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“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10:36,37

Not Who, but How

Something I try to instill in my children is a good work ethic. Notice what needs to be done and do what you can without complaining. God has blessed you with gifts to serve. Use them. Besides, a task is more enjoyable when you see it as an opportunity and privilege rather than as a burden.

As much as I try to instill that attitude in my children, I don’t always live it myself. And I doubt I am the only one. It is not just children doing an assignment for school or a chore at home who only want to do the minimum that is required.

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan because someone asked, “Who is my neighbor?” This man was depending on his own actions as the basis for his worthiness before God. The law says to love your neighbor, but whom does that include? What’s the minimum requirement?

We too might ask, “To whom do I really need to show love? How much do I have to do for them? Surely, they or someone else should do some of the work!”

Those thoughts turn our relationship with God into a merit-based reward system. If I do enough, God owes me rewards. But that system doesn’t work because God requires perfection and only owes us punishment for anything less.

Jesus told this story and many others to help us recognize that truth so that our hope is not in our efforts, but in his. Jesus came to show mercy. With astounding, selfless love, he accepted the punishment God owed us for our excuses not to love and for everything else in our lives that falls short.

Freed from the burden of expectations, we now get to be a neighbor to those around us, and to show mercy and compassion to those who need it, to give of ourselves in love. We are free to ask, “What can I do to love, serve, and give to those around me?”

Prayer:

Jesus, give me a joyful and willing spirit, as I serve others in love. Amen.

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

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

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The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22,23

Fruitful Living

What’s your favorite summer fruit? Do you like stone fruits like peaches, plums, or nectarines? Do you prefer berries—strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries? Or does some kind of melon hit the spot for you?

Imagine if you had a plant of your favorite fruit growing in your yard, but you never found fruit on it. You might wonder, what am I doing wrong? Is it getting the right amount of water? What about sunlight? Is there a problem with my soil? Is this the kind of plant I thought it was? You expect a fruit tree or plant to bear fruit.

Today’s Bible verse talks about fruit, but it’s not something you eat. It is the way you live and the attitude of your heart. We could talk about each thing mentioned and conclude that we need more of each kind of fruit. I could say, “Be more loving, more joyful, more kind,” but those commands wouldn’t produce the fruits any more than saying to that tree, “Make more peaches,” or to that vine, “Make bigger watermelons,” would change the fruit on that plant.

The love, peace, kindness, and gentleness that appear on the branches of our lives are the fruit of the Spirit. God’s Holy Spirit makes us who we are when he connects us to Christ through baptism and nourishes our faith through the Word of God that we hear, read, and study. The Holy Spirit produces in us those characteristics that our Bible verse describes as he shows us the same qualities in God and our Savior, Jesus.

The love he shows us in forgiving our failures to love motivates and empowers us to love others. The joy Jesus exhibited, as he kept his focus on the heaven in store for us, fills us with joy in every circumstance of life. The peace Jesus came to bring between us, and God makes us pursue peace with others in our lives. And so on.

Give thanks for the fruit you see in the lives of fellow Christians. Then stay firmly planted in God’s Word, through which the Spirit produces fruit in your life to bless others.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, by your Word, make my life fruitful as I love and serve others. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. . . You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:1,13

Understanding Freedom

Are you feeling free today?

We value our freedom in America, although often we don’t fully understand it. People complain about the loss of freedom as the government regulates more of our lives. The real fear some have is that the government will somehow take over too much of our lives and leave us feeling enslaved like others have become around the world. It is important to fight to keep freedom.

But more valuable is the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, although many times we don’t fully understand it. Sometimes, religious leaders and our own mindsets begin to make up rules they say we must follow for God to accept us. Other times, we go in the extreme opposite direction and think we can just live wildly as we please.

In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul fights for our proper understanding of the freedom we have in Christ so that we don’t lose it. By his life, death, and resurrection, Christ has lifted off the burden of our sin so we can be free of its guilt and punishment. He has removed the overbearing pressure of the law from cutting off our right standing with God. He has pulled us away from our sinful, selfish ways and put us on the liberating course of serving God that involves honoring his will and dealing with others in love.

Don’t lose that freedom for yourself, but keep growing in your daily focus on Christ and realize the peace and power that come from being free in Christ.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for giving me freedom in Christ. Help me to use that freedom for good. Help me to glorify your name in all I do and in the life of service that I do for others. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
1 Peter 5:2

In God’s Flock

What kind of sheep are you?

Pastors are called to be shepherds of the people under their care. It’s good to remember that this is something they are willing to do, and that God asks them to do. It is not an obligation for them. It is a privilege.

What kind of sheep are you in relation to your pastor? Do you wander off from worship, disconnecting yourself from the spiritual food that is prepared for you every week? Stop doing that! It’s not good for you and causes a lot of consternation for your shepherd.

Do you lead other sheep astray by holding grudges, complaining, and turning up your nose at your shepherd? Stop doing that! Your pastor will never be perfect. Forgive him, just as the Lord has forgiven you.

Do you show appreciation for your shepherd? The smartest sheep realize all that God is providing them through their shepherd, and they find ways to express their gratitude.

We all like sheep have gone astray. But the Lord has laid all our iniquity on the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and his undershepherds deliver that message with delight whenever and wherever they have the chance.

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, bless the work of pastors everywhere that more and more sheep come into your sheep pen. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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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.

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[Jesus said] “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:19,20

Why Rejoice?

I would be happy if I could confront any snake without fear of being bitten. That would clear up a bit of anxiety in my life. And when it comes to scorpions, it would be great not to have to check my shoes in the morning with some worry about what crawled in there at night. If I could overcome all the temptations of the devil and be certain of my power to exorcise someone who is demon possessed, that would be splendid.

When Jesus sent out his disciples to teach people that he had come into the world, he gave his disciples all that authority. They didn’t have to worry about snakes or scorpions or even demons. Those evil spirits submitted to them!

But when they returned from that temporary mission, Jesus advised them to rejoice about something even more important. Through faith in Jesus, their sins were forgiven. They were going to heaven!

We rejoice in the authority we have as believers. We rejoice when spectacular things happen in our lives. But we rejoice the most that God has made us members of his family, and that our names are written in heaven.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the assurance that I am on the road to eternal life with you through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:2

When the Workers Are Few

There are places in the United States where you can drive for miles and see nothing but corn fields. When those fields are ready to be harvested, farmers try to have the right people and equipment in place to get the job done. It’s satisfying to see the row after row of corn being taken into harvest.

Jesus looks at the world and sees row after row of people who need to hear that he forgives them. We look around at those same people and wonder who will tell them about their sin and their Savior. There are so many people for the harvest, and so few people doing the work. What’s the solution?

We can identify people who would be good workers in the harvest field. We can train them, send them, and support them. We can encourage them and help them. These are all valuable activities.

Jesus says that there is one more thing we can do. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. Pray. And don’t be surprised if the Lord answers your prayer by finding a way for you to serve.

Prayer:

Send out workers into your harvest field in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

The Joy That Never Ends

The Declaration of Independence states that an individual has certain inalienable rights; among them is the “pursuit of happiness.” Ever since the fall into sin, that’s what people have been doing—pursuing happiness. Unfortunately, sinful people pursue happiness in the worst of places. The adulterer cries, “Here is happiness,” only to realize later the grief and destruction he has caused. Many try alcohol and drugs but soon find that their happiness is fleeting at best.

As Christians, the source of our joy is much more certain than what this world has to offer. The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Why should we rejoice? Paul answers, “In the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people, possessions, and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us and rose from the dead.

Your job may have changed. Your marriage may have changed. Your place of residence may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

As Americans, we have the right to pursue happiness. As Christians, we are guaranteed eternal joy. Reflect on that joy today as you go to God’s Word and are reminded of all that he has done and continues to do for you. And then REJOICE!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the joy of knowing that my sins are forgiven. Thank you for the joy of knowing your love for me does not change. Help me to demonstrate that joy in everything I do and say this day. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19:21

Committing to a New Mission

A woman once showed her Christian pastor a handbook from her former religion. That religion emphasized her good works rather than God’s gift of salvation. It’s like she was under a yoke of slavery. When she came to know Jesus and his full and free forgiveness, she was relieved; a weight was lifted off her shoulders. After looking at the book briefly, the pastor handed it back to her, but she refused, “I don’t need that anymore.”

When Elisha was called to serve God as a prophet, one who would share God’s word, he left his old profession behind. There was no turning back. He made sure of that by barbecuing his oxen over the coals of his wooden plow. It’s like he said, “I don’t need that anymore!” He was committing himself to a new mission.

When you are brought to faith in Jesus, you are called away from empty and ordinary things of this life—things that don’t bring lasting meaning—and are given a wonderful new perspective and purpose. First, the new perspective is that you now see you are saved by Jesus and his work, not yours. This lifts a burden of guilt that was crushing you to spiritual and eternal death. This good news gives a new purpose and mission.

For you, that likely doesn’t mean abandoning your profession or leaving your home behind like Elisha. It involves committing to a life that honors Jesus and trusts in Jesus. It means abandoning old attitudes, leaving behind those old self-serving goals, and being a servant of Christ. It means doing the things you ordinarily would do, but now with a new sense of mission—to serve and live for the God who served and saved you. When old habits or old attitudes try to call us back, we can say, “I don’t need that anymore! All I need is mine in Christ!”

Prayer:

Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew my attitude so that I may always trust and honor you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Luke 9:57,58

Complete Commitment

Some sports fans stick with their team season after season, even when it doesn’t seem like they’re rooting for the winners. These fans are completely committed till the day they die. Then there are fair-weather fans who love to follow the winning team and will proudly sport their colors. However, when the team’s ranking begins to slip, less committed fans quickly lose interest.

When people saw all the miracles Jesus performed, many began to follow him. Who wouldn’t want to follow the guy who could feed thousands of people? How could you not be a fan of the one who could heal your disease with just a word? However, when Jesus made it evident that he didn’t come to primarily give earthly and physical blessings, less committed followers quickly lost interest.

Jesus once told a man eager to follow him, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” If you truly want to follow Jesus, know that it won’t be to a mansion or a place and promise of earthly prosperity. The benefits and blessings of following Jesus are primarily spiritual, not material. Jesus doesn’t promise earthly success; he gives forgiveness of sins. Jesus doesn’t promise a mansion here on earth. He has prepared a heavenly home for all believers.

Jesus, the one who was committed to saving you, calls you to be committed to him. He calls us not to be fair-weather followers, interested only when it’s convenient or popular. And he calls believers more than just fans. He calls them children of God! We eagerly follow him through every season of life, even when we face challenges or difficulties because of our faith in him. Jesus, the Savior of all, has won the ultimate victory over sin and death. He has conquered the evil opponent, the devil. We follow him until the day we die because he has victory even over death. Jesus wins!

Prayer:

Lord, lead me each day to follow you until you bring me home at last. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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When he [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50,51

Last Sight

We tend to remember people by the way they looked the last time we saw them, right? Sure! That’s part of the fun of class reunions.

What a sight Jesus gave to his disciples on this; the last time they saw him. His hands are up, in blessing. There are the nail marks, reminding them that he’s forgiven them. He’s ascending up into the sky, reminding them of his power. And the Bible tells us that “a cloud hid him from their sight.” In other words, he hadn’t left them; they just couldn’t see him with their physical eyes.

Do you think that last sight of Jesus—as they remembered the nail marks, the hands upraised in blessing, the power—may have helped the disciples? As they remembered that he remained with them—do you think that brought them peace, particularly at times of struggle? I’m sure it did.

You know what? Jesus didn’t take a few days off last week—he remained with us, just as he had promised. Nor did Jesus somehow become less powerful last week. And Jesus didn’t stop blessing us last week—those hands of his remained upraised. And Jesus didn’t stop loving us last week—the nail scars were still there. And you know what else? Jesus isn’t taking any time off this week, next week, or the week after that. And he isn’t going to leave you, or stop blessing you, or stop loving you.

He can’t! With the nail marks of the cross, he has engraved you on the palms of his hands. You are always in his sight, always in his mind, always under his powerful and loving protection.

Prayer:

Jesus, when I face struggles, remind me that you are always with me. And may the thought of the nail marks in your hands help me remember your love for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:9,10

The Secret to Immortality

To live forever. That has been the goal of many a man throughout history. You might think back to your school days and reading about Juan Ponce de Leon and his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Maybe you think of the nightmarish tales of vampires and the immortality they seek. Or perhaps you’ve been reading about the miracles of modern science, gene therapy, and other breakthroughs that doctors claim are just years away from being attained, that could sustain a person’s life here on this planet for years, if not decades, longer.

Why is there this fascination with living forever? Because death seems so final. After all, I’ve never seen someone come back from the dead. I’m guessing you haven’t either. Death means the curtain closes and the show is over.

However, God tells us that death isn’t the end, and that immortality is not just a possibility but a certainty. And I have great news for you about that: you don’t need to go traipsing through the Everglades of Florida like Ponce de Leon nor do you need to wait for the progress of modern medicine. The fact is that God gives us the source of eternal life through his holy Word by pointing us to Christ Jesus, who, as Paul wrote, “destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

Even though you and I haven’t seen someone come back from the dead, Jesus did it! And he promises that if we put our trust in him, he will gift us with that amazing gift of eternal life.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for sending us your Son, who has brought to light the truth of life eternal. Help me to put my trust in him and rest assured that because he defeated death, I will, too. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

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For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:7,8

Join With Me in Suffering

I like going to parties. Recently, we had a whole string of them. Friends recently had a baby, so we enjoyed going to the baby shower. My son just turned 16, so we celebrated that. An uncle of mine recently retired, and my cousins threw a huge bash to congratulate him and wish him well in his retirement. Parties are great! People are happy. People want others to join in and get not just a slice of cake but a slice of celebration. When we have something to celebrate, it’s easy to invite others to be a part of it too.

In our Bible reading today, what Paul says seems a little odd; doesn’t it? “Join with me in suffering”? I don’t know about you, but that sounds awful to me. Suffering is something that everybody avoids any way they can, right?

Keep in mind that Paul was writing these words from prison, and very soon he was going to lose his life for telling other people about the wonders of God. And yet, this didn’t bring him discouragement or bitterness towards God. God used this suffering to draw Paul closer to him. The suffering made Paul realize how much he relied on God for everything and that God would never abandon him.

When God allows suffering into your life, remember that your God is with you and will see you through it. You can be sure because he has promised it. And he is the God who proved that he keeps his promises by giving us a Savior to deliver us from the pain of this suffering world into the paradise of heaven.

Prayer:

Dear God, use the suffering in my life to draw me closer to you and may the news of my Savior fill my heart with peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
2 Timothy 1:3,4

Thoughts and Prayers

Daily Devotion – June 23, 2025

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:3,4

See series: Devotions

When you hear about tragedy striking family or friends, you’ll often hear both Christians and even non-Christians say, ‘You’re in my thoughts and prayers.’

Now, it’s certainly a nice gesture and people mean well when they say it, but does it actually help? If my son breaks his arm and misses out on his baseball season, the thoughts and prayers are sweet but what he’d really like is to play ball. Or if my dad goes in for what was supposed to be a simple procedure but dies on the operating table, I don’t want thoughts and prayers! I want my dad back!

But here’s the thing, there is so much in life that is out of my control, so many problems that plague my loved ones, problems that I can’t do anything about. However, God can!

The apostle Paul, who wrote the words for our devotion today to his friend, Timothy, had been separated from him. And Paul knew that the end of his life was near. He had been imprisoned for his Christian faith and was soon going to lose his life because of his faith. Paul longed to see his friend Timothy and be reunited with him. But he also knew that the situation was out of his control, so he left it all up to God with prayer. He prayed that God would bless Timothy and watch over him and keep Timothy strong in his faith. He prayed that he would be able to see Timothy again. And he prayed all those things because he knew that even though he didn’t have any control over them, God did.

There will certainly be things that are out of our control. But when we pray to God, we are demonstrating belief that nothing is beyond him. Thoughts and prayers are not just a nice sentiment. They are a beautiful act of trust!

Prayer:
Dear God, everything is under your control. And so, I pray for those in my life who are struggling and hurting. Be with them and comfort them through your Word of peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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Then [Jesus] returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
Matthew 26:40,41

Watch and Pray

Daily Devotion – June 21, 2025

Devotion based on Matthew 26:40,41

See series: Devotions

In the most anxiety-filled moment of his earthly ministry, Jesus did not try to relieve his sorrow by looking to his own resources. He did not try to cope on his own. Rather, he sought help and support from his heavenly Father through prayer.

When Jesus returned from prayer, he found his three closest disciples sleeping soundly. Jesus knew that during the next few hours and days, his disciples would face many temptations to run for their lives rather than stand up for Jesus. They would be tempted to fall into hopeless despair and doubt when they saw Jesus crucified and put into a tomb. He warned them to stay alert and pray to overcome these temptations.

Jesus tells us that while our believing hearts are willing, have good intentions, and honestly want to do what is pleasing to God, our sinful natures are weak. Many temptations afflict us—temptations to give in to pet sins, to deny our Lord, and to live in opposition to him.

However, we can take heart because Jesus’ invitation to his disciples is also an invitation to us. Jesus tells us to pray! Why? Because wherever we cannot succeed, God can. Whenever we are short on power to overcome sin, he will give it to us. Whenever we lack the fortitude to step out of line from the world, he will strengthen us. With so many temptations and things assaulting our faith, Jesus tells us to watch and pray.

Pray for a stronger faith. Pray that he will move you to read and hear his Word regularly to equip you to fight the good fight of faith. Pray for the strength to say no to temptation and, in the power of forgiveness, to live as the child of God that you are.

And be assured that God is pleased to answer your prayers.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, do not permit temptation to endanger my faith or lead me to sin. Strengthen my faith by the power of your Word that I may live for you and faithfully follow your will. When I am tempted and fall into sin, forgive me for the sake of my Savior, Jesus, in whose name I boldly pray. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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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.

We also rejoice in our sufferings.
Romans 5:3

To Suffer

Daily Devotion – June 19, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 5:3

See series: Devotions

In the brief span of two or three lifetimes, God has chosen to lavish upon us a staggering number of technological and medical advancements. But as I live my life day-to-day, awash in all these marvels. I can begin to presume that my life is supposed to be convenient. I can begin to presume that my life is supposed to be comfortable. I can begin to presume that my life is supposed to be smooth, easy, trouble-free, and without pain.

That presumption can even start to afflict my attitude as a Christian. Without ever mouthing the words, I may ask myself, “If I am a Christian, why do I have to suffer?”

Which brings me to the Word of my God. When he speaks to me about suffering in the Christian life, my 21st-century presumption is in for a shock. Not only does he break the news to me that I may still experience suffering in this world, but he goes so far as to say that a Christian will expect to suffer as part and parcel of the Christian life.

Then my God takes it one step further. He moves the apostle Paul to say, “We also rejoice in our sufferings.” I’ll be candid. My old sinful self does not rejoice in suffering. It flinches. It fears suffering. It wants to cry out, “Unfair!” It wants to run away.

But then he brings me back to the foot of the cross. He calls me to repentance. And through his gospel, he empowers me to see, all over again, Jesus Christ suffering to wash away my every sin, including unwillingness to suffer for his name. As he does, he refreshes my trust in his will for my life. I trust that my suffering is in his plan for me as a soldier of the cross and for a definite good that I may not yet see.

And because it is, I will rejoice.

Prayer:
Lord, when my suffering arrives, move me to trust, move me to accept, move me to rejoice. Amen.

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