Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop – November 4, 2024

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop

Family Devotion – November 4, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mountains are amazing to look at. Especially if you live in a place that doesn’t have mountains and visit Colorado or Glacier National Park—just their size can be breathtaking. People love climbing mountains. They do it for the thrill, exercise, or accomplishment of it. But what do they find when they get to the top? It has an amazing view and a different type of clean, cool air. But little else. Maybe a bench, a book to sign, or a flag. But not much more.

Can you imagine climbing a high mountain and finding a huge, delicious meal waiting for you at the top? Can you imagine that it’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Imagine being told, “Eat and drink all you want it’s free!” What if the same person who said that also promised that he could take away all your problems, fears, and anxieties with a wave of his hand? Not only would your belly be full, but your heart would be calm and trouble-free. Would that be a mountain worth climbing?

Isaiah talks about a mountain where the LORD Almighty offers exactly that—a splendid feast and a scattering of fear. Where is it? How do we get there? It is a mountain that Jesus climbed. He climbed Mount Calvary with a cross on his back. He was nailed to it. He died on the top of that mountain. By his death, he gave us the rich food of forgiveness and took care of our greatest fear, the fear of death. Very near that same mountain, he came back to life. He tells us that he has provided food for our souls and rest for our hearts. But we don’t need to climb a mountain. It’s all there for us in God’s Word. It is made ours in baptism and given to us in the Lord’s Supper.

One day, Jesus will take us to his heavenly mountain and care for us forever. We’ll never want for anything or experience fear or sorrow again. We’ll never suffer or feel shame. Nothing will make us frown. Total happiness! In heaven, we’ll join all of God’s people on the mountain of the LORD to rejoice in his love and salvation forever.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for providing me with my every need. Help me to treasure all you give me and to look forward to the day when we’ll feast in the joy and peace of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does the Lord tell us we’ll find on his mountain?
  • What does it mean to trust in the LORD’s salvation?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What is Isaiah trying to tell you when he says Jesus “swallowed up” death?
  • Why is that such a comforting thing for us to remember?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • In what way is going to church like going to this mountain of the LORD?
  • In what way is going to heaven the full experience of this mountain of the LORD?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Can You Be Someone’s Angel? – October 30, 2024

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14:6,7

Can You Be Someone’s Angel?

Family Devotion – October 30, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 14:6,7

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People think and say many things about angels. Some of them aren’t what the Bible says about angels. We don’t become angels when we die. Angels don’t get wings when a bell rings. But angels are important and powerful. They are special spirit beings who have only one purpose: to serve and glorify the Lord, their creator. God promises to send them to serve and protect his people.

But angels have another very important purpose that we sometimes forget about. They are messengers. That’s what the word angel means. The Lord has used his angels throughout history to speak his Word to people. They announced Jesus’ birth. They told the disciples of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. They spoke of Jesus’ return. In a vision that Jesus’ apostle John was given, he saw an angel flying in the air. And that angel had an important message to share. He had the eternal gospel to proclaim. He had the good news of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection to share with everybody in this world. He had a message that would save them from sin’s judgment and grant eternal life.

Sometimes, we read this little section of Revelation the day we celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. We remember the way God used a messenger named Martin Luther to proclaim the eternal gospel to all who would hear. After living in fear of his failure to live as God wanted him to, he read about the love that God showed to our sinful world by sending his Son as the Savior of sinners. He was captured by that good news. He preached and taught it. He wrote about it in papers, pamphlets, letters, and books. The eternal gospel he proclaimed brought people back to focus on God’s Word and promises instead of things that weren’t true.

Can you be someone’s angel? We sometimes use that kind of speaking to talk about doing something nice for somebody else. But through this revelation, God reminds us of the nicest thing we could ever do for somebody else. We can speak of God’s love to them in the good news of Jesus. It is the thing that can free them from guilt and shame, from anxiety and fear. Many live in confusion and delusion because they don’t yet know and believe God’s eternal gospel. So, can you be someone’s angel today?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your eternal gospel. Help us to speak it to others that they might know your love and forgiveness. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does the word angel mean?
  • What did John see an angel doing in his revelation?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What does the word gospel mean?
  • Can you think of a person you know that you could speak the good news to?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why do we sometimes read this section of the Bible for the Lutheran Reformation?
  • Agree/Disagree. You can be like the angels.

 

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

Our God Is Able – October 28, 2024

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Our God Is Able

Family Devotion – October 28, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 3:16-18

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you heard the Bible story entitled “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace?” It’s amazing! Three men were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The Lord delivered them from certain death. He kept their bodies and clothes from being destroyed by fire (you couldn’t even smell any smoke on them!). It was a complete and total and physics-defying deliverance from certain death. The three men didn’t know it would turn out that way. But they didn’t care. So, they made a very bold confession from which we can learn a lot. They stated clearly that their God had the power to save them from dying. But then they said, “Even if he doesn’t save us from this fire, we will trust in him and obey him.”

What an amazing thing for them to say! They had everything to lose. They were important officials in the government. The king liked, admired, and respected them. They probably enjoyed a good living because of their high positions. But they were willing to give it all up if they did one small thing: Just bow down to an idol! Everybody is doing it. It’s just a way to show respect to your king.

But they stood their ground. Why? Because God was the only one, they would bow down to. Why were they willing to give up everything? Because their trust was in the God who had given them everything. Their position, possessions, and even their lives in this world were all from the Lord, but those were nothing compared to the eternal blessings that the Lord had given them. They knew they belonged to him forever because of the promise he made to them in his Word. They knew of their true King who would come to wipe out sin and conquer death. They knew of the One who would stand up to the lies of Satan, the imposter king of this world. They knew the One who would give his life, that they might lose everything in this world and gain eternal life in his death and resurrection. They trusted him. He was worth everything to them, and they showed it.

What words for God’s children to live by today: “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we’ll trust in him and live for him.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the true King of our hearts and lives. Give us boldness to always live for you. Amen

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What were the names of the three men of God in today’s Bible reading?
  • What did the three men refuse to do that got them into trouble?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why was it a big deal for the three men to bow down to an idol?
  • An idol is something/someone you follow and give your love and loyalty to other than God. Identify an “idol” in your life that you need to say NO to.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Have you ever been tempted to “bow down to an idol” instead of trusting Jesus?
  • Why were the men willing to give up their lives in this world rather than commit sin? Where can we find strength to do the same?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Selfless Service – October 25, 2024

Read: Mark 10:32-45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Selfless Service

Family Devotion – DATE

Devotion based on Mark 10:45

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Did you know a presidential election is right around the corner? During this time of year, politicians and businesses often reach out to the leaders of political parties to make deals with them to help that potential president’s cause. They might offer to help promote their campaign or fund a portion of it. They may offer to support or vote in favor of an act or a bill.

When they make such deals, do you think they do so out of the goodness of their hearts? Maybe or maybe not. Sometimes, the agreement or arrangement they propose includes something favorable for them in return. They might request a special position or title. Or they ask for a favor in return or a special tax break for their company. It’s a very human thing to want what’s best for ourselves.

Jesus is so different! Even though he could have easily used his power and authority as God to get whatever he wanted when he came down to earth, he didn’t. Instead, he did the exact opposite—he came to selflessly serve everyone else. That selfless sacrifice would have been amazing on its own, but it’s even more amazing when we consider that he came to serve sinners.

He came for those who would disobey him and reject him. He came for those who sin against him again and again and too often think only what’s best for themselves. But not Jesus! Because of his selfless sacrifice, he forgives all the times we think only of ourselves. He does it without anything in it for him, except his incredible desire to spend eternity with us.

What a great deal! May Jesus inspire our selfless service to others!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you came to serve sinners—that means you came to serve me! Since through your saving service, I have forgiveness and eternal life, help me to follow in your selfless footsteps and delight in serving others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Think of one or two ways that Jesus served others during his life on earth.
  • What is the most important way Jesus served you (and all people)?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Share a recent time that you were more interested in making sure others served you than you were in serving them.
  • Jesus gave his life “as a ransom for many.” Discuss how he did this and what it means for you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Jesus’ disciples were hoping for positions of importance and recognition. In what area of your life has the Lord blessed you with success for which you crave recognition?
  • Jesus put himself beneath you in service to you. What conclusion can you draw about how highly he must think of you?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Take It or Leave It? – October 23, 2024

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
1 Corinthians 9:11

Take It or Leave It?

Family Devotion – October 23, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 9:11

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Two pastors each conducted weddings over the summer. After the service, each pastor was offered a gift of money as a thank-you for performing the wedding. One of the pastors gratefully accepted the gift as an expression of appreciation. The other pastor graciously declined, pointing out that his congregation provided for his needs, and conducting weddings was included in his call as a pastor.

Which pastor did the right thing? Should such a gift be accepted or declined?

Both could be correct, couldn’t they? As we look at the words of the apostle Paul in our Bible reading today, he points out that it is perfectly normal for church workers to expect something in return for their church work. When a pastor serves a congregation full-time, it is the responsibility of the church to support those whom God sends to share the gospel. That’s what Paul encouraged in today’s verse when asked, “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?”

However, Paul declined such aid (“material harvest”) because he didn’t want anyone to think that money or receiving payment were the only reasons he was preaching and teaching about Jesus. He didn’t want people to think he became a pastor because of the money. In his specific situation, he was making a sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

God doesn’t call every Christian to make that kind of sacrifice. But he does tell us that sacrifices will be a normal part of following him. Rather than avoid such sacrifices, we make them joyfully in support of the gospel, for our minimal sacrifices remind us of the greatest sacrifice ever made: the sacrifice Jesus made for us when he gave up his life and died so that we might live forever.

Now that we have that promise, how are we to live? Sacrificially. We can do without certain things because we know God, who has taken care of our greatest need, will provide for all our other needs as well.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you richly and daily provide all we need for life and then some. Thank you! Thank you for our pastor who brings God’s Word to us. Help us support the gospel work and workers of our church with our prayers and offerings. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How do you think churches take care of their pastors for their service?
  • What is one way you can show your pastor (and Savior!) that you appreciate him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What are some sacrifices you have had to make because of your faith?
  • Agree or disagree. Since pastors carry out the most important work of saving souls, they should make lots of money.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What is the greatest sacrifice you have seen another Christian make because Jesus was their priority? What impact did it have on you?
  • If you were in the position of the pastor having performed the wedding, what would you do with the gift of money and why?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Good Suffering – October 21, 2024

It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10,12

Good Suffering

Family Devotion – October 21, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:10,12

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you do not like going to the doctor to get your shots, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t enjoy getting stuck with sharp objects!

Have you ever watched a parent or grandparent donate blood? Here’s what happens: the donor is given a bag with a long tube and sent to a reclining seat where a nurse waits. The nurse then connects a needle to the tube and gently inserts the needle into the patient’s arm to collect blood. Once the bag is full, the patient is done and allowed to leave after resting and having water and a snack.

If needles hurt, why would anyone willingly put up with getting stuck with one to donate blood? They do it because they know their blood can help save other people’s lives. They endure the prick of a needle because they want to help other people. Their blood may be used for someone who has been injured in an accident, has gone through surgery, or is very sick.

Why did Jesus willingly endure pain and punishment when he died on the cross? Because he knew his blood would help save other people’s lives. He endured the beatings, the whipping, the piercing and the pain of the cross because he knew that by his suffering, he would save others from having to suffer in hell. Isaiah said it like this: “It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

People don’t enjoy suffering, but we’re often willing to endure it for others, just as Jesus did for us. Because Jesus suffered for us while here on earth, we know that we’ll never have to suffer again when we finally leave this earth for heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you suffered for us in a way we could never fully understand. But we can be grateful, nonetheless. Help us show our thanks by willingly suffering for others whenever the need arises. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Getting shots at the doctor’s office can be painful, so why do people get them?
  • True or false? Jesus died on the cross to pay for his sins.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Share something that you don’t like because you find it very painful.
  • Why did Jesus willingly experience the pain of the cross?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain the following statement. No one ever suffered more than Jesus, and no one ever suffered for more than Jesus.
  • Jesus willingly suffered for us. How does his suffering affect us and impact our willingness to suffer for others?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Faith Sees the Impossible – October 18, 2024

Read: Mark 10:17-27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27

Faith Sees the Impossible

Family Devotion – October 18, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 10:27

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? If you do, you know how difficult it is to see without them. But you also know how important it is for them to be the right prescription. If you don’t have the right prescription, wearing your glasses won’t matter—everything will still be fuzzy or blurry.

The man who approached Jesus thought he could see quite well, spiritually speaking. He was pretty sure the key to eternal life was being a good person and living a good life. So, when he asked Jesus what he had to do to earn eternal life, he did so because he was confident that he had lived a pretty good life.

But Jesus helped him see things differently. It was like the man had the wrong prescription, and Jesus gave him the right one so he could see he wasn’t as good as he thought. Jesus helped him see that his heart was too focused on his money and possessions. And then, Jesus invited him to, “Come, follow me.” Sadly, the man refused and walked away. The price was too high. His eyes couldn’t see the prize—Jesus, treasure of heaven.

Maybe you’re thinking, “If it’s possible for me to walk away from and lose sight of Jesus, how can I keep my eyes on him all the way to heaven? You can’t. But here is the good news: Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

No matter how good a job we think we may be doing, it’s impossible for us to follow Jesus on our own to heaven. God has a better prescription for us to see him. It’s called the gospel. The power of the gospel is its ability for us to see Jesus, believe in him, and never lose sight of him! Through the prescription of faith, we can clearly see that our salvation only comes through Jesus, our Savior.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, our lives are so busy and filled with so many activities. Thank you for helping me see that none of them are greater than you. Help me always to see you with eyes of faith. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Why is it impossible for anyone to save themself?
  • What did God do that makes it possible for all people to be saved?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • The man in today’s devotion felt he was doing a pretty good job keeping God’s commands? What areas of life do you feel you’re doing pretty good in?
  • The man went away sad because it was hard for him to imagine giving away his wealth. What is something that you would find hard to give up if it meant keeping Jesus as number one in your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Read Mark 10:24-27. What words prove that we aren’t good enough to earn eternal life?
  • Agree or disagree? Good people don’t get into heaven.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

It Lives to Make Us Alive – October 16, 2024

Read: Hebrews 4:12,13

For the word of God is alive and active.
Hebrews 4:12

It Lives to Make Us Alive

Family Devotion – October 16, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:12

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Some say that Latin is a dead language. What they mean by calling it a dead language is that it isn’t spoken as the official language of any country anymore. So, while a small number of people still learn the language and can read and write it, no one really speaks to each other in it. That’s why it is considered “dead.”

Some would say the same thing about the Bible. They argue that it is an old, outdated book filled with “fairy tales” that only a few believe. “It is “dead,” they say.

Not so fast! In Hebrews 4:12, we are told, “The word of God is alive and active.” The Bible is not dead! It’s very much alive and actively at work!

The Bible continues to do important work. First, it shows us that we are much worse off than we could ever have imagined. We are sinners who don’t come close to living the perfect life that God requires of us to get into heaven. That means we deserve the worst fate imaginable: being dismissed by God forever in hell!

That’s why the second thing the Bible shows us is even more important—it shows us how much God cares about us by making sure that we would never have to experience hell. God made the promise to send a Savior to die and even suffer hell for us in our place so that we would never have to!

Latin may be a dead language, but the Bible will never be a dead book. It highlights our Savior, Jesus, who lived, died, and rose for us so that we would never die!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your living and active Word! May I hear, read, and study it, so that it can be active in my life and heart. Use it to grow my faith. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does it mean when someone calls Latin a “dead” language?
  • Someone says, “The Bible is just a bunch of fairy tales.” What do you say?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • We don’t need to know Latin to be saved, but we do need to know the Bible. Why?
  • What does it mean that the Bible is alive?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What proof could you point someone to that the Bible is “living and active”?
  • List at least two reasons the Bible is unlike any other book.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

It’s No Secret: Stealing Is a Sin – October 14, 2024

Read: 2 Kings 5:14-27

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” “So please accept a gift from your servant.” The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
2 Kings 5:15-16,19-20

It’s No Secret: Stealing Is a Sin

Family Devotion -October 14, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Kings 5:15-16,19-20

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

She was excited to be old enough to babysit and eager to jump at any chance to do so. It wasn’t just for the money, although that was nice. She was very good with little kids and genuinely enjoyed babysitting. When the neighboring family, who struggled financially, was caught in a bind and needed someone to watch their toddler, she offered to do so free of charge.

Later in the week, when she wasn’t home, the neighbors stopped by. They wanted to pay her a small amount of money for babysitting. Her brother answered the door. After explaining that his sister wasn’t home, he offered to take the money and said he would give it to her.

He never did. Instead, he kept the money and never told his sister about it.

The brother acted like Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, dishonestly taking something that wasn’t his. Even if he never got caught, it doesn’t change that what he did was wrong. Stealing, whether it is done openly or secretly, is always sinful. Not only does it reveal greed and a lack of contentment, but it also shows an unhealthy desire for earthly possessions that can easily bump God out of the number one spot in our lives.

Thankfully, Jesus showed that God the Father was always his number one. How? Instead of giving in to any sinful desires, he chose to carry out his Father’s will perfectly. He never took what wasn’t his. He was always content and grateful for what he had. And he was even willing to die for every sin, including stealing! If he loves his Father—and us! —that much, to prioritize us over everything, let’s return that love by keeping him as our number one priority!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, keep us from getting distracted and tempted by worldly things that mix up our priorities. We have all that we need in you; please grant us contentment with that. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What happened to Naaman in the Bible story that made him want to give a gift to Elisha?
  • In the babysitting story, what did the brother do that was wrong?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • How was the brother like the servant Gehazi?
  • Share a time when you have been tempted to act like the brother.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How might you handle the situation if you found out what the brother did?
  • How might you assure someone who has stolen that Jesus has forgiven that specific sin? (Hint: remember who was crucified with Jesus.)

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Families Stick Like LEGOs – October 11, 2024

Read: Mark 10:2-16

[Jesus said] “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:6-9

Families Stick Like LEGOs

Family Devotion -October 11, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 10:6-9

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

LEGOs aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it! The “knock-off” brands don’t have the creativity or the “sticktoitiveness” as the name brand LEGOs. LEGOs stay together.

That’s the way God wants families to operate, especially a mom and dad joined together in marriage. He wants them to stay together. Jesus explained it like this, “‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

In less than 50 words, Jesus captures the beauty and wonder of marriage. Marriage begins a new family unit. With joy, excitement, and maybe even a little fear, a husband and wife leave the homes they grew up in and begin a new one. A husband and wife are joined so closely in marriage that God calls it a union, even saying that “they are no longer two, but one flesh.” This “two-become-one” happens literally when, through the union of a husband and wife, God creates another human being—a child. Notice that Jesus tells us it wasn’t “luck” or “fate” that joined a mom and a dad in marriage; God joined them together. It is God’s intent they stay together—like LEGOs.

As good as LEGOs are, they don’t always stick together. Sometimes by accident and at other times with intent, the LEGOs come apart. Unfortunately, that happens in marriage sometimes. Jesus wants us to know that when that happens, it messes with God’s intent for marriage. Marriage works best when husbands and wives stick together. And when it happens from a selfish desire for a different spouse, Jesus calls that sin.

Families are like LEGOs in another way. God wants families to stick to Jesus. This time, little children, not moms and dads, gave Jesus the chance to talk about staying close. When Jesus’ disciples told families not to bother Jesus with the kids, Jesus spoke up, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Jesus wants parents to stick close to him, but he also wants children to stay connected to him. The child-like trust in Jesus is the model for all those who want to be in God’s kingdom.

When parents stick together and when families stick with Jesus, then families are like LEGOs.

Closing Prayer:

God of tenderness and strength, bless our home, our family, and our love. Watch over our coming and our goings. Keep us from growing weary in doing good and sustain our family in any hour of trouble. Help us to deal tenderly with one another and knit our lives together in love for you and each other. Amen. (Modified prayer “For a Married Couple” from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 1993)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • According to Jesus, who joins moms and dads together in marriage?
  • Does God want little children in his heavenly kingdom? How do you know?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • For how long does God want husbands and wives to “stick together”?
  • Why does Jesus use children as the example of those who will be in the kingdom of God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Agree or disagree. Marriages are supposed to last forever.
  • List at least three blessings that come when spouses stick together, when families stick to Jesus.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Role Play – October 9, 2024

Read: Ephesians 5:21–6:4

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 5:21-23; 6:1-3

Role Play

Family Devotion – October 9, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:21-23; 6:1-3

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever heard of a symphony? It’s an elaborate work of music with a lot of musical instruments. There aren’t many symphonies that let a large, loud brass instrument called a trombone take the lead. That usually belongs to the violins, the flutes, or the trumpets. The trombones play the musical notes underneath. Now imagine this: you attend the symphony, and the entire time, the trombones play as loud as they can. Oh boy, you better cover your ears! That wouldn’t be beautiful music. For a symphony to sound delightful, each instrument needs to know its role.

“Know your role” might be a theme for today’s devotion. In Ephesians chapter 6, the apostle Paul addresses life as a family. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” he begins. Families seek to live in service to each other. As each member of the family—mom, dad, kids—carries out their roles, they do so humbly and with the well-being of everyone else in mind.

From there, Paul speaks to each member of the family. Wives are to submit to their husbands. Many hear those words and cringe because they think this is a put-down, like a master/slave relationship. It isn’t. Think instead of the head/helper image God uses. Think of our relationship to Christ. Why wouldn’t we want to submit to Christ when, as our head, he gave himself up for us? So, when a husband lives with self-sacrificing love like Christ, it shouldn’t be difficult for a helper to submit to a head like that, right? What a beautiful role!

Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. In love, Jesus took the lead and was responsible for the sins of the world on the cross. He sacrificed himself in our place. Using Jesus as their role model, husbands are asked to do the same and mirror Jesus’ love. They are to be responsible leaders for their families. Whether that means moments of pride or bearing sorrow, husbands sacrifice themselves and their self-interests for the good of the family. God lays the spiritual nurture of the family at the feet of husbands.

Even children fall underneath Paul’s probing eye. Family is the training ground for later adulthood, and as long as children are the learners, God calls for their obedience to their parents.

Each member of the family has a role to play as it goes and grows. Since God forms families, it is good to listen to what he says about our roles. His advice is simple, “know your role.”

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for our home and family, for love and gentleness, for laughter enjoyed and sorrow shared, for daily bread. Help us to be mindful of all your gifts and to rejoice in your goodness. Give us the desire to know our roles and appreciate the roles of others within our family. May your peace be with us and your presence protect us. Amen. (Modified prayer “For the Family” from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 1993)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Who are the people in your family?
  • Which role do you play in your family: mom, dad, or kid? What is your role?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • In what way are wives to be like the Church?
  • How are husbands to be like Christ?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Read carefully, who all is asked to “submit,” why, and to whom?
  • How is Christ both a motivation and an example for husbands to fulfill their role in the family?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Very First Wedding – October 7, 2024

Read: Genesis 2:18-25

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18

The Very First Wedding

Family Devotion – October 7, 2024

Devotion based on Genesis 2:18

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Beautiful flowers, moving music, men in tuxedos, ladies in fancy dresses, the smell of fine food, and the chatter of guests. Take a guess where you are. It’s a wedding! You are not, however, at the very first wedding. In Genesis chapter 2, God invites us to be guests at the very first wedding. It looks a little different than a wedding you attended recently. All we see are the bride, the groom, and God. The simplicity of the ceremony focuses our attention on the purpose of marriage rather than fancy clothes, flowers, or food.

In the very beginning, Adam was the only human that existed. However, being alone was not what God intended. God had a plan, “The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” God would create a companion for Adam. This special creation would not be something lesser than Adam, but a human being, just like Adam and yet different, “a helper suitable for him.”

Look at the way the Lord prepared Adam to love and appreciate the special companion God was about to create for Adam. He let Adam name all the animals, which not only allowed him to show his wisdom but also let Adam see that there was nothing in creation like Adam. How much more would Adam treasure Eve after God planted in Adam a desire to have a companion like all the other creatures had? When Adam first sees Eve, he breaks out into poetry (the first record of any human being speaking): “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”

God brought the first man and first woman together in marriage. This wasn’t an arrangement developed by people; God established and defined marriage from the very beginning. According to him, the wonderful blessing he wants for marriage is for one man and one woman to be together for as long as they live. Or, in the words of God himself, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

The very first wedding may not have had all the usual fanfare, but it did establish the foundation of every marriage since.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious and eternal God, in the beginning you created man and woman and established marriage by your design and wisdom. Look with favor on all married couples, who come to you seeking your blessing on their marriage. Guide them with your Word, that with genuine faithfulness and unwavering love for one another they may honor and keep the promises they have made to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (revised from Christian Worship – Rite of Marriage)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Who were the two people in the first wedding?
  • Adam and Eve didn’t have fancy clothes, cake, or a reception. Does a couple need those things to have a wedding? If not, what do they need?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why was God concerned about Adam?
  • Why did God have Adam name the animals?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • TRUE or FALSE. The definition of marriage can change depending upon changing times. (The point: God defines marriage for us.)
  • What do you find curious about the reference to “father and mother” in Genesis 2:24 (“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”)? What does this tell you about God’s words about marriage in that verse?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

You’re on the List – October 4, 2024

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 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 10:17-20

You’re on the List

Family Devotion – October 4, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 10:17-20

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The White House is one of the most famous houses in America because it’s home to one of the most powerful leaders in the world. It is not easy to get into it. You can’t just walk in off the street. Your name must be on a list, sometimes months in advance.

How easy is it to get into heaven? Can anyone get in? Does everybody get in? Does nobody get in?

The answer is that your name must be on the list. Well, how do you get on the list?

One word: Jesus. Because of what he has done and through faith in him, your name is written in heaven. This message is what Jesus had sent the disciples to share. God empowered them to do miraculous things to support the truth of their message, even driving out demons. The disciples returned from this trip with joyful hearts. When they shared their experience with Jesus, he explained that the message worked, and he “saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” The evil angel, Satan, was defeated when names were written on the list of heaven.

After Jesus sent out his disciples to share his powerful name, the disciples returned and reported they drove out demons because of it. However, Jesus reminded them and us that the most important thing is that our “names are written in heaven.” The only way that happens is through faith in him!

Notice what Jesus said to the disciples personally. As exciting as it was to drive out demons, and as special as it was that they could share Jesus, he reminded them, “Rejoice that YOUR names are written in heaven.” They were on the list. Heaven was their home.

One day, we’ll see the good angels in heaven. The devil and his rebel angels will never be in heaven. Their names will never be on the list. But what a joy that we will have the privilege some of the angels won’t. By God’s grace, our names will be on the list.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth to carry out your plan of salvation. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our home in heaven is secured. We are on the list! Please help us to be eager to share this good news with others that they, too, may say, “Heaven is my home!” Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What was something special that the disciples were able to do?
  • Who are some people who tell you about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Who is on the list of heaven?
  • Tell of a time when you talked to someone about Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Name some people you know whose names are on the list of heaven. Explain why you think they are on the list.
  • How would you explain to someone why Jesus is so important to you?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Wins, Dragon Loses – October 2, 2024

Read: Revelation 12:7-12

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
Revelation 12:7-9

God Wins, Dragon Loses

Family Devotion – October 2, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 12:7-9

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What flies, breathes fire, and goes by names such as Toothless, Smaug, and Puff? Dragons, of course! When we think of dragons, we think of fierce, powerful, and strong creatures. In John’s vision, he sees a dragon battle. “A war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.” This wasn’t make-believe—this battle was real! Satan once led a rebellion against God. God fought back with his angels.

The battle is still real. We are the prize. The war between God and Satan is for our souls. Satan “leads the world astray.” He uses the weapon of accusation, hoping to lay our sins before God. Satan is the reason for our doubts, frustration, and sin. The devil lies to us, trying to convince us that we don’t need a Savior or that our sinful condition is hopeless.

It’s not a battle that we can win on our own. God knows that, so he fights the battle for us. The heavenly rebels were cast out. Michael and his angels won, and Satan and his angels were hurled to earth. Even though the war is won, Satan continues to fight battles. He hopes to gain little victories in our lives: an accusation here, a temptation there, a little pride, a little despair.

Listen again to what the voice from heaven announces: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God, day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb.”

Imagine that! A dragon was defeated by a lamb! But it’s no surprise. This lamb is the Lamb of God, our Savior, Christ Jesus. When Jesus died and rose, he forgave our sins, and Satan lost his power to accuse.

Most of the dragons you know are imaginary, but Satan is real. So is God. In the battle between God and Satan, God wins! As it was in heaven, so it is now and will be eternally: God wins! Dragon loses!

Closing Prayer:

A mighty fortress is our God,
a trusty shield and weapon;
he helps us free from every need
that has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe
now means deadly woe;
deep guile and great might
are his dread arms in fight;
on earth is not his equal.

Though devils all the world should fill,
all eager to devour us,
we tremble not,
we fear no ill;
they shall not overpower us.
This world’s prince may still
scowl fierce as he will,
he can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done;
one little word can fell him.
(Christian Worship: Hymnal – 863)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Who is the dragon in the devotion?
  • Who wins the battle?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What does “Satan” mean?
  • What does “devil” mean?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What are some ways that Satan tries to deceive us?
  • How did the lamb defeat the dragon?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Many Angels Fit on the Head of a Pin? – September 30, 2024

Read: 2 Kings 6:8-17

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17

How Many Angels Fit on the Head of a Pin?

Family Devotion – September 30, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Kings 6:15-17

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Centuries ago, students of the Bible argued over the question: how many angels fit on the head of a pin? How would you answer? One? A hundred? A thousand? We will never know because angels are spirits and rarely appear in a form we can see. But in today’s Bible reading, Elisha and his servant saw the sight of a lifetime. God let them see real angels. We don’t know how many they saw, but Elisha was correct, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

Wouldn’t it be fascinating if we could see angels? Even though we can’t see them, Elisha’s words encourage us: There are many angels watching over us.

Like Elisha’s servant, we face times that make us feel nervous, anxious, or stressed: Starting a new school or job, meeting new neighbors, or making new friends. In our Bible reading today, there was concern over being surrounded by an army. We may also feel uneasy about possible danger. In those moments, God promises, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The promise of God’s presence is enough. But by his grace, he gives us more—he gives the protection of the angels, “For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).

You might wonder if there are enough angels to go around. Does God have angels available to watch over me? Elisha’s answer, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” comforts us. God even gave an apostle named John a vision of the angels, which was more than he could count. He said, “I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” (Revelation 5:11). That’s a lot of angels! We may not know how many God created, but we do know that there are always enough to fulfill our needs.
Although Elisha and his servant were blessed to see the angels God sent to their aid, we can be just as confident in God’s promise to protect us. More important than knowing how many angels fit on the head of a pin is trusting that God has angels ready to serve you.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for angels who watch over us. May the thought of them watching over me tonight let me sleep even better! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What did the angels that Elisha and his servant saw look like?
  • Who sends angels to help us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • How did Elisha comfort his worried servant?
  • How are we comforted when we are worried?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Your friend says, “Prove to me that angels exist.” How do you answer?
  • True or False: Everyone has a guardian angel.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Who is the GOAT? – September 27, 2024

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:30-37

Who is the GOAT?

Family Devotion – September 27, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:30-37

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The argument still goes on today. Who is the GOAT (greatest of all time)? Who is the greatest president of all time? Is it George Washington? Abraham Lincoln? Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Who is the greatest quarterback of all time? Joe Montana or Aaron Rodgers? Peyton Manning or Tom Brady? Who is the greatest preschool programming personality of all time? Is it Bluey, Blippi, or Ms. Rachel? Maybe you’ve participated in one of these debates at home, school, or around the preschool water cooler. These debates are argued using various standards depending on the category. Someone might judge presidents on foreign policy or economic prosperity, quarterbacks on statistics or Super Bowls, and preschool personalities on entertainment or educational value.

The desire to be the greatest and the arguments that go along with it are nothing new and do not only apply to discussions about famous political, athletic, or entertainment personalities. In today’s Bible reading, we hear Jesus’ disciples arguing about who was the greatest disciple among them. A few of the disciples had recently witnessed Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. Maybe that earned them some greatness points in their debate. Others recently could not drive out a demon from a boy. Maybe that lost them some greatness points in their debate. No matter what standards the disciples were using, their entire debate was completely wrong. Jesus makes clear in his response what truly makes someone great.

As he often does, Jesus turns everything people think about greatness upside down and inside out. Jesus says the one who is greatest is the servant of all. The greatest is the one who welcomes little children and takes time for the smallest among us—the ones who could never repay you. But Jesus says even more than that. While the disciples were arguing about which one of them was the greatest, Jesus was talking about suffering, dying, and rising again. That’s what made Jesus the greatest of all time. Think about it. He is the one who came to welcome the little children. Even more than that, Jesus came to give himself completely for a world full of us sinners who could never, ever pay him back.

Do you want to be great? True greatness comes when Jesus’ humble service to you fills you up and overflows in your humble service to others.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, your humble service to a world full of sinners reveals you as the greatest of all time. We are the objects of your humble, saving service. Fill us with thankfulness and humility that we might find true greatness in service to you and our neighbor. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How does it make you feel to know that Jesus came to serve even little children?
  • Who can you love and serve like Jesus loved and served you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Recount the time you and your friends at school debated who was the greatest at something. What kind of things make someone great?
  • What does Jesus say makes someone great? Is that the same or different from what the world says?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain in your own words the relationship between greatness and humility.
  • Describe how the great humility and service that Jesus talks about in these verses can be demonstrated in the relationships between Christian husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees. (a teaching tool: Take a look at the Table of Duties from Luther’s Small Catechism for help.)

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Humility Takes Wisdom and Leads to Peace – September 25, 2024

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:13-18

Humility Takes Wisdom and Leads to Peace

Family Devotion – September 25, 2024

Devotion based on James 3:13-18

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Why would anybody want to be humble?

Even though it seems many people today do not prize it as a virtue, humility is very practical. There are few things more annoying than a know-it-all. And people who think they are better than everybody else might find it hard to have any real friends. But that’s not the only thing. Humility is one of the most highly praised virtues in the Bible. God’s Word says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11,12). Humility has incredible practical and spiritual benefits. How do we get this highly praised and highly practical virtue? Today, James tells us that to be humble, you must be smart. Humility takes wisdom.

But not just any kind of wisdom. There is a kind of wisdom that comes from this world James calls unspiritual and even of the devil. This earthly wisdom is marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition. Those are big words. What do they mean? Bitter envy is jealousy or anger over the good that someone else has. It is the attitude that is behind selfish ambition, which means always trying to get whatever you want without thinking about anyone else. Bitter envy and selfish ambition always lead to a life that is full of evil, disorder, and fighting.

Humility takes a different kind of wisdom—not worldly but heavenly. It takes that kind of wisdom to not put yourself first, but others first instead. It takes that kind of wisdom to have a life that is full of peace. Humility takes wisdom and leads to peace.

Who came down from heaven to give us peace? Jesus did. God’s Son came down from heaven without any bitter envy or selfish ambition. He did not think about himself. Jesus only thought about others. He thought about us. That’s why he humbled himself to come into this world, make himself nothing, go to the cross, and bring us sinners peace with God. That is what Jesus has accomplished for us. Through him, may God accomplish that in us.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we thank you that you humbled yourself to come down from heaven and give us heavenly peace forever. Help us to be wise and humble in all our dealings with others so that we might spread your peace in this world. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does it mean to be selfish?
  • Give an example of how being selfish leads to fighting.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why do you think people look out for themselves more than others?
  • How does what Jesus has done for you change that attitude?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • A Christian thinker named C.S. Lewis once said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Explain what he meant.
  • How does humility help you to be a peacemaker at home, at school, and in the world?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Pride Comes Before the Fall – September 23, 2024

Read: Numbers 12:1-15

Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out. Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, he said, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.
Numbers 12:1-9

Pride Comes Before the Fall

Family Devotion – September 23, 2024

Devotion based on Numbers 12:1-9

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“It’s not fair that he gets to play with it! I want to!”
“Why does she get to stay up later? I should be able to stay up that late, too!”

Maybe those words, or something like them, have been spoken in your house. Sometimes, we want something or think we deserve something that someone else has—maybe even a brother or sister. When we feel that way, we can treat them poorly. We can even treat our parents poorly because they are the ones who get to decide in our house who gets to do what and when.

Something like that happened when God’s Old Testament people were wandering in the wilderness. During that time, three grown-up siblings—Moses, Aaron, and Miriam—had important roles among the Israelites, but Moses was the leader. That’s because the Lord chose Moses to be the leader. The Lord, who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, always knew what was best for his people. But Miriam and Aaron began to question what God thought was best. They talked badly about Moses. They thought they should be the leaders because they spoke God’s words too, and because Moses had married a woman who wasn’t from where they were from, which is not only very silly but also very sinful. Miriam and Aaron thought they were better than Moses. They thought they were smarter than God. That sin is called pride, and it leads to all kinds of other sins. That’s why there is a wise saying that says, “Pride comes before the fall.”

That saying points back to the Garden of Eden. Pride was the reason that the once good angel, Satan, rebelled against his God. He wanted what God had—his power and position. Pride was the reason Adam and Eve fell into Satan’s temptation to eat the forbidden fruit. They thought they should get to be like God. But pride always leads to more sin, and it always leads to a fall. There were painful consequences for Miriam’s and Aaron’s sinful pride. There are painful consequences for ours, too.

Thank God for the forgiveness he gives through Jesus. The glorious Son of God had every reason to be prideful, but in humility, he gave up everything to come and be the Savior of sinful people like you and me.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, forgive us for our selfish sins of pride for humble, selfless Jesus’ sake. Help us remember pride comes before the fall so that we guard our hearts against it. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Remember the last time you didn’t treat someone nicely (brother or sister or parent) because you wanted something you could not have?
  • What do we need to say when we’ve acted that way? What is the very nice thing Jesus has done for us, even when we haven’t been nice to others?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • In your own words, what is pride?
  • How does pride lead to all kinds of other sins?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • A famous Christian teacher named St. Augustine once said: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” What is he trying to say?
  • Contrast pride and humility. How are they complete opposites?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief! – September 20, 2024

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
Mark 9:14-27

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief!

Family Devotion – September 20, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:14-27

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In 1918, Robert Ripley premiered his newspaper panel that shared strange events and artifacts so unusual that readers might find the claims unbelievable. The newspaper panel, which he called Believe It or Not, was eventually adapted for use in books, radio, television, and even a chain of museums. You may have toured one when you were on vacation with your family and discussed whether what you saw there was real. Do you believe it or not?

Some things are hard to believe—even things about God. We see that in our reading from the Word of God for today. There was a man who had a son who was possessed by an evil spirit. This evil spirit made it so the man’s son could not talk and often threw him onto the ground with a seizure. Jesus’ disciples had been trying to drive out the spirit, but they couldn’t. It seemed like most people did not believe healing the man’s son was possible—maybe even the man himself.

You can understand why. The man told Jesus this had been happening his son’s whole life, and his son had often been in danger. The devil had used these attacks to hurt this family more than physically. He wanted them to stop trusting their God. You can see that in the man’s pleading conversation with Jesus. “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 6:22-24)!

Jesus did a great miracle that day. He set that man’s son free from the evil spirit. Jesus’ miracle showed that he had God’s power. It also gave a glimpse of what Jesus had come into this world as Savior to do: overcome the devil. Jesus would do that once and for all by his cross and empty tomb. The devil is defeated. The war is won. The victory is ours.

As we continue to fight our spiritual battles on this side of heaven, Jesus assures us that “everything is possible for the one who believes.” So, we exclaim, with the father, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” And Jesus does. Through his Word and sacraments, he increases our faith in him and gives us eternal victory. Believe it!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, sometimes what is happening in our lives makes us doubt that you are there, that you care about us, and that you have won the victory for us. In those moments overcome our unbelief and increase our faith with your tremendous promises. Remind us that everything is possible with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Imagine you were the boy in this Bible story. How would you feel if you could not talk?
  • How would your family feel if you were being hurt like that boy was?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • How did the devil really want to hurt the family in God’s Word today?
  • Why would that be even worse than the boy not being able to speak and having seizures?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Talk about a time that you doubted God’s love or care.
  • How do we overcome our doubts? Where do we go?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Right Equipment for the Job – September 18, 2024

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-18

The Right Equipment for the Job

Family Devotion – September 18, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:10-18

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What kind of items do you need to have a tea party? To have a tea party, you need a teapot, teacups, tea, plates, napkins, silverware, and snacks. What kind of equipment do you need for a neighborhood baseball game? To have a neighborhood baseball game, you need baseball bats, baseballs, baseball gloves, and bases. What kind of tools does Dad need to do the yard work? To do the yard work, he needs a lawnmower, a trimmer, an edger, some gloves, and maybe some protective ear and eye wear. When you need to do something, it is important to have the right equipment for the job.

Today, we want to think about what kind of equipment a soldier needs to be ready to go to war. Maybe you have a family member or friend who serves in the Armed Forces who uses weapons—both offensive and defensive—against enemies who want to harm our nation. The apostle Paul wants to prepare us for a different kind of battle—one in which each of us is called to struggle. What makes this battle different? Paul says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). We’re in a battle against the devil himself, his evil angels, and this sinful world who all want to get us to fall into sin and end up under their control. This is a battle for our souls and will determine where we spend forever—either with God in heaven or with the devil in hell. What kind of equipment do you need for that kind of battle? Paul says we need the full armor of God.

Paul uses the equipment a Roman soldier would use to be ready for physical battle to picture the equipment we need for the spiritual war we’re in. Look at Paul’s equipment list again. Every piece of equipment points us to God’s Word and all the things we get from God’s Word, especially the good news about the ultimate warrior who won the ultimate war for us against all the devil’s forces—our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we listen to his Word and trust in Jesus, we are ready for every battle. We have everything that we need.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, be with us as we face our daily battles with the spiritual forces of evil. Equip us with your armor through your Word and give us the victory through your Son, Jesus. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Who is our big enemy who fights against us?
  • Who fought our biggest battle and defeated our enemy? How did he do that?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Reread Ephesians 6:13-17. List the kind of equipment a soldier wears.
  • How do you “put on the full armor of God” for the war you’re in?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • We have daily struggles “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.” What do they look like in your life?
  • What does our God promise to do for us while we’re in these daily battles (1 Corinthians 10:13)? What does God promise to do for us when we lose a daily battle (1 John 1:9)?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Lord Has No Rival – September 16, 2024

Read: 1 Kings 18:21-39

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
1 Kings 18:21-24

The Lord Has No Rival

Family Devotion – September 16, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Kings 18:21-24

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The New York Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox. The Green Bay Packers vs. the Chicago Bears. The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Boston Celtics. These are some of the greatest rivalries in sports history. A rivalry is an ongoing competition between two people or groups. Each rival wants to reach the same goal, but only one can reach it. In the case of these sports teams, the goal is to be crowned champions in their sport. Though some sports rivalries go back over one hundred years, none are even close to the longest-running rivalry in history.

To find that rivalry, you need to go back to the beginning when the devil and his fallen angels started to battle the Lord for his place of power and for the people he loves—a much more important battle than any sports rivalry. Beginning in the Garden of Eden, the Bible gives us a play-by-play of this intense rivalry with eternal consequences. One such episode of this ongoing competition is recorded in 1 Kings chapter 18.

At this point in history, it seemed like the devil was getting the upper hand in the rivalry. The people of Israel were led to worship a false god named Baal by wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. They said Baal was the god who made the rainfall so their crops would grow. There were a lot of prophets of Baal at the time and very few prophets of God. But the Lord announced through the Prophet Elijah that he was sending a drought on the land of Israel. The drought had been going on for three years. That should have shown the people of Israel where rain came from, but Elijah set up one final contest to prove the point. “The god who answers by fire—he is God” (1 Kings 18:24).

On top of Mount Carmel, no matter what they tried, the 450 prophets of Baal could not get Baal to answer them. That’s because Baal was a false god, an idol. The Lord answered Elijah by miraculously sending fire to consume Elijah’s sacrifice. On another mountain—Mount Calvary—God’s Son, Jesus, made the ultimate sacrifice that defeated the devil and his evil forces forever, an even greater miracle. Only the true God could accomplish that. The Lord has no rival.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, you are the only true God and Savior. Help us to always remember who you are and what you have done for us, so that we may never put our trust in idols, but always in you alone. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What is a rivalry?
  • What is an idol?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Which of the Ten Commandments talks about idolatry? Recite the commandment and its meaning from Luther’s Small Catechism.
  • How does the Lord prove that he is the one true God? Give an example(s) from the Bible.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Name at least two things in life that can become idols for people today.
  • Why does the Lord want us to always remember that he is the only true God?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Hidden Power – September 13, 2024

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:31-37

A Hidden Power

Family Devotion – September 13, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 7:31-37

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When the Super Bowl happens, it seems like everyone in America knows. Television stations display advertisements. News stations talk about it. And a large percentage of the nation tunes in to watch. When the day of the Super Bowl comes, it is a full production. There are pregame shows; the game takes a long time; a large halftime show; and a postgame presentation and show. It demands your attention. Once you hear about it, it’s hard to miss.

Jesus has more power and ability than every player in the Super Bowl. At the end of Mark chapter 7, he heals a man who is deaf and can hardly talk. Jesus proves that he is God; he proves that he has the power to save the world. This is a kind of power that should be on display, like the Super Bowl.

But what does Jesus do when he heals this man? He takes him away from the crowd and has a personal moment with him. He looks up to heaven. Then Jesus does the impossible in secret. Finally, Jesus tells the man not to tell anyone. Jesus does not put his almighty power on display. It’s the opposite of the Super Bowl. It seems like this should not have been written because it was so hidden. Jesus does not draw unwanted attention to his power.

This helps us understand how God uses his power. It is not for entertainment; it is to draw people to himself. God uses his power to prove and support his message that Jesus is our Savior. And that is what happens with Jesus’ hidden display of power. People recognized that he did all things well. More people wanted to hear about Jesus.

How does God use power in your life? It is not like how the world uses power at the Super Bowl. It is more like this man who was lame. As we pray for God’s power to be used in our lives, let’s remember its purpose; to show us our Savior, Jesus. If we know Jesus, we already have the power of God.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for displaying your power to us. Help it to build our faith instead of doubting you. Open our eyes to see the power already at work in our life. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What is the most powerful thing that you have ever seen?
  • How is God more powerful than that?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • In your own words, why did Jesus hide his power from so many people?
  • What is usually the purpose of God’s power?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Create a list of all the ways that God has used his power in your life.
  • What specific message about God can we, too, share with the world

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

What Power Do You Want? – September 11, 2024

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 3:1-10

What Power Do You Want?

Family Devotion – September 11, 2024

Devotion based on Acts 3:1-10

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you could be a superhero, what superpower would you have?

Comics and superheroes are popular. This is a fun question that many people try to answer. It makes you think about what you could do with more power. The answers most people give usually fixes something they want or need. But this question leaves out a part of many superhero stories: most superheroes did not go looking for power; they are given it.

In the early church, God gave special power to his apostles to help them spread the gospel of Jesus. In our Bible reading today, we see the power that God gave to Peter. He was able to heal a man who was lame, which means that he could not walk. This man had never been able to walk, and there was little that humans could do for him. But the power of God could do something. Peter healed him by God’s power.

So, what power do you want from God? Jesus walked on water, calmed storms, and walked through a crowd. He and his disciples healed all kinds of diseases. God could give any kind of power. But that wasn’t the true power.

The true power was the name that Peter used, Jesus Christ. The most powerful thing that Peter brought to that man and to the crowd was the name of Jesus. The healing power came from the name of Jesus. But even more, the name of Jesus is where salvation comes from.

So, what superpower do you want from God? He has already given you one, the name of Jesus. He doesn’t promise that you will be able to heal people like Peter, but God has given you salvation through Jesus. He gives you the forgiveness of sins, and that is a power you can give to other people. You have a superpower; you have the name of Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us the power of your Word. Through your Son, Jesus, you have given us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Help us give this to other people. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What superpower do you want?
  • What has Jesus done for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why is the name of Jesus powerful in your life?
  • Give two examples of how Jesus used his power in the Bible.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • In your own words, describe how you can use God’s Word in your life.
  • Why is the power of God’s Word better than even a “superpower”?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Opening Eyes, Ears, and Mouths – September 9, 2024

Read: Isaiah 35:4-7

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Isaiah 35:4-6

Opening Eyes, Ears, and Mouths

Family Devotion – September 9, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 35:4-6

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God promises to do more in these short verses than just open eyes, ears, and mouths. God uses his power for so much more. Even though this will be fulfilled or come true, literally, are your eyes open figuratively? That means, do you understand what God is doing with his power?

On the Fourth of July in America, there are displays of fireworks. It is a way to celebrate. Families and friends, coworkers and neighbors come together to enjoy the fireworks. But at the same time, many people do not enjoy fireworks. People with bad memories of loud noises and tragedy need to stay inside. Some adults and children are afraid of fireworks. Some people who own pets need to comfort them. Fireworks have great power.

God also has great power. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reveals his power, and we enjoy hearing about the good things like healing. But sometimes, we miss the full picture. It also says that God is coming with vengeance and retribution. These are two bad things for those on the other end. Vengeance is repaying someone for the wrong things that they have done. Retribution is similar. God uses his power to punish sin.

So, how can we be certain that God will use his power to heal us—like the blind, lame, deaf, and mute? Or will he use his power to punish us?

The answer to that question is in the One who came to fulfill this prophecy. It’s Jesus! Jesus was God himself, and he came with power. Jesus used that power to teach against those who rejected him, but also to heal those who believe in him.

When we believe in God’s power to save us through Jesus, we can be confident that he will use his power to heal and restore us. He does not always physically heal us, but he has released us from the power of sin. He has opened our eyes to see his salvation and healed us from the crippling power of sin.

Closing Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for showing us your power in your Word. Please help us to have confidence that you will use this almighty power for our good. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does God use his power for?
  • How powerful is God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Give some examples from other Bible stories where God uses his power to heal.
  • What is the most important thing that God has done in your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy from Isaiah?
  • How will this prophecy be fulfilled on judgement day?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Washing Hands – September 6, 2024

Read: Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing. So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
Mark 7: 1-23 (selected verses)

Washing Hands

Family Devotion – September 6, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 7: 1-23 (selected verses)

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Wash your hands” is a common phrase to hear before you eat. We wash our hands to stay healthy and clean, especially before we eat. But, after a little research, you can find people who do not wash their hands or shower for very long times. There is one man who made it 60 years without a shower. This is not recommended for your health. It is wise to keep clean. There are people who wash several times a day and people who avoid washing for a long time. So, who is right?

If your parents tell you to wash your hands, you should listen to them. It would be wrong not to. But what about when no one tells you? Again, it is wise to wash your hands for your health and the health of other people.

So, why does Jesus defend his disciples when they don’t wash their hands? The Pharisees, who cared about God’s laws, accused the disciples of doing wrong when they did not wash their hands because this was against their customs. The Pharisees were saying that the disciples were wrong in front of God.

This is where Jesus, God’s Son, steps in. Even though it’s a good idea to wash your hands, what the Pharisees were claiming was wrong. Jesus could see that it was their heart that was wrong. The Pharisees claimed that they cared about God, but their words proved that their hearts were in the wrong place. They trusted in their ability to follow God’s laws, and they failed to see that Jesus was their Savior.

We can’t tell a person’s heart by washing hands or not, but we do have each other’s words. Those who confess Jesus as their Savior and not the works of the law have their heart in the right place. The disciples followed Jesus, but the Pharisees did not. That was the problem, not washing hands. Believe in Jesus and not in your ability to keep the law.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for teaching us about your salvation. We cannot get to heaven by following our own rules. We can only be saved by you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How often do you wash your hands?
  • Which is more important, your heart or your actions?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why is it good to wash your hands?
  • Why did Jesus defend his disciples when they did not wash their hands?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • In your own words, explain why your heart is important to God.
  • In what ways do we sometimes trust in our own ideas and not in Jesus?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Jesus is Like a Stone – September 4, 2024

Read: Romans 9:30–10:4

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.
Romans 9:30,31

Jesus is Like a Stone

Family Devotion – September 4, 2024E

Devotion based on Romans 9:30,31

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There are many things that can be both good and bad. It all depends on the setting. Fire is good when it produces heat, or it is used to cook food. However, a fire in a dry forest or burning a house is dangerous and bad.

Is it the same for a stone? A stone doesn’t usually seem good or bad. But in the book of Romans, Jesus is like a stone, and it can be good or bad. Imagine that a family is trying to build a house. They order stones and bricks to go around their house. This stone is good; it gives stability and protection. But the family also wants to build an in-ground pool. They start digging and immediately stop because they hit stone. This stone makes it very hard to build the pool. It’s in the way. If you have ever stepped on or tripped on a stone, you know that they can be bad.

If Jesus is like a stone, is he good or bad?

The nation of Israel had God’s law, and they knew it was good. God promised to bless them and protect them through his laws. But then they started to believe they could be saved through the law. When Jesus arrived, he taught them that he was the only way to salvation and not the law. This was bad for people who trusted in the law. Jesus was a stone that caused them to stumble. People today still stumble in their thinking when they hear about Jesus.

But Jesus is good. Jesus exposes false righteousness by the law but also gives us true righteousness. He gives us his perfect life. It is a righteousness outside of the law. He becomes the foundation for our life and salvation. A foundation is a stone that gives stability and protection. It is good. Jesus is good for those who believe in him.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing us both the law and gospel. You showed us that trusting in the law can only lead to condemnation. But, believing in you means that we have true righteousness. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How can a stone be good?
  • What has Jesus done for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What are other items that can be both good and bad?
  • How does Jesus cause people to stumble, who trust in their own works?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why is it important that Jesus gives us righteousness apart from the law?
  • Explain, in your own words, how you are saved by Jesus.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

What Can I Do? – September 2, 2024

Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. . . Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9

What Can I Do?

Family Devotion – September 2, 2024

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-9

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

God gave the nation of Israel many laws in the Old Testament. When you count them all, there are 613 laws to follow. Imagine if you went to a pool, and the sign of pool rules had over 600. That would be a big sign! And it might make you ask, what can I do at the pool? But laws from God were designed for good.

There was once a father who made his daughter’s favorite lunch: macaroni and cheese. He needed to use the stove, so he kept his daughter far away. He had a rule that she couldn’t be near the stove. Even after the stove was off, she could not go to get her favorite lunch. She had to wait. So, she asked her dad, “What can I do?” Her father told her that she can stay safe. His rule was difficult to follow, but it kept her safe.

When his daughter grew up, she made many friends in school. On the first day of class, the teacher went through all the rules. The daughter listened, but her friends did not. Later that week, there was an emergency, and only the daughter knew what to do. Her actions kept everyone safe.

In the book of Deuteronomy, God had given his people many laws, over 613. And he knew that they would ask, “What can I do?” Because the laws would feel too difficult. But God reminds them that these laws were for their good. They would keep them safe and make them stand out among the nations. More importantly, the laws would keep them focused on God.

When we read God’s commands for our lives, we might say, “What can I do?” Because we cannot keep them all. We know they keep us safe, but they are still too difficult. However, God’s laws make us look to Jesus. Jesus kept every single law in your place so that in God’s eyes, you have kept the law perfectly. What can I do? I can trust that Jesus has kept the law for me, and that is good.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping us safe. Your laws are good and holy. We know that we fail to keep them, but our Savior, Jesus, has kept them in our place. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What kind of rules do your parents have for you?
  • Which rules do you know, that come from God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Which rules from your parents or God are the most difficult to follow?
  • Why do your parents and God give you rules?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why is it a comfort that Jesus kept every single law of God?
  • Write out a list of rules that apply to your life.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Are You Going to Leave, Too? – August 30, 2024

Read: John 6:51-69

From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69

Are You Going to Leave, Too?

Family Devotion – August 30, 2024

Devotion based on John 6:66-69

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I don’t know if you know this, but the Christian Church in the United States is shrinking. That’s not the case in other parts of the world. The Church is growing rapidly in places like Vietnam, Zambia, and parts of South America. But not here.

Maybe you already know this to be true. Just think about your neighborhood. How many of your neighbors go to church on Sunday morning? How many of them are members of a local church? It’s becoming a smaller and smaller number.

There are many reasons why that’s happening, but one of the main reasons is that the teachings of Jesus clash with the teachings of our society. For example, Jesus teaches that:

• marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman.
• There are two genders, male and female. God created humans in his image.
• All humans of any age, born and unborn, deserve to be valued and protected.
• All people have fallen short of God’s requirements.
• All people need God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

Those teachings are hard to believe in our culture, and for that reason, many have left the Christian faith. However, this problem is nothing new. In Jesus’ day, his words offended many of his original followers. One day, after Jesus went into detail about who he was and what he came to do, many people left him and no longer believed in him.

At that moment, Jesus turned to his twelve disciples and asked, “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” Peter, one of the Twelve, said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In other words, although some of Jesus’ teachings might be hard to understand and believe, he is worth following because he is the one who gives us eternal life.

So, now we need to ask ourselves, as many people around us might be leaving Christianity, are we going to leave too? By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can say, “No, we will trust in Jesus Christ. He has the words of eternal life.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord, as many people around us are falling away from you, give us the ability to trust in you, your words, and your promises. Please help us doubt our faulty human reason and trust in the wisdom you proclaim. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Discuss with your family: people you know and care about who are not Christians.
  • Take a moment to pray for them.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Today’s devotion said the teachings of Jesus clash with the teachings of our society. Can you think of an example of that?
  • How can you overcome that challenge to faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why do you think many young people stop attending church?
  • What are some ways to safeguard your faith so you will not fall away from Jesus later in life?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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 Your Values – August 28, 2024

Read: Hebrews 11:24-28

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of more excellent value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26

Know Your Values

Family Devotion – August 28, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 11:24-26

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything. You will give up when life gets hard if you don’t know your values. You won’t stand your ground. You won’t have courage or conviction.

According to the writer to the Hebrews, Moses, God’s leader of the ancient Israelites, knew his values. He valued God and the people of God, the Israelites, above all else. Instead of staying and enjoying the comforts of Egypt, he protected his people, even though it meant he had to leave and live in the wilderness. He led with courage and conviction and eventually rescued God’s people from slavery in Egypt. His values led him to make sacrifices that meant blessings for God’s people.

So, what are your family values? Take a moment to list what is most important to your family.

Is it Jesus and his Word? Is it the protection and growth of the people you love? Is it hard work or service?

Now, discuss what sacrifices you are willing to make to hold on to these precious values. What will you do to keep them a priority? How will you demonstrate courage and conviction when they are threatened? How might you hold each other accountable to these values?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the most important person in our lives. You loved and rescued us from sin. You are guiding our lives. Please help us to put you first as a family. Please allow us to make the necessary sacrifices to keep you as a priority. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Discuss with your family the things they value the most.
  • Why are those things so important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • List the top three things that are most important to you.
  • What are you willing to give up to preserve these things?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What was most important to you when you were younger? What is important to you now?
  • What reward lies ahead that God wants us to keep our eyes on?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.

Choose Wisely – August 26, 2024

Read: Joshua 24:1,2,14-18

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:14,15

Choose Wisely

Family Devotion – August 26, 2024

Devotion based on Joshua 24:14,15

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If you are given a choice between pizza or a burger and fries, which would you choose to eat? We get to choose which food to eat, but we can’t decide not to eat. We need to eat food to stay alive.

In our reading from the book of Joshua, the Israelites faced a choice far more serious than food. “Choose whom you will serve: the Lord or evil.” Joshua reminded his people how their ancestors worshiped false gods. The Israelites may have been tempted to trust and serve the false ideas and teachings of the unbelieving nations around them. Although they might not have realized it, they would not be serving God.

Now that Moses was gone and Joshua would lead them into the promised land, he gave them a choice. They could either keep trusting those false gods or put their faith in the one true God who loved and rescued them.

We have a similar choice before us and our families. We could either follow the ideas and teachings of our world or trust God. The ideas of the world say that we are in charge and that whatever makes us feel good at the moment matters. Or we could trust in the Lord, who says that there is actual sin in our world and our lives, and in Jesus, we have a real Savior from sin who calls us to live a life of love and service to others.

Joshua said that he and his household would serve the Lord. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can make that same choice. We can reject the world’s lies and follow the truth found in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we have two paths laid out before our family. We could either follow the lies of the world or the truth of your Word. Holy Spirit, enable us and lead us to follow Jesus above all else so that we will live wise lives now and in the future. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • Today’s devotion gives you the choice to do what?
  • Why do you want to believe and follow Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • How do you know Jesus speaks the truth?
  • TRUE or FALSE. Following God is believing in him and living for Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Maybe you don’t bow down and worship the statue of a false god. But identify something in your life you love so much, it might become an idol in your life?
  • Identify a way to safeguard your heart and life for the Lord.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
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.