Womens Devotions

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 9

2023/12/09/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

Harm and Hardship or Hope?

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet…
Matthew 1:22

Life doesn’t always go as planned. A precious pregnancy ends in a miscarriage. Switching schools doesn’t end the bullying. Retirement plans are interrupted by a difficult diagnosis. A Christmas gathering includes an empty chair.

Life doesn’t always go as we plan. But God says, “’I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

How do God’s people reconcile our hardships with this loving assurance? When harm comes, and hopelessness, what is God’s plan? When the only advent we expect is the sun rising on our grief or disappointment, where does that leave God’s promises?

Perhaps we are mistaking God’s promise to prosper us with a promise to pamper us. And maybe for a time, Mary and Joseph did too. Certainly, their engagement didn’t go the way they had planned. Suddenly, they were lead characters in God’s salvation story. God calmed their initial fear and shock by pointing them to an ancient promise. Mary’s impossible pregnancy was the first step in fulfilling what God had said through the prophet Isaiah an unfathomable 700 years earlier: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

Maybe Mary and Joseph figured that since they were now the caregivers of his only son, God would shield them from future hardship. But no. Instead of being pampered, poverty surrounded them. A murderous king pursued them. A sword of grief pierced their souls. Their child, God’s child, wasn’t spared either. He was betrayed. He suffered. He died under God’s judgment.

It looks very much like harm, doesn’t it? But look again. When Jesus came helpless into the world, he was a prophecy fulfilled. No number of centuries or circumstances could have stopped his birth. And nothing could stop his saving purpose. That tiny, helpless child would one day travel the roads of Israel looking for the lost. His foot would come down on Satan’s head and crush his power over humankind. His glorified body would step free from death. What looks like harm… is actually hope. Hope for his sinful parents. Hope for you and me.

What plans does God have for you? How many ways, seen and unseen, has he intervened in your life to bring about his will? How is he using harm and hardship to bring you (or those around you) hope in your Savior? How does his word of forgiveness change your daily trajectory? Maybe one day we’ll know all the details of how God is working in our lives to bring us and others to heaven. For now, we’re a bit like the preschooler who can’t stop talking about her upcoming trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s. She doesn’t worry about how she’s getting there. It’s enough for her to know the destination.

A heavenly home is in our future. A heavenly hope surrounds us now.

Prayer:

Dear Father, your Word is truth. Your plans for me are good. Fill me with your sure and certain hope until the day you call me home. Amen.

Written by Sarah Habben
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 8

2023/12/08/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

It’s Not About Me…

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Luke 1:46-49

It’s no secret that Mary isn’t given a lot of credit in the Lutheran church compared to other church bodies. We don’t hold her up on a high pedestal. We don’t venerate her as the epitome of womanhood or motherhood.

Guess what? She didn’t think much of herself either.

Look at her words. She calls herself a servant in a humble state. That’s a nice way of saying she was probably poor or lower class. Later in the book of Luke, we learn that she and Joseph could only afford an inexpensive offering to sacrifice when they presented Jesus at the temple.

Mary knows she is not some noble lady from an upper echelon of society. Going back to her earlier question of “How will this be?” she might even be asking, “Why me? Are you sure? Don’t you mean some other woman?”

I wonder if Mary would question all the honor and prayers she receives even today, generations after her death. Her words sure indicate that very thing because she knows it’s not about her. It’s all about God.

“My soul glorifies the Lord.”

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”

It’s all about God. It’s not about Mary, and she knew that. She might have been scared and nervous and questioning the rightness of what was happening, but she knew that it was all because of God. She would only be remembered for generations because God picked her to be a part of the fulfillment of the promise he made to Adam and Eve, the promise that still impacts us today: a Savior.

Can we say that? Can we say, “It’s not about me; it’s about how God can use me to share this good news of promises fulfilled?” This is no time to pat ourselves on the back for being a good person. It is all for his glory.

So should we give Mary more credit as Jesus’ mother? I would say yes, we should. Mary’s own words direct us to glorify and rejoice in God. But Mary also certainly had the most unique motherhood out of anyone in the past, present, or future. And she did it all without taking credit.

She pretty much had the right to gloat about her perfect child, but I’m guessing she didn’t. She tried her best in unusual circumstances without the benefit of wealth or status. She was just humble, normal Mary with an extraordinary son. Can you imagine how she could have boasted that her son saved the world, but at what cost? A “weight of the whole world” cost she couldn’t imagine. She endured the pain of watching her son, her baby, dying a horrific death on a cross, but also found joy in her resurrected Savior.

Call her blessed. Give her credit—not for her greatness, but for her testament of faith bringing the focus back where it belongs: to God who did and does all these things. Holy is his name.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to be like your earthly mother putting the spotlight on you and your power even as you use our lives in ways beyond our thinking. You are the one who gives us special abilities or circumstances. Help us to use our gifts for your glory. Amen.

Written by Jen Wolf
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 7

2023/12/07/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

Called to Be an Elizabeth

In a loud voice [Elizabeth] exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:42-45

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a statement often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt. However, women know this to be true, and it can be seen all throughout history. I’m not talking about long-ago queens or grasping socialites. Think further back. Think of Rachel and Leah all the way back in Genesis fighting for affection. Were they happy? We’re told of their open hostility toward each other.

Social media has made it even easier for modern women to struggle with comparison. It eats away at them: the house they own, the clothes they wear, their body image, their wealth and status, their relationships and even fertility, etcetera, etcetera, and on, and on… It’s a sinful attribute that humans struggle with all the time. We all fail at being content as God would have us be.

We have no idea what’s going on with another person’s life. Is she advancing up the career ladder but secretly wishing to be home with a baby? Does it look like she is effortlessly leading a Bible study or committee when really she only does it because no one else stepped up (again)? Has she lost weight but is really fighting a bad health struggle? We’re all fighting something. We do not need one more enemy, because we are great at that on our own.

And so God calls us to have the humble contentment of an Elizabeth. Here this woman, who according to Luke had fertility issues and was very old, found out she was going to have a baby boy who would help lead others to their Savior. What a marvelous miracle! In Luke 1:25, she even states feeling like the Lord has finally taken away a disgrace. See? Even Elizabeth struggled with outside opinions and her own feelings of failure.

Now along comes her young cousin, who is not only pregnant, but pregnant with THE SAVIOR. There’s no comparison, no feelings of inadequacy, no hate when Elizabeth shouts her happiness for Mary. She could have easily felt like her miraculous pregnancy was diminished, but no. She is clearly thrilled for her cousin and the news that the Savior would be born in her lifetime. All the waiting, sacrifice, and Jewish laws will soon be unnecessary (although Elizabeth and Mary don’t really know how). Promises of long ago are being fulfilled, and Elizabeth can’t contain her excitement.

Don’t let discontent hinder the excitement and joy we can feel for others. Yes, we may feel discouraged at times, but it is not OK to dim the lights of others. God needed Elizabeth at the right time to be the mother of John the Baptist so that he could lead the way for Mary’s baby boy. You might not know when or how, but God will use you to encourage others just as Elizabeth did for Mary.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I do not know your plans. I do not know why I have to overcome struggles in my life, but I do know that your ways are better than mine. I know that you want us to encourage others. Please use me as you used Elizabeth to lift the women around me so they can feel your love—whether they are in a period of waiting, wanting, or resting. Keep comparison out of my heart and give me contentment in its place. Amen.

Written by Jen Wolf
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 6

2023/12/06/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

The Right Person for the Job

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20,21

Is there a person in your family who is the quiet glue? You know the person. Things wouldn’t get done if it weren’t for this person, or it wouldn’t feel right if they weren’t there. Perhaps this is the person that you need at a family gathering to keep the peace. They are the link that keeps everyone together.

Joseph could have easily been replaced by another man who traced his ancestry back to Abraham. Or he could have been left out of the situation entirely. And yet God chose Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly father—not because of his job or his social standing, but because of the kind of man he was. In many ways, Joseph would serve like that family glue, would be a steady presence, would provide just what Jesus and Mary needed. If it weren’t for Joseph, Jesus’ earthly family wouldn’t have been the same.

We don’t know much about Joseph, but what we do know points to a strong sense of honor, family, and integrity. He didn’t want to bring disgrace to Mary, the unwed mother. He was faithful and obviously knew the promise of a Savior. He kept the laws, both of Judaism and the Roman government.

After receiving a heavenly message and reassurance that he was the right man for Mary, we can only imagine the side eye looks he and Mary got once she began to show. There is nothing in the Bible that tells us they were shunned or mocked, but with the size of celebrations surrounding weddings, we could guess there would be some gossipy, vindictive people counting how many months until Jesus’ birth. Again, Joseph is the glue that held it together, getting Mary all the way to Bethlehem during her pregnancy, holding on to this promise of a Savior.

Much like Joseph, we can be the steady presence in our families, holding them together and keeping peace among relatives. With Joseph’s unwavering support, he and Mary built a life together. If we’re not the “gluey” one in our family, we can do our best to support those that are. Helping manage family feuds and hurt feelings isn’t an easy job. Those people probably take a lot of hurt on themselves before easing the path toward reconciliation. Joseph probably blocked Mary from a lot of hurtful comments.

If you ever notice paintings of the Nativity, especially those from the very early church, Joseph is rarely included. If he is in the painting, he’s crouched in a dark corner or standing outside of the stable. He might not be the main man in the story, but he certainly served an important part: providing shelter, care, safety, and even love for the Savior of our salvation.

Beyond the early years of Jesus’ life, we don’t know much more about Joseph. But what we do know gives us a good example of how we can trust in God’s will and timing in our lives to strengthen our families and make way for whatever God has for us.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please use me as an instrument to build up my family and support others who do their best to strengthen others. Even when I don’t understand my role and struggle as Joseph did, help me understand that you have a plan for my life—big or small. Amen.

Written by Jen Wolf
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 5

2023/12/05/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

Trusting the One Who Has the Answers

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Luke 1:31-34

Questions follow life-altering news. Whether it’s a diagnosis, a failed attempt, a passed test, an accident, or an achievement, people want to try and wrap their minds around what is going on in their lives. “What is the plan?” “What do I do next?” “How did this happen?” “Why is this happening to me?” “When do I start?” Even the Super Bowl winners get asked, “What will you do now?”—as if they hadn’t just experienced something huge.

Mary’s reaction to finding out she will be the mother of the Savior makes sense in some ways. How will this be? She knows that it is physically impossible, and this is also not the direction she thought her life would go. Marry Joseph? Yes. Make a home with him? Yes. Have children? Yes.

That had all changed. Become pregnant with the future Savior, break the news to Joseph, hope she doesn’t bring dishonor to her family, take a trip to a small town to have her baby among livestock, and need to run to a foreign country to escape a king who wants her infant dead. Not to mention men breaking out in praise when they meet her baby son, losing him as a tween on a trip to Jerusalem, witnessing miracles, being devastated by Holy Week, and experiencing the joy-terror of seeing her son resurrected. Mary’s question might have been different had she known all this was ahead of her.

Mary didn’t know. How could she? We don’t know what’s ahead for us either. Mary focused on the one part that was so very human. She looked only at what was physically impossible—a pregnant virgin—practically ignoring the fact that she was to be the mother of the one of whom prophets spoke and for whom generations hoped.

Even if we think we have great plans (and contingency plans), they can change. A job promotion can turn into a terrible power struggle. A diagnosis can turn from optimistic to tragic (or vice versa). We only think of these things in ways that our finite human brains understand with earthly limitations. How we fit into a God-sized plan is impossible for us to figure out. That’s the great thing, though. We don’t have to figure it out. God already knows how it will work out.

Learning from Mary’s reaction, I think we can agree to change our question. Instead of, “How will this be?” we can ask for strength, acceptance, and trust when we don’t understand what’s happening. We don’t need all the answers. We need the One who has the answers and who will help guide us through any uncertainty in life.

Prayer:

Lord, when my life seems to veer off course because of unexpected change, please help me to accept the change and lean on you. Please open my heart to possibility and show me how I can glorify you in the midst of uncertainty. Finally, help me to be willing to accept the help of those you put in my life to provide me with clarity and comfort. Amen.

Written by Jen Wolf
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 4

2023/12/04/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

Being the Lord’s Servant

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Luke 1:26-38

Being the mother of God incarnate must have been a monumental task. I often wonder whether Mary ever experienced self-doubt at being the mother of Jesus Christ himself. It’s wonderful to me that her response at being told she would carry and raise the son of God was, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled,” instead of, “Are you kidding? That job is too big! Haven’t you seen my flaws?”

I have been overwhelmed and doubted myself at much smaller tasks than Mary’s. “Those aren’t my gifts,” I whine like Moses. “I need more help,” I deflect like Barak. Those are even some of the better days. There are other times I struggle to find the good at all. I look at the tasks God has set before me and I wonder if there was some sort of mix up. Why would he give me a certain challenge or task when he made me the way that he did?

There are personality tests to match people with the best line of work. It makes a lot of sense to put people in positions that align with their skill and values. The idea is that people will be happier doing things that are more congruent with who they are as a person. Yet God doesn’t always choose to work that way. He is not in the business of making people as happy as they can be in this life; he is in the business of saving as many souls as possible from the fires of hell so they can be secure with him in paradise forever.

When God sets a task before you and you can’t see how it aligns with what you believe you’re capable of handling, consider the fact that our Creator also supplies what is needed. He often does not call us to face the greatest obstacles with strengths we already possess, but rather with strengths he intends to give and grow in us on the journey. We are vessels, and if we can get out of the way, God can use us for important kingdom work, regardless of whether or not we understand the method or reason.

Mary didn’t cross reference the role of “bearing the Son of God” with her enneagram or Myers Briggs first, not even her Clifton strengths. She said, “I am the Lord’s servant.” She did not need to first identify the strength and ability within herself; she trusted God to show up with the strength needed.

Trust the Creator as Mary did—not first taking an inventory of your own strengths or abilities, but trusting him who made you to bring you through what he sets before you, regardless of your own perception of your ability to do so.

Prayer:

Heavenly Creator, you know me more intimately than I know myself. Help me to trust you as I face things in this life. Give me trust and joy like Mary’s as I face all you place before me. Amen.

Written by Jes Woller
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 3

2023/12/03/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

Fully and Wholly Trusting God

When [Zechariah] came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home.
Luke 1:22,23

Be careful what you wish for. Zechariah asked Gabriel for a sign that he and his wife would conceive a son, and Gabriel definitely gave him that sign when he removed his ability to speak. Now Zechariah holds incredible and exciting news of the impending miracle and he’s stuck with inexperienced attempts at signing to communicate. He must wait for his son in silence.

Zechariah’s silence was a consequence for doubting God’s plan. He stood before the angel Gabriel himself, who had just delivered the incredible details of a miracle God had set in motion, and Zechariah responded by reminding Gabriel how illogical the plan was, how little sense it made in the context of his age and his wife’s sterility.

You can hear Gabriel’s tone, can’t you? How dare you question God? Silence.

Do you wonder if some of the difficulties we face in this life might be consequences of our doubting? Have you suggested plans to God that made a little more sense in consideration of the gifts, desires, and situation you were in? Can you imagine how different life would be if we fully, wholly trusted God, uninhibited by how little sense God’s plan might make from a worldly perspective?

In this account, it’s worth appreciating that there are certainly consequences for Zechariah’s doubt but God’s plan to roll out this incredible miracle remained unchanged. It is tempting to doubt God’s plan because his timeline is so much different than ours. The difficulty in trust is often in the wait time. Just think about Noah working on an ark in front of everyone while day after day it did not rain. Zechariah was told he was having a son, but he still had to wait for that son to arrive.

Whether it is trusting God to bring us through difficulties in our personal life or trusting that he is present and in control in the midst of so much sin in this world, we often have to wait and trust that God not only has a masterful plan for our benefit, but also has the power and wisdom to carry it out. Trust and patience in difficulty are hard, but just as Zechariah stayed and carried out his priestly duties until his time of service was completed, we too have daily work to do. We too must be diligent in accomplishing what is set before us now, small piece by small piece, prayerfully trusting our Savior to carry us, work through us, and bless us.

In our moments of doubt or error, we are reassured that although there may be consequences, God’s plan for salvation is as firm as ever. Our home in heaven is secure, not dependent on our perfect trust or obedience. There are blessings beyond our imagination in store for us, and trusting God to bring us through to receive them can help comfort us while we wait.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, your mind, your plan, your power, and your timeline are beyond my imagination. Help me to trust you while I wait, working diligently in the roles you place me. Comfort me with the assurance of the certainty of salvation. Amen.

Written by Jes Woller
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 2

2023/12/02/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

An Orderly Account of God’s Artistry

With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
Luke 1:3,4

Luke begins this letter to Theophilus with an explanation of why he’s writing. He wants to share this “orderly account,” inspired by the Holy Spirit, to ensure the details of the incredible and miraculous events that have occurred are recorded. There were so many elements at play in the life of Jesus and throughout the Bible. Luke wants to ensure Theophilus, and all of us, keep the story straight and appreciate all that went into play to secure the salvation of our souls.

Have you ever indulged in a movie about an elaborate heist? The Sting, National Treasure, any of the Oceans 11 movies, and so many more create such a fun and complex series of events and personalities in order to carry out a seemingly impossible plan. For weeks (or longer!) you see different people obtaining the right job, item, uniform, or relationship so they can play their specific part. The day finally comes, and countless details are now set in place to accomplish the impossible.

Rescuing our wretched souls for eternal salvation should have been an impossible plan. Yet, in all his wisdom, God put everything in place. Scripture provides an orderly account of how God safeguarded the line of David, inspired and fulfilled prophecies hundreds of years apart, and called countless souls to play their specific roles in his design for divine deliverance.

While it is indeed “finished” and our salvation is won, God is still actively at work in our lives, curating our lived experiences to accomplish important work for his kingdom. The difficulties we face, the relationships we are a part of, and the lessons we learn all work together within his greater plan to grow our faith and strengthen our relationship with him.

Not only do our experiences shape and inform our individual lives and faiths, but they are woven together with the lives of countless other people both in our lifetime and throughout history to create a breathtakingly intricate tapestry. The artistry in God’s design is beyond our imagination.

As we examine our own lives and decipher the orderly account of God’s artistry within them, we can appreciate Luke wanting to share with Theophilus the miraculous details that came together in the life of Jesus. Our own testimony, in conjunction with the inspired Word of God, is a powerful tool in sharing the joy and confidence of salvation with the lost or wavering.

The orderly account within the book of Luke and all of Scripture helps us to appreciate how perfectly God’s plan of salvation comes together so that you and I can be with him forever in paradise—the impossible made possible.

Prayer:

God of wisdom and power, you have made the impossible possible by rescuing my sin-stained soul for salvation. Help me to appreciate the artistry at work throughout Scripture and within my own life. You know no limits, and I marvel at the works of your hand. Amen.

Written by Jes Woller
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Christmas Reflections – Day 1

2023/12/01/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Christmas Reflections: Timeless Truths for Today

A Love For All Eternity

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:1-3

These short verses at the beginning of the Gospel of John are packed with intentionality. They proclaim Jesus as true God both to the Jew and to the Gentile. At the same time, they establish this person of the Godhead to have experience, eternity, and incredible power.

When our congregations merged a few months ago, I found myself in the role of moving coordinator. By the end of summer, I grew to deeply appreciate a core group of men who never failed to show up on our volunteer days. These men knew the building inside and out. I would need whiteboards relocated, shelving units wall mounted, and any other number of specialized tasks. They not only knew which tools the job needed, but they had them along and required no further instruction. In fact, I would have had absolutely no idea how to do many of those things myself. I was entirely reliant on their strength and experience to accomplish what needed to get done. After the first couple of volunteer days, I began to realize how lost I would be without them and worried that they may burn out and stop coming. They never did. Their love for God and for his church compelled them to continue to show up, to do what I could not have possibly done myself.

These were human men, sinful and flawed, but I grew to love and depend on them as they simultaneously showed me my limits and accomplished the goals set before me. How much more does our Savior have the experience and strength to carry us through difficulties in this life? When faced with obstacles, we can trust that our Savior knows not only our lives inside and out but the universe and all eternity. We can rely on the strength and experience of our Savior as well as his relentless love and dependability. Let us deeply appreciate our Savior who never fails to show up.

Our God has known each specialized task that would be set before us since the dawn of time. In all his wisdom, he put them in place himself, and he has been ready with the tools, the experience, and the strength to see us through each one, needing no instruction from us.

His love—his timeless, dependable, and unrelenting love—has not and will not ever burn out or fail to show up. Unlike human men whose love and strength would wane over months and years of our calling on them, our God’s strength and love have been in place for all eternity. That love and might will never wane, and he is eager for us to acknowledge our need for him, to know and rely on his love for us.

You have been loved since the beginning of time by a God who can and will get you through anything and everything set before you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, turn our hearts to total dependence on your love and power. We are so often tempted to rely on ourselves, forgetting the might and the love that you would wield if we only stopped trying to do things ourselves. Let not our will, our way, or our strength lead our lives, Lord, but yours alone. Amen.

Written by Jes Woller
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Giving Thanks

2023/11/23/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Giving Thanks – Women’s Devotion

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 8:10

God’s command to praise him for his blessings can be fulfilled in countless ways. But as you gather for a Thanksgiving meal this week, you may find yourself praying these familiar words,

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest
and let these gifts to us be blessed.

As a little girl, I remember the taunting aroma of the food while we said the common table prayer. My Grandma made wonderful Greek food at Thanksgiving. Spinach pie. Orange bread. Salad with feta cheese that made my tongue tingle. I remember praying rather casually, thinking mostly about how good the food would be.

Now I’m the Grandma, and I’ve grown up a little.

It delights me to fill my table with amazing dishes, but when we join in the common table prayer, I’m not distracted by the food. I’m thankful for the gift of food but I’m mostly praying for the people in the seats. They are the priceless gifts that I want to be blessed by God. As my family gathers, I’m overcome with the joy of knowing that Jesus is our guest. His grace, planted in our hearts through baptism, continues to be nurtured by the Word of God.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.
His mercy endures forever.

God’s mercy has endured, giving salvation to families for generations. As your loved ones gather this Thanksgiving, Jesus will be with you. May you be blessed with love for one another and love for Jesus.

But if there are troubled or wandering souls at your table, you can still give thanks—because God is good, and his mercy endures forever. He longs to save the lost and is working to draw people to himself, even as they sit at your table. Jesus is the gracious guest who comes to extend his love forever—and he shows his love to others through you.

Table prayers are a clear reminder of God’s presence, provision, and gift of mercy. May those who join you for the holidays hear the beautiful testimony and humble plea for God’s enduring mercy.

Prayer:
Lord God, as we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we praise you for your countless blessings. As we sit with our loved ones or treasure them in our hearts, we rejoice in the salvation that joins us together. But where there are those who have stumbled, lost their way, or do not know your grace, we pray for opportunities to open our homes and show others your enduring mercy. Let our lives reflect your desire to come as our Savior from sin and bring the gift of eternal life. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

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Prepare

2023/11/11/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Prepare – Women’s Devotion

We’ve all heard the common phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” That ability to look back with clarity on a situation is priceless. We often recall the past day or week and say, “I wish I would have done this,” or “I wish I would have done that.” Hindsight is well, hindsight. It’s over with, it’s done. How much better to be present, or plan for the future and act correctly? Here’s our chance for “20/20 Foresight!” In these verses, Jesus tells us exactly what to do.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:34-46

Hospitality . . . are you hospitable?

We are all capable of simple acts of kindness. We just need to have a ready and willing heart. God’s expectation is clear in these verses from Matthew and is repeated throughout Scripture. Romans 12:13 states, “Practice hospitality” and Jesus clarifies that we should be hospitable to all—friend, foe, stranger, healthy, sick, imprisoned, and more. It makes no difference in God’s sight, we are his children therefore we should be hospitable. In fact, hospitality is a fruit of our faith and a wonderful way for us to show God’s love.

Hospitality . . . are you not hospitable?

Admittedly being hospitable takes time, may cost money, and can interrupt plans. But are these any reasons not to be hospitable? Jesus simply says, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” No exceptions. When we fail to do what God commands, we are committing a sin of omission. James 4: 17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” God wants us to obey his law. If we have an opportunity to obey, and don’t do it, we have committed a sin of omission. Therefore, let’s be prepared to obey!

Hospitality . . . what does it look like?

Hospitality is always in season, but perhaps as this time of year rolls around there is even more opportunity, or we simply become more keenly aware of others’ needs. Ultimately, your hospitality is an overflow of your faith and a willingness to share God’s love and good news with others. So, what does hospitality look like? That’s up to you and the unique situation God has blessed you with, however, here are a few thoughts to get you started.

Bake a pie or a plate of cookies to share with family, friends, or others in your community.
Invite people from your neighborhood to church.
Serve at a homeless shelter or food pantry.
Hold the door for someone going in or out.
Cut lawn/shovel snow for a neighbor or shut-in.
Smile.
Host a Bible study or hymn sing.
Invite fellow church members to share the holidays with you, especially if they may be alone this season.

We can serve others with hospitality in so many ways with actions that are small, medium, or large. Let God guide your hospitable acts as expressions of faith.

Hospitality . . . is it worth it?

Hospitality is a blessing for all involved, the receiver and the giver. When you are hospitable, your faith is evident, your relationships are strengthened, and your light shines. Even as you serve others, you will find joy and encouragement to continue acts of kindness. A busier season of the year will soon be upon us. Take time now to use the “20/20 Foresight” you are given in this section of Matthew—make your hospitality plan for this season and the year ahead. How grand it will be to hear Jesus direct these words to you one day, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Written by Trish Plichta

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Missional Living

2023/10/14/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Missional Living – Women’s Devotion

Missional living is a mindset that adapts the daily actions, thinking, and practices of a missionary to share the gospel message with others.

Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Roughly paraphrased, that means “in your home, community, beyond your community and into all the world.” This is missional living. The idea is simply a Christ-centered mindset that sees our daily lives as a mission field where we can share God’s grace and love with others.

The concept of living as a missionary can be hard to grasp, but the pressure isn’t on us to make it work. We know the Holy Spirit is working to draw people to God. So, when you look at someone, you can ask yourself, “Is God working to reach this person with his love and grace? Does this person need forgiveness and hope?” The answer will be yes. It will always be yes. Jesus said, “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). We live with our eyes open, trusting that God has planted fields and created us as workers to watch and care for the fruit as it ripens.

Imagine your life as a gigantic apple orchard with paths that lead you to work, the gym, grocery stores, coffee shops, and home again. There is a path to your school, a local park, and places where you enjoy recreation. Walk that path with more purpose than reaching your destination. Open your eyes and look around you! You are surrounded by fruited trees that may be weak or dying. Ask, “Where can I love, encourage, or nurture faith? Can I befriend someone God is trying to reach?” The concept of missional living sees that daily life is full of opportunities because God is tilling, planting, and nurturing faith all around us. He is doing the work, and he will open your eyes to see it. Grace moves your heart to respond and join in his work.

What does that sound like?
“Hi, I think I’ve seen you when I’ve been at school events with my kids. Do you have kids here?” Have a casual conversation. Listen. Be a friend. Think, “Jesus wants this parent to know about his grace and love. I wonder how I could share that with him?”

People are thirsting for caring relationships. People need hope and love. People ache to be free of the guilt and shame they hide. We have been in the same place—separated from God by sin and in desperate need of a Savior. Now, with grace-filled hearts, we are moved to point others to his boundless mercy. The Spirit is working to save the lost and wants you to look at the fields and live in a way that seeks to love God’s harvest. His field. His work. Your opportunity to join him.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

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Community in church

2023/09/09/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Community in church – Women’s Devotion

In spring 2023, the US surgeon general released a report about social connection, sharing that the country is in an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Even before the pandemic, with its subsequent isolation, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. From the surgeon general’s point of view, that’s a health risk because the physical consequences include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.

For those of us who are Christians, how can we make a difference? Well, we obey the encouragement in Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

We do good to people with different political, social, and religious beliefs; to our coworkers, boss, or employees; to grouchy neighbors, people at the gym, and members of the book club.
But let’s not overlook the part that tells us to do good “especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” See, while loneliness may have physical dangers, loneliness in the church can present spiritual dangers. If people don’t feel loved in the family of believers, they might get bitter, stop coming to church, grow distant from people who can keep them connected to God.

As Christians, we are in a unique position to give people community, because we have the best community ever. It’s a family that loves each other now and lives together with God eternally. So, for now, with the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the gift of being the ones who make human connection. We use the specific gifts God has given us to bless the family. We listen to each others’ hurts, celebrate each others’ joys. We practice hospitality, encourage each other, and hold each other accountable, which is the hard part of friendship. We pray with and for each other. Ultimately, we “one another” each other.

Written by Linda Buxa

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God’s Plan for Relationships

2023/08/12/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

God’s Plan for Relationships – Women’s Devotion

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

I had just found out another school mom was going through some very tough stuff. And, for her, this resulted in

a hurting heart,
a mind that couldn’t be quieted, and
pain that kept her from showing up like a “good” mom would.

For me, I found myself asking questions.

Why didn’t I talk to her sooner?
Why didn’t I open up about my own situation?
Why hadn’t I asked if she wanted to meet for coffee?

And now our family was days away from moving. Not just a few minutes, but seven hours and four states away.

Why hadn’t I reached out to her? Maybe I was scared—scared to connect with the other moms and teachers at school. Maybe I was afraid to be vulnerable because I might be laughed at or alienated. Maybe I would open up to someone who couldn’t possibly understand what I was dealing with. So sometimes we hide. We stay home from cross country meets or basketball games. We don’t go to the moms’ Bible study and shy away from school volunteer opportunities all because we are uneasy.

How can we overcome this unease and the fears to reach out?

Our Father calls us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). As we mimic his grace (no matter how apprehensive we may be) we will seek out those who need a hug or need someone to listen. We are a smiling face that invites someone to grab a cup of coffee—or, if I’m being honest, a glass of wine! This can be the start of an amazing friendship. You can comfort a mom who needs to be reminded of Jesus’ love. Or start a relationship with a teacher who might not even know Jesus yet. But people can feel his love as he shines through you.

And, even if—even if it doesn’t go the way you hoped, what does our Father tell us? “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…” (Colossians 3:12). We are chosen! We should have been rejected but instead, our God specifically selected you and me to be his daughters. We are chosen to walk in the beauty and perfection of heaven someday. We are holy and dearly loved by a God who is our Father. Our Dad. He will wrap you in his arms and remind you of his many promises.

Step out of your comfort zone and reach out to the school mom struggling with her kiddo or your child’s teacher who looks a bit frazzled this week. Even a smile or a kind word can change their life and yours.

Hundreds of miles. Seven hours. Four states. But all were spanned by God’s grace. We are still connected, concerned for one another and able to celebrate God’s good news.

Written by Rachel Learman

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No Shame in the Mundane

2023/07/15/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

No Shame in the Mundane – Women’s Devotion

With every child, I have had to pare down my life a little more. Now with six kids, an average day is personal time with Jesus, being a wife and mother, homeschooling, cooking, and cleaning. It’s hard not to think how mundane my life is right now.

One constant pressure parents face is to be relentlessly busy, having a calendar filled with “important” things. The temptation is real. I feel it myself. And when someone asks me what I’ve been up to and all I can think of is cooking, cleaning, and refereeing, I can almost feel a sense of shame or the instant need to try to come up with something that sounds more worthy. Why is there such embarrassment in a simple life filled with ordinary things?

But as God draws me nearer to him in his Word, I’m reminded that he’s not at all worried about what looks great to the world. He sees victory, success, and a life well-lived through a very different lens. In fact, the One worthy of all honor, glory and the Name that is above every other name, took on the nature of an obedient servant to win our salvation.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! – Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus set aside his glory.
Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Jesus spent three years making 12 disciples who would be his witnesses.
Jesus willingly suffered, bled, and died to redeem unworthy sinners like me.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

Jesus didn’t send us into the world to make a name for ourselves. He didn’t ask us to conform to the patterns of the world. Instead, he commanded us to go make disciples. And the mundane life where I’m present for my kids and my family is where God has called me to do that work. Motherhood may be a humble calling, but when we lay aside our ideas of what we should be doing, we get to be a part of what God is doing, and that is always so much better. Helping my kids fall in love with reading the Bible; teaching them to cook, clean, serve and become people with character and strength; modeling a life where we strive to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; these are the hidden seeds that I’m tending in the seemingly ordinary life that God has me in for this season. So next time you ask me what I’ve been up to I may just keep it simple. I’m making disciples. How about you?

Written by Katy Goede

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To Some…, But to Me…

2023/06/10/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

To Some…, But to Me… – Women’s Devotion

Another severe thunderstorm was raging over the Connecticut parsonage, and the pastor’s daughter was scared. Mom tried to reassure her with the story of Jesus calming the storm, but little Ann was not feeling it. Ann looked across the yard toward the church office where her father was working. “You stay here with Jesus,” Ann said, “I’m going to get Daddy.”

Several years later, now in the Midwest, the father laid his hand on the permed head of this same, eldest daughter. He surprised her with the same passage he himself had received at confirmation, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Perhaps he was thinking of that Connecticut lightning storm and reminding her, “Ann, no matter what physical or metaphysical storms may trouble you, God will be with you.”

That’s my dad.

About ten years later, our family was camped on Maine’s coast. My dad was facing a change in his ministry—from charge of one congregation to a synod. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, the sound of crashing waves in our ears, he led us in a devotion about a rock-solid, unchanging, loving God who upholds and saves us. “God is our refuge and strength…”

Memories of my dad aren’t all devotions and sermons. I remember helping him relive his prep and college football careers as my sister and I retrieved high kicks over the backyard maple. We screamed in mock terror at his lion imitations. With strong arms, he pulled my siblings and me to and from the skating pond in a red plastic sled. He shared his love of ice cream, popcorn, and beloved childhood stories from Caledonia. He brought surprise gifts for the family, which often surprised our mother, too. His love of classical music endures (I was instructed to only play “good” music on my birthday clock radio). And he has a famous kangaroo joke.

Threading through all of these memories is my dad’s love for the Lord and his people, a joy in ministry, especially clear when company surrounded the table and stories like “The Wrong Mrs. Weber” entertained and inspired. He was devoted to our family, but also to the larger family of God, pausing for dinner and devotions, but then back to his sermon or a meeting. My parents traveled all over the world to see and do God’s work, and in his later years, when some might settle down, his ministry took my mom and him farther afield—to retirement calls in Texas and twice to Hong Kong. He encouraged me to follow this course to ministry and family with Psalm 46 strength. My own children saw him as the “faraway Grandpa,” but also as a faithful servant, and my first graders still come to class with surprising stories like, “Your dad gave birth to my mom.” (Translation: My mom was baptized by your father.)

These recollections also include those very present times of trouble, frustration, or anger. My dad would be the first to admit that he is a sinner; so am I. Many days, our matching temperaments got the best of us. Forgiveness was asked for, given and received; a necessary and treasured gift. My father was not perfect, but he made God the Father’s grace through Jesus perfectly clear.

Long ago on Father’s Day, I carefully and colorfully stitched these words on a piece of white cotton: “To some people, you are a rev. or a pastor, but to me, you are the best person in the world, you are my dad.” These words are still true today. I thank God for a loving father who exemplified our heavenly Father and faithfully pointed to the only refuge, strength, and salvation. Happy Father’s Day!

Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly his—
how sad and poor and dark it is!

Oh, blest that house where faith is found
and all in hope and love abound;
they trust their God and serve him still
and do in all his holy will.

Blest such a house, it prospers well;
in peace and joy the parents dwell,
and in their children’s lives is shown
how richly God can bless his own.

Then here will I and mine today
a solemn promise make and say:
though all the world forsake his Word,
I and my house will serve the Lord!
(Christian Worship 760:1,2,4,5)

Written by Ann Ponath

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The beast (a devotion on depression)

2023/05/27/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

The beast (a devotion on depression) – Women’s Devotion

“When was the last time you felt deep, complete joy?” she asked. “You know, when you feel like everything is just about perfect in your world at that moment.”

I’d already had several sessions with this therapist, and she knew a lot of the details of my life by now. She knew that things were generally pretty good. I’d had a solid upbringing, a happy childhood. I was married to a man I loved and who loved me, and our healthy, happy son was just over a year old. We had everything we needed. And yet, in five years, I could not remember a time when I’d felt deep joy.

I gazed at the floor, trying to come up with something. “Definitely on my wedding day,” I said. “But that was over five years ago.” I stared out the window, as if something out there would bring back a memory. “There must be something since then. Surely something when my son was born…” Nothing on the ceiling jogged my memory either.

“You’re thinking way too long about this,” the therapist said. “It shouldn’t be that hard.”

* * *

It wasn’t just that I lacked joy. As our fifth wedding anniversary came around, the picture was more grim than that. Too often anger and frustration with this circumstance or that offense made me rage inside. Sometimes I couldn’t keep it inside, and I was downright ugly to be around. My husband bore the brunt of my foul mood. A few times I yelled at my son, but even when I held it inside I feared that he would sense my grumpiness and pent up rage and it would somehow scar him.

I wish I could say that I prayed fervently that God would help me find joy. But when I was seething with rage, I didn’t pray and I didn’t want to look to Scripture at those moments. My default nature, opposed to God, was firmly in control. I just wanted to be angry. Looking back I can honestly confess with Asaph the Psalmist, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” (Psalm 73:21-22) The only prayer my troubled spirit was capable of was a feeble “Lord, help me…help us…” breathed into my tear-stained pillow from time to time.

Only God knows how long I might have let this go on—and how bad it might have gotten. But he had a plan to turn things around for our little family. We were preparing for my husband’s first deployment to the Middle East with the United States Air Force. I feared that our marriage would not make it through four months of physical separation. I feared that my mental state would prove harmful to my son’s emotional well-being. And so I sought the help of a therapist.

The diagnosis was dysthymia—mild, long-term depression. I continued my sessions with the therapist. She coached me in coping strategies. I made sure I was getting sufficient sleep. I exercised regularly. I was faithful in my daily Bible study time. I read books about nurturing our marriage relationship and worked to apply what I learned. I ate nutritious meals. I allowed myself to relax and be unproductive once in a while. And yet, the brute beast was always there, ready to rage if provoked.

Then one day the therapist suggested medication. I balked, thinking surely if I really trusted God—if I really had faith—shouldn’t the certain hope of salvation bring me joy? My Savior loved me enough to take the punishment for my sins upon himself. Shouldn’t that be enough to make me happy? Would I be relying on pills to solve my problems, and would that be a sin?

I talked with my husband about it. We agreed that if I did indeed have a mental disorder, it was okay to try some medicine. Besides, the time for him to deploy was approaching like a freight train, and if pills might help, we needed to give it a shot.

* * *

That was almost nine years ago. I have been on antidepressants ever since, with the exception of my pregnancy with my second son. God has allowed me to experience joy again—the deep, complete kind. There are still problems in my life, and I still struggle. As a doctor once told me, “Medication can only make you normal. It can’t make you happy all the time.”

I have also found that medication on its own doesn’t do the trick. Regular exercise helps a great deal, and I need daily time in God’s Word. I may end up taking those pills for the rest of my life. I’m okay with that. But I don’t rely on the pills to solve the problems in my life. I rely on the Lord, who led me to the relief that the medication provided.

God told his people through the prophet Nehemiah, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) I have come to know that the joy of the Lord is my strength, even when I don’t feel joyful, even when my emotions don’t express what my soul knows. And now, by God’s grace, I am often able to feel the joy he gives through faith in his Word.

Psalm 73, the one that talks about the “brute beast,” ends like this:

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

God did not abandon me when my sinful nature was in control and anger and frustration made me rage inside. And thanks be to God that my husband loved me “as Christ loved the church,” (Ephesians 5:25) because he didn’t abandon me either.

God waited until my spirit was quieted, and then in that still, small voice, he spoke to me gently through his Word. He showed me that his love is constant. Even when I am raging, his love is calm and steadfast. When I am a brute beast, he looks at me and loves me. And then he gently rescues me.

Prayer Suggestions:

Praise God for his gentle mercy toward beast-like sinners opposed to him by nature.

Confess times when you have allowed your inner beast to take over, or you have taken your anger and frustration out on others.

Thank God for the moments of joy he gives. Thank him for providing solutions to our problems in all the various methods he uses to help us. Thank him for solving our deepest problem of sin and the punishment we earned for it.

If there are people you know who struggle with symptoms of depression, ask God to soften their hearts to his gentle mercy. Ask that he shield those around your struggling loved ones from any negative effects of their condition. Ask that he make a way to alleviate their symptoms, by whatever means he sees fit.

Written by Tracy Siegler

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A Messy Blessing!

2023/05/13/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

A Messy Blessing! – Women’s Devotion

The very first thing God instituted, even before the church, was family. Family is part of God’s design for how we learn about him. Through family we learn how to get along with others and how to reconcile when we do not. We learn what it means to love unconditionally and to practice forgiveness and grace.
What a messy blessing!

You could have been born at any time in history, on any continent, in any civilization. Out of all the families in the history of time, God put you in the family he put you in.
What a messy blessing!

We come into the world completely dependent on another human being. We are unable to feed ourselves, dress ourselves, or protect ourselves. Family does that for us. And, if we live long enough, we will probably leave this life unable to do many of those same things for ourselves. What a privilege to be able to care for our elderly parents who once cared for us in this way.
What a messy blessing!

What a blessing and a challenge to meet them wherever they are mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and to walk with them during the final season of their earthly journey. Our aging parents face tremendous challenges as their bodies and minds begin to fail. Frustration, anger, loneliness, and physical pain can all be crippling. We can assure them they are not alone. We can remind them that God loves them and provides for them. Many times, God is using us, their family members, as the means for providing for them.
What a messy blessing!

It is difficult work that requires intentional grace. Mistakes will be made; feelings will be hurt. It requires patience, love, and forgiveness—all those lessons that they taught us as they cared for us when we were younger. There are times when they are not grateful for our sacrifice, there are times when they want more of our time and attention than we are able to give, and there may be other times when they want less of our attention and involvement in their affairs. And there are gut-wrenching times when there simply are no good answers to the problems they are facing. Suffering through diminishing health and abilities is… suffering. The root meaning of the word compassion means “to suffer with.” One of the greatest gifts we can give to someone who is suffering is simply to be with them. Although we cannot fix what they are going through, we can assure them they do not have to be alone as they go through it, we can suffer with them.
What a messy blessing!

Jesus modeled this for us on the cross. As he looked down on his mother who had taught him about his heavenly Father, he was concerned about her and did not want her to suffer alone. He had compassion on her as he asked his best friend John to care for her now, “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home” (John 19: 26-27).

I was blessed to have my aging mother live with me in my home for sixteen years after my father passed away. Together we suffered through her breast cancer, heart issues, diabetes, over a dozen surgeries on her legs, and finally a drug resistant infection that God used to take her home to heaven. There was no way to keep track of the number of doctor visits, ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation centers, pain, frustration, and tears. There is also no way to count or measure the depth that our love and respect for each other grew as we suffered together. She was an excellent mother who taught me about Jesus, unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, and having a zest for life. In the end, I was able to remind her of those same lessons.
What a messy blessing!

To be used by God to care for an aging parent is both an extremely challenging and significantly meaningful opportunity. It is God who gives us the strength and compassion as we are motivated by the love he shows to us. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-34).

What a messy blessing!

Written by Rhoda Wolle

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Not Here

2023/04/08/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Not Here – Women’s Devotion

You might know how it feels. Anyone who has experienced the turn of events during a sudden death of a loved one can identify with the accompanying experience. Life screeches to a halt. Minds go numb. Hearts shrink, shell-shocked. Our loved one is no longer here.

Ever been there? Take heart, dear one, you are not alone. Easter morning, the women were most certainly in this state of mind. As Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and Salome trudged to the tomb, the spices they toted were not nearly as heavy as their thoughts and hearts. The last few days had been a living nightmare.

Their dear master? Gone. Marred beyond recognition. Crucified. Pierced through. Sealed inside a tomb. Gentle Jesus—dead. The mighty One who had fed the five thousand, walked on water, healed the masses, and proved his right to be called the Son of God, was cruelly betrayed—by one of their own! Their male companions witnessed the arrest and were stunned at the outcome.

Heads covered, arms full, and hearts broken, the women arrive to find the surreal scene, unexpectedly odd. The seal is broken. The stone is rolled away.

Going inside, they look, seeing only the grave clothes. How could this be? Next, two men in brilliant garments stand near them, illuminating the emptiness where Jesus’ body was laid.

Frightened, they bow low. I imagine them missing the obvious joy of the angels, who said:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”

Note the exclamation point—risen! The angels are joyous. Next, words of reassurance:

“Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”

The dawn grows brighter as the dazzling truth begins to sink in.

Luke pens their response. “Then they remembered his words” (Luke 24:5-8).

Could it be true? Yes, today was the “third day”!

He had risen!

Though society saw them as less, Jesus saw them all throughout his ministry. He arranges this glorious morning to be filled with firsts: first at the empty tomb, first to hear the resurrection news, first appearance to Mary, and entrusted by Jesus with the first resurrection report to the disciples.

Does your heart burst with Easter joy for these sorrowing women? With fresh eyes of faith, their grief beyond belief turned to wonder, and their wonder turned to praise. Can you see them excitedly rushing back to Jerusalem, daring to believe?

Daughters of the King, rejoice with these sisters, for their story is ours! We, too, have seen the risen Lord in God’s Word and believe. Jesus lives! Together, we can share this epic news.

“He is not here. He is risen, just as he said!” Hallelujah!

Happy Easter!

Written by Marilyn Sievert

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Make me see

2023/03/25/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Make me see – Women’s Devotion

Make me see your great distress, anguish, and affliction,
bonds and stripes and wretchedness and your crucifixion;
make me see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you,
how for them you died, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.
Christian Worship 402:2

I love beautiful paintings of Jesus loving little children, smiling, and blessing them. I love images that reflect his warming love and peaceful grace; the comforting reminders that I am his child.

But that is not the picture here. We sing, “Make me see your great distress”—and not just a general view—this haunting melody drives us to remember the anguish that must have distorted his face and body; the affliction as he suffered the punishment of hell. Bonds and stripes, wretchedness—this is not a pleasant image, but the hymn writer knows we need to dwell here. MAKE ME see how scourge and rod, spear and nails did wound you! My tender heart says, “No! Don’t make me look!” but my spirit cries out to see his incomparable suffering—to look—and to remember. Because what I see in that wretched image is the payment for sin. “How for them you died, O God, who with thorns had crowned you.” This is how it had to happen; how God would accomplish it! The death of Christ paid for the sins of those who whipped stripes into his body without mercy. It bought forgiveness for those who mockingly crowned him with thorns. His bloody sacrifice was poured out for those who hatefully crucified him.

And then as I look, I see it. I see the payment for my sins. I see that all my failures and shortcomings drove the whips and nails into his body. It was my guilt that caused him the torment of hell. As much as it grieves me to look, and as uncomfortable as I am with the image—it is what I need to see. I must look to remember the price of sin and the depth of his love. I must look so I never become casual about Christ, never lukewarm or ungrateful. I will look because the darkness of hell and ugliness of sin make the gospel that much sweeter and oh, so needed. What a blessing to look—to be driven to embrace his forgiveness.

Make yourself look—you’ll never take grace for granted again.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I meditate on your passion, burn on my heart the image of your suffering that I always remember how desperately I need you. Remind me that without your payment for sin, I would suffer in hell for eternity. I know my sins caused your suffering, and I repent of them Lord and pray for your forgiveness. Give me the assurance that because you suffered, died, and rose my salvation is secure. You are my Savior. Let me never take that for granted, but let it instill in me a desire to love you and seek you in your Word. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done to make me yours. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

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Closed Doors

2023/02/11/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Closed Doors – Women’s Devotion

“When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.” If you have watched The Sound of Music as many times as I have, you will recognize that as a line spoken by the Reverend Mother to Maria. Even if you haven’t seen the movie (gasp!), you have probably heard a similar statement. It’s not from the Bible, though the intent behind the quote could be considered biblical. Basically, it’s a reminder that God is working everything out for our good and that his path may be different from ours. It’s a comforting thought, but I heard a pastor speak a few days ago who made me think about that quote in a very different way.

He challenged the idea of open doors and windows, and suggested that God doesn’t always work that way. He referenced John 20, when the disciples were hiding together with the “doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders.” Thomas wasn’t there the first time, and was still doubtful that God’s plan was in place and that Jesus was even alive. It was not until Thomas was locked in that room with nowhere to go that he actually saw the truth. It was only there that he was in a place to reach out and touch his Savior.

Sometimes God uses closed doors and windows. I love the joy that comes with being a Christian. When I’m going through a difficulty, I always try to look for the good, for a way out, for where God might be leading me. But sometimes that’s not clear. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be any good at all. Sometimes there is no way out and no clear path, and it seems like all the doors and windows are shut. Christians suffer sometimes, with no earthly resolution in sight. Some of our Christian brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are suffering horrifically right now. And you don’t even have to go that far. Christians are suffering here too—in this country, in this state, in your church, maybe in your home.

Have you ever felt locked in a room of suffering with no doors or windows to escape? Do you feel that way right now? If you do, I won’t presume to tell you exactly why God has you there. I don’t know when or if he’ll ease your earthly suffering by opening up a window or a door. But I know this: Jesus is in the room with you. He meets us in locked rooms—where the only place to go is into his arms. He stands face to face with us as we cry to him in despair and as we listen to his words of truth. Paul knew that suffering can bring us closer to our Savior.

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10).

Jesus suffered and even asked for a way out—a different door to walk through. But God didn’t give him one. Our suffering gives us a glimpse into his, and into the intense love that led him to go through so much for us. The One who loved us enough to die for us will be with us in our trials. Closed doors and windows don’t matter in the end, because Jesus himself is the Door—to peace during suffering now, and to the end of all suffering in heaven.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door…. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7,9 NKJV)

Written by Sarah Reik

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Renewal

2023/01/14/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Renewal – Women’s Devotion

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

January freshness. New calendars. Fun Day-Timers. Blank squares.

We love the feeling of starting again, and the New Year brings many reminders of what we hope will be different. But before you enjoy the beautiful new things that are coming, look at what has been thrown away. A scribbled, grimy calendar in the kitchen. A tattered Day-Timer with loose pages and messy sticky notes. Lists and reminders that never let us rest. Toss them in the garbage and start over!

The words of Psalm 51:10 bring us encouragement and hope for spiritual newness. God’s grace and the washing of rebirth is so much more than a new calendar. Its fresh hope brings a daily treasure we need more than a Day-Timer. Forgiveness in Christ. Eternal life. Joy. But the words that precede this verse tell us about what is thrown out in our spiritual lives. Worse than grimy, tattered calendars, our sin is filthy baggage that needs to be taken out. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge” (Psalm 51:4).

Jesus does that for you. He comes and takes everything dirty, hopeless, and ugly and destroys it with his death on the cross. Every new day he wakes you with the promise of new life purchased for you by the blood of Jesus. Each moment you are covered with his love. Everything is pure and renewed because of him.

Written by Naomi Schmidt

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Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 25

2022/12/25/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into Our Perspective

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2

This isn’t how it was supposed to be. One could hardly blame Mary if this thought welled up as she contemplated her life as a new mother. This couldn’t have been how she had hoped to welcome her firstborn. How often in her life as a mother to God’s Son would she be forced to adjust her expectations and come to grips with a very different reality?

This isn’t how it was supposed to be. Such a thought has likely pervaded your heart and mind when visions of a perfect Christmas have failed to materialize. Family strife, illness, a meager bank account, or an empty spot around the table darkens what was “supposed” to be a bright and joy-filled holiday.

This isn’t how it was supposed to be. Who more than Jesus himself would have reason to make such an assertion? He left behind his rightful place of perfect glory to make the unfathomable descent into human existence. But knowing this was God’s supposed-to-be plan of salvation, Jesus sacrificed all without hesitation to carry out his Father’s will and save mankind.

“Set[ting our] minds . . . on earthly things” as we plan our ideal Christmas celebration will almost certainly leave us feeling hollow and disappointed. The Christmas message, however, transforms our perspective. As we “set [our] minds on things above,” we recognize that our joy and fulfillment are not dependent on the changeable circumstances of the day.

This perspective directs our gaze past any earthly disillusionments to focus instead on the rag-swaddled miracle in the manger. With Mary, we stare in awe at her newborn, praising God that all the preparations for a perfect Christmas were taken care of long ago.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for unfolding your plan exactly as it was supposed to be. When we fail to understand what is, help us to know you rule earth and eternity and perfectly understand what we can’t. Turn our doubt into faith and our fear into hope. You are able to turn what is not into all it’s supposed to be. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

Written by Rebecca Regotzke
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 24

2022/12/24/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into the Lives of Unbelievers

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.
Luke 2:17

What would it take to fill you with this kind of joy and amazement—the kind that would take you into the streets to stop total strangers?

We don’t get excited about much anymore. We have access to special effects. We’ve seen wonders. We’ve hovered above the sky, zoomed along the water. We touch buttons and someone across the country packs a box and ships it to our front door.

What does this baby in a meager manger offer that we can’t get?

We live with the world at our fingertips but struggle to find rest. We have more than most and yet we grapple for peace. We have abundance but no joy.

That little baby was and is the way to eternal rest, peace with God, abundant joy. So many people are looking in all the wrong places, and too often we’re too preoccupied to notice or care.

Prayer:

God, help this year to be different. Fill me with the zeal of the shepherds who heard and saw and went and told. Remind me of the eternal consequences of staying quiet and open my mouth to declare your praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Amber Albee Swenson
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 23

2022/12/23/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into the Lives of Prodigals

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:12-14

I am a mother of five. One of my children suffers from severe depression. The winter can be especially long and bleak. Seasonal affective disorder plays a part in his story as well. Because of these challenges and others, he has strayed from God’s house. He has not been to church in a long time. This hurts. All too often I feel like I failed him. I play the if-only game and wonder if I had only done or said things differently, perhaps he would be in a better place.

I know better. My Savior, Jesus, washed every sin away at the cross. Mine and yours.

So we wait on the Lord. We pound God’s door on that child’s behalf. We never give up on him. I trust the Lord when he speaks to us in Matthew and know God himself is fighting for my child’s soul.

Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, my heart hurts to know that my son has strayed. Please fill him with a new and renewed zeal to come back to you and hear your Word. Let him find strength for each new day at your feet. Thank you for never giving up on him. Amen.

Written by Rebekah Thoma
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 22

2022/12/22/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into the Public Square

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

For many of us, Christmas celebrations are spent with family and in worship. Christmas music and familiar Scripture verses fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness. Jesus is our Savior.

For many others, Christmas is spent with family, seeing a concert of traditional carols, or looking at the festive Christmas lights. But Jesus is not there.

What if we prayed Christ would be seen in public this Christmas? What if we prayed for the name of Jesus to be honored, respected, and known? And for leaders who continue to grant us freedoms to express our faith? What if we prayed society would hear and believe God’s message of grace in Christ, and that the simple nativities outside of churches would create a longing to know Jesus more? And what if we prayed for God to glorify his name in the songs, lights, and decorations of the season?

As we pray, let’s take our faith into the public square openly, visibly, and clearly, so his love, peace, and joy would be evident in our lives.

Prayer:

Most holy God, you are worthy to be exalted and honored above all things. We pray that your plan of salvation in Christ would be seen in the public square. We pray for the name of Jesus to be respected, admired, and known. We pray those who are searching would see, hear, and learn of your merciful love. Let us honor you in public with loving actions and truthful words. Come, Lord Jesus, into the public square, through me. Amen.

Written by Naomi Schmidt
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 21

2022/12/21/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come, Lord Jesus, to Unbelievers

How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Romans 10:14

Waiting as a child during the season of Advent was awful! When would it finally be Christmas Eve? When would Jesus come?

I thank the Lord that he put me in the family he did. I loved the Wednesday services during Advent. The messages always seemed to teach us something we hadn’t thought of.

Our German Lutheran grandma’s house seemed to be in the middle of everything. Everyone was welcome any time. We were always uncovering ancient ornaments, cookie recipes, and Advent devotions.

Friends, always welcome, would ask about that funny thing in the middle of the dining room table. Why were some candles shorter than others, and only one new one lit each week?

Ah . . . the waiting, and the light growing brighter each week! The bright lights reflecting off of our favorite ornaments, the bright lights all around our neighborhoods growing so bright you could read a newspaper walking down the street at night! The candles of the Advent wreath growing so bright as they reflected off of our family manger scene waiting for a very special arrival.

Yes, I thank God for allowing me to learn and to share the Light of the world!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, not everyone grows up in a family that worships you. Never let me tire of telling people the truth. Prepare hearts for the message and use me to share it! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Linda Harlow
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 20

2022/12/20/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into Our Perspective

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2

The smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies fills the house, the tree sparkles, and the whole family is together, laughing and smiling. Everything is perfect.

I work hard, but Christmas demands even more. I fall into thinking if I can just have a “Hallmark Christmas,” I will have the peace of perfection.

And yet, every year there is a feeling of failure, even despair. With my eyes on earthly things, I am not enough. Even what I do perfectly doesn’t bring the satisfaction I desire.

In Colossians 3:2 God gently calls me to let him change my perspective. My heavenly Father knows I am not perfect, but he loves me as his child, made perfect by the blood of my Savior.

Suddenly the Hallmark Christmas becomes less important. Luke 2 reminds us God sent his Son to live perfectly because we can’t. He died to pay the price of our imperfections. He rose again, victorious over all my failures.

Christmas is only the beginning. Jesus will come again to bring me home to heaven, or I will die in peace and be taken to my perfect heavenly home.

When I focus on things above, I find true peace and joy. My despair disappears. I can’t be perfect, but God’s love for me is.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, so often I focus only on the things of this world that lead me to strive to be perfect and result in despair. Use your Word to change my perspective. Remind me of the perfection of your love for me. Remind me of the price Jesus willingly paid that I might be perfect in your eyes. In your powerful name I pray, Amen.

Written by Jeanne Kionka
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 19

2022/12/19/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into the Lives of Prodigals

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:12-14

Who are the lost, and who are the found? Jesus urged the Pharisees to look inward. They found it unfathomable to think he may be referring to them. They were right there, and besides, from their perspective they weren’t capable of having a wandering heart.

As we look inward, we know how easy it is to be distracted by shiny sins freshly polished and held in our hearts. They are a stark contrast to the rugged staff God uses to reign us in. He wants us to be content and confident in his pasture.

Oh, how we need compassion for those on either side of the fence! Our Shepherd happily sought us out in crevices and deep valleys. He called with strained voice, while we rolled in sinful pastures. It is easy to stray and hard to admit fault. But it’s so much easier to fall into our Savior’s arms and tell others of the joy to be found when hearing, “You’re forgiven” every time.

Prayer:

Jesus, our tears of joy basking in forgiveness mingle with tears of sadness for those who are still missing. Work in wonderful and miraculous ways to bring others into the fold. Quench our thirst for sin and give us strength to stay where you are. Amen.

Written by Marinah Inman
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Advent Devotion – Come, Lord Jesus – Day 18

2022/12/18/in Womens Advent Devotions, Womens Devotions

Come Into the Public Square

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

Long ago, a man named Daniel faced a death sentence because the king of ancient Babylon had a dream that left him confused and upset. As soon as Daniel heard about the death sentence, he went home and consulted with his friends and asked them to “plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery” (Daniel 2:18).

Daniel asked the king for time to interpret the king’s dream. That night God gave the meaning to Daniel, and the next day he gave the king the meaning of the dream.

Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy how important it is to pray for our political and government leaders: so we may live peaceful and quiet lives.

What if it were against the law to share the gospel? What if we faced death every time we gathered for Bible study?

Our local, state, and federal leaders need our prayers for wisdom to make God-pleasing choices, as do our military and local law enforcement. Just like us, they often face temptations. All of us benefit when we pray for each other and for blessings of peace in our public square.

So pray for the president, the governor, the mayor, the generals, the commissioner, the representatives, and the sheriff. Pray for them all.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, our only true peace is with you. Bless us with leaders who love you and make wise choices. Heal the hurts in our families caused by political differences. Remind us that you are our true King and you reign supreme. Amen.

Written by Deb Hofland
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

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He had risen!

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