Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
1 Peter 5:8,9

Stand Firm in the Faith

Daily Devotion – May 25, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:8,9

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“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.” You probably know this song from the soundtrack of a popular Disney movie. However, the original was written and recorded in 1939 by South African, Solomon Linda.

Linda grew up as a herder who spent his time protecting the cattle from bush lions. His hauntingly hypnotic song contains only two words, Mbube zimba. Less of a lullaby, Linda’s song is the cry of a child cattle herder pleading, “Lion, stop!”

Like Solomon Linda’s original melody, the apostle Peter wrote about a lion that does not sleep. The devil has been prowling and devouring unsuspecting victims throughout the world since the beginning. We should not be lulled into a false sense of security that we are safe in God’s peaceful village. We need to be vigilant.

So, Peter urges us to stay alert, to keep a sober mind, and to stand firm in the faith. Stay alert because that lion masquerades as an angel of light. Keep a sober mind because that old evil foe knows your weaknesses. Stand firm in the faith because one little word can fell him.

He is vicious; but he has no power against the victorious Lamb of God. Jesus’ crucifixion took the teeth out of the jaws of that lying lion. Our Savior’s resurrection has shown the lion’s accusations to be more “meow” than “roar.” The devil cannot tear us from our Champion.

The next time Satan comes snarling, sing with Solomon Linda, “Lion, stop!” But sing it with the confidence of Martin Luther, “I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? For I know the One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ.”

Prayer:
God, your Word is my greatest treasure for salvation and truest weapon against the spiritual forces of evil. Help me to hold it tightly and wield it rightly. Amen.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:14-16

Praise God in Persecution

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 4:14-16

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Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, told his disciples to imitate him. To imitate his love. “Love one another just as I have loved you. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

As we share and show the love of Jesus, people will take notice. But not everyone will appreciate it. Some will make you suffer violence for it. Others will attack you verbally. Your attackers want you to feel ashamed for being a Christian. But you are not doing something wrong or dishonorable.

There is no shame in bearing the name of Jesus. How can we be ashamed to carry the same banner we so proudly stand behind? Jesus said that when we suffer in his name, it is a sign that we belong to him.

That’s the good news. Christ has had compassion on us. He came from heaven to earth to suffer and die for us. He was misunderstood by his parents and mocked by his siblings. His body was mangled by his enemies and mounted to a cross. Our sin is paid for. And now he lives as proof that our guilt is pardoned.

Praise God when you are persecuted. Persecution is a badge of honor! Persecution is proof that you belong to God and are chosen and loved by him. You are set apart from the world. Now you suffer at the hands of the world, but you are set apart for glory.

First the cross. Then the crown.

Prayer:
Triune God, how great is your love that I should belong to you. Even in persecution, I will yet praise you. For in you, I put my hope. Amen.

Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:24-26

The Lord’s Hand Is in Everything

Daily Devotion – May 21, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 1:24-26

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Have you ever taken time to consider how many people have had a hand in your education? How about the people involved with your upbringing?

It would be rather difficult to list all the people involved in making you who you are. From the people who farmed the land which produced the food you ate, to the people who processed and packaged that food, to the people who delivered that food to the grocery store where your parents used to always shop. Now imagine all the people involved with your education (both your teachers and their teachers).

It’s really incredible when you think about how all these things have fit together to help you become who you are. From the Bible, though, we learn that it was a lot more than just fate or chance that things have turned out the way they have for you.

The Lord has had his hands in everything. He provides pastors, teachers, missionaries, Christian family, and friends who are sent by him to proclaim his amazing message of forgiveness and his comforting message of eternal life in heaven.

Know and trust the Lord’s hand still is in everything! Turn to the Bible and find out all that he has in store for you!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all the people you have used to shape my life and share with me the good news about who you are and what you have done for me. Amen.

It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
1 Peter 3:21,22

Always in Control

Daily Devotion – May 19, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:21,22

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Where is Jesus when I need him? Have you ever wondered that? We can’t see Jesus. Sometimes he seems distant. He, at times, does not seem to answer when we pray. Where is Jesus when I am sick? Where is he when money is tight and bill collectors are hounding us? Where is Jesus when things are difficult at work or at home? So often in life, it can feel like Jesus is nowhere to be found.

These words from the book of 1 Peter remind us that Jesus is right where we need him to be: in the driver’s seat. Jesus is described as being at “God’s right hand.” To be at the right hand of God is to be in a position of power and authority. This is the Bible’s way of telling us that Jesus is in control. He has power over all things. We are even told that all the angels are under his control.

This reminds us of a couple of things: First, nothing happens by accident. Jesus knows exactly what is happening, and better yet, he knows why it is happening. He is in control of all things and has the power to do anything. Secondly, prior to taking up this place of power and authority, Jesus demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. This same loving Savior who gave his life in your place is now in control of all things. In that same love, he will direct all things for your good.

So that means he is not absent. He is very much aware of what is going on. It also means we can trust him. Our loving Savior will work all things out for our good. He loves you and is in control. Always.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for rising victorious over death. Now that you are in heaven, use your power on my behalf. Help me to trust that you are in control of all things. Amen.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18

Reconciled

Daily Devotion – May 17, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:18

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Have you ever experienced a broken or damaged relationship? Perhaps it was with a spouse or a significant other. Maybe it was with a sibling or a parent or a child. Whatever the case, it all started with some hurtful words or actions. As a result, things are now cold and distant. Feelings are hurt. Resentment is evident. Their guard is up. The distance between you feels like there might as well be a canyon separating one from the other.

This is a good way to illustrate our relationship with God. Imagine, for a moment, what sin has done to your relationship with God. Imagine the impact on that relationship when we lie to others…when we fill our hearts with greed or lust…when we curse at the people God has placed in our lives…when we act in unloving ways with our coworkers. With each sin we commit, the divide between God and us gets wider and deeper. Because of our sin, the divide between God and us might as well be the Grand Canyon. It goes without saying, there is no way for us to bridge that gap. There is nothing we can do to eliminate that divide.

Thankfully God did it for us. God sent Jesus, who gave his life on the cross, in order to bring us back to God. Jesus saw how far our sins had driven us away from God and knew we did not have it in us to fix the situation. So he sacrificed himself to pay for sin. In Jesus, our sins are forgiven and removed; now, there is no divide! Jesus has brought us back to God, and we have a relationship with him. He calls us his own, watches over us, and blesses us each and every day. We are reconciled to God!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for eliminating the divide between us and the Father. Thank you for giving yourself on the cross to bring us back to God. Help us live as your people today. Amen.

For Christ also suffered once for sins.
1 Peter 3:18

Jesus Solved Our Biggest Problem

Daily Devotion – May 15, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 3:18

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What is the biggest problem you have in your life right now? Maybe it is a health issue for you or a family member. Perhaps it is an issue related to finances at home or at work. It could be problems with employees, or a strained relationship with a spouse or sibling. Maybe it is a combination of all the above. Or maybe, it is none of the above but a whole list of other things. Life is full of problems.

No matter how many of these listed problems are plaguing you, none of them are actually your biggest problem. The Bible helps us to understand that we have a problem far greater than sickness, finances, and relationships. Our biggest problem is sin. Sin is so easy to notice when someone does it to us, but we somehow have difficulty recognizing it when we sin against God. And sins add up quickly. Our impure thoughts, unloving actions, and unkind words all are sins against God. Each sin might not seem like that big of a problem, but here’s the thing: each sin deserves to be punished with eternal separation from God and his goodness. We don’t like to hear that, but deep down, we know it to be true.

But the wonderful news of the Bible is that someone already suffered for us. Jesus came into this world as our substitute, and he suffered and died for each and every one of our sins. Our sinful thoughts, words, and actions are paid for. Jesus endured the punishment that should have been ours, and as a result, we are forgiven and saved. We will not be struck down by God for our sin. Rather, through faith in Jesus, we will be welcomed into the mansions of heaven. Jesus has solved our biggest problem, and now through faith in him, we can trust him to help us take care of the other problems we face in this world.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering in my place so that I am forgiven and saved. Be with me and give me strength as I face the problems of this world, knowing that you have already won heaven for me. Amen.

[Jesus said] “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:2,3

Hope

Daily Devotion – May 13, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:2,3

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In Jesus’ day, it was the wedding custom that just after the Jewish couple was engaged, the groom would go to prepare a home or room for his bride. Then upon returning to the bride’s home, he would sweep his lady off her feet and take her to their wedding ceremony.

Part of this sounds very romantic—a bride waiting expectantly, not quite sure when her beau will come. Surely the young woman had great confidence that her fiancée would return to pick her up for the wedding. After which, they would have a glorious life together. But there must have been a little doubt as she waited so eagerly while hours, even days passed by.

Jesus understood that after he left the earth, the hope of his followers for his return could easily slip from sure faith to nagging doubt. So just before he died, Jesus explained that they could be confident in their hope in him. No matter how long the delay, Jesus would return and take them to heaven with him.

Jesus gives this sure promise to all who have hope in him: “I am going [to my Father’s house] to prepare a place for you. … I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

You might be hoping to get a raise or that your team wins the World Series, or even that you have found the right “someone.” Yet, with all our dreams and hopes, we can never be sure. Relationships can go sour, jobs can get cut, or teams can fizzle out during the stretch. What makes Jesus so amazing is that we can put our complete confidence in him and know that he will never fail us—not now, not forever. In Jesus, we have true hope.

Prayer:
Jesus, focus my faith on your promise that you will return to take me to the glorious heavenly home you are now preparing for me and all believers. Amen.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:8-12

Witnesses of the Way

Daily Devotion – May 11, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 4:8-12

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Some would say that what Peter did here was risky, unwise, or even foolish. He and the disciple John had been thrown into prison the previous evening by people who did not like the message of Jesus they were teaching. They ordered them not to tell people about Jesus anymore.

But the very next day, Peter boldly proclaimed the greatness of Jesus again by crediting Jesus’ power as the cause behind the miracle he and John had performed. Then, Peter went on to condemn his accusers for their sin of crucifying Jesus. Finally, Peter sharply told them they were all spiritually misguided for not believing in Jesus as the Savior.

Not exactly the best way to make new friends, some might say.

But Peter knew people needed to hear about Jesus. He knew there was no other life so perfect that it could fulfill God’s laws on our behalf. He knew there was no sacrifice as sufficient as the one Jesus offered on the cross to forgive our sins. He knew there is no better Savior than the One who is proven to be more powerful than death and has promised eternal life to all who believe in him.

That’s why Peter wasn’t afraid to share his faith. This is why we don’t need to be either. Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus. No one can ever take us from his gracious and perfect care.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there is no name that evokes such gratitude in my heart as yours. Keep me always close to you so that I will be a bold witnesses of my Savior. Amen.

[Jesus said] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
John 14:1,2

Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled

Daily Devotion – May 9, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:1,2

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You might know that it is possible to tour the wreckage of the Titanic—a boat that famously sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912. Currently, a ticket for this experience will cost you $250,000—which apparently isn’t too much for many people. Tours regularly sell out because so many people are eager to look at the wreckage.

And that’s not entirely uncommon. When there is a car wreckage on the side of the road, the average driver slows down and starts looking at it. Reality TV is a booming business because it specializes in letting everyone see the wreckage of people’s lives, relationships, and decisions. People enjoy and apparently are willing to pay money to look at various wreckages, except one type. It’s not very enjoyable looking at your own.

This is why Jesus’ words in John chapter 14 are so comforting, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus told his disciples. In life and death, we find great comfort in Jesus’ promise that he has prepared many rooms in heaven for you and for me. But did you know that one of the most comforting portions in the Bible immediately follows one of the most unsettling?

In John chapter 13, Jesus pointed out the wreckage sitting around their dinner table with him when he told Judas that he would betray him and Peter that, despite his best intentions, he would deny Jesus three times. And immediately after those conversations, Jesus said his famous words—”Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

And that is good news for anyone who has suddenly seen the sinful wreckage inside themselves—maybe because, like Peter, they denied their faith multiple times in quick succession; or because, like Judas, they quickly fell into temptation. If your heart is, or even has been, wrecked by guilt over your sins, then hear the words of our Savior, who already earned your forgiveness.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled … In my Father’s house are many rooms … I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, thank you for saving me from the wreckage of my sin. Help me to live my life in the peace and comfort I find in your love. Amen.

“My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. . . . I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:2,3,6

Your Mansion Awaits You

Daily Devotion – May 7, 2023

Devotion based on John 14:2,3,6

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I remember the first house my wife and I purchased. As I recall, it was about 1300 square feet or so. Nothing too large, especially for a family of five (six, if you want to count our yellow lab dog), but we were thankful. After all, it was our first home, even if it wasn’t a mansion.

The night before he died on the cross to wipe away the world’s sin with his holy blood, Jesus spoke about heaven to his disciples. He vividly described it for them as a large house, a mansion, with many rooms for his many followers throughout the ages. Soon he would leave his disciples and return to his Father in heaven because his redemptive work on earth would be finished. But fear not, disciples! “I will come back for you one day and lead you by the hand to the rooms in my Father’s mansion. I am your only way to heaven. Believe this. Believe in me!”

Are you having a bad day? Think about this and smile: right now, Jesus is preparing a room for you in the Father’s big heavenly house. When he is ready for you, and not before, Jesus will come for you, either when your heart stops beating or judgment day’s trumpet starts blasting. Though you deserve a room in Satan’s hell-house because of your sin, Jesus’ nail-pierced hand will take your hand and lead you safely out of this vale of tears and sorrow to your Father in heaven and his mansion. There you’ll live forever in perfect happiness and joy with all of God’s children only because of God’s undeserved love. Believe this! Believe in Jesus!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you live in my mansion to prepare; you live to bring me safely there. Amen.

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24

Prepare a Table

Daily Devotion – May 5, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 2:24

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When King David wrote Psalm 23 around 1000 B.C., he had been anointed with oil in a ceremony that declared him the king, so he knew the overflowing joy in the words “You anoint my head with oil.” He and the people in his kingdom celebrated the Passover every year with a meal that included lamb, unleavened bread, and wine, so he knew the special significance of the words “You prepare a table before me.”

How much did David understand that baptism would become the anointing of the New Testament and that the Passover meal would become the Lord’s Supper celebrated around the world today? We don’t know.

But by the time Peter wrote about the wounds of Jesus healing us of our sin and guilt, just a few years after he saw Jesus die and come back to life, it had become clear. Christians knew that the table being prepared for them when they gathered for worship held the true body and blood of their Savior, given and poured out for the forgiveness of their sins.

When those Christians read in Psalm 23, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” they knew that their greatest enemies—sin, death, and the devil—had been defeated by the death of Jesus on the cross and the presence of those menacing enemies was only temporary.

Christians of that day were moved to repent of their sins and live in righteousness and love. Christians of today have the same response when their lives overflow with thankfulness for what Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has done for them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd of the Church, thank you for anointing us with the waters of baptism, and nourishing us with the food of your salvation at the table of your Supper. Amen.

They will come in and go out, and find pasture. . .I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:9,10

Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever

Daily Devotion – May 3, 2023

Devotion based on John 10:9,10

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Good relationships are a key to finding happiness and living a full life. Research shows that solid relationships help people live longer, deal with stress better, and have healthier habits. There is compelling evidence that strong relationships contribute to long, healthy, and happy lives. The quality of relationships is the single biggest predictor of happiness.

Psalm 23 spells out that truth in a beautifully poetic way. The writer talks about his good relationship with the Lord and says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.”

So it isn’t a surprise when Jesus, the Good Shepherd mentioned in Psalm 23, says about his followers, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

It might be a surprise, though, when the followers of Jesus have difficulties in their relationships, feel lonely, or find themselves occasionally isolated. Didn’t Jesus promise a full life, and doesn’t that usually mean excellent relationships?

Jesus is aware of the difficulties in relationships in this life. He knows that his followers will go through stages, coming in and going out, getting closer and moving on.

In order to provide the most stability, Jesus offers a relationship with himself. Since he died to take the punishment for sins, he always forgives and continues the relationship. Since he rose from the dead, he is always there.

Jesus knows that relationships in this life are imperfect, so he invites us to look forward to the perfection of eternal life in heaven. Psalm 23 ends with these comforting words: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant me good Christian relationships in this life, and comfort me with the promise of perfect relationships in eternity through faith in you. Amen.

Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. . .I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”
John 10:7,9

The Real Entrance

Daily Devotion – May 1, 2023

Devotion based on John 10:7,9

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The first words of Psalm 23 are pretty famous: “The Lord is my shepherd.” If I take those words seriously and want to get close to the Lord, I need to enter his sheep pen and know where the gate is.

The last words of Psalm 23 are also pretty famous: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” If I take those words seriously and want to be in the mansion of the Lord forever, I need to know where the door is.

Psalm 23 was written by David, a man who started out as a shepherd and ended up as a king. At first he lived outside with sheep, but at the end of his life he lived in a palace. The words of the psalm reflect his journey.

Jesus was a descendant of David. When he was born, his mother placed him in a manger—a place where animals were fed. His life followed the pattern of his ancestor, David. Now he lives in the glory of heaven, and he invites me to join him there.

He explains how I can get to heaven. Thinking of sheep, he calls himself the gate. Thinking of a king’s palace, he calls himself the door. In either expression, he means to say that believing in him is the only way to get to heaven, to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I have approached places where it is hard to identify the real entrance, and it’s frustrating. Thankfully, that’s not the case when it comes to entering heaven. Jesus identifies himself as the only real entrance to a relationship with God and an eternity in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, guide me safely to a close relationship with you and to an eternal home in heaven. Amen.

It was not with perishable things . . . that you were redeemed.
1 Peter 1:18

Perishable Things

Daily Devotion – April 29, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 1:18

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In the corner of a museum in Springfield, Illinois, there is a special room where people enter quietly. In that room is a clear glass case. The case has special lighting. The interior of the case keeps a specific temperature and level of humidity. All of this technology is necessary because of what the case contains. Inside that case is Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat.

As you view this hat, there are two features that may jump out at you. One is that, on the hat’s brim, you can see wear marks from the first two fingers of Mr. Lincoln’s right hand from all the times he tipped his hat in greeting or held it steady in a stiff wind.

The second feature is more sobering. It is the simple fact that the hat looks old. For all the efforts to preserve the hat’s condition, the passage of time has still made its impact. With age has come deterioration. As time goes on, the deterioration will continue.

Deterioration does not just strike famous hats of former presidents, of course. Everything in this sinful, fallen world deteriorates. Everything wears out. Everything is perishable.

And so when God chose to buy us back from the curse of our sin, the payment price could not be something perishable. It could not be something of fleeting, temporary value. That’s why God sent his Son.

As a result, God’s forgiveness of your sins will not deteriorate. The peace you possess in Christ will not expire. The Lord’s promises to you will never perish. Not because of a museum’s preservation technology but because of the perfect life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, because of Jesus, your promises to me will never perish. In troubled times, comfort me with this truth. Amen.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:30-32

Restored Hope

Daily Devotion – April 27, 2023

Devotion based on Luke 24:30-32

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On the first Easter evening, two of Jesus’ disciples were traveling to a town called Emmaus. They were sad because Jesus had been killed. Suddenly, the risen Jesus joined them. But they did not recognize him. As Jesus explained to them that everything that had happened was part of God’s plan, they felt increasingly hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, the women who had seen the empty tomb were right. Maybe Jesus really was alive.

Then they got to Emmaus and persuaded their traveling companion to stay with them for the evening. As they sat down to eat, Jesus took bread and broke it, just as he had done a few days earlier when he celebrated the Passover with his disciples. At that moment, the eyes of the two disciples were opened. They recognized Jesus. They could see for sure that Jesus was alive. Their hope that Jesus was the Messiah was restored!

It is highly unlikely that any of us in this life will have the privilege of recognizing Jesus as he sits across from us at the dinner table. In this life, we may not see the risen Jesus with our own eyes. But we have his words which show us how he fulfilled all of God’s plan for our salvation. We have the eyewitness testimony of these two disciples and so many others who did see the risen Jesus with their own eyes. Our hearts burn within us as we hear this testimony that Jesus is alive. And based on all that testimony, our hope is restored.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by your resurrection you have restored my hope. Help me always to trust in you. Amen.