Good News Brings Complete Joy – December 18, 2023

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
Isaiah 61:1

Good News Brings Complete Joy

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 18, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 61:1

See series: Devotions

News often comes in impersonal ways. You turn on the TV, and the reporter shares the story with anyone listening. You receive a letter addressed to “To whom it may concern.” A company sends a mass email to millions of customers sharing news about a long-awaited product. The less personal the news, the less personal the joy.

Picture ancient times as in the days of the Prophet Isaiah. Kings often sent out heralds to bring news to subjects of the kingdom. You see a messenger riding in from the distance. You squint, and it’s not just any messenger. It’s the king himself, and he has good news for you!

For centuries before Jesus was born, God sent his messengers, prophets like Isaiah and others. They came to share important messages—warnings against sin and promises of God’s salvation. In our bible passage today, Isaiah pictures the King coming to bring good news. The King is not ashamed to come personally to the poor with good news just for them.

Jesus is the one pictured here. He is the King of heaven and earth. God anointed him, set him apart, and sent him on a special mission. He came in humility to bring good news, good news for you! He’s not just an earthly king concerned with physical matters. The good news for the poor is good news for the spiritually poor. We were poor because of our debt of sin. We came empty-handed before that Lord like beggars with nothing to offer except a load of sin. But Jesus, the Savior-King, has good news for you. The debt is paid in full; your sins are forgiven; you are not banished from his eternal kingdom; it belongs to you!

This good news brings great joy! And it’s not just generic or impersonal. Jesus isn’t like the news anchor who blasts off news without knowing who will receive it. He is the King who knows you personally and came to bring joy to your life.

Prayer:
Come, King Jesus, and fill my poor heart with the riches of your love! 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.

Joy – December 17, 2023

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the LORD, the King.
Psalm 98:1-6

Joy

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 17, 2023

Devotion based on Psalm 98:1-6

See series: Devotions

Why is the third candle pink? That is probably the most asked question about the tradition of the Advent wreath. The story is a bit complicated, so we will focus only on the basics of these devotionally symbolic colors.

In recent decades, blue, a symbol of hope, has become a more common color for Advent. Purple previously was, and in many churches still is, Advent’s predominant color. Repentance, traditionally symbolized by purple, is one of Advent’s several themes. Think of John the Baptist’s repentance message heard in worship on the second Sunday of the season: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2).

On the Third Sunday in Advent, several of the Bible readings and commonly sung hymns exude a joyful tone. Repentance-purple doesn’t seem like the right color. The color pink, a symbol of joy, captures the joyful expectation or anticipation proclaimed on the third Sunday of this season.

Sometimes anticipation makes us impatient. Sometimes it makes us anxious. But anticipation also can bring us joy. That’s not hard to imagine when Christmas is just a handful of days away. Think of a child’s excitement as Mom and Dad help their son or daughter count down the days until Christmas on their family wall calendar. Think of the joy children have decorating the tree with family, trying to guess what’s in the presents that begin to appear under it, wondering if their most hoped-for gift will be inside one of those colorfully wrapped boxes.

How much greater joy is there in the hearts of believers who know, with childlike faith, that the greatest Christmas gift they could ever receive will be unwrapped in a matter of days! What joy to know that our sins will soon be taken up by the holy and innocent Christ Child! What joy to know that our rescue from guilt and the grave is coming not in a beautifully wrapped box but in a miraculously sent child named Jesus! What joy to know that our greatest need will be satisfied by the greatest gift God could give to humankind: his own dear Son from eternity, who became one of us and one with us in time.

The anticipation of these days before Christmas brings joy to children of God of all ages! Rejoice that a Savior came for you once and will come for you again!

Prayer:
Gracious God, in this world of sin and sorrow, you give us joy in Jesus and his coming into our world. Amid the anxieties of this busy time, lead us to rejoice continually that your Son became one of us to redeem us and bring us everlasting joy. Amen.

This Advent devotion is brought to you by Forward in Christ magazine. For an enhanced version of this devotion including a flipbook and video or to read other devotions in this series, visit forwardinchrist.net/advent-2023.

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.

Going Home – December 16, 2023

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.
Isaiah 40:1,2

Going Home

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 16, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:1,2

See series: Devotions

The POW labor camp wore him down day after day. How long would the warfare continue? How long before he returned home? Would his hard service ever end?

And then the day finally came. What comfort to hear the war had ended! What comfort to hear that he was heading home! What comfort to be in the embrace of his family again!

Sin took the world prisoner, including our own heart and soul. How much must we do to make up for our wrongs? How hard must we labor to make things right?

We could elevate the peaks of our pride by convincing ourselves that our best efforts will get us through. We could trust in the advancements of humanity to eventually smooth out the world’s problems. We could face the harsh meaninglessness of life and live for the thrill of each day until we sink into the depths and want it all to end.

Don’t follow those paths. Yes, our lives dry up like grass and even our greatest glories are like flowers that wither in the wind. But one thing does last. One thing remains sure and certain: “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

God’s says that your sin has been paid for. That’s why God’s son, Jesus, came into this world. He became flesh and blood to pay the price we cannot pay. His blood is holy, for Jesus never sinned. His blood is precious, for it is the blood of God. And that is the price he paid for you: his holy, precious blood.

What comfort! No matter what you face in this life, cling to the word of God and his tender words of comfort. He has paid the ultimate price for you and me. The glory our God has prepared for us far outweighs our present suffering. He is the Shepherd who carries us in his arms to take us home. What comfort!

Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, prepare my heart to rejoice in the comfort your word brings. 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.

Your Shepherd – December 15, 2023

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11

Your Shepherd

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 15, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:11

See series: Devotions

In a little over a week, we will gather in churches or around the tree and peer into a feeding trough to see a King. But he won’t look much like a king. He will look like a baby, an ordinary baby.

The one described in our Bible verse today doesn’t look much like a king either. He’s described as a shepherd. But not a shepherd heroically fighting off wild animals. A shepherd cradling lambs in his arms. A shepherd gently leading ewes and lambs to food, water, and shelter.

It might seem strange to us, but it wasn’t uncommon in many cultures in the Ancient Near East for a king to be compared to a shepherd. No one fits that description better than the one whom the Bible calls the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the one whom the Bible also calls the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep.

We rejoice that Jesus came as our mighty King to do battle for us. We rejoice that he rules over all things for the good of his people. But, as we prepare to meet him when he returns, we also rejoice that he is the gentle Shepherd we need.

Jesus cares for us completely. He sees our needs and meets every one of them. He came not only to conquer our enemies but to lead and love us and feed and guide us. When we stray, he reaches out to rescue us. When our souls are hungry for peace and hope, he fills us with his promises.

And when Jesus comes again, he will carry us in his arms to our eternal home. He will “lead us to springs of living water.” He will “wipe away every tear from our eyes.” He will bless us with everything we need for eternity. Let’s prepare to meet him!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 804)
Who so happy as I am, even now the Shepherd’s lamb? And when my short life is ended, by his angel host attended, he shall fold me to his breast, there within his arms to rest. 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.

Spread the News – December 14, 2023

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Isaiah 40:9

Spread the News

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 14, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:9

See series: Devotions

Imagine the president coming to town and nobody noticing. Imagine him standing to speak without any introduction. It is unthinkable. Even when the president enters the chamber in the United States Capitol for his annual “State of the Union” address, where everyone in the room has probably had a personal conversation with him, someone still stands up to announce, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States!”

In many civilizations, past and present, the king’s coming is announced by trumpets and a herald shouting, “Make way for the king.” The coming of someone so important should be announced loud and clear—especially if he comes with good news like the defeat of an enemy in battle.

That’s what today’s Bible passage encourages us to do. After all, our King, Jesus, defeated our enemies when he came to this earth. He lived, died, and rose again in a battle against the devil and all of the brokenness that sin brings into the world. His rising from the dead was proof that King Jesus won the battle.

He conquered every enemy for us. That’s good news! We have the victory. Even death can’t overcome us. Eternal life and heaven are ours! That’s news to celebrate, share, shout from the mountaintops!

Just as ancient civilizations celebrated the king’s return from victory in battle, just as modern civilizations celebrated their teams’ coming home with the championship, so we want to celebrate our King’s coming. And we can’t wait to tell others the news.

As you celebrate Jesus’ first coming and prepare to meet him when he returns, find someone to share the news with. A King has come to rescue them. And he’s coming again. Spread the news!

Prayer:
King Jesus, thank you for those who shared the news of your coming with me. Help me spread the good news too. 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.

Prepare to Meet Him – December 13, 2023

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:6-8

Prepare to Meet Him

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 13, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:6-8

See series: Devotions

How’s your lawn right now? For some of you, your grass has grown dormant and won’t be green again for several months. For others, the heat of summer has cooled to allow grass to grow again, but when the hot desert sun returns, that grass will wither and die again.

Much of the world can picture what the prophet describes in these verses. The grass withers, and the flowers fall. Year after year, we see it happen. It marks the passing of time and reminds us that nothing lasts forever.

But that’s not entirely true. The things of this world—the grass, the flowers, even the people—wither and die. But the word of our God endures forever. Of course, that can’t be said of any human being. Our promises are broken. The things we say are forgotten. But not God’s.

When God speaks, he never changes his mind. He never takes it back. The things he says are always true, always relevant, always reliable.

That means when he makes a demand in his law, it stands. But it also means that when he makes a promise, it stands. He promised to send his Son to defeat sin and death; he kept that promise when Jesus came as our Savior. When he promises to separate our sins from us as far as the east is from the west, he keeps that promise. When he promises to hear those who call on him in Jesus’ name, he keeps that promise. When he promises never to leave us or forsake us, he keeps that promise. And when he promises that one day, Jesus will come again to take us to heaven, he will keep that promise, too.

And so, with trusting hearts, we treasure his unfailing word. And with joyful hearts, we prepare to meet Jesus when he comes again.

Prayer:
King Jesus, I rejoice that your Word never fails. Trusting in your Word, help me prepare to meet you when you 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.

Advent is Road Construction Season – December 12, 2023

“In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.”
Isaiah 40:3,4

Advent is Road Construction Season

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 12, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:3,4

See series: Devotions

In the northern parts of the United States, many road construction projects that filled the highways with orange signs and barrels for the summer months are put on hold this time of year. The effect of cold temperatures on the ground, the workers, and the materials interferes with the ability to successfully complete any major road work.

But the word of God in our Bible passage today tells us that the season of Advent is road construction season. In these words, the prophet describes a scene that was familiar to his readers. When the king traveled around his kingdom, a delegation went ahead of him to prepare the way. But they weren’t coordinating with local law enforcement, clearing the runways for the king’s plane, or hanging colorful banners to welcome the king. They constructed or repaired roads for the king to travel on—even leveling hills, filling in valleys, and straightening curves so that the king’s journey would be swift and smooth, with no obstacles to stand in the way.

During Advent, we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus, our King, at Christmas. We also remember that he comes into our hearts through his Word and will come again at the end of time. What obstacles might be getting in the way of his coming into your heart? What is taking time away from your hearing God’s Word and getting to know Jesus better? This time of year, we can get so busy with many things. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. It is good that you are reading or listening to this devotion. Look for more opportunities like this to hear what God says in your home or at a local church.

As you do, God is at work to clear away sin and every other obstacle so that he can come into your heart with his message of peace and hope, forgiveness and mercy, and life that never ends when Jesus, your King, comes again.

Prayer:
King Jesus, clear the way to come into my heart through your Word this Advent season. 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 King Comes to Comfort His People – December 11, 2023

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Isaiah 40:1,2

The King Comes to Comfort His People

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 11, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:1,2

See series: Devotions

George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has been thrilling audiences for 281 years. For some, attending a performance of Messiah is as much a part of Christmas as putting up lights, decorating a tree, or exchanging gifts. The music of Messiah stirs our emotions like few other pieces of music can.

And yet, the true greatness of Messiah is in its message drawn directly from the Bible, such as this passage from Isaiah 40, which touches our hearts and strengthens our spirits.

“Comfort, comfort my people,” God says. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.” Comfort is what we need when we are grieving, broken, or in despair. Comfort in knowing that we are loved. Comfort in knowing that someone understands what we are going through and knowing there is a way out of our grief, brokenness, and despair.

The original audience for this message was people who had turned away from God to rebellion, disobedience, and sin. Now, they were paying the price. God let them be attacked and defeated by an enemy nation.

Far away from home, they were left with nothing but guilt. But into this emptiness, God spoke comfort and hope. Your sin has been paid for. You are right with God.

How? We want to know because we, too, are guilty of turning away from God. We deserve his punishment. But God promised that a King was coming to pay the price for our sins and guilt. That King, Jesus, proved his love by coming to be one of us. He knows what we are going through. What comfort! And because of him, there’s a way out. He speaks tenderly to us in his Word and says, “I love you. I forgive you. You are mine.” What comfort!

At this point in Handel’s Messiah, the slow, somber music moves higher, breaking through the gloom of despair and striking a note of hope. So, too, our hearts sing because of the comfort our King comes to bring.

Prayer:
King Jesus, come to me and comfort me with your promise of forgiveness and the assurance of your love. 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.

Love – December 10, 2023

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9,10

Love

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 10, 2023

Devotion based on 1 John 4:9,10

See series: Devotions

The looks on the faces of my catechism students revealed their confusion. I had said, “You don’t have to like someone to love someone.” You can guess why they were confused even if you weren’t in the room for the conversation. For many people, the word love simply means a stronger form of liking someone or something. I like everything on the menu at my restaurant of choice, but I really love this dish! I like all the players on my favorite team, but I really love the team’s leading all-star!

The biblical concept of love is much stronger than that. Biblical love put into practice will speak and act in a way that serves in the best interest of our neighbors. We get a sense of what that looks like from excerpts of John the Baptist’s firm and fiery Advent preaching. When people heeded his call to repentance and asked what they should do, part of his answer was vocation-specific ways of showing love to one’s neighbor (see Luke 3:10-14).

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, love is often in short supply. The busyness of the season—pageants and practices, concerts and rehearsals, parties and presents and preparations—overwhelms our schedule. But have these pre-Christmas externals also moved more important priorities further down our list? Does our patience with others grow thin? Is our time in God’s house and in his Word suffocated by the hustle and bustle that overtake our December days? Does our love for God and our neighbor become noticeably weak at a time when we are about to celebrate his great love for us set into motion?

No wonder Advent presents us with John the Baptist’s bold call to repent! The Lord and his prophet have our best interest in mind. That is why God’s Word calls us to repent of anything and everything that compromises our love for him and for one another. That is also why Jesus Christ came into this world as the one who perfectly loved the Father’s plan of salvation and perfectly loved us to death, even death on a cross.

The love we have received from our Savior is powerful. It changes hearts from pride to repentance, from unbelief to faith, from selfishness to generous and grateful love for God and neighbor. He who first loved us fills us with a love that finds new and sincere ways to reflect his saving love to the souls that cross our paths each day from now to Christmas and until his triumphant return.

Prayer:
Forgive us, Lord, for our loveless deeds, words, and attitudes. Renew us with the good news of your Son’s advent that we may love you with our whole heart and reflect your loving grace to our friends and neighbors. Amen.

This Advent devotion is brought to you by Forward in Christ magazine. For an enhanced version of this devotion including a flipbook and video or to read other devotions in this series, visit forwardinchrist.net/advent-2023.

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.

God Does Awesome Things – December 9, 2023

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!
Isaiah 64:1,2

God Does Awesome Things

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 9, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 64:1,2

See series: Devotions

Why is it that people flock to the circus? Why do magicians attract a crowd? It’s because people are fascinated by amazing things. While traveling this fall with my family, one of the gate attendants pulled a scarf out of his sleeve and when he stuffed it into his fist it “disappeared.” My ten and eight-year-old boys were amazed and started telling everyone around them.

There are certainly times when people wish that God would display some of his awesome power. “Please God, stop the wars in the world. God, why did you allow that horrible accident to happen? Couldn’t you have stopped that from taking place?” People plead with God, hoping that if they pull the right prayer strings, they can control God and prompt a few miracles to suit their own needs.

But what really are our needs? Do we need that raise? Do we need more clothing and the latest phone with all the apps? The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God will meet our physical needs (not necessarily our wants), but more so, we learn that our greatest need is for a Savior from our sins.

Some 2,000 years ago, God did something amazing. He did rend the heavens open and sent his one and only Son down and gave him the name Jesus. As if that wasn’t enough, Jesus suffered and died on the cross in our place for all our sins. And, because God’s wrath over all sin was satisfied, Jesus rose from the dead. Calling all this “amazing” is an understatement. Indeed, God does awesome things!

Each day, you and I can live knowing full well that our amazing God has forgiven our sins, loves us, and cares for us. When someone does something this amazing for us, it makes us want to tell everyone around us!

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for your amazing grace to me and all people. Help me appreciate your grace and share the story of your amazing grace and love through Jesus Christ the Savior of all. 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 King Shall Come To Save Us – December 8, 2023

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Mark 11:10

The King Shall Come To Save Us

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 8, 2023

Devotion based on Mark 11:10

See series: Devotions

When the ancient Israelites saw that all the nations around them had kings to rule over them, they said they wanted their own king. They decided to use the form of government with a king at the top so that someone would have the ultimate responsibility of defending the whole nation against enemies.

The most successful Israelite king was named David. He was well known for defeating Israel’s enemies on all sides. The Lord promised that when the Savior of the whole world would come, he would be a descendant of David.

When that promised Savior arrived on the scene, God told his parents to name him Jesus, which means “the Lord saves.” When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people recognized that he was a descendant of David. They yelled a Hebrew word, Hosanna, which means “save us!”

We don’t know what was on those people’s minds when they called out that word, but when we say it ourselves, we are acknowledging that we need saving. Our enemies threaten to overwhelm us in a sea of guilt and shame, but Jesus saves us with his forgiveness and love.

Jesus comes to us in a variety of ways today, in both Word and sacrament. He has the ultimate responsibility of defending us against our enemies. He is our King and comes to save us.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 412)
All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel and David’s royal Son,
Now in the Lord’s name coming, our King and Blessed 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.

In the Name of the Lord – December 7, 2023

When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Mark 11:7-9

In the Name of the Lord

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 7, 2023

Devotion based on Mark 11:7-9

See series: Devotions

Let’s be honest. You can visit me whenever or wherever you want, but if you come in the name of someone important, I am going to pay more attention to you.

Jesus had entered Jerusalem before. But when he entered on Palm Sunday on a colt, the foal of a donkey, people recognized that he was doing something special. He was coming in the name of the only true God, fulfilling an ancient prophecy, and they shouted a Psalm verse that showed they were paying attention.

When Jesus enters your heart in the name of the only true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—you pay attention to his promises. Every time you hear those words in baptism, you recognize that something special is going on. Every time you hear those words at the beginning of a church service, you remember that the only true God has promised to be there in a special way.

Remember that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. When someone comes in that name, it has to do with your salvation. You do well to pay attention to that arrival. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Prayer: (Psalm 8:9)
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! 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.

Blameless – December 6, 2023

He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:8

Blameless

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 6, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:8

See series: Devotions

Did you know you need to be blameless to get into heaven? God in heaven is blameless and says that nothing unclean or impure will ever enter there. He commands you to be holy and righteous, just as God is holy and righteous. You need to be blameless on the day when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead.

When God looks down from heaven, he sees no one who is blameless. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Everyone deserves punishment for their sin, and the punishment is death. The wages of sin is death, and that’s not just the separation of soul and body. It’s eternal separation from God in hell.

People read the Bible and realize these truths, but they don’t know how to remedy the problem. They try to point out that they are more blameless than other people, but that is just a misunderstanding of the total blamelessness that God demands. They try to make up for their sins by doing good deeds, but they don’t understand that all their attempts to be blameless fall far short of the real blamelessness that is required.

God realized that people’s attempts at blamelessness were not going to work, so he sent his only Son, Jesus, into the world to live a blameless life. Rather than taking the heaven he deserved for that blameless life, Jesus took the hell that you deserved when he died on the cross. God declared that the blameless life of Jesus counts for you through faith in him. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we become the righteousness of God.

Everything that God does to preserve your faith in Jesus will keep you firm to the end. Every contact you have with the Word of God in the Bible does precisely that. Through faith in Jesus, you will be blameless on judgment day.

Prayer:
God of peace, sanctify me through and through. May my whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

Worth the Wait – December 5, 2023

For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:3,4

Worth the Wait

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 5, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 64:3,4

See series: Devotions

When our children were little, they had some difficulty understanding the passage of time. Everything in the past happened “yesterday,” and everything in the future was “tomorrow.” When they were anticipating something exciting like another visit from their cousins, they would ask, “Is it tomorrow yet?” On the day their cousins were to arrive, they would often check the front door and gaze out the front window until the moment finally arrived. It was agonizing—but it was worth the wait!

We may wish we were old enough to understand God’s timetable when it comes to the end of the earth and the return of Jesus in glory. He said he was coming soon, and it doesn’t seem soon according to the way we think of time. But as God’s children, we realize that he has a long view of time. It is agonizing—but it is worth the wait!

To remind ourselves that the wait is worth it, we think of awesome things that God has done. He sent his Son to be our Savior. Through that Savior, he forgave our sins and assures us that our sins are forgiven, even when we don’t expect it.

There is nothing like a visit from the only true God. We have seen what it was like when Jesus lived, died, and rose again, and we look forward to seeing what God will continue to do on behalf of those who wait for him.

Prayer: (Psalm 40:17)
As for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay. 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.

Enemies – December 4, 2023

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!
Isaiah 64:1,2

Enemies

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 4, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 64:1,2

See series: Devotions

You may think you have enemies. You may be able to identify them by name, and you may be able to list the ways they threaten to harm you and your loved ones.

Wouldn’t it be nice to simply name something those enemies are afraid of and then watch them cower in fear? Wouldn’t watching them back away and stop their threats be even nicer?

The prophet Isaiah called on God to come down from heaven in such a dramatic way even the mountains would tremble, and the enemies of God’s people would feel the heat.

God chose to come down from heaven the first time in a less dramatic way with the birth of a child named Jesus.

But make no mistake, the child who grew into a man was doing everything exactly right to fight the enemies of God’s people. Sin, death, and the devil threatened him, but he stood up to those enemies, and eventually, they cowered before him.

When sin, death, and the devil threaten you, cling to the name of Jesus, your Savior. Those enemies know him and tremble.

He is coming again soon, and the second time, it will be far more dramatic. When the mountains tremble, you will not because you know that he comes to save you from your enemies.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 314)
O Savior, rend the heavens wide; come down, come down with mighty stride. Unlock the gates, the doors break down; unbar the way to heaven’s crown. 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 – December 3, 2023

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Titus 2:11-14

Hope

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 3, 2023

Devotion based on Titus 2:11-14

See series: Devotions

We went shopping at a local mall on a Saturday afternoon in September. As we rode the escalator to the second floor, my wife looked beyond me and said, “Don’t turn around!” I knew what she meant: “Turn around, but you won’t like what you see!” What terrible sight was about to greet us on the second floor? A fully decorated Christmas tree with lights, garland, and ornaments! Did I mention that it was September?

Our US culture observes its secular version of Christmas long before Christmas Day. The day after Thanksgiving used to be the start of the secular Christmas season. Now the starting date seems to be the day after Halloween—or even earlier! Impatient Americans don’t wait to celebrate the holidays. We exhaust them long before they arrive on the calendar!

How very different is the Christian’s Christmas celebration! Christmas Eve and Day don’t end the celebration but begin it. We spend the weeks leading up to Christmas not in celebration but in hopeful anticipation. We light the first candle of the Advent wreath as we take our place in the sandals of Old Testament believers who looked up to the heavens, waiting and watching and hoping for the Lord to keep his promise to send the Messiah.

God promised to send his Son to undo the damage of sin caused by Adam and Eve and each one of their descendants. That includes you. Jesus would have had every right to come into this world with his wrath and anger aimed squarely at us. He would have had every right to fill us with fear instead of hope. Instead, God’s promised Messiah came with grace and humility aimed solely at saving us. His mission from cradle to cross would remove the guilt of sin and restore the relationship between God and humankind.

Old Testament believers waited and hoped for God to send the Messiah as he promised. New Testament believers now wait and hope for Christ to return in glory and bring us to the glories that he won for us. Despite many attempts to predict that day, we cannot know when it will be. And so we patiently wait and hope. We hope in Christ, knowing that he who kept his promise by his first advent will come again in his good time for his final advent. With hopeful anticipation we cry, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with patient hope as we wait for your triumphant return. Keep us faithful to you and fix our eyes on the promises of your Word so that when you return in glory, we may joyfully receive the salvation that you won for us at your first advent. Amen.

This Advent devotion is brought to you by Forward in Christ magazine. For an enhanced version of this devotion including a flipbook and video or to read other devotions in this series, visit forwardinchrist.net/advent-2023.

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 Sight to Keep In Mind – December 2, 2023

“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:9,10

A Sight to Keep In Mind

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 2, 2023

Devotion based on Daniel 7:9,10

See series: Devotions

You don’t often think about the memorabilia you have stuffed into storage. Unless you’re a mechanic, you don’t often think about your vehicle’s engine. Out of sight, out of mind.

Then suddenly, you find yourself thinking about those things. You crave to see some old pictures because a dear friend has died. You pop open your car’s hood because that one noise has gotten so much louder.

Too often, God drifts out of our regular thoughts. We see and experience people, things, joys, and the struggles of life—they’re right in front of our faces. But God doesn’t visibly occupy a chair at the supper table. He doesn’t physically hug you when you cry. Is God out of sight and often out of mind?

One day, God will be very much “in sight.” About 550 years before Jesus was born, God showed Daniel a vision. As Daniel described that vision, he wrote how God appeared. God’s clothing was white as snow, and his hair white like wool. The throne he sat on was flaming with fire. Daniel was seeing God in his holiness and power. God was seated to judge.

One day, you will stand face-to-face before God, who will judge you. But if you believe in Jesus as your Savior, you will not be alone. Jesus will be at your side. Through faith in Jesus, God has credited you with the perfection of his Son’s holy life, and God has declared you not guilty of your sins on account of Jesus’ innocent sufferings and death for you.

Keep that day in mind—the day you’ll stand face-to-face with God. Keep Jesus in mind—his life, death, and resurrection for you. Keep in mind your forgiveness and peace with God, and even though God is now out of sight, one day that will change, and you will see God face-to-face.

Prayer:
Dear God, it is so easy to forget about you and the day I will see you face-to-face. Forgive my sins for Jesus’ sake. Fill my heart with your peace and my life with love for you and 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.

A Never Ending Joy – December 1, 2023

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven . . . we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

A Never Ending Joy

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – December 1, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

See series: Devotions

Trumpets. Angels. Flying. Reunion with loved ones. You’ve contemplated some or all of those things. God willing, you have been encouraged by all of them. And yet, they fail in comparison to the encouragement of the words before us today. We won’t just meet our loved ones in the air, “we’ll meet the Lord in the air. We will be with the Lord forever.”

When we’re with the Lord, nothing else matters. Think of some of the commercials you see this time of year. Some of the tear-jerking commercials are military members coming home for the holidays and being reunited with their loved ones. When a daughter runs into her G.I. dad’s arms at the airport, you don’t hear her complain, “Daddy, it’s really warm in this airport.” Her joy of being with her once-deployed dad supersedes any discomfort. Likewise, when a deployed daughter surprises her mom with coffee in the kitchen on Christmas morning, you don’t hear the mom complain, “Folgers? Why not Starbucks?” She’s just glad to be with her daughter.

On the day Jesus returns, so many exciting things will happen. But nothing will compare with our supreme joy of being with the Lord—a joy that will never end. Therefore, be encouraged with these words and that your King is coming to be with you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I can’t wait to be with you. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! 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 Joy of Heaven – November 30, 2023

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven . . . After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds . . . Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16,17,18

The Joy of Heaven

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 30, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17,18

See series: Devotions

As a kid, I’d tie or safety-pin a blanket around my neck to create a makeshift cape. Like many children, I wanted to be Superman or some other superhero who could fly. But it’s not just children. It seems that practically from the time Adam named the birds of the air, humans have dreamt of flying.

While the Wright brothers made human flight possible with the assistance of an aircraft, on the Last Day, Jesus will make human flight possible without any aircraft. Can you imagine what that will be like? How exciting!

But the excitement of flying will soon be overshadowed by an even greater thrill. It’s not so much that we are caught up in the air that will make the Last Day exciting, rather, it’s with whom we get to fly. We get to fly with our loved ones who have died in the Lord before us. We will be “caught up together with them in the clouds.” Imagine the joy. Perhaps the best way I can picture it is open seating on Southwest Airlines. If you board early, you watch the passengers go by, wondering who will sit next to you. Maybe it will even be someone semi-famous. How exciting! Can you imagine the joy and excitement if your loved one who has died in the Lord walked down the aisle and sat next to you? After getting over the shock, you wouldn’t be able to wipe the smile off your face.

That’s part of the joy of the day Jesus returns. You will be reunited with your loved ones. Therefore, be encouraged by these words. Be encouraged that your King is coming, and he’ll take you into the air to be with your loved ones.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, fill me with joy and anticipation as I look forward to the reunion in the sky with my loved ones who have died in the Lord. 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 Coming King – November 29, 2023

God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. . . The Lord himself will come . . . and the dead in Christ will rise first . . . Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:14,16,18

The Coming King

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 29, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:14,16,18

See series: Devotions

“They’re going to miss it.” That’s maybe what you thought as you sat by the grave of a loved one. “They’re going to miss their daughter’s wedding. They’re going to miss their first grandchild. They’re going to miss traveling in retirement.” They’re going to miss ‘it,’ whatever ‘it’ is.

And there’s a sadness that comes with this, at least for the survivor. Many of you know what it’s like to experience a wedding, a birth, or some other occasion without sharing the joy of that event with certain loved ones. But there is one event our loved ones who have died in the Lord will not miss. Not only will they not miss Jesus’ return, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” There’s a certain amount of joy that comes with this, isn’t there? As a spectator, I love watching my child get a blue ribbon at the track meet or the spelling bee. I rejoice in seeing my spouse receive an award at her place of employment. We love seeing our favorite players win a championship or our preferred candidates win an election. We find joy when our loved ones win.

While you may miss your loved ones at an upcoming wedding, be assured, they’ll be the first ones to the wedding banquet of heaven. You may miss a Christian friend at an upcoming reunion but be assured they’ll be the first ones in the air, waiting to be reunited with you. Be encouraged by these words. Be encouraged that your King is coming, and he’s bringing those who have fallen asleep with him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, may the joy of my loved one’s victory overshadow the sadness of me missing them here. 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 Celebration – November 28, 2023

The Lord himself will come . . . with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God . . . Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16,18

A Celebration

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 28, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16,18

See series: Devotions

One hundred eighty-seven-yard par three, the wind is blowing slightly from left to right. You’re deliberating between the four and five-iron and grab the five. The swing feels smooth. It’s a perfect launch, right at the pin and landing a few feet in front of the hole. The little white orb rolls forward and then disappears. A hole-in-one! You jump up and down and scream in elation. Unfortunately, there’s not a single witness. You’ll tell the story again and again. Some people will believe you, but there will be others who will doubt. And that doubt, even though you know the story is true, has its way of robbing a little bit of your joy.

Perhaps you have known the joy of knowing Jesus as your Savior for years. You know the peace of being reconciled to God through the payment that Jesus made for your sins. You know the comfort of forgiveness and assurance of eternal life. But you’ve been surrounded by doubters who have robbed a little bit of that joy and find yourself defending the truth more than celebrating it. As a result, your celebration of his victory has been a bit subdued.

And if it’s not doubters from the outside, sometimes the biggest thieves of joy are the doubts coming from within. ‘Did Jesus really win and secure a spot in heaven for me? Is Jesus really coming back?’ When Jesus comes back, there will be no doubts. Everyone will see and hear who he is. “A loud command. The voice of the archangel. The trumpet call of God.” Be encouraged by these words and that your King is coming for all to see.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, erase my doubts with the certainty that you are coming back as my victorious King for all to see. 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.

Know Where Your Path Leads – November 27, 2023

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven . . . Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16,18

Know Where Your Path Leads

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 27, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:16,18

See series: Devotions

Not too long ago, my wife and I went on a long walk. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to walk beyond our planned path. As we meandered through a subdivision on this unmarked path, we weren’t quite sure where it would lead. Nor did we have our phones on us to provide a map.

When we came across two women sitting on the park bench, we didn’t simply ask, “Do you know where this path leads?” Rather, my wife started by asking, “Do you live around here?” When the women said, “Yes,” our confidence level went up. We were encouraged. They would know where the path led because they were from here.

As we go through life, we don’t always know where our paths lead. But considering that our goal is heaven, how encouraging it is to know that’s where our Lord lives. And the reason he’s there is because he finished his work here. Jesus lived a perfect life for you and died to take away your sins. He rose again, sealing his victory over death so he could open heaven to us. Today, in heaven, he is sitting at the right hand of God, ruling over all things for your benefit. Don’t miss the significance of those two little words, “The Lord himself will come down from heaven.” Be encouraged by these words and know that your King is coming from heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, as I go through life, I often get discouraged by the difficulties of life. Today, encourage me with the assurance that you are already in heaven and you are coming back so that I can be with you there. 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 of Optimism – November 26, 2023

“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”
Daniel 7:9,10

A Time of Optimism

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 26, 2023

Devotion based on Daniel 7:9,10

See series: Devotions

Maybe it’s because the days are getting noticeably shorter at this time of year or because we tend to have more cloudy days, but this never seems like a very optimistic time of year. All that it takes is a little bad economic news, or you start to catch a cold, and you get down. You watch the news and see the way the world seems to be getting more and more evil, and don’t you begin to wonder? When will it end? What do you do to get out of that funk?

At first glance, Daniel knew just what that was like. He was standing before a holy and perfect God who would be his judge! How could he, an imperfect human, possibly stand before a perfect and righteous judge?

Daniel knew he could only do this by being perfect himself. But Daniel was far from perfect! God, the Ancient of Days, had promised him to send a solution to that problem. That solution would make it possible.

We have the same solution, but we have information Daniel never had. The solution to that problem is Jesus. His righteous life is given to us to make us righteous in God’s sight, so we can stand before a holy God without fear. Through faith, it doesn’t matter how bad the economic, political, or weather news is. We have the solution to the biggest problem we will ever have. His name is Jesus. What a time to be optimistic!

Prayer:
Lord, you created the seasons and the order of the earth. At this time of year as daylight hours grow shorter, keep us from letting gloom rule our lives. Help us to be optimistic, trusting all that is happening around us is in his perfect hands. 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.

Peace – November 25, 2023

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

Peace

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 25, 2023

Devotion based on Philippians 4:7

See series: Devotions

Our minds and hearts strain for peace by trying to remove the things that cause stress and hurt. If we get sick, our distress is removed when we are well again. If we find ourselves in serious financial trouble, the stress weighs heavy on our minds, and we are not relieved until the red ink turns black. We tend to equate peace in our lives with an absence of adversity.

How different is the peace of God that we have in Christ! God’s peace far surpasses our understanding of peace. The peace that God gives exists in the midst of difficulties. It settles and flourishes in the minds and hearts of believers. Though we experience all kinds of troubles and struggle to overcome many challenges, we have peace in the midst of everything. The peace of God is founded on what he has already accomplished through Jesus. He charged his Son with the guilt of our sin and inflicted Jesus with the suffering and death we deserved.

True, lasting peace is knowing with our minds and believing with our hearts that our sins have been forgiven by our heavenly Father and that we will spend eternity surrounded by his glory and filled with his blessings. Instead of condemning us to hell, God has promised us heaven. Instead of separation from God, he promises to hold us near and dear to him. God has made us his own through Jesus and will not forsake us. He guards us by his power so nothing can separate us from his love for us in Christ. As God’s own people, we can confidently face every situation—no matter what it is. We have the peace of God through Jesus.

Prayer:
Fill me, O God, with the peace of knowing that in Jesus you love me and are guiding me on the course that keeps me close 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.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Calendar – November 24, 2023

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Calendar

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 24, 2023

Devotion based on Philippians 4:6-9

See series: Devotions

Well, here we are—the day after Thanksgiving! Maybe you’re extra full of food. Or you’re reminiscing about the days of midnight shopping on what sometimes appears to be the American holiday: Black Friday.

Maybe you’re looking ahead to Christmas. The alarm bells of anxiety are going off—probably more than you want them to.

You just looked at the calendar, and there’s no free time in the month until Christmas Eve.

You just looked at your bank account, and it is not what you hoped for heading into Christmas.

You see those beautiful scenes of family gatherings in holiday advertisements and movies, and this Thanksgiving once again proved that you don’t have that. And Christmas promises nothing better.

Your heart and mind are convinced, “I guess it’ll be another Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year that I’ll just try to make it through.”

Or not. Listen again to these promises in our Bible reading for today: “The God of peace will be with you.” And “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Through all of it—whatever happened yesterday and whatever comes between now and Christmas and beyond—the peace of God is guarding your heart, and he’s using Jesus to do it. Right now, you possess peace even amidst all these things; your heart is whole because the God of peace is with you.

Prayer:
God of peace, help me embrace the peace you promise. Give me the strength to offload my anxiety to you. I can’t carry it, but you promise you can, and you invite me to present my requests to you, in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 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.

More Than Thanksgiving – November 23, 2023

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” . . . “How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”
2 Samuel 7:18,22

More Than Thanksgiving

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 23, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Samuel 7:18,22

See series: Devotions

Happy Thanksgiving! That phrase will be said millions of times today in America. But stop and think: if you say, “Happy Thanksgiving!’ today, what are you actually saying?

“Have a good time giving thanks today!” That’s perhaps the most literal meaning.
Or perhaps you mean, “Have a happy day of being off work, a happy holiday!”
Or, “Enjoy all the food today—and don’t let that turkey put you right to sleep!”
Or perhaps, “Have a great time with your loved ones today!”

What’s the common denominator there? The person’s action: enjoy, have a good time, a great day.

And let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s an even better part of Thanksgiving for the Christian. It’s more than ThanksGIVING—it’s about the giver himself. And I don’t merely mean, “If you’re a Christian, you get to direct your thanks to someone.”

No—Christians get to sit in the love and blessing of the Sovereign (in control of all things) Lord. They get to say like David, “Wow, Lord—who am I, that you’ve blessed me so much?” (By the way, David was the king—he was definitely someone).

The Christian gets to say, “There is no God like you, no God but you—the God who’s taken me, a nobody, and made me a somebody you’ve adopted me into your royal family.”

What a great day this is—maybe you’ll enjoy food, maybe friends and family, maybe a day off of work. But there’s no maybe about this: God has brought you this far and promises to bring you all the way to eternal life.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for being one-of-a-kind great. Thank you for wanting me to be in your family and choosing to adopt me and paying for me with the blood of Jesus. Who am I? Your royal child. 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.

Put God’s Wealth to Work – November 22, 2023

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
Matthew 25:14-18

Put God’s Wealth to Work

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 22, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 25:14-18

See series: Devotions

Call it what you want: calling, vocation, talent. Every single one of us has it. No matter who you are! God has given you abilities—more than given them, he’s entrusted them to you. Maybe he’s entrusted a little slice of his knowledge, grace, kindness, encouragement, money, time, energy, or some other piece of his wealth.

And I promise—he’s entrusted it to you. Do you know how I know? Because you’re here. You’re alive. God hasn’t taken you to heaven yet. You’re here to serve because God serves the people of this world through you.

You can do this by sharing the wealth of the gospel: “Jesus loves you. He paid your debt. The Father’s face lights up when he thinks of you because of Jesus’ work for you.”

And you can use God’s gifts in other ways as well, whether it’s your abilities, time, or treasures. You can give a hug, an encouraging text message, a phone call, or a handwritten letter. Or you can simply look someone in the eye and listen to them.

In Jesus’ story today, he uses the illustration of a man who gives bags of gold to his servants. While he’s away, he wants the servants to put that gold to work. In the same way, God has given each of us gifts. And, like the man in Jesus’ story, God wants us to put those gifts to work serving others.

God bless you as you put his wealth to work.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, you’ve blessed every single one of us—including me—with the privilege and responsibility of being the tools with which you love the world. Thank you for entrusting me with that wonderful task. 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.

Is That Logical? – November 21, 2023

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1

Is That Logical?

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 21, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 12:1

See series: Devotions

Which is harder? Loving your spouse one day or one hundred days in a row?
Obeying your parents one day or one hundred days in a row?
Forgiving someone once or forgiving that same person one hundred times?
Putting the needs of others before yourself once or one hundred times?

I think you know the answer. But why do I ask? Because doing those types of things is what Paul, the writer of the book of Romans, says is the way you worship God. More than that, he says it is your true and proper worship. A more literal way to say it would be your logical worship. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,” he says. Not a one-time sacrifice that is burned up and gone and done, but a living one, one that goes on day after day after day. Paul says that is the only logical thing to do with your life!

How? How could that be logical? That doesn’t make any sense at all!

Au contraire! For two reasons:
Paul addresses you as brothers and sisters. And he didn’t learn this from a DNA testing service. The blood of Jesus needs no test. Jesus’ blood is the ink that signs and seals all the adoption documents. It’s done. You are God’s child, just like Paul.

And he says, “in view of God’s mercy.” As you ponder what God was willing to do for you, his willingness to sacrifice his own son to save you from your sins against him, you are moved to be sacrificial as well. You can give your whole self into his service. This is how you worship your merciful God.

Prayer:
Jesus, because of your sacrificial living, death, and resurrection, enable me to offer my whole self as a living sacrifice to the people around me, day in and day out. 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.

How Could He Do That? – November 20, 2023

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18

How Could He Do That?

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 20, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 1:18

See series: Devotions

The 17-year-old girl opened the side door as quietly as she could. She exhaled as she looked around. No one was awake. She knew there was no hiding the situation, but she didn’t feel up to dealing with it at this hour. It could wait until morning. She slid her shoes off and tip-toed to her room, slid into bed, and closed her eyes.

And then she opened them. There was no way she could sleep. She was too busy reliving and worrying about the crash she had caused, driving later than she was supposed to and faster than she should have. The car limped home, and it sat in the street. She was safe. But she worried about the ramifications and consequences from her parents. After shifting around for hours, she drifted off to sleep.

“Knock, knock.” Here we go, she thought. What will he say? Bracing herself, she squeaked, “Come in.” Her dad came through the door, walked to her bed, and held out his arms. As they hugged, he whispered, “I’m thankful you’re safe. Now let’s go get you a new car.”

I hear your thoughts: “What? How could he do that? She’ll never learn!”

The devil cries the same words when he hears the prophet Isaiah’s words for our devotion today—how could God say our sins will not be held against us? But he does say so. He takes sin-stained people—like you and me—and declares us pure. Clean as the driven snow. Not a blemish on us. He’s settled the matter once and for all. How? By becoming our substitute in the person of Jesus Christ. By giving us credit for the perfectly pure life he lived. By going to the cross and paying the price we owed for our sins.

So, do not lose another moment of sleep because of your sin. Rest easy in the loving embrace of your heavenly Father.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for settling the matter. Thank you for deciding to forgive my sins. To clean me and make me pure. I ask you to continually settle my heart because you’ve settled the matter. 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.

Worry – November 19, 2023

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Worry

Press to listen to the audio file in a new tab or window.
Daily Devotion – November 19, 2023

Devotion based on Philippians 4:6

See series: Devotions

Don’t worry! That’s what God says in his Word for us today. But we wonder how we can put aside all our worries and every instant of our anxiety. There are so many dangers that surround us, so many things that stress us out, so many people who are hurting and some of them are very dear to us. Not to worry seems impossible.

It is impossible to stop worrying if our attention is riveted on the problems and predicaments of life. But a wonder of God’s love for us is that he teaches how much greater he is than the worrisome circumstances we face daily. He assures us that he is in control of all things. He is the almighty, all-knowing God who knows our every need and is capable of fulfilling all of them.

He took away our greatest worry; he freed us from the damnation we deserved as sinners. And he lavished his love on us by giving us life with him that will last forever. So our heavenly Father, who loved us so much to send Jesus to be our Savior, promises to provide for our life and protect us from danger.

Thankful for his saving love, we can turn from our inclination to worry and turn to him with our concerns and burdens. We can confidently address him in prayer, knowing that he listens and will answer according to our best interests. Since God has secured our eternity through Jesus, we know that according to his love, he will care for us now and always.

So, there is no reason to worry and every reason to pray.

Prayer:
Teach me, Lord, not to worry. Remind me of your great love and power that I can trust in times of need. Accept my prayers through Jesus, my Savior, and help me according to your wisdom. 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.