Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord – December 9, 2024

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
Psalm 66:1-4

Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord

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Daily Devotion – December 9, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:1-4

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Do you enjoy Christmas carols? What about those music stations that play Christmas songs twenty-four hours a day?

Christmas carols began as expressions of humble praise to God. But many of the songs we hear today are about red-nosed reindeer, snowmen, and sleigh rides. Sure, those songs can be fun, and there is nothing wrong with innocent fun. But they are empty of praise.

Real praise joyfully responds with humble adoration to God’s powerful work. At Christmas, we rejoice that God came to earth. Through his humble life, God demonstrates the awesome power of sacrificial love.

In giving us his Son, God was gifting us something we could never pay for and definitely do not deserve—forgiveness for all our sins, victory over our spiritual enemies, and eternal life.

Our God wants everyone to benefit from his gracious gift. So, keep singing those carols! Make his praise glorious! Sing with joy and enthusiasm! And if you can’t make music, listen with a heart tuned to praise that Christ came to earth. Let everyone know about the perfect gift we have been given—God with us! God for us!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 315, vs 4)
Savior, hear my welcome cry—loud hosannas lifted high! King of glory, enter in; cleanse my soul of every sin. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Time to Prepare – December 8, 2024

“Then suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
Malachi 3:1-4

A Time to Prepare

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Daily Devotion – December 8, 2024

Devotion based on Malachi 3:1-4

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Have you ever gotten soap in your eye or accidentally rubbed some sanitizer into a recent paper cut. That really stings, doesn’t it? Something like that causes discomfort. It is often bad enough to make us cry out in pain. It can be a very painful few seconds or even minutes. That’s why children don’t want dad or mom to clean out a recent cut or scrape.

Repentance works the same way. It is painful to admit sin. Admitting that we have sinned also brings discomfort. We don’t like to admit greed, apathy, lust, or hatred. Like the child with the skin cut, we try to hide our sin. We try to avoid the painful but necessary cleansing process.

Failing to clean out a wound allows it to fester. It can lead to infection, illness and even ultimately death. In that case, a little discomfort in getting cleaned up is a good thing. Similarly, sin that is not cleansed through repentance is dangerous for our souls. Repentance prevents sin from festering and infecting our faith. Sin that is not addressed can ultimately lead to unbelief and eternal death in hell.

The season of Advent is a time to prepare our souls for Jesus’ return. Use the time to humbly repent of your sins and let the gospel heal you. Like a launderer uses soap, let God’s Word do its important work of cleansing your soul in Christ. He alone purifies us from all sin. Put your faith in him.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, use your law and gospel to prepare my heart to meet you. Purify me from sin and wash me clean in your blood. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Fulfilled Promise Brings Hope – December 7, 2024

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.”
Jeremiah 33:14

A Fulfilled Promise Brings Hope

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Daily Devotion – December 7, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 33:14

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When a dog hears you say outside or walk, you better be taking that dog for a walk! Even if it’s something that only sounds like one of those words, he’s hearing you make a promise, “We’re going for a walk!”

When a child hears the hint or suggestion of doing something or going somewhere exciting, don’t they react with similar enthusiasm? What a thrill when a child hears a parent announce, “Pack a bag. We are leaving for grandma and grandpa’s house tomorrow!” Oh my, what excitement. From a child’s perspective, they just can’t wait!

Sadly, there are times when promises made become promises broken. Someone did not keep their word. The let-down is huge. The disappointment is real. When that begins to happen too often, we question if the promise is real. We stop believing.

Not so with our Lord. “The days are coming…,” he promised. Although the wait seemed long to God’s people of the Old Testament, God’s promises remained with them. God had made and fulfilled many promises to his people.

Those fulfilled promises were preludes to a greater promise—or as Jeremiah called it in today’s Bible passage, “the good promise.” All God’s promises gave people hope in God’s greater promise yet to be fulfilled. This promise was so good that God repeated it over and over to his people throughout history. People believed in it. Why? Because God was the promise-maker. The Lord always keeps his promises!

The season of Advent before Christmas is so exciting—Christ is coming! It means God kept his “good promise” that he made to us! God’s fulfilled promises give us the certain hope—that when God makes a promise, he will always keep it!

Prayer:
God of fulfilled promises, make good of your promise to return to me. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Comes to Make Us Blameless and Holy – December 6, 2024

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:13

He Comes to Make Us Blameless and Holy

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Daily Devotion – December 6, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:13

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“Do you think of yourself as more of a sinner or a saint?” This was the question that the pastor asked his Bible Study group. The response was unanimous. Everyone agreed they thought of themselves as more sinner than saint.

Maybe it was the power of group dynamics talking. No one wanted to be seen as prideful. Or perhaps it was simply the truth. As we conduct our lives on this earth, we realize that there are many ways to stumble along the path of following our God in faith. Experience tells us, “I am a sinner.”

Of course, the Bible tells us that both are true. We are sinners—because we are weak and possess a sinful flesh that always wants to follow its own path. And we are saints—completely forgiven, washed clean by the precious blood of Christ.

The sinner part we seem to accept more easily. But in today’s Bible passage, the apostle Paul calls us to believe the other truth as well. You are a saint!

How can this be? Don’t look to yourself for the proof. Honest reflection would only leave you feeling even more like a sinner.

Instead, trust God’s promises in the Bible. In his Word, God shows you how sinners become saints. The Savior came to a world of sin and overcame it. Jesus met sin at the cross where your sin became his, and his holiness became yours. Through faith, God has changed your heart to know the love of Christ and the promise of eternal life.

Many days, we will struggle to believe it. How can this sinner be a saint? Go to the Word. There, God strengthens your heart. There, God will again convince you of the truth. Through the blood of Jesus, you are blameless and holy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking on my sin and giving me your holiness. Help me to believe that I am washed clean, a saint. Strengthen me to live as one. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Comes to Grow Us in Love – December 5, 2024

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

He Comes to Grow Us in Love

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Daily Devotion – December 5, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12

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There is universal agreement that the world needs more love. Politicians proclaim that we need to show more love to each other. Law enforcement is dismayed by the lack of love in their communities. Families struggle where there is a lack of love.

If we all agree that the world needs more love, why isn’t there?

There’s nothing wrong with the concept. Showing genuine love to others and receiving it from others is always a blessing.

The problem lies in the execution. We don’t carry out what we proclaim. The entertainer who walks off the stage with an “I love you” doesn’t even know your name. And if you showed up at her house to get an autograph, likely the response would be less than an embrace and a dinner invitation.

More seriously, we all struggle to do what’s needed—more love. Because what is fighting us constantly in showing more love is a sinful nature that inherently will always put itself first.

But there is one who came in perfect love. Only love could cause the purity and perfection of God to clothe himself with flesh. Jesus humbled himself so that he could move from the manger to the cross and to the tomb. Every step that he took on this frail planet was taken in love.

And it is his love that inspires our love. Since God loved us, we have the motive and the example to show God’s love to others in how we speak and act.

More love? Absolutely. We all need it. And Christians have the best reason and the best way to show it. Point to the perfect love of Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me always see and appreciate your sacrificial love in being my Savior. And then strengthen me to show and share that love in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Comes to Clear the Way – December 4, 2024

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.
1 Thessalonians 3:11

He Comes to Clear the Way

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Daily Devotion – December 4, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:11

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Sometimes people take on obstacles just for the challenge. They will run a race filled with mud pits, climbing walls, and cargo nets to test themselves and hopefully overcome the challenges. At other times, obstacles just appear. Traffic comes to a standstill. The computer crashes. Progress comes to a sudden stop. And at other times, our obstacles are self-inflicted. Like leaving a phone nearby whose noises and messages distract from the work that needs to get done.

The apostle Paul had an obstacle that kept him away from the Christians in Thessalonica. Because of persecution, Paul had had to flee in the middle of the night. Now, writing to them later, he longed to be able to see them again. He prayed that God would clear the way to make a visit possible so that souls might be strengthened, and the love of Christ proclaimed.

While we may not face an obstacle keeping us from visiting Thessalonica, we do sometimes face spiritual obstacles keeping us from being closer to the Lord. Sometimes, these obstacles appear out of nowhere—a temptation or a trial we never expected. Sometimes, our spiritual troubles are self-inflicted. We keep ourselves from God’s Word or worship. We pursue a temptation rather than turning from it.

When the path to God seems difficult, take comfort in knowing that Jesus cleared the way for you. Every trial that was thrown at him, he endured. Every temptation, he overcame. Every distraction that kept him from his path to come to you to save you, he ignored. Jesus let nothing get in the way of winning your salvation.

Obstacles will come. But Advent is a great time to re-focus and re-prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Fix your eyes on him and the path to heaven that he has cleared for you.

Prayer:
Lord, help me clear my life of obstacles that get in the way of growing in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Comes to Increase Our Faith – December 3, 2024

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:10

He Comes to Increase Our Faith

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Daily Devotion – December 3, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

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You are missing something. As you are preparing dinner for your family you realize that one key ingredient is missing. Do you try to find a substitute? Do you just ignore it and hope for the best? Or do you drop everything and run to the store because you know that it just will not taste the same without it?

The world is missing something. Every day, a different “secret sauce” is marketed to make me happier and healthier, look younger, lose weight, get richer, live longer—the list goes on and on. But even if I can shed those stubborn pounds and smooth out a few wrinkles, how long before the next chocolate chip cookie or the newest line in my skin sends me looking for the next “something” that will fix all my problems?

You and I possess far greater problems than the externals that people can see and judge us by. There is One who sees the internal—our hearts and our souls. He knows our lives and what we do and say and think. And he, our God, has every right to judge us by our deeds and words.

Jesus came to give us what we lack. The perfect obedience that God demands he gives to us through faith in his Son. Jesus came to take away the sins that we commit. And then he gives us the ingredients to build us up in faith.

The Bible. Baptism. The Lord’s Supper. They seem so simple. We might want something more dramatic. We might expect we have to sacrifice or somehow do something to deserve to receive his message. We might think we have to do something drastic to find the secret sauce.

But this is how he builds us in faith. Through a steady diet of his Word, God comes to us, builds us up in faith, and keeps us strong to handle the problems that life throws at us. And through his Word, we have all that we need.

Prayer:
Lord, make me glad to worship you and seek out your Word so that I may grow in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Comes to Receive Our Thanks – December 2, 2024

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
1 Thessalonians 3:9

He Comes to Receive Our Thanks

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Daily Devotion – December 2, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:9

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Have you ever waited excitedly for someone’s arrival? Maybe your spouse who was away on a trip. A son or daughter or grandchild that you have not seen for far too long. A friend separated from you over the years. But now the time has come, and they will arrive any moment. You feel joy. Excitement. Expectation.

When the apostle Paul wrote the words of today’s Bible passage, he was writing to a group of people he had only met briefly. Persecution forced him to move on from their city. But an amazing thing happened. The gospel changed hearts. People came to faith. Paul could have been tempted to pat himself on the back for the great work he accomplished in a short amount of time. Instead, he thanked God. While the gospel had brought joy to these new believers, Paul received joy in return for their faith. And he thanked God for it.

There is much excitement in our world as Christmas approaches. And much of that excitement also has little or nothing to do with the arrival of the Savior. Let Paul’s words be our guide this time of year: “How can we thank God enough?”

The answer to that is, we can’t. Not really. How can we truly thank God enough for sending us a Savior? For bringing us the joy of forgiveness? The hope of eternal life? For a Son born to take on our sins so that he can save us? No, we can’t ever thank God enough.

But what we can do, is take some time to thank God for all the joy we have as we prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son. During this busy time of year, keep my head and heart focused on my Savior. Amen.

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

Hope That Increases Love – December 1, 2024

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

Hope That Increases Love

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Daily Devotion – December 1, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12

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The weeks before Christmas are called Advent—a Latin word that means “coming.” Advent invites us to wait—quietly and patiently for Jesus to come this Christmas. But do you know how hard it is to wait? Holiday times are hectic and stressful. We sing “Joy to the World,” but family fighting, overspending, and physical exhaustion steal our joy and drain our love. When we get impatient or speak sarcastically, it shows our supply of love is running on empty.

But what if God could give the kind of holiday love that increases your love and patience in the coming days before Christmas? Would that help as you wait? Would that make it easier for others to be around you? God wants to fill you up with his love. Every day before Christmas, we remember why we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth. His tiny hands and feet born at Christmas were the same hands and feet that died on the cross. Now, the living Jesus is the proof we need that “God will always love me!”

As you head into the first weekend of December, hear the voice of Advent encourage, “Wait, slow down a bit! Don’t get entangled in the hustle and bustle of the season. Get focused instead on what really matters. It’s Jesus.” Love is God’s gift to you. Christ’s love makes it possible for our hearts to brim over with love and patience for others like our children or spouse, our siblings or coworkers, our friends and neighbors.

While you patiently wait for Christmas to come, pray that God would fill our hearts, souls, and minds that we want to share this love with someone who is empty inside and desperately in need of love. No outside love can fill that void. Only Jesus and his love can!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I wait for your coming, supply what you know is lacking inside me. Deepen my faith and fill me with your love so that my love increases for you and for others. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 End Will Come – November 30, 2024

[Jesus said] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. . . What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Mark 13:32,33,37

The End Will Come

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Daily Devotion – November 30, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:32,33,37

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In the 2nd Century, a self-proclaimed prophet by the name of Montanus taught that the end of the world was close at hand. In 1499, a German mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and professor claimed that a deluge would bring about the end in 1524. In the early 19th Century, a 60-year-old woman named Joanna Southcott claimed she was pregnant with the next Christ and would give birth to him on Christmas of 1814. She claimed the second coming would follow soon after.

With all these false and failed prophecies, we might wonder if the end is really coming. The first disciples had their own reasons for wondering, but Jesus proclaimed the truth to them. The end will come; the Lord will return. The fact that we don’t know exactly when doesn’t make it any less certain.

So, what should we do? Instead of wondering and worrying about the day and the hour, Jesus tells us to keep watch. We keep watch by fixing our eyes on Jesus, repenting of our sins, and finding forgiveness in his precious sacrifice on the cross. We can keep watch by clinging to God’s Word and promises. We can be ready by faithfully carrying out the tasks that God has given us and joyfully looking forward to our Lord’s return because he has promised to take all of his followers to be with him forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, we do not know the day or the hour of your return. Give us faith that is fixed on you as our Savior and make us always ready for your coming. Help us to live each day with the confidence of your love and mercy and to faithfully go about our daily tasks as we joyfully await your return. Amen.

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

Sleeping – November 29, 2024

[Jesus said] “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”
Mark 13:36

Sleeping

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Daily Devotion – November 29, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:36

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Jay Leno is one of the most successful comedians of all time. When he was first starting, however, his finances were tight. To save money he would find various places to sleep at night. When he could not stay at a friend’s place or in some back room of a comedy club, he would sometimes find a home for sale that was having an Open House, greet the realtor and look through the house. Then, when the realtor was elsewhere, Leno would loudly say, “I’m going now. Goodbye!” He’d slam the door, then hide in a closet until the realtor left for the day. He got by with this ruse until one realtor came early the next morning and found him asleep in a bedroom. Beet red with embarrassment, he ran out as fast as he could.

To be asleep in a highly inappropriate place or at a highly inappropriate time is the kind of cringe-worthy moment the Lord Jesus uses to focus our attention on our relationship with him. More than anyone, Jesus knows that, in this broken world full of temptations and distractions, all kinds of things can make us spiritually sleepy—inattentive and careless.

This is dangerous because, little by little, the distractions and temptations of this world can ease us into no longer fixing our eyes on Jesus. Instead, we allow our sleepy eyes to fill with other images—our work, hobbies, social life, popularity, recreation, children, grandchildren, retirement plan, and health. Please understand that these are all wonderful blessings from God. But when any one of these displaces our focus on our only Savior, then we have fallen asleep, and we are in a dark and lethal place.

Thank the Lord that he pursues us. In love, he rouses us from our slumber, calls us to repentance, and refreshes us in sweet assurance of his full forgiveness purchased at Calvary’s cross. And it is that very refreshment of forgiveness that empowers us to be alert once again.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I grow sleepy, awaken me. In your gospel, refresh me once again. Amen.

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

Rescuer – November 28, 2024

Snatch others from the fire and save them.
Jude 1:23

Rescuer

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Daily Devotion – November 28, 2024

Devotion based on Jude 1:23

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Many television historians consider a series from the 1970s one of the most influential series ever made. The name of the series was, Emergency!

The series follows two Los Angeles firefighters who are part of a new, cutting-edge program. They have received special training in how to administer life-saving medical treatment at the scene before an ambulance even takes the patient to the hospital. The name of these new, specially trained firefighters? Paramedics.

The impact of the show was massive. Not only was it a ratings success; but it also caused fire departments and hospitals across the country to develop their own paramedics program.

And the show, Emergency!, did one more thing. Generations of firefighters have said they became firefighters because they watched this show that rescued people from fire and saved their lives.

To rescue individuals from a fire and saving them from certain death. Few scenes are more compelling or riveting than that.

The Bible uses this picture to communicate to us the urgency of sharing the truth of Jesus.

So serious is our sin, and poisonous is its evil that it separates us from God and his goodness. And when separated from God, there is just one alternative: The outer darkness of eternal death–the fires of hell.

Snatch others from the fire, the Bible says. The only rescue from this fire is the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It’s why Jesus came and took the incomprehensible step of becoming a human being. All this he did so he could remove the toxic poison of our sin at the cross. All this he did so he could blanket us with the holiness of the perfect life he lived on our behalf.

He alone spares us from the fire. He alone brings us into the forgiveness, security, peace and joy of God’s presence. And when we share him with others, his Spirit is at work to do the same for them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, through your gospel you have made me a rescuer. Move me to remember this. Amen.

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

Breastworks – November 27, 2024

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.
Jude 1:20

Breastworks

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Daily Devotion – November 27, 2024

Devotion based on Jude 1:20

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“Pop” Greene had a big problem. The Civil War battle of Gettysburg was getting underway. His commanding officer had just ordered him to defend a key hill that the enemy troops would soon attack. The problem was that Pop did not know if he had enough men to do the job. As a result, Pop Greene made a key decision. He decided to do what his commanding officer thought was not worth the time or effort and decided to build breastworks.

He ordered his men to chop down trees. From these trees, they built solid, protective barriers behind which to stand. The men kept at it, doing all they could to transform their hill into a fortress. Then, the enemy troops attacked. By comparison, Pop’s men were small in number. But so strong were the breastworks that Pop Greene’s modest unit was able to hold the hill. If they hadn’t, the Battle of Gettysburg—and the history of the United States—may have turned out very differently.

Enemy troops are gathered to attack you and me as well. Satan and his demons are coordinating with the temptations of this fallen world and our old sinful selves. Their next attack is not a question of “if.” It’s simply a question of “when.”

However, between now and the next attack, you and I have something extraordinary at our disposal. We have the living, enduring Word of God. We have the good news of what Jesus Christ has done to make us his own—to live a perfect life in our place, to suffer and die at Calvary’s cross for our sins.

With all this at hand, spiritual breastworks are built—breastworks of faith, truth, and solid certainty in the promises of our Savior. When you and I roll up our sleeves and grow in the Word of our Lord, his Holy Spirit builds us up. He constructs a spiritual fortress behind which you and I stand. Then, when the enemies attack, they will not prevail.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, build me up in your Word. Build me up in your gospel. For victory is in you alone. Amen.

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

Like Flies – November 26 ,2024

The earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever.
Isaiah 51:6

Like Flies

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Daily Devotion – November 26 ,2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 51:6

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Care for a few factoids about common flies? Here goes…

#1. A common housefly can lay 500 eggs every 3–4 days.
#2. Flies taste with their feet.
#3. Flies do not chew. Instead, they excrete an enzyme that liquefies their food so they can drink it.
#4. Flies are vital for breaking down carcasses and turning them into fertilizer for our soil.
#5. Forensic investigators often depend on the predictable work of flies to determine the time of death at crime scenes.
#6. Thank the fly for your chocolate, for it is flies that pollinate the cocoa tree.
And a 7th and final factoid about flies? The average lifespan of a common fly is twenty-eight days.

Twenty-eight days. That’s less than a month. If one were looking for a creature that symbolizes the shortness of life in this fallen world, it would be hard to find one better than the common fly.

It’s no accident, therefore, that the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, used the lifespan of flies to emphasize that our time on this earth is short. Everything that’s part of this world—everything we buy, drive, wear, collect, and pursue for amusement—breaks, wears out, and dies, including you and me.

Thankfully, Jesus entered this broken, temporary, sin-filled world and confronted the very thing that makes you and me pass away like flies. He confronted our sin. As our substitute, Jesus fulfilled the standards of sinlessness that a holy, eternal God demands. On our behalf, he endured the horror of eternal death on the cross to wash away our every sinful stain. Then, to assure us that eternal life is ours through faith in him, he raised himself back to life.

The result? The next time a common fly lands on your sleeve, remember all the things that are so temporary in this life. But Jesus is not. His promises are not. And now, in him, you and I are not either.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are eternal. This sinful world is not. Move me to remain in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

On the Way – November 25, 2024

My salvation is on the way.
Isaiah 51:5

On the Way

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Daily Devotion – November 25, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 51:5

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During World War I, Eddie Rickenbacker received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his prowess as a fighter pilot. Years later, during World War II, Eddie received a request to monitor military operations in the Pacific as a civilian observer. He and six others climbed aboard a B-17 for what should have been a routine trip. However, all sense of routine in this mission vanished when the plane went down. Suddenly, seven men were huddled in life rafts in the middle of the ocean.

As the days passed into weeks, their prospects went from hopeful, to serious, to critical, to desperate. Finally, on day twenty-one, they heard a sound. As Rickenbacker looked up, he saw a U.S. Navy plane flying overhead. It came in close—so close that he could see the pilot smiling at them and waving. From that moment on, they knew everything would be all right. Help was on the way.

Perhaps you have had periods in your life when you feel as though you were drifting on an empty ocean. Perhaps you are in such a period right now. At such times, you can feel hopeless, anxious, desperate, confused, and alone.

Sin can do that—your sin and mine. It isolates us from God and others. It smothers us in grief and regret. It surrounds us in unease and fear. It puts us in a dark void where the devil can convince us that we are all alone.

But that’s why Jesus came. He came to rescue us from our ocean of desperation. On our behalf, he lived the life of perfect faithfulness you and I have failed to live. In our place, he washed us clean of our every sinful failure through his suffering and death on the cross. Then he rose from the dead and walked out of his tomb.

For that reason, you have something far more certain than a smiling, waving Navy pilot. You have the cross and an empty tomb. And now, through his Word, your Savior assures you that he is on the way. He surrounds you in his grace. He is guiding all things for your good.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of you, I know your deliverance is on the way. Thank you. Amen.

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

Surprise – November 24, 2024

[Jesus said] “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Mark 13:32,33

Surprise

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Daily Devotion – November 24, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:32,33

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Surprises break the monotony of the mundane. Surprises often please us. If our experience with surprises has been good in the past, we most likely look forward to having more of them. Of course, there are no surprises for God. He knows all things before they happen. He even knows when the end of the world will take place.

But while God is never surprised, he has given us reason to be, and pleasantly so. When our first parents—Adam and Eve—sinned, they broke the bond of a loving, trusting relationship with God. That brought physical death into the world. The result was eternal separation from God. But surprise! Instead of condemning them to hell, God immediately told Adam and Eve that he would send a savior to reestablish that relationship with himself.

Again, we’re surprised by the way Jesus came to this earth—as a lowly, humble human being. (Yes, he’s truly God, but he is also truly human.) Jesus kept God’s laws, the laws that we have broken. He was perfect! So, we’re again surprised when we see that Jesus had to suffer and die. Why did he do so? Because he was taking our sins on himself and paying the full price for them. So, through Jesus, our relationship to God has been repaired. And really, that is no surprise; it fulfills what God told Adam and Eve.

So, there will be no real surprises when Jesus returns. He’ll come back and take his believers to live forever with him. We do not need to worry about that whatsoever. The only unknown is when it will take place. That is God’s final and wonderful surprise.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that because of what you have done to save me from my sins I do not need to fear the day this world comes to an end. Help me to be ready for that day, whenever it may come. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Power Over Death – November 23, 2024

[Jesus said] “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.”
John 5:25

Power Over Death

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Daily Devotion – November 23, 2024

Devotion based on John 5:25

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We all know what dead is. Dead is powerless and permanent. When someone or something has died, there is no coming back from it. The chances of recovery are now gone. The best veterinarian in the world cannot do anything for a dog that has been tragically killed by a car. The best doctors cannot dig up a grave and revive its occupant.

Since death is so severe and so permanent, it is terrifying. But then there is Jesus. The almighty Son of God has power even over death. He showed that power several times during his earthly ministry by restoring life to someone who had died. He proved it beyond any doubt by rising from the grave himself.

Jesus’ power over death is for you. He said, “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” Jesus has the power to give you life right now. In fact, his power is so great that it comes simply through his voice.

The voice of Jesus is heard in the Bible. It is here that you hear the life-giving fact that your sins have been removed forever—washed away by the blood of God’s own Son.

We need to hear that life-giving voice because nothing kills like guilt does. Our mistakes haunt us because we know that we can never go back and undo what we have done. Try as we might, we are still powerless to remove those black marks from our record and make ourselves right with God.

Jesus is not powerless. He paid the price to remove your sin and guilt. And now, through his Word, he gives you the life-giving message that because of what he has done, you are right with God.

Listen to his voice and live.

Prayer:
Jesus, my Savior, you alone have the power to give me life. Open my ears so that I may hear your voice in your Word. Touch my heart that I may trust it and live. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Book of Life – November 22, 2024

“But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.”
Daniel 12:1,2

The Book of Life

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Daily Devotion – November 22, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 12:1,2

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Picture the scene. A courtroom with a judge and jury. A gallery full of people. The prosecutor armed with damning evidence. And a defendant who knows his guilt. The prosecutor has a book full of the wicked things the defendant has done. With a smirk on his face, he begins to open his book. He can’t wait to tell everyone the terrible things written on the pages.

But before that prosecutor can speak, the judge pulls out his own book. He silences the prosecutor before he utters a word. This book isn’t full of deeds. Instead, it’s full of names. He looks at you with a smile, and he reads your name.

This book is like God’s family register. It’s his book of life. All it contains is names, not deeds. All believers in Jesus have their names written in the book of life. They are not acquitted because of the things they’ve done. Instead, their names are written in this book by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

God does speak of another type of book. And this book does have deeds written in it. These are the sins of those who reject Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will be condemned because of their works. They are without excuse. God has the evidence. He does not make his judgment arbitrarily or unfairly. A summary of all those sins could simply read, “Rejected God’s love and salvation.” That is ultimately what leads to “shame and everlasting contempt.”

But those who trust in Jesus as their Savior can be assured that deliverance is certain. Their names are written in the book of life. No matter how dark the world may feel, they belong to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. God is in control, and his kingdom will ultimately reign.

Prayer:
Dear God, it is by grace alone that you record names in your book of life. Help me to always trust in you and the grace you show through Jesus. Amen.

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

No Need to Fear – November 21, 2024

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”
Daniel 12:1

No Need to Fear

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Daily Devotion – November 21, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 12:1

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The people of Judah were living in exile, far from the land God had promised them, forced to settle in Babylon—a foreign land filled with false gods, foreign customs, and oppression. Their temple had been destroyed, and many of them felt as though God had abandoned them. Their situation was bleak, and discouragement must have often settled in their hearts. Babylon was not their home, yet they had no way of returning to their homeland. In such times of uncertainty, God’s Word to Daniel would have been a powerful source of hope.

We, too, can find ourselves feeling like exiles in this world. There are times when the world around us seems filled with chaos and darkness—wars, natural disasters, and moral decay surround us. It can feel like we’re living in Babylon, far from the peace and promises of God. It’s easy to become discouraged when we see injustice prevailing or when life brings distress and hardship that seem unending.

But God reminds us that no matter how bad things get, we have no reason to lose hope. God showed Daniel a future time of great distress, but he also highlighted a powerful truth: God has supernatural forces fighting on behalf of his people. Michael, the great archangel, is named the protector of God’s people. God’s angels, including Michael, are at work, ensuring our deliverance.

Those angels fight against a defeated enemy. Jesus conquered every spiritual enemy by mastering the devil’s temptations and overcoming the world’s hatred of him. Jesus even defeated the miserable enemy of death by his resurrection from the dead. While these enemies may still cause distress, they are ultimately defeated.

When dismay tries to overwhelm us, we can remember that God has not abandoned his people. Just as Michael arose to protect Judah, God also protects his Church today. We have nothing to fear, for our victory is secured in Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for conquering all my enemies. Come to me quickly when I am in distress. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Our Time of Grace – November 20, 2024

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27,28

Our Time of Grace

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Daily Devotion – November 20, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:27,28

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No one can escape death. And just as certain as death is the judgment that will come after it. That can be a terrifying thought. No one likes to face judgment.

The thought of being judged at the end of our life for all the things that we have done and have not done sounds excruciatingly painful. We don’t want anyone to judge our life and see the terrible things we’ve done or hear the awful things we’ve said.

The standard of judgment is not about being pretty good or mostly good. It’s not about being better than others. It’s not even about getting better and better as life goes on. No, God’s standard of judgment is perfection. Either you are perfect, or you are not.

Since no one can live up to that standard, God made a plan. His Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world and lived perfectly. He kept every standard God set. He never failed or faltered. He is perfect. More than that, Jesus faced God’s judgment for sin on the cross. His sacrifice satisfied the wrath of God for humanity’s imperfection and sin.

Now, God gives people an opportunity during their life to hear this good news called the gospel. He wants all people to believe that Jesus is their Savior and to receive the forgiveness that Christ offers. God gives each of us a time of grace to put our trust in him, acknowledging that his sacrifice is sufficient so that we can live in the assurance of sins forgiven.

Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus will not have to fear death and judgment. God will judge believers based on the works of Jesus and his perfection. When Jesus comes again, he will bring salvation to all waiting for him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for enduring judgment in my place. Help me to trust in your finished work and eagerly wait for your second coming. Amen.

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

Sacrificed Once for All – November 19, 2024

Nor did [Christ] enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Hebrews 9:25,26

Sacrificed Once for All

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Daily Devotion – November 19, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:25,26

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Before the time of Jesus, the Israelites gathered around the temple every year for the Day of Atonement. God reminded them that there needed to be amends and reparation for their wrongdoing and sin.

It was one of their most sacred days. The air filled with a solemn silence. They watched the high priest fulfill his duties. Instead of wearing his usual ornate robe and bejeweled breastplate, he wore simple white linen. There was no room for outward glory, only humility before God.

Only on this day could the high priest enter a room in the temple called the Most Holy Place. A veil separated it from the rest of the temple. Inside, the high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat. The blood symbolized the atonement of sin, a vivid reminder of the cost of sin.

During the day, a goat was chosen. The priest confessed the sins of the people onto the goat and sent it into the wilderness. The people watched the scapegoat carry their sins far away. God not only forgave the people their sins, but he also removed them far from his people.

This day played out year after year because no animal’s blood could pay for a single sin. No goat was powerful enough to carry sins. All these acts pointed forward to a time when God would send his Messiah, the Christ, to be the Savior. This Savior would make real atonement for the sins of his people.

Jesus Christ acted as both priest and sacrifice, offering his very blood for the eternal atonement of humanity. The blood of Jesus is holy and precious because it is the very blood of God. His one sacrifice was enough to restore humanity’s broken relationship with God caused by our sin. Because of Jesus, God has removed our sins forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for paying the terrible cost of my sin. Help me to treasure my restored relationship with you. Amen.

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

All Will Rise – November 18, 2024

[Jesus said] “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.”
John 5:28,29

All Will Rise

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Daily Devotion – November 18, 2024

Devotion based on John 5:28,29

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There is a large cemetery near where I live. From the road, you can see headstones for what looks like miles. Driving into the cemetery, you are surrounded by graves. Rows and rows of plots and places where the dead sleep, entombed in a coffin, covered by six feet of dirt.

Every time I accompany families to that cemetery for the burial of a loved one, I have the privilege of assuring them this will not be their loved one’s final resting place. It doesn’t matter how well the coffin is sealed or how much dirt is on top of it. It doesn’t even matter what condition the body is in. That body, that person, will rise when Jesus comes.

Jesus makes it clear that all people will rise when they hear his voice at his second coming. Cemeteries, tombs, and mausoleums will burst open with the once dead who are alive again. No grave will have the power to hold onto its corpses.

At that time, Jesus declares that those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. But who can do good when God defines good as perfection? No one is perfect except for Jesus. But, God promises to credit Jesus’ perfection to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Those who believe in Jesus as their Savior rise to eternal glory; those who do not believe rise to eternal condemnation.

All the dead will rise at Jesus’ voice on the Last Day, but believers rise from spiritual death at the voice of Jesus in the gospel. During this life, he invites you to come to him for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He beckons you with his gentle voice to find your rest in him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to hear and listen to your voice so that I may rest forever with you. Amen.

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

To Savor Life – November 17, 2024

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.
Hebrews 9:27,28

To Savor Life

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Daily Devotion – November 17, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 9:27,28

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William Saroyan was a great Twentieth Century American writer. William was known for his extreme zeal for life. He once said, “Try to learn to breathe deeply, really to taste food when you eat, and when you sleep really to sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might . . . You will be dead soon enough.”

On one level, his advice makes sense: Life is short. Death is coming. Savor the time you have.

When you study his later years, however, it appears that William took this to mean that living life is a frantic race against time. As he grew older, he isolated himself in his home to get more words down on paper. He drank gallons of coffee and often worked for up to two days without sleep. And when he did sleep, it was on an army cot next to his typewriter.

One day, relatives found him unconscious. They rushed him to a hospital. Within a short time, William Saroyan was dead.

On the one hand, you and I want to do what William Saroyan advised. During our days on this earth, we want to try as much as possible “to breathe deeply” to taste life fully.

For us as Christians, however, there’s a difference. We savor this life, not because this life is all we have, but because Jesus Christ has made it sweet.

Despite difficulties and disappointments, this life is sweet because full forgiveness through faith in Jesus has made it so. Despite troubles and pain, this life is sweet because God, in Christ, is using us to touch the lives of others. Despite tragedy, illness, old age, and death, this life is sweet because Jesus has turned the end of this life into the door to life eternal.

Because of Jesus, you and I can savor the life he has given us and know that the best is yet to come.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you washed me clean in your blood and covered me in your perfection. Through faith in you my life is sweet. Move me to savor this life as I await the life to come. Amen.

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

Fly – November 16, 2024

In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2

Fly

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Daily Devotion – November 16, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:2

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In his book Run with the Horses, author Eugene Peterson describes what he once saw on the shore of a lake. Three young swallows were sitting on a dead branch that stretched out over the water. As Peterson watched, an adult swallow got alongside the chicks and began shoving each one off the branch. The one on the end of the branch fell first. But before it hit the water, its wings came to life, and away it flew. The same thing happened with the next young swallow. The third chick, however, was stubborn. No matter how hard the adult swallow shoved, the chick hung on for dear life. Even when it fell forward and was hanging upside down, the young swallow refused to let go. Finally, the adult began pecking at the little one’s feet until it was too painful to hold on. The chick released its grip and began to fall. And then it started to fly. It finally began to do what it was meant to do.

God calls upon us to be generous givers and lavish in giving to others what he has given to us. But often, you and I can be like that third chick. Whether out of fear, doubt, or stubbornness, it’s easy to cling to what is familiar and hold on to what we think will give us security. But if we are forever clutching the things God intends for us to share—we will always be like a sad, terrified bird clinging for dear life to a dead branch. We will never know the joy of true generosity. We will never fly.

Oh, how vitally important Jesus is for us! He came to this earth and lived a life of unbridled generosity on our behalf. He lives to give us the power to live for him. When necessary, he will shove us off our branch to do so and allow pain and trouble to disrupt our sleepy comfort. And it is often during those unpleasant periods of freefall that Jesus will re-teach us the sweet joy of a generous life. He will refresh us and spread our wings of generosity. And we will fly.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, cleanse me of the many ways I have given in to my selfish impulses. Refresh me with your Spirit. Spread my wings of generosity. Empower me to fly. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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 Most Startling Generosity of All – November 15, 2024

See that you also excel in this grace of giving. . . For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:7,9

The Most Startling Generosity of All

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Daily Devotion – November 15, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:7,9

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“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Do you? Grace is an amazing word. Its definitions is “undeserved love.” But another way to remember what grace means is to think of it as an acronym. Grace is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”

You can see God’s grace most clearly in Christ. Today’s Bible passage says that Jesus was rich, though that’s a bit of an understatement. Jesus is the Son of God. He was so rich that he owned everything in the universe because he made it. He had heaven as his perfect home from all eternity.

Yet he left that perfect home. He gave it up to become poor, which is another understatement. Jesus was born in a barn. And when he grew up, he lived as a wandering rabbi with no place to lay his head. He relied on the generosity of others to supply his daily needs.

The whole time, he was acting as your substitute. He lived a life of obedience to all of God’s laws so that he could give you credit for it. Then, after thirty-three years of sin-free perfection, Jesus took all your sins, made them his own, and died for them on the cross.

Why did he do it? Because he loved you and wanted you to enjoy all of God’s riches at his expense. You couldn’t afford them. You deserved hell, but Christ gives you heaven. You deserved wrath, but Christ shows you his love.

That’s grace, and it begins and ends with the startling generosity of your Lord Jesus Christ. And if Jesus was willing to bankrupt himself to make you his own, doesn’t that change the way you look at the grace of giving? You give not to earn God’s favor but because you have already received the greatest gift in Christ.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, graciously help me to model my generosity after your own. Amen.

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

Startling Generosity Flows from Gratitude – November 14, 2024

For I testify that [the Macedonian churches] gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
2 Corinthians 8:3,4

Startling Generosity Flows from Gratitude

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Daily Devotion – November 14, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:3,4

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Renowned Christian minister John Wesly famously said, “The last part of a man to be converted is his wallet.” He said this because even veteran believers find it difficult to use their money to serve God.

With that in mind, did you catch what today’s Bible passage said? The poor Christians in Macedonia begged the apostle Paul for an opportunity to open their wallets and give. How’s that for startling generosity?

Paul was collecting an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem. And even though the believers in Macedonia had never met their brothers and sisters in that faraway city, they pleaded with Paul for the privilege of supporting them.

Why? Because they didn’t view giving as a burden, but as a privilege. God was doing them a favor by laying this opportunity in front of them. After all, startling generosity is one of the characteristics of God’s people, and participating in the offering lets them show it. Despite their own poverty, they willingly gave far beyond what Paul expected. They recognized that their gifts could help relieve the suffering of fellow believers. Their eagerness to give came from a deep gratitude for what they had received from God.

This dynamic relationship between gratitude and generosity is essential. Like the Macedonians, everything you have is a gift from God. When you struggle to be generous, reflect on the blessings God has given you.

He gave you your body and soul, your mind, and all your abilities, not to mention every other material blessing you cherish. He gave you his only Son, who saved you from sin, death, and the devil and who secured your heavenly home. Then he sent you his Holy Spirit to give you saving faith and keep you in that faith.

The more you reflect on God’s blessings, the more grateful you become. And while you may not be begging for a chance to give, you will generously serve God.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude that overflows into generosity to those around me. Amen.

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

Startling Generosity is Childlike – November 13, 2024

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:1,2

Startling Generosity is Childlike

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Daily Devotion – November 13, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:1,2

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It’s a scene that plays out, week after week, in church. The ushers walk down the aisle to pass the offering plates to the congregation. A young boy sees them approach and tugs on his mother’s sleeve. She reaches into her purse and gives him a five-dollar bill. His excitement is tangible as he watches the plate approach, and his joy is contagious when he finally puts the money in.

How can he give so enthusiastically? Why doesn’t he pocket his mom’s cash for himself? Because he knows that he doesn’t need the money. The mother who gave it to him will continue to take care of him, so why shouldn’t he be generous?

Amazingly, that was the attitude the Macedonian Christians had. They were extremely poor believers who were under pressure from a severe trial. That doesn’t seem to be a recipe for startling generosity. Does it? But despite their problems, they generously contributed to a humanitarian offering that the apostle Paul was gathering for Christians in Jerusalem.

How could they give so enthusiastically? Why didn’t they ask Paul to collect an offering for them? Because they knew that everything, they had was a gift from God. It was theirs in the same way that the boy’s five dollar bill was his. So, the question was not, “What do we want to do with our money?” The question was, “What does God want us to do with his money?”

They may not have been overflowing with resources, but they were overflowing with joy in the Lord, who was the source of their every blessing. Like the Macedonians, you have a God who has graciously forgiven you for Jesus’ sake. And whether he has given you a little or a lot of material wealth, you get to use it to serve his people. For Christians, one of life’s greatest joys is giving because they know that God joyfully gives them everything they need.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me opportunities to serve you by being generous to others. Amen.

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

Startling Generosity is Confident – November 12, 2024

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
1 Kings 17:15,16

Startling Generosity is Confident

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Daily Devotion – November 12, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Kings 17:15,16

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The drought had been severe for a while now. The fields were parched, and the rivers were dry. She was a poor widow who had enough flour and oil to feed herself and her young son one last time. She was by the town gate, gathering sticks to bake her final meal, when the Prophet Elijah approached her with an outrageous request: “Bring me, please, a piece of bread” (1 Kings 17:11).

Now, she was not one of God’s people—she was a Gentile, not an Israelite. Moreover, she barely had enough food for her family, let alone a stranger. But Elijah had something to offer her – a promise from God: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land” (1 Kings 17:14).

She could have done the sensible thing and said no. But instead, she did what Elijah had asked. Her startling generosity showed her confidence in the Lord’s promise. Imagine her joy when there was enough flour and oil to feed Elijah, herself, and her son! And not just that day, but every day afterward until the drought was over.

It all happened just as the Lord had said. And that’s a key to startling generosity: the Word of God. God’s Word created the universe, and that same Word sustains it. So, when the Word of the Lord promises to give you your daily bread, you can be confident that he will keep that promise.

Moreover, you can also be generous, trusting God to meet your needs, even in ways you don’t expect. He wants to use you to help others in unexpected ways. The Bible says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, thank you for promising to provide all that I need to keep my body and life. Help me to trust that promise as I seek to be generous to others. Amen.

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

Startling Generosity – November 11, 2024

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:43,44

Startling Generosity

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Daily Devotion – November 11, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 12:43,44

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A few days before Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for the sins of the world, he was sitting in the temple courts, watching people put their money into the temple treasury. He was studying their giving habits.

He saw many rich people give lavishly because they had much to offer. But then, a poor widow gave “two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents” (Mark 12:42). She did not have much to give. In fact, without a husband to provide for her, her prospects were bleak.

And that is what made her generosity so startling. The rich gave much, and they still had much left over. But she gave “everything—all she had to live on.” She sacrificed her security to support God’s work at the temple. How could she do that? Only because she knew that even when she didn’t have any money, she still had a Lord who would take care of her.

That’s why Jesus pointed her out to his disciples. Like them, we tend to think that generous giving is all about the size of the gift. The widow, however, demonstrates that startling generosity is all about the attitude of your heart. Trust in God shows itself in sacrificial giving.

So, do you trust God? You have every reason too! With all the sin on your record, your prospects were bleak. But God spared no expense to save you. He paid something worth far more than gold or silver—he sacrificed his Son on the cross to make you his own.

Being a recipient of such startling generosity changes you. Whenever you feel limited by your circumstances or tempted to rationalize superficial giving, remember what God has given you and rejoice to give it back to him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice for me. Thank you for giving me forgiveness, life, and salvation. Help me to trust you for everything that I need and empower me to sacrificially give to you. Amen.

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

Rich – November 10, 2024

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9

Rich

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Daily Devotion – November 10, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:9

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Do you feel rich? An economist by the name of Robert Heilbroner once challenged people to imagine doing the following. Move your family into a building the size of an old tool shed. Have no electricity, no running water, no bathroom. Get rid of all your clothes except for one set. Keep one pair of shoes. Destroy all written material. Toss out all food except for some flour, sugar and salt, a few potatoes, some onions and dried beans. Throw away all your investments, pensions and insurance policies. Reduce your savings to ten dollars. Live about a three-hour walk away from the nearest clinic. And support your entire family raising crops on a few acres of land. Give a third of your crops to your landlord and a tenth of your crops to your money lender.

If you do that, says Robert Heilbroner, then you’ll know how over a billion people are living in the world right now. And then, perhaps, you’ll realize how rich you really are.

Now imagine something else. The world you live in is dark, cynical, and senseless. If there is a God, you haven’t met him. If there is some grand reason for living, you don’t know it. And so you go to work, come home, cash your paycheck on payday, get groceries, watch TV, catch up with the laundry on weekends, take in a ballgame with friends, discuss current events, pursue a hobby, vacation during the summer, go to the dentist, go to the doctor, feel your body getting old, put in for retirement, mow your lawn and weed your garden, watch your life get slower and smaller. And then you wait to die—empty, puzzled and frightened.

If you can imagine that, then you can imagine life without Jesus, life without the forgiveness, peace, joy, security, purpose and certainty of heaven that are yours in your Savior. And then, you, too, can realize how rich you really are.

Prayer:
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for all the times I have forgotten how rich I am in you. Empower me by your Spirit. Help me to see what I have with fresh insight. Amen.

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