Tag Archive for: daily-devotions

Temptations – March 9, 2022

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Temptations

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Daily Devotion – March 9, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:15

See series: Devotions

How many temptations do you suppose you will face today? Temptations will come every day in different ways: at work, on the internet, in our thoughts, with the words we choose, when interacting with friends and spouses and siblings, etc. For our purposes, let’s imagine that you will face 100 temptations today. That is likely a low number, but let’s go with it—100 temptations a day. That’s 36,500 temptations a year. If you live to be 80, you will have faced 2,920,000 temptations in your lifetime.

That’s a large number! How many times do you suppose you have failed to fight off those temptations? The Bible says one sin is enough to condemn us for all eternity, but we have all failed far more often than that. Even if we said we avoided temptation half the time, that still means we will have failed to defeat temptation roughly one million times. That means we fall woefully short of the perfection God requires.

Isn’t it remarkable, then, that Jesus faced at least that many temptations and never once sinned? “Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Amazing! And he did that for you. Jesus knew that you would fail, so he came to make it right. He came into this world to live a perfect life on your behalf. Jesus’ perfect obedience crushes your temptation and sin. As your perfect substitute, Jesus earned forgiveness and salvation for you. His perfect life in your place and his death on the cross for you assure you that you have a place with him in heaven forever.

And this same Jesus, who has already died for you, also knows what it is like to face temptation. He has been there and done that. So go to him! When you are tempted, turn to Jesus. He has the power to help you defeat temptation.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, forgive me for my sin. When I am tempted, help me to turn to you. Give me the strength to say no to temptation and to trust in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Confidence – March 8, 2022

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head.”
1 Samuel 17:45,46

Confidence

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Daily Devotion – March 8, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 17:45,46

See series: Devotions

We live in an age of confident boasts. Politicians make bold promises about what they will do in office. Athletes post on social media about how they will dominate on the court or the field. So many people in this world are ready to tell us what they are going to do. All that confidence is impressive, except sometimes things do not turn out as planned. Very often, the politician fails to accomplish what was so boldly promised. Frequently the confident athlete walks off the court, failing to deliver on the predicted championship.

In 1 Samuel 17, David makes some confident statements of his own. Notice that he does not boast in himself. Rather, he boasts in the Lord. David stares up at the 9-foot giant and boldly confesses his faith in the Lord and predicts that he will win the battle in the Lord’s name.

Are you looking for similar confidence? You will find it in Jesus. He has redeemed you. He has died on the cross to take your sins away. He rose from the dead so that, through faith in him, you could have eternal life. He has defeated your enemies. He has obtained forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven and given them to you free of charge. He promises to be with you always and encourages you to put your faith in him.

This mighty Lord, who has already done so much for you, will also be with you, bless you, and fight for you. And unlike so many others in this world, his bold statements have never gone unfulfilled. His promises have never fallen to the ground. Trust in him. Have confidence that Jesus’ victory is your victory. In Jesus’ name, you can defeat temptation.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, grant me the boldness to trust in you no matter what. Lead me to place my confidence in the victory you have won for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Our Warrior – March 7, 2022

A champion named Goliath . . . came out of the Philistine camp. His height was [over nine feet tall]. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels.
1 Samuel 17:4-7

Our Warrior

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Daily Devotion – March 7, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 17:4-7

See series: Devotions

Could you imagine taking the field of battle that day? You would only have to face one enemy, but he was like no enemy you had ever seen. He was almost as tall as a regulation basketball hoop. He was stronger than anyone you had ever seen and could throw that weighted spear right through a brick wall, let alone a human being. All of Israel’s army looked at this giant enemy and was convinced there was no hope.

Do you have enemies like that in your life? A giant against whom you have no chance to defeat on your own? Maybe the enemy is a bottle filled with alcohol or pills. Perhaps the enemy is a website where your fingers are itching to take you on your phone. It could be that the enemy is doubt, fear, greed, or any other temptation that comes your way.

On our own, we are lost. We cannot defeat these powerful enemies by ourselves. Thankfully, we are never alone. Our Savior, Jesus, is with us, and he has already defeated an enemy even greater than Goliath. Jesus has faced off against sin, death, and the devil and has crushed them all. By his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave, Jesus has forever defeated our enemies. And he has shared his victory with us! Forgiveness of sins and eternal life are the rewards he has earned for us all through faith in him.

Goliath was a foe like no other. Jesus is a warrior like no other! He has forever crushed the enemies we could not defeat on our own. When those strong temptations come back around, look to Jesus. Trust in him and ask him to fight for you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for defeating sin and temptation for me. Help me when I am tempted and lead me to trust in you to bring me the victory. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Jesus Knows How You Feel – March 6, 2022

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we might receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15,16

Jesus Knows How You Feel

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Daily Devotion – March 6, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:15,16

See series: Devotions

Remember when you were so tired that all you wanted to do was sleep, and instead, your baby with an ear infection woke up every time you tried to lay her down? When you wanted to get some extra tasks done at the office and fell farther behind? When you looked forward to the leisurely Saturday filled with college football and ended up fixing the garage door?

Know this about God whom you worship, Jesus came down to our world, and he knows how you feel. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.” Jesus was willing to deal with the poison, the sin of this world so that he could win you for an eternity of heaven. He willingly lifted up and carried your sins to the cross. Suspended between heaven and earth, he felt the white-hot anger of his Father for your sins. Filled with life—because he had no sin and paid for yours—he rose from the dead, bringing with him your unconditional forgiveness.

Rejection? He knew it. Temptation? He felt it. Loneliness? He experienced it. Death? He tasted it. Stress? He could write the book on it. There is something extraordinarily comforting in knowing that Jesus is like you in every way, just that he had no sin.

So, use this Bible truth. When you hurt, go to Jesus with confidence. He will help you in your time of need. Jesus knows how you feel.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, it is comforting to remember that you are like me and know how I feel. On those most difficult days, move me to come to you and have you heal me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Chosen by God – March 5, 2022

A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Luke 9:35

Chosen by God

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Daily Devotion – March 5, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:35

See series: Devotions

I like to ask my daughters this question when they come home from school, “What did you like the most about school today?” My oldest child almost always answers, “Recess.”

That’s also how I often answered the same question when I was a kid. I remember those special days at recess time when I got to be a captain and could choose my teammates for kickball. Because I wanted my team to win, I would choose my classmates who could run fast and kick the ball far.

One day Jesus and three of his disciples went up a mountain to pray. Suddenly, Jesus’ appearance changed as he showed his glory as the eternal Son of God. Two men from the Old Testament miraculously appeared and talked with Jesus. Next, a cloud came and surrounded everyone. Finally, God the Father spoke from heaven. “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Guess what? God has chosen you, too, for something special. He hasn’t chosen you to be this world’s only Savior. That job belongs to Jesus. Instead, God the Father has chosen you to be his child and a brother or sister of Jesus. God didn’t see anything good in you that caused him to choose you. His decision was based solely on his great love for you.

Listen to Jesus in the Bible. He has the answers to life’s problems. He speaks about free forgiveness for your sins because of his death on the cross. He talks about the victory over death for you because of his resurrection from the dead. His words give you eternal life and will build you up in saving faith. His words will keep you in the faith as God’s chosen child.

Prayer:
Thank you, Father, for sending your Son, Jesus, to save me from my sin. Help me to listen carefully to his word. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Hidden No Longer – March 4, 2022

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.
2 Corinthians 3:12,13

Hidden No Longer

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Daily Devotion – March 4, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:12,13

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The youth group at our church sometimes plays a game called “Reverse Hide and Seek.” One person is chosen to be “it” and goes and hides, and everyone else must seek that person. The twist is that whenever someone finds the hidden person; they quietly join them in their hiding spot. It can be hard at first, but by the end, there are so many people trying to hide in the same spot that it is impossible to stay hidden.

The Israelites asked Moses to put on a veil so that they wouldn’t have to look upon his shining face. Whenever Moses went into God’s presence, his face would shine, and it terrified the people. Their solution to this fear was a thin piece of cloth to hide his glory.

When Jesus came and brought life for all, his glory could not be hidden. Jesus’ ministry was no thin veneer or provisional instruction that was passing away. Jesus himself was no hazy image or dim light that could be ignored. Rather, he was God himself that came to make people right with God. Accomplished in plain sight, his words and actions had an eternal significance that could not be ignored.

Since we have such hope, we are very bold. There is nothing to be afraid of and nothing hidden. Our eyes are confidently fixed on Jesus. Nothing separates us from the glory of Jesus, and that glory is reflected in our lives. With full assurance, we look to the one whom God uncovered.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, make me very bold in my trust of you and the work your Son has done for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Right Idea Wrong Mountain – March 3, 2022

Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
Luke 9:33

Right Idea Wrong Mountain

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Daily Devotion – March 3, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:33

See series: Devotions

There are places and people you enjoy that you want to stay forever. Maybe it is a special family vacation or coffee with a close friend that are so perfect you wish that the moment could last forever.

Peter looked up at Jesus whose face was shining brighter than lightning and who was speaking with Moses and Elijah, and Peter wanted to stay. His suggestion was to put up three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah, so that he could stay in this moment and with this company. However, just moments later, it was all gone, and Peter walked down the mountain.

Peter had the right idea but the wrong mountain. Jesus still had bigger and better mountains to climb.

He would go to Mount Calvary, where he would give his life for our sins. He would go to the Mount of Olives, where he would ascend to heaven. He currently stands above every mountain as he rules over all things for the benefit of his people.

Jesus wanted Peter to be with him in a perfect place forever, and he wants you to be with him also. Maybe you feel like you are living a life full of mountain top moments, and you wish you could stay here forever. Maybe you are going through some of life’s deepest valleys and feel like you can’t get through them fast enough. Regardless of where you are now, Jesus promises a bigger and better mountain ahead where he will be with you forever.

Jesus did not stay on the mountain of transfiguration but went down with Peter and the other two disciples. He went to Mount Calvary and the Mount of Olives and now sits above everything where he is making a place for you to join him forever.

Prayer:
Gracious God, in good times or bad, remind me that you still have the best to come. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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It Will Be Okay – March 2, 2022

As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.. . . A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Luke 9:29,30,35

It Will Be Okay

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Daily Devotion – March 2, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:29,30,35

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It is fun to watch little children explore and discover their world. As they are having fun at a park, they venture further away from mom or dad. They run up ahead as they begin to gain confidence. Children will push the boundaries and grow bolder. They will do all of this until finally, something scares them; a loud noise or a scary-looking dog, and suddenly those children come running back wanting to know, “Is it all going to be okay?”

Jesus’ disciples were growing in their faith and role as his followers. They had listened to Jesus’ teachings and had witnessed his miracles and were growing bold in their faith, but the greatest challenge still lay ahead. Jesus had been speaking to them about his death in Jerusalem—how he would suffer and die at the hands of the people.

God provided a way for the disciples to look back and know that this was according to God’s plan, and it was all going to be okay. Right before he went to Jerusalem to suffer and die, he went up a mountain, and his face shone with all the brightness of God, and he appeared with two great prophets from long ago, Moses and Elijah. Jesus did this so that the disciples would have the boldness and confidence to continue their mission, even as they were about to face this great challenge in Jerusalem.

God does the same for you. As you carry out your God-given mission and as you live your life in service, there are scary and challenging moments. However, God invites you to look to him and know that it is all going to be okay. He is still your perfect heavenly Father, and he is still in control of all things for you. Find new confidence in who God is and what he does for you.

Prayer:
Jesus, when I face challenges and am frightened, cause me to look to you and find new confidence. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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A Better Ministry – March 1, 2022

If the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory . . . will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
2 Corinthians 3:7,8

A Better Ministry

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Daily Devotion – March 1, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:7,8

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Almost thirteen percent of Americans struggle with a fear of flying and would rather drive, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When people are asked why they have a fear of flying, the answer is almost always found in a fear of losing control. While driving a car is much more dangerous, that steering wheel in front of us gives a false sense of security and an illusion of control.

It is easy to find a false sense of security in the laws of God. The ten commandments engraved in letters on stone with their “You shall…” and “You shall not…” provide an illusion of control. If I can love God a little more and stop hating others the way I do, then God will love me, and I will be safe. The commandments allow us to be in charge and we foolishly think that if we are in charge that we will be safe.

The reality is that if we were in charge, we would create a lot of accidents. We may try our best, but we can never obey those commandments perfectly and consistently. We all put ourselves in danger by recklessly disobeying what God said to do through Moses, and it leads only to death.

God provided a better way, but it would mean that we would need to turn over control to him. He would send Jesus to obey the commandments perfectly in our place. It would not be our own obedience or control but the obedience of Christ that would land us safely in heaven. This ministry is uncovered for us by the Holy Spirit of God, and it brings righteousness that comes by faith. It is nothing we are in control of but is a gift that only God gives.

It can be difficult to give up control, but God has provided a better way for our salvation than obedience to the ten commandments. Letting Jesus be in control, we find something far more glorious: He has obeyed the commandments in our place and freely gives us salvation as a gift.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, lead me to trust not to my own obedience of the commandments, but to the more glorious work of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Bright as a Flash of Lightning – February 28, 2022

About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
Luke 9:28,29

Bright as a Flash of Lightning

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Daily Devotion – February 28, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:28,29

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It is advice countless moms have given to their children when they are squinting up at the sky: “Don’t look at the sun. It is bad for your eyes.” And while some advice moms give such as “don’t make faces or it will freeze that way,” isn’t true, this advice is something which we should listen to. The sun’s brightness, especially its invisible light, can do damage to our eyes, even leading to blindness. The sun’s brightness is just more than our eyes can handle.

In the same way, God’s perfection and might are just more than our sinful souls can handle. I cannot bring my pathetic attempts to love others before the God who loves all people with a perfect and limitless love. I cannot stand in front of a God who stretched out the universe when my own life is full of failures and feeble accomplishments. Our failures and disobedience have created distance between God and his people.

However, God had no desire to stay distant from his people. Since we could not go to him, he came to us in the person of Jesus. All the fullness of God comes to be with his people in Jesus, and we get to see that revealed when Jesus went up the mountain to pray. For a moment, he is uncovered as the Son of God. His brightness is on full display for his disciples and us to see so that we would have no doubts that Jesus is our perfect God come to be with his people.

How can we look to God when he is more than we can endure? We look to Jesus, who is God come to us. With our eyes fixed on him, we can see the love of God at work in human lives. Gazing upon Jesus, we see all the power of God at work.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, help me look to Jesus and see all the power of God given for my eternal good. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Gazing Into the Face of God – February 27, 2022

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.
Exodus 34:29,30

Gazing Into the Face of God

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Daily Devotion – February 27, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 34:29,30

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There’s a famous work of art by Michaelangelo, in which Moses is pictured with horns on his head. Why is that? It’s because the Hebrew word for “shine” is the same as the word for “horn,” and apparently, the Bible Michaelangelo used had translated it as “horn.”

While that’s just a bit of (interesting?) trivia, there’s an important truth behind it. The word “horn” denotes “power, majesty, authority.”

Now think about this scene: Moses’ face is shining because he’s been in the presence of God. What kind of power and authority would it take to cause that to happen? Why, it would take amazing power, stupendous power! And God has that kind of power.

Do you and I fully realize the amazing power of our God? Do we comprehend his majesty? Do we approach life in such a way as to make it clear that we recognize God’s power, God’s majesty? The Israelites—when they gazed at Moses’ face—were afraid! How much more would we fear if we were to gaze into the face of God himself! At Jesus’ transfiguration, Peter, James, and John got a taste of it, as Jesus gave them a glimpse of his full glory. They were terrified!

But thank God that Jesus walked back down that Mount of Transfiguration. He again veiled his glory, exchanging it for the humility of going to the cross to win salvation for us. The amazing grace of God!

That amazing grace of God is yours, for he won forgiveness for you. And so someday, you and I will get to gaze into that face of God, and we will get to do so without fear.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for failing to appreciate your full glory. Fill me with appreciation for your saving love, that you were willing to lay aside your glory to save me. Lead me to reflect your glory in my life now, and to look forward to that day when you’ll receive me into eternal glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Our Compassionate Savior – February 26, 2022

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:14-16

Our Compassionate Savior

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Daily Devotion – February 26, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:14-16

See series: Devotions

The Bible is not the only book to instruct us to “live in harmony with one another.” Buddhism, Hinduism, and other world religions—even secular philosophies—give us much the same guidance for life. Our consciences warn us that we would do well to treat others around us with love and compassion. But no matter who gives us this advice or how often we hear it, we still struggle to put ourselves in the shoes of others or to put their needs and feelings ahead of our own. Our natural inclination is so turned inward that we are blind to the ways that we could be a blessing to others. And when we do think of others, it is often with jealousy, envy, contempt, and pride.

Fortunately, the Bible not only tells us what we should be doing, it tells us what God’s Son has done for us. Jesus Christ perfectly considered what others needed from him. He offered forgiveness to those who crucified him. He wept along with the mourners at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. He performed his first miracle at a wedding reception to help the joyful celebration continue even as he revealed his glory as the Son of God. At Christmas, we rejoice at the news that God loved us so much that he took on our own flesh and blood. He took our sorrows on himself. He took on the weight of our sin. And he carried the guilt of our selfishness to the cross where he paid for it in full.

Jesus has shared in our sorrows so that he can share his joy with us. In him, we find God’s grace and the promise of forgiveness. In him, we find compassion so deep that it spills over into our own hearts. In Christ Jesus, we find joy in serving others and in bringing his message of peace to everyone.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you loved me when I was unlovable. May your compassion for everyone be reflected in the way that I live. Teach me to see the ways that I can be a blessing to others as you are to me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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The Source – February 25, 2022

[Jesus said] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Luke 6:32-33,36

The Source

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Daily Devotion – February 25, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:32-33,36

See series: Devotions

Her name was Cornelia. Everyone called her “Corrie.” And Corrie was in a moment of shock.

It was several years after World War II. Corrie and her Christian family had hidden Jews from Nazi authorities during the war. The authorities had discovered what her family was doing and sent Corrie, her father, and her sister to a concentration camp. Corrie was the only one to survive.

Back to Corrie’s moment of shock: She was sharing her wartime experiences with others, including the message of God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As she did, a man walked up to her. She recognized him right away, although he apparently did not recognize her. He had been a guard at Ravensbruck—the very concentration camp where Corrie had suffered and her family had died. The man had taken part in terrible, terrible things. And now, there he stood. There he stood, seeking God’s forgiveness in Christ.

He offered to shake hands. But in that moment, Corrie couldn’t do it. She just couldn’t. For all her talk in that room about forgiving others as God has forgiven us in Jesus, she didn’t have the strength. There was just too much horror. Too many memories. Too many scars.

Then, by God’s grace, Corrie received a lesson about the power of God’s forgiveness. She turned to her Lord with a repentant heart, seeking forgiveness for her failure to forgive this man. Before she knew what was happening, her arm was up. She was shaking the man’s hand. She realized, as she had never realized before, that the power to forgive others does not come from your own strength. Rather, it is God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ that carries all of us.

Prayer:
There are times, Lord Jesus, when I struggle to forgive others. The hurt is so great. The memories are so strong. Wash me clean. Cleanse me in your blood. And let your forgiveness flow through me to others. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Overcome – February 24, 2022

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21

Overcome

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Daily Devotion – February 24, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:21

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Rome, 165 A.D. According to early Church history, the Christians living there at that time do not have an easy life. Persecution seems to be on the rise. Then conditions grow worse. A plague arrives. As many as two thousand people in Rome die every day. The dominant cultural mindset has little regard for the dead and the dying. Anyone with the financial means to move out of the city does so.

The Christians, however, do not. The Christians stay, and they stay for a reason. Because God has demonstrated mercy to them in Jesus Christ, they desire to demonstrate mercy to the sick and the dying in Rome. They care for them, bury them, and do not do this just for a little while. They do it for the duration.

Whenever Satan and this broken world team up to make life difficult for me as a Christian, it’s easy for my old sinful self to talk me into feeling overcome, defeated, resentful, bitter. When I do, I conveniently forget that nowhere in the Bible does God ever guarantee that I can expect my life to be comfortable, convenient, trouble-free. On the contrary, God’s Word fairly shouts that I can expect pushback of every kind. To forget God’s voice on this matter is more than some simple oversight. It’s deliberate, sinful denial—sinful denial for which I need to repent.

But the wondrous thing is this. When I once again receive the refreshment of God’s forgiveness through faith in the One who suffered and died to wash me clean—that very forgiveness empowers me to look at the difficulties in my life with new eyes. When the troubles of this world press down upon me, I can see them as opportunities for my fruits of faith to shine. As the old saying goes, the light of my candle is much more visible in times of darkness than in times of light.

And remember those early Christians facing all that trouble in Rome? Many, many new souls came to faith in Jesus during that time. As people watched these Christians reflect God’s love for them in Christ, they wanted to learn more.

Prayer:
By the power of your love and forgiveness, Lord Jesus, move me to overcome evil with good. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Revenge – February 23, 2022

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19

Revenge

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Daily Devotion – February 23, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:19

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“Revenge is a dish best served cold.” This old saying about revenge goes back at least to the early 1800s. It means that taking revenge on someone is more satisfying when you allow a good amount of time to pass by first. From caper movies like Ocean’s 11 to westerns like Once Upon a Time in the West, the cold dish of revenge makes for a compelling plotline.

But there’s a downside to revenge. English philosopher Francis Bacon put it quite well. He wrote, “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.”

God, of course, knows us far better than we will ever know ourselves. He knows that revenge is simply a broad opportunity for my old sinful self to run amok. In the name of righteous indignation, it’s an opportunity for my old sinful self to indulge in all kinds of toxic impulses, from bitterness and resentment to arrogance and self-absorption. All of which threatens to harden my heart. All of which threaten to pull me away from the only Savior you and I are ever going to have.

When Jesus walked this earth on our behalf, not once did he ever give in to the temptation to plot revenge on someone who had wronged him, not even as he hung on the cross. And because of Jesus’ perfect faithfulness, God has washed us clean through faith in his Son—and that includes even our poisonous thoughts of revenge against someone who has wronged us.

Cleansed and embraced by our Savior, you and I are now free. In the words of Francis Bacon, you and I no longer have to study revenge, keeping our own wounds green. Instead, you and I can bask in the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. We can entrust all things to our just and good God. Instead, you and I can get on with the business of proclaiming Jesus Christ with our lives.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when someone wrongs me, purge my heart of revenge. Fill me with the same spirit of forgiveness you have shown me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Joseph’s Eyes – February 22, 2022

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “. . . God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”
Genesis 45:4,7

Joseph’s Eyes

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Daily Devotion – February 22, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 45:4,7

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And so there Joseph stood. As the Prime Minister of Egypt, he had just revealed to his brothers his true identity. He was their brother, Joseph—the very one his brothers sold into slavery many years earlier.

In that moment, Joseph could have fixed his eyes only on his brothers. He could have filled his field of vision only with what they had done to him so many years earlier.

But he didn’t. Instead, by God’s grace, Joseph’s eyes rested on his Lord. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Joseph could see that God’s hand had been guiding his life all along. He could see that God’s hand had caused even the past actions of his brothers to submit to his good and gracious will.

Like Joseph, you and I can have times when we can easily fix our eyes only on those who have hurt us. Perhaps there’s someone who has disappointed us. Perhaps there’s someone who has humiliated us. Perhaps there’s someone who has abandoned us.

If that is where we fix our eyes, however, then we are placing our eyes precisely where Satan wants them to be. For when we look only at those who have hurt us, then we are blocking our line of sight to see the hand of God.

But that’s why Jesus came. As our substitute, he lived a life of perfect trust in his heavenly Father’s will. Even when he endured the cruelty of sinful men, Jesus knew that his heavenly Father would guide it all for good. The result was full forgiveness for our every sin. The result was a home for each of us in heaven. The result was a place for you and me in God’s family through faith in his Son. That, and God’s promise that he will guide all things in your life for good.

And here’s the best part. It is his very forgiveness of our sins that empowers you and me to lift up our eyes and see God’s guiding hand.

Prayer:
Lord, lift up my eyes to see that your hand is always at work in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Old Enemies – February 21, 2022

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “. . . [D]o not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Genesis 45:4,5

Old Enemies

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Daily Devotion – February 21, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 45:4,5

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The story of Joseph is one of the most extraordinary accounts in the entire Bible. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph endures years of twists and turns until he finds himself serving in the extraordinary position of Prime Minister in Egypt. When famine strikes the region, his brothers come to Egypt looking to purchase food. The climax of the account arrives when Joseph finally reveals to his brothers who he really is. The sheer emotion of the scene is potent.

As soon as he reveals his true identity, however, Joseph displays a deep concern. His brothers are now in shock. They are now having to confront the terrible thing they did to Joseph so many years ago. Joseph is afraid that the distress and despair his brothers feel will overwhelm them.

Perhaps you have never sold a sibling into slavery. Chances are excellent, however, that you, too, have dark moments in your past. Maybe it’s something you said or did. Maybe it’s something you failed to say or do. Maybe there was a long period when you were too arrogant, lazy, afraid, or self-absorbed to do all kinds of things you should have been doing all along.

Such dark moments are perfect weapons for the devil. With them, he can smother you with guilt and block out the light of hope. With them, he can isolate and shove you into the solitary confinement of despair.

Enter Jesus. On our behalf, God the Son lived the kind of life you and I have failed to live. In our place, God the Son suffered and died for our every sinful failure, our every wasted moment. And now he lives. He lives to assure you and me that the old enemies of guilt and regret and despair no longer have the final word. Jesus does.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by nature I was once your enemy. But now you have made me your friend. Your blood has washed my guilt away. Thank you, Lord. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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The Importance of Family – February 20, 2022

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:9-16

The Importance of Family

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Daily Devotion – February 20, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 12:9-16

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We all know and appreciate how important our families are. Family is there for you when you are really in need, they laugh with you and cry with you, and stand with you through the good times and the bad. Family members are linked together with a strong and common bond.

That bond is not always genetic.

There is a spiritual bond among fellow believers, and together we make up a spiritual family. I am so very privileged to have a group of brothers and sisters in the Lord—and so are you.

Remember your spiritual family. It’s far too easy to take them for granted. When times are good, we may feel that we don’t need a relationship with the people at church. When times are bad, however, their thoughts, prayers, acts of kindness, and deeds of love are priceless. If you need help and support from your fellow believers—ask! We are all willing to be there for you. If you don’t need any help and support at this time—someone needs you! Ask and look for anyone who needs encouragement and go out of your way to help them. We have all received so much from God. What a joy it is to be able to give a little back and help a brother or sister in the Lord. A Christian family is priceless!

Prayer:
Lord, thank-you for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May I be a blessing to them, and may they be a blessing to me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Refreshment for the Thirsty Soul – February 19, 2022

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Refreshment for the Thirsty Soul

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Daily Devotion – February 19, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

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The oldest tree in the world is thought to be a bristlecone pine tree named Methuselah, located in California’s White Mountains. The estimated age of this tree is almost 5,000 years, meaning that it has remained standing and living through many seasons of extreme California heat. Over this long time, the roots of this tree were consistently able to reach life-sustaining water.

The length of our days on earth will never reach 5,000 years, but our experience with life on earth can be much the same as it has been for this tree. There are times we feel the heat of life: pressure at work, family demands, or daily troubles and challenges.

Jesus knows how hard those moments are. He felt the heat of this world too. He walked its dry dirt, felt its hurt, and saw its pain. He knows what it’s like to be thirsty for love that many people did not show him. And though he didn’t need forgiveness for any sin, he still knows the hellish pain of being punished for every sin, as he offered his perfect life on a cross as a sacrifice, all to assure us that there is no heat or drought or sin on earth that will keep us from standing forever in the perfection of heaven.

So, you don’t need to worry. But if you do from time to time, you always have a stream of Living Water to which you can satisfy your thirsty soul. You have the words of the Bible, which is where you will always find Jesus and his promises to be with you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me such perfect promises of love and forgiveness to trust as we walk through life. Let me never fail to refresh my thirsty soul with the truth of all that you have done to save me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Strength in Christ Uncovered – February 18, 2022

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Strength in Christ Uncovered

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Daily Devotion – February 18, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

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Although he is one of the most famous Christians of all time, the apostle Paul knew he was weak. In our Bible reading for today, he writes about a figurative “thorn in [his] flesh” that “tormented” him with regular reminders of his inadequacy to successfully handle his struggles against the sinful world and his sinful flesh. He begged and pleaded that God remove this thorn from him so he could find relief. But God did not remove it and not because he wanted Paul to suffer. Rather, he wanted to teach Paul about the strength we find in resting our entire lives in his grace.

We are weak too. Our lives regularly prove it. We are weak against various temptations, despite often promising to do better. Our resolve is often easily weakened as we live in a dying world filled with unspeakably difficult troubles and brokenness. Yet the Bible assures us that we are already victorious over all these things, not because we regularly prove our strength against them, but because Jesus was already strong enough to defeat sin, death, and Satan with his perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection.

That allows each of us to always say, along with Paul, that “I am strong.” I am strong in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior may your victory over sin, death, and Satan always be the first place I go to seek my strength. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Confidence in Christ Uncovered – February 17, 2022

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Confidence in Christ Uncovered

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Daily Devotion – February 17, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

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The prophet Jeremiah said that someone who is rooted in the Lord: 1) does not fear when the heat comes, 2) has no worries in the year of drought, and 3) never fails to bear fruit. Those are three powerful illustrations that lead to three very natural questions we frequently use to help us evaluate how we’re doing in life:
What am I currently afraid of?
What am I currently worried about?
And finally, where have I failed to bear fruit in my Christian life?

These are questions that not only help us evaluate how we’re doing in our Christian lives; they also often bring an unwelcomed guest into our lives when we’re trying to answer them. A guest that shows up as a voice saying: “Shame on you” for being or feeling any of those things. “Shame on you” for being the kind of person who’s afraid or worried, though God commands us not to be. “Shame on you” for failing to be all that God tells us to be.

That’s a hard voice to hear, and it’s a hard voice to silence once it starts talking. This is why Jeremiah so intentionally points us to the “him” we can confidently put our trust in.

That “him” is Jesus. He was never afraid that all our failures wouldn’t be forgiven, since he was the one fully responsible for making it happen. Jesus knows the frequency of our fears, worries, and failings but also wants us to know that, because of our connection to him by faith, we stand here today as those who do not need to be worried or afraid of any trouble or sin.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord Jesus, help me to always place my confidence in your perfect and completed work as our Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Roots Uncovered – February 16, 2022

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7,8

Roots Uncovered

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Daily Devotion – February 16, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7,8

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In Mpumalanga, South Africa, there is a place known as the Echo Caves. The caves are fascinating enough by themselves, as they take you through a breathtaking view of stalagmites and stalactites miles under the ground. But what this area is most well-known for are the fig trees growing above the caves. As far as fig trees go, there’s nothing all that special about how they look or how the figs taste. What makes these trees unique is the part you cannot see until you go into the caves. What makes them famous are their roots.

Researchers and spelunking scientists have followed the roots of these 10-foot-tall trees deep into the Echo Caves and discovered that the roots go down about 400 feet. That’s 40 times as tall as one tree, making it the deepest known root system in the entire world. The roots that bring hydration to these trees from 400 feet underneath the earth’s surface so they can live, survive, and thrive in what is an incredibly harsh, dry climate.

It’s not only a somewhat interesting science lesson, but it’s also an illustration the Bible often uses of how we can survive an environment that isn’t always easy to live in.

Indeed, those who root themselves in God’s Word are connected with a Savior whose power over death gives us comfort and strength as we suffer through harsh seasons of loss and suffering. The consistency of our Savior’s unfailing love keeps us stable as we endure the winds of change that sometimes bring in challenges we never saw coming. The forgiveness our Savior earned for us fills us with hope, strength, and confidence as we daily battle with sin and temptation.

Remain rooted in all our Savior is, and all he so graciously did on our behalf, and he will never fail to provide all that you need to keep going.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep me forever rooted in your gracious love for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Joy Uncovered – February 15, 2022

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.
Luke 6:23

Joy Uncovered

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Daily Devotion – February 15, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:23

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A teacher had a memorable way of reminding his students what joy looks like in the life of a Christian. He had the word “JOY” hanging vertically on one of the classroom walls. After the letter “J,” he hung the phrase, “Jesus first.” After the “O,” it said, “others second.” After the “Y,” he put, “yourself last.” Jesus first. Others second. Yourself last.

What that looks like is easy enough to understand.

Putting “Jesus first” means that having Jesus guiding our entire life by his Word means more to us than anything. It means that the forgiveness he earned has a bigger impact on our self-esteem than even our worst sin. And that his gracious promises have a bigger impact on our mood than our fears, worries, or frustrations.

Putting “others second” means caring about meeting the needs of others more than we care about meeting our own. It means being patient and kind with those who so far have only given us reason to feel frustration.

And finally, considering “yourself last” means that whatever happens to us on earth and whatever anyone else thinks of us really is the least important thing our heart is ever considering.

The basic principles are easy enough to understand. They aren’t so easy to put into practice.

Jesus himself made it clear to the whole world exactly what place he considered himself to be in—last. The humble Son of God, who guided his entire life according to God’s will perfectly, was persecuted on a cross and insulted in ways that we cannot imagine, really did not consider what happened to him on earth to be as important as the one thing his heart wanted more than anything—YOU—completely forgiven for every sin that would keep you from the place where you will never again mourn, your heart will always be whole, nothing important will ever be missing, and your joy will be everlasting.

The secret to joy rests entirely on what Jesus has already done for us. We help others find that joy by letting the heart of Jesus shine through us.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, fill me with joy that comes from your perfect work on my behalf, and give me all I need to faithfully share the joy of the Gospel with others. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Power Made Perfect in Weakness – February 13, 2022

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10

Power Made Perfect in Weakness

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Daily Devotion – February 13, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:9,10

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When fishing from my boat, I used to wear my life jacket only when there were large waves. I would never wear one when the weather was nice. The irony is that I was safer in bad weather with a life jacket than in good weather without a life jacket.

We can be tempted to do the same in our spiritual lives. When things are going well, we don’t always express our trust in God and confidently depend on him. We think we have everything under our control. But when the storms of life reveal our weakness, we are led to plead for God’s help and turn to him for strength. Ironically, we are stronger during difficult times because of Christ’s power than during good times when we tend to trust in ourselves.

Are you feeling weak and vulnerable? Trust in Christ and his sufficient grace to bring you through your troubles.

Prayer:
When difficulties and troubles weaken me, Jesus, wrap me in your strength and lead me by your grace. Teach me to depend on you for help and guidance in all matters of my life, confidently trusting that you will help me by your power as my Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Fisher of People – February 12, 2022

When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”
Luke 5:4-10

Fisher of People

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Daily Devotion – February 12, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:4-10

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Peter and his companions knew how to fish. When a person spends their life doing something, they usually become pretty good at it. Maybe this is why Jesus’ miracle had such an impact on Simon. When Jesus sent so many fish into their nets that they began to break, and their boats began to sink, he was astonished. Falling at his master’s knees he said, “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Does Peter’s reaction surprise you? Wouldn’t we expect him to say, “Lord, since you can do miracles like this, stay right next to me! If this is how you fish, we are going to be rich!” Instead, he says, “Get away from me!” Peter knew that he didn’t have any business being near the one who had power over creation and all its creatures.

We can understand his response, can’t we? Thankfully, Jesus deals with us the same way he dealt with Peter. He says, “Don’t be afraid.” Although we have every reason to be afraid of a holy God, we need not be because that holy God sent Jesus to pay for every sin and set us right with him. Spend this day celebrating the good news and worshiping the holy God who has called you to follow him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, send your Holy Spirit to assure me of your love and forgiveness. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Fishing for People – February 11, 2022

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
Luke 5:8-10

Fishing for People

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Daily Devotion – February 11, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:8-10

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Simon Peter had just witnessed a miracle. Jesus had given him a catch of fish so miraculously large that his nets began to break, and his boats began to sink. Peter immediately realized that he had nothing to do with this great catch of fish and that it happened by the power of Jesus’ word. He knew that he was in the presence of God and was deeply aware of the fact that he did not belong there.

But Jesus absolutely wanted him there. He was at a turning point in his ministry. Before this event, he was a lone teacher. Now Jesus wanted others to help him. So he said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Jesus called people to fish for other people.

But notice the kind of people Jesus called! These were not professional speakers, they were fishermen. Jesus used regular guys to preach and teach. God still does the same thing. He sends ordinary people to preach and teach.

Why does God give such an important task to such unimportant people? To show that the power is from God and not from people. The net with which Jesus catches people is the good news about his perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection. The message itself carries the power to catch people for Jesus.

God gets all the credit for all the good that comes from preaching. The more unworthy the messenger, the more God’s power stands out. He uses sinful men and women as his messenger to tell other sinners about their Savior and lead them to faith in him.

Prayer:
Lord, I am a sinful person. Forgive my sins by your grace, and work through your people to fill the nets of your kingdom with those caught in unbelief. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Because Jesus Says So – February 10, 2022

When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Luke 5:4-6

Because Jesus Says So

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Daily Devotion – February 10, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 5:4-6

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Can you imagine the scene? Jesus had just finished teaching crowds of people, using Simon’s boat as an impromptu stage. Now he taught Simon how to fish. The problem was that Simon was a professional fisherman, and Jesus was not.

Jesus told him to put out into the deep water during the day. But Simon knew that the best time to fish was the evening and that the best place to throw your nets was in the shallow water. In fact, Simon had labored with all his skill all night long and caught nothing. And now Jesus wanted him to drop his nets again at a less favorable time. It didn’t make any sense.

But there was something about Jesus that caused Simon to take him at his word. And so, he said to Jesus, “…because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Jesus’ word has authority and power. Because Jesus is the almighty Son of God, he filled the nets with fish to their breaking point.

The miracle taught Simon to always trust Jesus’ word. This would be important when Simon began doing the important work of what Jesus called “catching people.” You see, after this miracle, Jesus called Simon to fish for people. Jesus’ word is what catches people for him by bringing them to faith, and now Simon knew the power of Jesus’ word.

Do you? Christianity has been spreading and growing for millennia, not by human skill or technique, but by the word of Jesus. It may seem strange or go against your expectations for how God should work, but because Jesus says so, trust in his word to do the job. He will not let you down!

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to always trust your word. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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An Eternal Agenda Uncovered – January 31, 2022

They tried to keep him from leaving them. But [Jesus] said, “I must proclaim the good news.”
Luke 4:43

An Eternal Agenda Uncovered

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Daily Devotion – January 31, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 4:43

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Jesus had it all. The people were coming from everywhere to see him. He was a charismatic and engaging speaker. And he could do amazing things. Demons and diseases answered to his demands. Injuries, illnesses, and ailments listened when he spoke. And word began to spread about him.

The lines of people waiting to see him grew longer. The time he spent helping and healing stretched from sunrise to sunset—sometimes even longer. And the people were excited. This could finally be the one. This could be the Messiah, the Savior, and deliverer they had been waiting for.

And who wouldn’t want a Savior like that? One who could solve problems like cancer, cataracts, or COVID. One with whom you would never be hungry or thirsty again.

If we had been there, wouldn’t we have been right with the crowds? “Don’t leave, Jesus! You make our life in this world easier. We want you to stick around.”

And why wouldn’t Jesus want that kind of love and attention?

But Jesus uncovered a different agenda. He said, “I must proclaim the good news.” Jesus didn’t come primarily to feed the hungry or heal the hurting. Jesus came to share the good news. Good news that there’s more to life than what we see. Good news that he came to rescue us from hunger and hurt permanently by giving us eternal life in heaven.

Even though we easily chase after worldly happiness, Jesus wouldn’t let fame or fortune distract him from his divine agenda. He was willing to face rejection, ridicule, and pain on his way to suffer and die for every greedy intention and desire we have. And because he did, we can look forward to something so much better than an easy life in this world. We have the perfect life waiting for us with him in heaven, a life that will never end!

Jesus loves us and cares about our problems in this life too, but his real agenda was to accomplish and proclaim the good news of eternal life for us. And that’s just what he did! Believe it! Celebrate it!

Prayer:
Jesus, your agenda is so much better than mine. Thank you for staying the course for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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The Lord Will Be With You – January 30, 2022

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah 1:4-10

The Lord Will Be With You

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Daily Devotion – January 30, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 1:4-10

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You know you must talk to the other person. You even know what you have to say. You know it’s what God wants you to say. But it doesn’t look easy. You’ve never had to do something exactly like this before. You’re feeling awkward, almost like a child.

Does it help to know that the Lord knew you would be in this situation even before you were born? He has equipped you for this moment. He has led you to a clear understanding of his Word. He has given you a humble spirit of repentance and faith in Jesus, your Savior.

Does it help you to know that the Lord will be with you? He is everywhere, of course, but when you speak his words, he promises his special presence. He will not abandon you; in fact, he will strengthen you at that moment.

Does it help you to know that the word of the Lord is powerful? It uproots and tears down, destroys and overthrows, builds and plants. You can count on it accomplishing exactly what the Lord wants it to.

Prayer:
Lord, give me the confidence to speak your truth faithfully. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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As Was His Custom – January 29, 2022

[Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read.
Luke 4:16

As Was His Custom

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Daily Devotion – January 29, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 4:16

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“As was his custom.” It’s pretty easy to read past those words, isn’t it? But the reality is, there’s a world of good news in those words. Remember, Jesus came to this earth because you and I needed a Savior. We’re sinful human beings who deserved to be sent to hell. So Jesus came to this earth, and he died on the cross, paying for our sins.

But that’s only half the story.

Why so? Because God’s standard for going to heaven isn’t merely that our sins be taken away. God also requires that we be positively perfect and completely holy. And you and I must say, “I’m in trouble!”

But you’re not in trouble at all. You have a Savior who not only died for you but who also lived for you. He lived perfectly, in every sense of the term. He perfectly loved God; he perfectly loved his neighbors. He was perfectly kind, just, fair, loving. In the Bible verse for our devotion today, we’re reminded that he worshiped God perfectly: “as was his custom.”

And here’s the really good news—You get credit for what Jesus did. Yes, you get the credit not only for Jesus’ death, but also for his life—the way that Jesus perfectly loved God. God has credited that to your account so that now God considers you to have loved him perfectly, too. Jesus loved his neighbors perfectly: God now considers you to have loved your neighbors perfectly, too. Jesus worshiped perfectly: God considers you to have worshiped perfectly, too, for you have been credited with that perfect life of Jesus.

So, there’s a world of good news in that phrase “as was his custom.” It’s a reminder that in the eyes of God, you are perfect and holy because of Jesus. What a phrase! What a truth!

Prayer:
Lord God, remind me of my status, that you’ve credited Jesus’ perfect life to me, that I might be filled with quiet confidence. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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