“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:21

Earthly Blessings

Daily Devotion – February 29, 2024

Devotion based on Job 1:21

See series: Devotions

Have you ever taken a toy away from a toddler? How did he react? There were likely screams and tantrums and tears. He likely held on as tight as he could to whatever toy you were trying to take away.

What happens when God takes things away from us? Whether it is a family member or friend, a job or client, a vehicle or a house; how do we react when blessings are taken from us? Like the toddler, we perhaps can be too attached to the things of this world. We often have a sense of entitlement, as if we deserve everything we want from God. In fact, the world tells us to value all of these things more than God. Instead of rejoicing in the blessings we had for a time, we often angrily accuse God when those blessings are gone.

Job suggests a better way. In this verse, Job demonstrates contentment for the situation he is in and a thankfulness for God allowing him to have those blessings for as long as he did. His statement demonstrates peace in a very trying time.

Where does such peace come from? It can only come from knowing Jesus. Jesus brings a peace that nothing else in this world can give. His life and death in our place and his glorious resurrection have assured us that we are forgiven and on the way to heaven. Jesus has already given us the greatest gift we could ever have: eternal life in heaven. That is a gift that cannot be taken away!

In addition to giving Jesus to us, God also gives us many earthly blessings to enjoy. Rejoice in those blessings as long as you have them, and when they are gone, find peace in knowing that heaven is yours. God knows what is best for us, and one day, he will take all believers to heaven, where we will be reunited to live forever in true peace.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of heaven. Bring peace to my heart and lead me to be grateful for my earthly blessings. Amen.

“When suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
Job 1:19

Hardships

Daily Devotion – February 27, 2024

Devotion based on Job 1:19

See series: Devotions

It has been said that Job experienced the worst single day of anyone in history. Very few can say they experienced anything as tragic as he did on that day. Family. Wealth. Possessions. All gone in a flash. Who could compare their tragedy to his?

Has anyone tried to comfort you that way? Maybe you were going through something terrible, and the well-meaning friend said, ‘Well, at least you aren’t Job.’ Or ‘It could be worse; did you hear about what happened to so-and-so?’ When tragedy comes into our lives or the lives of others, we tend to focus on the size and severity of the event, as if to suggest that the magnitude of the event compared to others should make us feel better.

But that doesn’t work. Does it? Such ways of thinking do little to help the hurt we are feeling. In fact, comparing our hurt to others might leave us feeling unimportant or unloved. It is important for us to realize that it is not about the size of the hurt but the purpose of it. One of the things we learn from Job is that hardship is an opportunity for us to put our trust in God and lean on him.

God is not a stranger to hurt. He watched from heaven as his one and only Son died on a cross for sins that he did not commit. The Father stood by and sacrificed his perfect Son for a world full of sinners. Jesus suffered and died, and that hurt the Father more than we will ever know. But there was a purpose in that hurt. The purpose was for you and I and the whole world to have sins forgiven, to be saved, and given the gift of heaven. God allowed himself to go through that hurt so that we could have eternity in heaven, where we will never be hurt again.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when hardship hurts, help me to look to you and to find peace. Help me to focus my eyes on eternal life in heaven. Amen.

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

Certain Hope

Daily Devotion – February 25, 2024

Devotion based on Romans 5:5

See series: Devotions

“I hope we have decent weather for our trip this weekend.” “I hope the wait at the restaurant isn’t too long tonight.” “I hope I get a raise this year.” “I hope the test results come back negative.”

There are many things we hope for in our lives. Sometimes, our hopes and dreams are realized. When they aren’t, disappointment, ranging from mild to heart-wrenching, is the result.

We have become accustomed to our plans giving way to disappointment. We are all too familiar with the fact that things don’t always turn out the way that we hope they will. So the gift of hope that does not disappoint us sounds pretty wonderful.

That’s the gift God gives—hope that never disappoints. It’s a hope better described with the word certainty.

“I hope God still loves me after what I have done.” “I hope God is in control because I sure am not.” “I hope to go to heaven when I die.”

These “hopes” will not end in disappointment. There is no uncertainty. They are guaranteed by God’s love.

The amazing love that sent his Son to be born into our world, the sacrificial love that sent him to the cross to be punished for all sins—this love guarantees that your hope is certain. You have forgiveness! You have life! You have God’s love! Through the faith that the Holy Spirit has worked in your heart, you know it to be true.

In a world filled with disappointment, it is wonderful to know that we have a God who is faithful. It is comforting to know we have been given the gift of sure and certain hope.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, you know all my hopes and dreams that have resulted in disappointment and heartbreak. Send me your Holy Spirit to comfort my heart and give me joy in the certain hope that comes from you. Amen.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38,39

Jesus’ Love Conquers All

Daily Devotion – February 23, 2024

Devotion based on Romans 8:38,39

See series: Devotions

“Omnia vincit amor.” These words were penned by the ancient Latin poet Virgil. We know them in English as “love conquers all.” The only problem with Virgil’s conclusion is that he was speaking of a self-centered love, where sinful people finally choose the person or thing most irresistible to their sensuous desires. In other words, whatever brings me the greatest pleasure is the thing I will choose; my “love” for it “conquers” all other options. I get what I want the most.

Is that the kind of love Jesus has for us? Does he choose that which brings him the most pleasure? No, just the opposite. Earlier in his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul explained that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In other words, there was nothing in us that was pleasurable to Jesus.

But Jesus loved us and sacrificed his perfect life for our broken lives anyway. He took the world’s sins on his own shoulders and carried them to the cross, washing them away forever. More than that, he replaced our sins with his perfection.

Why would Jesus do that? Simple. Because he loved us. But his love wasn’t about bringing pleasure to himself; it was about giving salvation to us by his sacrifice.

But Jesus didn’t just love us in the distant past. He still loves us, and nothing else gets in the way of his love. As the apostle Paul explained, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

There’s no other love like it. Jesus’ love conquers all.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for loving me with a love that conquers all. Amen.

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Romans 8:34

The Best Lawyer Blood Can Buy

Daily Devotion – February 21, 2024

Devotion based on Romans 8:34

See series: Devotions

In this broken world, things are often unfair. In many situations, one person has the advantage over another. Like if I tried beating a professional basketball player in a game of one-on-one. I could never win. For one thing, I could practice for 10,000 lifetimes and still never dunk a basketball. I can’t jump. For me to play against a pro would be an unfair fight.

What’s true of life in general is also true of any legal system, regardless of how “fair” it claims to be. If you can afford the best lawyers money can buy, you will have a better chance of winning your case than if you’re provided with an overworked public defender whom you can’t pay. Even if those faithful servants do their best to put on a solid defense, it’s not the same as having lawyers at the top of their profession. It’s like trying to dunk a basketball with a four-inch vertical leap.

So, who will represent us in God’s eternal courtroom? The best lawyers money can buy? No, we have been given a public defender because we can’t pay for our defense. But in this case, our lawyer is not only a faithful servant—he’s God’s sinless Son, Jesus. John the Evangelist once described him as our “advocate (i.e. lawyer) with the Father” (1 Jn 2:1). But Jesus isn’t the best lawyer money can buy. No, he’s the best lawyer blood can buy, and he paid the fee by shedding his precious blood for all people, for you. The Bible tells us that he is “the atoning sacrifice . . . for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn 2:2).

That’s why the apostle Paul asked, “Who then is the one who condemns?” and answered, “No one.” And why? Because “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In God’s eternal courtroom, you have the best lawyer blood can buy.

Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for being my lawyer and paying the price to set me free from my sins. Amen.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31,32

How do you respond?

Daily Devotion – February 19, 2024

Devotion based on Romans 8:31,32

See series: Devotions

The apostle Paul was not the kind of guy to sugarcoat things. He told it like it is. And what did he regularly emphasize about the lives of God’s people in this world? That they were bound to suffer. But not just the suffering common to all humans living in this broken world. No, the suffering he highlighted revolves around those nagging doubts that Christians naturally have because their life experiences fail to match what they perceive God’s power and promises to be.

It makes sense—doesn’t it—that if you place your faith in an all-powerful God who claims to love you, everything in your life should go amazingly well? After all, why wouldn’t an almighty God pull every lever in favor of his faithful people to make sure their lives were painlessly carefree?

But what do God’s people experience instead? Trouble. Sorrow. Grief. Pain. Loss. Death. They suffer.

But Paul taught his readers that suffering should come as no surprise to Christians. God promises it, and it’s purposeful. It’s not meant to destroy us but to strengthen us. When suffering shows up at our front door, God asks, “How will you respond?”

Paul urged us to respond with some questions of our own. He wrote, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

In other words, when suffering comes—and it will—it’s no time to throw in the towel. It’s time to recall who’s in charge: our almighty Savior, who loves us. He will never abandon us to suffering. He will use it for our good, and through it, he will prove his eternal saving and saving strength.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me remember in days of suffering that you are strong to save and will, in the end, graciously give me all things. Amen.

As they [Elijah and Elisha] were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
2 Kings 2:11

Escaping Death

Daily Devotion – February 17, 2024

Devotion based on 2 Kings 2:11

See series: Devotions

Death and taxes—these are two certainties of life for everyone—everyone except for God’s prophet Elijah. God granted him the privilege of escaping physical death. God took him directly into heaven. The question is–why?

Elijah was a prophet of God, but that was not why he escaped death. God had called others to be prophets, and they died. Elijah fought against idolatry, but so did others, and they died. Elijah proclaimed the Word of God as countless others have done throughout the ages. It was not his calling or courage that earned him the right to escape death and go straight to heaven. It was only by the grace of God that Elijah was taken to heaven without experiencing death.

We cannot escape death on our own, either. The grave awaits us as the Bible teaches, “Man is destined to die” (Hebrews 9:27). Even worse, we have no power to escape the death that we deserve for our sins. This is death that separates us from God forever under his judgment. But God’s grace is revealed to us. He gives us an escape from the death that we face as sinners. He sent his Son, Jesus, and heaped the guilt of our sin on him, making him pay the penalty of eternal death that should have been ours.

Just as God revealed his grace to Elijah by sparing him from physical death, so God reveals his grace to us through Jesus. In Jesus, we are raised to a new life of faith. The death we will face at the end of our lives loses its sting because, in Jesus, we will be raised from the dead and taken to live forever in heaven with Elijah and all believers of all time.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for releasing me from the power of death. Keep me steadfast in your Word until I see you in your glory in heaven. Amen.

Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Mark 9:7

Affirmed by the Father

Daily Devotion – February 15, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:7

See series: Devotions

How do you find affirmation? You might find it in the number of clicks or “likes” on a social media post. Or perhaps you live for compliments and commendations. Maybe it’s in the stockpiling of material possessions or the power you wield. It could be as simple as comparing yourself to others.

But seeking affirmation through those things will always let you down. Someone else will always have more social media “likes,” more stuff, and more power. If you live for compliments, you live under the burden of constantly trying to outdo yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy because you can always find someone who looks like they have everything you want.

So, where do you find true affirmation? When Jesus stood atop the Mount of Transfiguration, the voice of God the Father, came from the cloud affirming Jesus as the beloved Son of God. God affirmed his relationship with Jesus and his identity.

Through baptism, Christians are connected to Jesus. This connection doesn’t come by works or achievements but through the grace and love of God. It’s a connection that means Christians are also in a loving relationship with God. They have an identity as God’s chosen people. They are God’s beloved children.

Christians are also affirmed in their purpose. God says to listen to Jesus. Tune out all the other distractions, and find true purpose, mission, and worth in listening to the words of the Savior. Listening to Jesus is not merely hearing with ears but heeding with hearts. In a world clamoring for attention, Jesus beckons you to prioritize his voice above all, allowing his words to be the guiding force in your life.

Hear the words of God as his divine declaration of grace. God affirms you not because of your perfection but because of his boundless love and grace. It is a reminder that in Christ, you are loved and accepted.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me to be part of your family. Help me find purpose in listening to Jesus. Amen.

And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Mark 9:4

The God of the Living

Daily Devotion – February 13, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:4

See series: Devotions

It’s hard to imagine what Jesus’ disciples felt on the Mount of Transfiguration. Not only was Jesus changed before their eyes, but immediately, two other men appeared with Jesus: Moses and Elijah. These two men weren’t just former religious leaders but also heroes of their culture and nation. The earthly lives of these two men had ended hundreds of years ago, and yet here they were, alive and talking with Jesus. For Americans, it would be like seeing George Washington and Abraham Lincoln appear.

The disciples were shocked and amazed by who and what they saw. We can’t blame them for not processing at that moment what was happening. God the Father was verifying that his Son, Jesus, is the fulfillment of what Moses and Elijah each represented.

God delivered his law through Moses on top of Mount Sinai and Jesus came to fulfill every one of those laws. Jesus kept each law perfectly, never once stumbling or making a mistake. Jesus did what we never could when he kept the law of God delivered through Moses.

Elijah was one of God’s greatest prophets. On the mountain, he represented all the prophets and what they had said about the coming of the promised Messiah. Over 300 prophecies were made about the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled every one of them. All God’s plans and purposes to save his people came together in Jesus.

The disciples saw Elijah and Moses alive. That had to be amazing. But soon, they would see something even more amazing. Jesus alive and risen from the dead after a brutal crucifixion. Even more proof that Jesus is the perfect Savior and the promised Messiah.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are the God of the living, not the dead. Thank you for giving me life. Amen.

Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
Mark 9:8

You Are Never Alone

Daily Devotion – February 11, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:8

See series: Devotions

Jesus’ disciples must have been disappointed. One moment, they saw a glimpse of heaven. Jesus allowed his glory as God to be seen. Moses and Elijah miraculously appeared. God the Father’s praise majestically echoed from the cloud. The next moment, everything was gone. All that remained was the familiar form of Jesus.

You may have experienced something similar. For a brief moment, everything in life seemed wonderful. There were no problems, no conflicts, and everything made sense. You were content because God was good, and his blessings were clearly evident. Suddenly, everything changed. Your life was filled with chaos, and you felt very alone.

Although you may suffer disappointment, loneliness, and emptiness, with Jesus, you are never alone.

You can be certain of his presence in your life because he said, “I am with you always.” This tells you there is never a time when you are alone. He is always there to guide you with his Word. He is always there to comfort you with his love. He is always there to encourage you with his promises.

Even more convincing is the work he completed to assure you that “nothing will ever separate you from his love.” Jesus secured his Father’s approval to free you from the tyranny of your sin-stained life. Jesus accepted his Father’s just judgment to release you from the verdict of separation and punishment. Jesus endured the attacks of the devil and the horror of the grave to claim you as his own.

When you remember Jesus’ faithful promises, his precious work, and his undeserved love, you can live with complete certainty and peace. With Jesus, you are never alone.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 783)
I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still if thou abide with me.
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! Amen.

Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31

Renewed Strength

Daily Devotion – February 9, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 40:27-31

See series: Devotions

Scottish athlete Eric Liddell ran in the Paris Olympics in 1924. The organizers scheduled the heats for the 100 meters, his favorite distance, on a Sunday morning, but he chose to attend worship instead. He was disqualified from that event. He went on to win the 400-meter race, held on a weekday.

The story of his Olympic campaign was told in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. It includes a scene in which he was asked to speak in church and read the verses from Isaiah quoted above. It is especially moving to hear a trained athlete talk about encouragement from the Lord whose strength never fails.

After the Olympics, Eric Liddell returned to China, where he had been born to Scottish missionary parents. He served there as a missionary himself, bringing people to know Jesus as their Savior. He remained in China until his death in a Japanese internment camp in 1945.

On one occasion, he was asked if he ever regretted his decision to serve as a full-time missionary rather than a full-time athlete. He responded, “It’s natural for a chap to think over all that sometimes, but I’m glad I’m at the work I’m engaged in now. A fellow’s life counts for far more at this than the other.”

In 1991, the University of Edinburgh erected a memorial headstone for Eric Liddell at the site of the Japanese internment camp where he died. The inscription on the headstone is from Isaiah 40: “They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary.”

Prayer:
Lord, when my values are threatened, give me strength to persevere and testify to your glory. Amen.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. . . And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:6,7,10

In Due Time

Daily Devotion – February 7, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:6,7,10

See series: Devotions

Are you at a time in your life when things are going well, or are you suffering?

If you are at a time when things are going well, give thanks to God for his many blessings. Use your clear mind and good health to read and meditate on God’s truths in the Bible. Encourage other people with your words and actions.

If you are suffering, don’t give up. God’s protecting hand is keeping the suffering from being worse. He will not let your suffering go on forever. Instead, in due time, he will lift you up and restore you. It is not easy to be humbled by suffering, but God is full of grace. He will give you eternal glory in Christ. He promises it.

The first week of February can be a difficult time of the year. Other times of the year are easier for many people. Knowing those times are coming can give people hope.

The same can be said for the suffering we endure in this life. It is never pleasant. But let the knowledge that God will one day restore you make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know that you suffered for me. When I suffer, make me patient. Teach me perseverance to long for your final salvation and rest secure in your house forever. Amen.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 1:32-39

The Devil’s Work Undone

Daily Devotion – February 5, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 1:32-39

See series: Devotions

Demon possession is an ancient problem. When Jesus came to earth to undertake his saving work, many people were demon-possessed. Jesus drove the demons out of them. When the demons tried to speak, Jesus would not let them. They knew that Jesus was God, and they might have said so, but since demons like to lie, people might have been confused.

The devil and his demons are all liars. They claim the work of Jesus is not complete, and that people are not forgiven. Such lies are a problem both ancient and modern. Jesus spoke the truth when he preached so that people would not be deceived by lies. He undid the lying work of the devil.

People who speak the truth today continue to undo the lying work of the devil. The message of repentance and forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus is the central truth of the Bible. Anyone who speaks against that truth is doing the work of the devil and his demons. Anyone who speaks that truth is undoing demonic work.

There is still demon possession today. But the devil’s work is undone by the power of Jesus in his Word and sacraments. Let the promises of God give you strength in the face of all fears and temptations. Jesus has defeated the devil.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, let your holy angel be with me, that the devil may have no power over me. Amen.

Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.
Hebrews 3:4

We Live in God’s World

Daily Devotion – February 3, 2024

Devotion based on Hebrews 3:4

See series: Devotions

The Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago is one of the tallest and most famous buildings in the world. That building did not just appear by itself. Behind the fame of that building is the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. This firm has received great honor for its work with that tower. Every time someone looks into the history of the building, its name is attached to it.

The accomplishment of this firm is put into perspective by the message we read today from God’s Word. God is the builder of everything. He built everything when he created the world. We live in his world, but we don’t always give him the honor he deserves. In fact, we do just the opposite. We tend to take what he has made and abuse it and waste and misuse what he has given us. We aren’t satisfied with the physical and natural blessings he provides. Through our sins, we heap insult and dishonor before his feet and destroy what he has built.

But in his grace, God did not wipe us out for the lack of honor we show him. Instead, he followed a plan to rescue us from our failures and restore us to himself. His plan included sending prophets like Moses, who proclaimed that a Savior would come to save us. His plan unfolded as the promised Savior finally came, revealing himself as Jesus, the Son of God. Through Jesus, God grants us the forgiveness of sins and gives us new life—life that lasts forever with God.

Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill may receive honor as long as the Willis Tower stands. Yet we have a God who will receive eternal honor, for he has restored us as a new creation through Jesus, a restoration that will never be destroyed.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I give thanks that you have restored me through Jesus as your new creation. Lead me to honor you always for every blessing you give for both body and soul. Amen.

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
Deuteronomy 18:15

Verbal Authority

Daily Devotion – February 1, 2024

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 18:15

See series: Devotions

This year, countries with more than half the world’s population will hold elections. That is a lot of campaigning. Some of what they say will be good and helpful, and some will be bad and harmful. Sometimes, what sounds good will be bad, and what sounds harmful will be helpful.

How can you know to whom and what you should listen? You need one voice that serves as the authority over all other voices. A voice that is always unchanging, reliable, and true. Who is like that? People lie. People fail to keep their promises. People change their minds. But God is not like us. He cannot lie and does not change his mind. He says what he means and does what he says.

Jesus, the Son of God, is a voice you can trust. The Old Testament records over 300 prophecies and promises regarding the Savior. Jesus fulfilled them all. Everything he spoke came from God. As God, Jesus has the authority to tell us what is right and what is wrong. He has the authority to condemn us for not listening to his Word but also has the authority to forgive us. And he has.

Because he is truly God, Jesus had the authority to lay down his life for the sins of the world. His death pays for sin, once and for all. But he also had the authority to take his life back again. His resurrection is proof that everything he did and said is unchanging, reliable, and true.

So, when it comes to other voices in the world, how can you know to whom and what you should listen? Compare what they say to what God’s Word, the Bible says. If what they say does not line up with what God says, cover your ears.

God’s Word does not tell us everything we might want to know, but it does tell us everything we need to know. By the authority of Christ Jesus, you are forgiven for all your sins. Listen to him.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, your Word is my light and my life. Lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.