sometimes I pay for my carelessness.

My faith will not stop a bullet. Disease will not bounce off of me. Prayer will not prevent disaster.

Unless! Unless that is the will of my heavenly Father.

“Then, what good is my faith if it will not accomplish what I want?”

The problem isn’t with my faith. The problem lies with what I want.

If I always would want only what is best for me, what my Savior God wants, my success rate in life will be 100%. For instance, if I want his blood to cover my sin, it has already happened.

If I go into the Bible to pick out only those phrases that match my wishes, I will turn his Word into my words. I will change the meaning. I will misapply the message.

Jesus was indeed watched over by angels. He was always protected. He trusted his Father about this. His trust did not falter when he was led into a barren wilderness to go without food for 40 days. His trust did not falter when his home congregation threatened to throw him over a cliff. Or when he was arrested. Or when he was tortured. Or when he was killed.

He trusted his Father to carry him through every danger, even death.

Jesus promptly corrected Satan’s misapplication by showing Scripture must be interpreted with Scripture.

Guarded by angels? Yes! But, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’

We won’t do that. We will trust him—not test him.

Won’t we?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, too often we doubt. Too often our wants get in the way of your will. Keep pointing us to your Son as an example. Keep sending the Holy Spirit to build up our faith. Remind us that it is an honor and privilege to say, “In God We Trust!” 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.

The Holy Spirit Gives Strength to Live Differently – Family Devotion – August 7, 2020

2020/08/07/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27

The Holy Spirit Gives Strength to Live Differently

Family Devotion – August 7, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 8:26-27

See series: Devotions

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

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I . . . pray . . . the . . . Lo– . . .” Gabriel was so exhausted that he fell asleep before he could even finish the prayer. His dad gave him a kiss on the forehead and went back to work. He had been working on a big project all week.

A few hours later, Gabriel’s dad crashed into his own bed. His pillow felt softer than ever before! “Dear Lord,” he prayed, “Thank you so much for my wife and for Gabriel and for our many blessings. Please . . . help . . . me . . . to . . .” Suddenly Gabriel’s dad went from mid-prayer to mid-snore. He was out like a light!

Has this happened to you before? Sometimes we get so tired! However, sometimes we have other prayer problems. Besides being so tired, we often can be very forgetful. We are so busy with everything that we forget to pray before meals, before bed, or before any other event of the day. However, maybe the hardest thing for us is even knowing what to pray. Adults especially can feel so overwhelmed and frustrated at times that they hardly even know what words to say in their prayers.

Good news though! You have a prayer teammate! Listen to this wonderful encouragement again today: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Did you know this is one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we call him our Comforter or our Guide. How does he help to comfort and guide us? Well, when we feel weak or scared or frustrated, or when we are so tired that we fall asleep before we pray, the Holy Spirit will actually intercede for us. That’s a fancy word that means he will speak on our behalf. The Holy Spirit will go to our Heavenly Father with all the things we didn’t say or forgot to say. After all, the Holy Spirit is also true God and he knows everything on our hearts and minds.

So, don’t worry about your prayer life! Every person can continue to improve in prayer. Keep working on it! Keep reminding yourself to pray and bring everything you can remember to God. Then be confident. Trust that God knows what you want and need, and God the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way. Be bold and pray on!

Closing Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank you for knowing what’s on my heart and mind. Thank you for helping me with my prayers. Continue to guide me in all I think, say, and do. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is your favorite prayer?
When are times that we should be praying?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What things should we include in our prayers?
Agree or Disagree: We should not bring little things to God in prayer. Explain your answer.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree or Disagree: There are bad things to pray about. Explain your answer.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.” What do you think that verse looks like in real life? How does someone realistically do that?

Hymn: CW 221:1,4 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust, Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander, Till we sing your praises yonder.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

The Lord Gives Us Strength to Live Differently Until Judgment Day – Family Devotion – August 5, 2020

2020/08/05/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Joel 3:12-16

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.
Joel 3:14-16

The Lord Gives Us Strength to Live Differently Until Judgment Day

Family Devotion – August 5, 2020

Devotion based on Joel 3:14-16

See series: Devotions

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

Have you been to a big sports game in a big stadium before? If you haven’t been to one yet, you have probably seen some on TV. Can you picture what it’s like?

Thousands and thousands of people are gathered together—almost more people than you could ever count on your own. But all the people are divided. Some are cheering for one team; the rest are cheering for the other team. Everyone is so excited to see who will win the big game!

Could you imagine an event like that with not thousands of people, not even millions of people, but billions and billions of people? Could you imagine an event where every single person ever in the world is all gathered together at the same time?

In the Bible reading for today, the prophet Joel is describing this kind of event. But it’s not the Super Bowl. Even bigger than that! It’s judgment day, the Last Day, when Jesus our victorious King will return. What Joel sees is a picture of all the people in the world gathered before him. Joel sees the sun and moon turning dark and the earth shaking because Jesus the mighty King is about to be Jesus the mighty Judge. Jesus will be sending people either to hell or heaven forever.

But don’t be afraid of this picture and don’t be afraid of that great Last Day! Listen to God’s promise today again: “The Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”

Imagine being at a big basketball game at a big stadium and God was playing for one team. The other team wouldn’t even have a chance! The team with God always wins—there is nothing to worry about!

This is actually true for us. You know who is on our team—Jesus! Jesus is the one who gives us strength every day. And think about how strong he is! Just look at the cross where every sin of every person—where your sin—was washed away forever and Satan was crushed in defeat. Look at the empty tomb of Jesus where death was swallowed up in the victory of Jesus who rose to life.

For now, while we are still playing the game—while we are still in this world—we are totally safe and secure with our Savior who is like a mighty castle or fortress for us. Don’t be afraid! And one day soon Jesus will come back. But again, don’t be afraid! Jesus is on our team and we’ve already won! On that day we will join him in the biggest victory celebration of all time!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, thank you for your victory on Easter morning. Keep me safe in your strength until judgment day, when we can celebrate the victory together. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Why is Jesus so strong and mighty?
How did Jesus win a victory over Satan?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What is Jesus going to do on judgment day?
Why don’t you have to be afraid of where you are going to go on judgment day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain this statement: Judgment day will be a day of both great mourning and great joy.
Identify times in life when God’s strength is most important and necessary to believers.

Hymn: CW 221:1,3 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

Gracious Savior, good and kind, Light from Light, from God proceeding,
Open now our heart and mind; Help us by your Spirit’s pleading.
Hear the cry your people raises; Hear and bless our prayers and praises.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Christians Live Differently than Unbelievers – Family Devotion – August 3, 2020

2020/08/03/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn . . . Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:30,43

Christians Live Differently than Unbelievers

Family Devotion – August 3, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 13:30,43

See series: Devotions

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

“Now is it ready? Now is it ready?” Four-year-old Sydney was bouncing with excitement. “Sydney,” her mom said. “You just planted the seeds yesterday. Not yet.” Sydney couldn’t wait to see when the favorite vegetable she planted would sprout up. She didn’t understand that when she planted seeds, she wouldn’t be eating vegetables the next day!

Sydney kept asking and asking week after week until finally she saw something poke out of the ground. “Yes! Almost ready!” she exclaimed. But then one morning Sydney peeked out the window again and cried out, “Oh no! Mom! Look!” Sydney’s mom came to the window and saw that suddenly the garden of beans was also filled with weeds. This meant big problems for their growing plants.

This week Jesus tells another parable about seeds. Last week, God’s Word was the seed. This time, Christians are the seeds that grow into wheat. But there’s a big problem in this story—weeds. The weeds are all the many unbelievers who want to cause problems for believers. They want to tempt us to sin. They want us to turn away from God. They want our faith to wither out and die.

Jesus says something interesting in this story though. Sydney and her mom were about to go pull out all the weeds in their garden. But in this story, Jesus said that the wheat and the weeds were going to grow together until the very end. What does he mean?

Jesus is telling us that we believers are going to live together with unbelievers in this world until the very Last Day. We will live in communities together, go to school together, and work together. That will mean big problems for us at times. We have to be careful to stay connected to Jesus and his Word so that we as wheat can grow strong in our faith. That way the “weeds” won’t affect us.

Did you hear the wonderful promise at the end though? God in his grace will keep us strong in our faith until the Last Day, judgment day, when Jesus comes back. That’s when he will gather all the wheat (us believers) into his barn (heaven). Jesus says then we will shine like the sun in his kingdom. So dear Christians, keep growing strong as wheat and watch out for the weeds!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, there are many unbelievers who want us to turn away from you, just like Satan does. Help us to grow strong in faith and stay connected to you until you bring us safely 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

Why are weeds dangerous to plants?
Why is Satan dangerous to believers?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What sorts of things do unbelievers tempt believers to do?
When good can come from God allowing us to be tempted in our faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Evaluate this statement: In order to protect their faith, Christians should not be friends with any unbelievers.
Agree or Disagree: TV, movies, and music can be greater dangers to our faith than living by or working with unbelievers. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 221:1,2 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us; You must work all good within us.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

He Intercedes for Us – Week of August 3, 2020

2020/08/03/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

He Intercedes for Us – Week of August 3, 2020

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

ECME Devotion August 3, 2020

See series: ECME Devotions

A friend called me recently. She was struggling with a decision about the upcoming school year. She had two plans and was looking for recommendations or thoughts to help her make the decision. Should she go with Plan A or Plan B? We worked through the usual questions: What are the benefits of both plans? What are the concerns for each? Both had merit and both had concerns. There was no clear winner.

It’s likely that everyone reading or hearing this devotion is wrestling with a list of decisions now that they feel unprepared or ill-equipped to make. Different sources have conflicting information which complicates our decision making even more. The gravity of those decisions can weigh heavily on us, especially when those decisions impact those we serve, those with whom we serve, our family and friends. We want to pray about it but even then, we may struggle with what we should be praying for.

How amazing today’s verse is! How often do we look at the list of decisions, responsibilities, and tasks and feel overwhelmed? We may not even know where to start that prayer. But here is our comfort…he knows. The Lord knows. He knows you, your struggles, your challenges, your desire to make decisions that are best for the work he has given you to do. He provides the Holy Spirit who speaks on our behalf. In the Holy Spirit’s intercessions for us are God’s love for us and for all. His prayers, unlike ours, are always for God’s people in accordance to God’s will.

We all want to make decisions that align with God’s will. What is God’s will for you and for me? What is the right decision? Gather information. Ask yourself the benefits and concerns. Be sure to ask if any decision is sinful and of course, avoid that. Go to God in prayer. Keep going to the Word each day to be reminded of all he has done and his promises for you. Our confidence doesn’t come from us but from God. He eagerly hears our prayers. And know that the Holy Spirit is there, interceding for us when we are weak or the words don’t come. What a blessing to know that God not only welcomes our prayers to him, but also provides the Holy Spirit to speak on our behalf.

Prayer:
When decisions weigh on me, be with me Lord, remind me of your promises, and bless my efforts in serving you. In your name I pray. Amen

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

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

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

Willpower – August 2, 2020

2020/08/02/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Willpower – August 2, 2020

Thy will be done.
Matthew 6:10

Military Devotion – August 2, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 6:10

See series: Military Devotions

France entered WWI relying upon something they called élan. We would call it the fighting spirit. It boils down to willpower.

France wasn’t much concerned about defensive strategy before that war. It ignored the advancements in weaponry. The leaders felt what was inside the soldier counted most. With bands playing to arouse a fighting spirit, it sent out troops marching in straight lines across open fields with fixed bayonets. Willpower would win the day!

As it turned out, however; élan did not stand up well in front of a new weapon called the machine gun.

We surely will not deny that willpower is important. It sometimes makes the difference between success and failure. We rightly pay attention to morale and motivation. But desire and determination can carry a person only so far.

A small boy’s muscles will not lift his dad’s heavy weights. Fierce determination does not guarantee selection to an elite military unit. Sometimes, where there is a will does not mean there will be a way. A fighting spirit will not stop a bullet.

Willpower is effective only to the extent that there is actual power behind the will.

The will to live is basic and powerful. We see it in nature. Most babies are born with it. We spent our lifetime fighting to stay alive. We see death as our enemy.

It can be frightening to realize that no matter how enthusiastically we march forward in life, the enemy is waiting to mow us down. Our fighting spirit, our willpower, is not enough to save our lives. We do not have the power to defeat death.

But our God does.

He is the source of all life. He intervened into our miserable existence in order to wipe out death for us and neutralize its allies.

The One who taught his disciples to pray “Your will be done” is the same One who is called the Mighty God.”

God’s will packs a punch.

He wanted to make an entire universe out of nothing. So, he did. He wanted some lifeforms that would serve him of their own free will. So, he created angels and humans. He wanted to throw rebellious angels out of heaven and consign them to the pit of pain. So, he did.

He wanted to rescue rebellious humans from being banished and punished with the demons.

So, he sent his Son to take the punishment for the human rebels.

With the holy, omnipotent God, where there is his will, he makes a way—his way. That way is always good; always brings blessings; and often exceeds what humans can do.

How strange, then, that we would be afraid of what he might want for us.

Do we think we know better? Do we suspect he lies when he says he loves us? Do we believe that heartache, tragedy, and disease can operate outside the boundaries of his reign of power? Will they not accomplish the good that he wants for us?

Will we not trust him?

It takes faith to mean the words when we pray, “Thy will be done!”

But we should do so without doubt or fear. Jesus did.

The will of God is good and gracious. We could receive nothing better. We could ask for nothing more.

We need his powerful will to be carried out in our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you taught us that special prayer. You accepted your Father’s will even though it brought you pain and death. You knew that your Father willed our redemption. You knew its price. But you wanted it, too. Accept now our words of thanks, and send the Holy Spirit to renew our faith so that we will always want what our Savior God wants. Thy will be done! 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 – August 2, 2020

2020/08/02/in Teen Devotions

Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:9

A Notification to Notice

“Ding!” On average people receive 63.5 cell phone notifications per day. That’s a lot of noise! Add to this barrage of buzzes the photos and news that flash before our eyes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the noise competing for our attention.

You often see people instinctively jump for their phone as soon as it beeps. Yet rarely is it a matter of true importance. Often, it’s the picture from a friend’s vacation. Sometimes, it’s a sad news story that causes you to worry.

What are constantly connected people to do with all the noise? It can begin to feel like too much, and you figuratively plug your ears to tune it all out. Don’t let the sound of God’s Word get silenced, too.

To those living in a world of nonstop noise, Jesus speaks. He begs us not to turn off the notification of his Word when he says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” In his Word, Jesus lets your eyes see the story of his unexpected, undeserved, and unending love for you. In his Word, Christ fills your ears with the sounds of his certain promises given to you.

“Blessed are your eyes because they see” that your guilt has been cancelled on Christ’s cross! “Blessed are your ears because they hear” that your shame has been buried in your baptism! (Matthew 13:16)

The annoying noise of the world weighs us down and burdens us. The sweet sound of God’s Word does the opposite. This is how God works. In the songs and hymns you sing, Jesus lifts you up with joy. Through your pastor’s sermon, the Holy Spirit gives you courage. When you share an encouraging verse with a friend, God heals their hurt. Through his Word, God works faith in our hearts.

May God plant his Word in your heart and in your mind as you open your ears to hear it.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive us for the time we have neglected to open our ears to hear your Word. We praise you for filling our ears with the good news of your forgiveness. We thank you comforting our minds with the promises of your peace. Grant us confidence to share your Word with our friends and family. 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.

God’s Word Strengthens Us with Hope – Family Devotion – July 31, 2020

2020/07/31/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 8:18-25

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:18, 24-25

God’s Word Strengthens Us with Hope

Family Devotion – July 31, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 8:18, 24-25

See series: Devotions

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

“Don’t worry, it will be better before you get married.” My parents used to say that to me all the time—and it would make me so angry. I would come in crying from playing outside and Mom would say it, or I would be so upset about my really mean friend and Dad would say it too—“Don’t worry, it will be better before you get married.”

Mom and Dad wanted me to know two things. First, what I was going through now would go away over time. But even more importantly, I had better things to look forward to in the future. As a child, that can be hard to understand. You scrape a knee and it’s bleeding! Your friend said mean things that hurt!

Your family may have some problems right now. Maybe school has been very difficult for you, and you do not at all want to go back to school. Maybe Mom or Dad lost a job, and your family is struggling still because of the Coronavirus. Maybe someone you love is sick or even dying. Sometimes the pains we feel in life hurt very much!

But did you hear the words of the apostle Paul today? He said that our suffering right now isn’t even worth comparing to the glory of heaven. Our problems right now will seem so small when we are rejoicing with Jesus in heaven. Could you imagine if you had a scoop of ice cream fall out of your cone onto the ground (very sad!) but then the owner came out to you and said that you could have all the ice cream in the entire store! Your little cone problem was nothing compared to the joy of all the ice cream in the store!

This is what God’s Word does for us. It encourages us with hope. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our Savior from sin and that he won for us eternal life in heaven where there will never be any bumps or bruises, pains or problems, sickness or suffering. We aren’t there yet. Heaven is coming. That’s why we have hope.

So be patient friends! It will get better! Greater things are coming! You may have some pains now, but incredible joy and happiness with Jesus are coming soon! I can’t wait! How about you?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, help me to remember that even though life may be tough right now, you have something better waiting for me—eternal life with you. Help me look forward to heaven and wait patiently for being with you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is something difficult for you right now? What about for your parent(s)?
Why will heaven be so great?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Explain what it means to have hope.
Why can we know for sure that we will be in heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What do you think are the most difficult things to suffer through in this life?
What do you think will be the best things to enjoy in heaven?

Hymn: CW 293 – God’s Word is Our Great Heritage

God’s Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way;
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Read: Joshua 2:8-21

God’s Grace is for All

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 391:1,3-4 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

A Letter – Week of August 31, 2020

ECME Devotion August 31, 2020

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Read: Matthew 15:21-28

The Faith of a Foreign Woman

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 391:1,2 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

Not an order – August 30, 2020

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Read: James 1:2-8, 12

We Trust Jesus to Lead Us to Heaven

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 379:1,4 – Amazing Grace

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-18

Jesus Encourages Us with His Word

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 379:1,3 – Amazing Grace

Read: Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus Shows His Almighty Power

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 379:1,2 – Amazing Grace

Need a Cape? – Week of August 24, 2020

ECME Devotion August 24, 2020

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The Church Militant – August 23, 2020

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Read: Romans 8:35-39

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Providing Love

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 349:1,5 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Read: Genesis 41:41-49

God Provides for Me through Other People

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 349:1,4 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

“Come,” Jesus Said – Week of August 17, 2020

ECME Devotion August 17, 2020

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Read: Matthew 14:13-21

God Provides in Amazing Ways

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 349:1 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Dumbfounded – August 16, 2020

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Read: Romans 8:28-30

Nothing is More Valuable than God’s Work in Our Lives

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 757:1,4 – Where Your Treasure Is

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 757:1,2 – Where Your Treasure Is

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

Only Jesus Gives Us True Treasures

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 757:1 – Where Your Treasure Is

It Is True – Week of August 10, 2020

ECME Devotion August 10, 2020

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Trusting not testing – August 9, 2020

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Read: Romans 8:26-27

The Holy Spirit Gives Strength to Live Differently

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 221:1,4 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Read: Joel 3:12-16

The Lord Gives Us Strength to Live Differently Until Judgment Day

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 221:1,3 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Read: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Christians Live Differently than Unbelievers

Closing Prayer:

Hymn: CW 221:1,2 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

He Intercedes for Us – Week of August 3, 2020

ECME Devotion August 3, 2020

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