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Lifted up
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“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” —John 3:14-15
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Under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus met with Jesus to ask some of life’s most important questions. Questions about faith and eternal life. Even though Nicodemus was a religious leader, he knew Jesus had answers that he needed.
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Maybe you know people who have questions about faith, or perhaps they have wonderings about Jesus. And they might look for a quiet place and a person they can talk to so they can learn who Jesus is. Hopefully, the person they find is you.
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As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, he referred to something the religious teacher already knew—the account of Moses lifting up a bronze snake in the wilderness. Nicodemus would have remembered the Israelites’ rebellion and the venomous snakes that were sent to bite the people because of their sin. Nicodemus could have told the story of how the people were hopelessly dying and needed to be saved.
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You are surrounded by people who have been bitten by evil and are lost without hope. People that you know suffer under the venom of broken and damaged relationships, loneliness, addiction, pride, racism, injustice and more. The venom of sin runs in our blood, and we know we can’t do anything to save ourselves.
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Jesus wanted Nicodemus to remember why God told Moses to lift up the snake in the wilderness. He wanted Nicodemus to focus on God’s mercy and power as God provided a way to save the people from certain death. Jesus was foreshadowing the willing sacrifice he would make to pay for all sin. Even in the night, Nicodemus could see the free grace of God.
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The cross still stands for all to see. It is an invitation for people to put their trust in the Savior’s payment for sin. It is an announcement that the plan is completed. God’s free gift of salvation is for hopeless people dying in the barren wilderness, and all who believe in him will have eternal life!
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You know that story and you can tell it. Watch and pray for a Nicodemus to come into your life.
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Prayer: Lord Jesus, may your cross always be lifted high so that people can know and trust in the salvation you purchased with your holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Help us see the people in our lives who are open to a quiet conversation about the story that we know so well. Move us to reach out and give hope to the lost. Amen.
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On February 18, 2026, over 150 women joined us for the webinar—“YOU are an Influencer.”
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The topic of influence is one that is so relevant in our world today. Maybe you think of social media influencers. Maybe an inspiring TED Talk speaker. Maybe a world-renowned celebrity. Our discussion in this webinar, however, allowed us to shift our focus to godly influence. Not using influence for personal gain, but in service to God. Making an impact in HIS kingdom.
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As you think of your circles of influence (God, family, church, career, and community), we encourage you to seek out ways to intentionally influence these groups of people. Use your gifts. Speak truth in love. Encourage, uplift, fulfill, and pray for others. In the way our loving God has done for us.
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If you happened to miss the live Zoom, or would like to watch again, you can watch the recorded version below:
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Leadership conference keynote
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The Quiet Exodus - Why Women Are Leaving and How We Invite Them to Stay
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Watch the keynote by Dawn Schulz and Rev. Paul Wendland from the 2026 WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership.
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About WELS
Women's Ministry
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Women’s Ministry exists to nurture, encourage, and equip women to faithfully use their gifts for service in God’s kingdom. Learn More.
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Find WELS Women's
Ministry on social media
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Follow WELS Women's Ministry on Facebook and Instagram. Share and make comments to help us spread the news about WELS Women's Ministry!
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Contact us
We'd like to hear from you! Contact us for additional information regarding WELS Women's Ministry or simply
visit wels.net/women.
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