Month: August 2022

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

Rejoice Always

Daily Devotion – August 21, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4

See series: Devotions

Can we really feel joy in our hearts when we are troubled by past sins? Can we rejoice when we or those whom we love are facing life’s sharp edges of unemployment, financial problems, sickness, uncertainty, pain, and death? How can we rejoice under some of the harsh circumstances we face in life?

The Bible answers, “Rejoice in the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people and possessions and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us just as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is just as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us.

Your job may have changed. Relationships you have with others may have changed. The sense of security and satisfaction that you once had may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

In the Lord, outward circumstances do not and should not determine the condition of our hearts. Even when everything around us is dark and gloomy, God’s changeless love fills our hearts with joy. That inner joy flows from sure promises of the gospel: the joy of daily forgiveness, the joy that God is with us, the joy that God works out all things for our good, the joy that Jesus is returning again to take us to be with him in heaven.

Reflect on that joy today as you think how greatly God loves you through Jesus. And then REJOICE! ALWAYS!

Prayer:
Lord, amid the difficulties and disappointments of my life, shine through to my heart with the largeness of your love. Thank you for choosing me to be your own and giving me a changeless and incomparable joy in you, my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Hebrews 12:10-12

Useful Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 20, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10-12

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No one likes to be disciplined. But we all understand that at times, disciplining our children is important, even critical, for their well-being.

The same is true for God’s children. At times it is important, even critical, for him to discipline us. Discipline, sometimes painful discipline, is used by God to make us stronger. Painful trouble is not fun, but God allows it. He allows it, but not because he wants you further away from him. No! Just the opposite is true. He uses trouble and tribulation to draw you closer to him.

When you face trials in your life, remember that God is not punishing you for sin. Jesus already took your punishment in full on the cross. Hear God proclaim his love for you as he forgives all your sins. Listen to God’s care for you when he tells his highest goal for you is an eternity at his side in heaven. Know that he loves you dearly and deeply. The pain you’re experiencing does not disprove that love. Rather, God says this painful discipline emphatically proves his love for you. Through it, God promises “righteousness and peace.” These blessings are yours in Christ.

God may allow very difficult things into the lives of his children. But Christ’s followers know God’s intent is not to cruelly treat his children. God’s desire is to turn our eyes and hearts to him and his Word. God’s goal is to grow our faith as we trust in his promises. Our almighty, all-wise, and loving God will use even painful troubles to discipline us, and “produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.” This pain is temporary. Our joy with God in heaven will be eternal.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, increase my trust in you when you allow trouble into my life. Drive me back to your Word and your strength. Pull me close to you with your sure promises and love. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

[Jesus said] “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
Luke 12:51

The Way Jesus Divides

Daily Devotion – August 19, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:51

See series: Devotions

The well-known Christian author C.S. Lewis once commented that being a follower of Jesus is not like a horse training to jump better and better. Instead, it’s like turning a horse into a winged creature. The point Lewis makes is that sometimes people think that becoming a Christian will lead to a few small changes in their lives. But in reality, being a Christian is nothing less than a transformation.

Becoming a Christian is not like adding a backsplash and changing the paint color in your kitchen. It is a full demo—it means stripping everything down to the studs and starting over. That kind of transformation is sweeping and dramatic.

Jesus knows that this kind of change will impact families and relationships. It’s a transformation that will sometimes cause division because Christians no longer conform to the pattern of the world; instead they conform to the pattern of Christ. That type of change means leaving behind sinful situations and temptations. It may even mean leaving family members who reject Christ and mock his followers. When some family members follow Jesus and others do not, divisions will naturally arise.

Jesus’ goal was not to divide families. His goal was to divide people from their sins. Jesus came to separate us from our selfishness. He wants to split us from our guilt and shame. Jesus promises that all who believe in him will be divided from their sin and united to him instead. This good news really does create a transformation in people.

This transformation might mean division for a time on earth, but it also means a far greater peace has been achieved between God and us. Jesus took it upon himself to unite us with God so that we are no longer just his creatures but his sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we will have peace forever in God’s family.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to bear the divisions that come from following you. Thank you for your great sacrifice and for uniting me with you and all believers forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10,11

Directed Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 18, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10,11

See series: Devotions

One could argue that the most unloving thing a parent could consistently do to their children is not discipline them. All parenting experts agree that children need discipline. Perhaps you’ve experienced the effects of an undisciplined child. Those children become unhappy, angry, and resentful.

Disciplining is not easy, neither for the parent nor the child, but it is loving. With the perspective of time and wisdom, you can look back at the disciplining you received from your parents and be thankful for it. Though it was unpleasant at the time, it showed how much they loved and cared about you.

The people who received the Biblical letter entitled “Hebrews” were going through a terrible time of suffering. One reason the author wrote to them was to encourage them through this time of tribulation.

The author wanted them to know that the suffering they faced was not a punishment from God, who was angry with them; rather, it was loving discipline from a loving Father. This discipline was intended to increase their faith and reliance on God instead of anything else.

When you face difficult times, sometimes they come simply as the result of living in world full of tragedy, evil, diseases, and disasters. Sometimes they may come as a form of God the Father disciplining you in love. But you can be sure that God is not punishing.

God punished someone else for the world’s sin—his own Son, Jesus. That punishment brought peace to all who trust in Jesus as the Savior. That peace means that even though you will face painful experiences, you can be sure that God loves you, and God will not waste the tears that come from that pain. In love, he will use them to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for you.

Prayer:
Dear Father, help me endure painful moments and to trust that you love me through it all because you sent Jesus for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1,2

Run With Perseverance

Daily Devotion – August 17, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:1,2

See series: Devotions

The concept of a race is universal. Nearly all people have participated in some sort of race at one point in their lives. Races have a starting line, a finish line, and other people to race against. The person who crosses the finish line first wins.

Our Bible reading for today encourages followers of Jesus to run with perseverance. But he is not writing about a track event. He is writing about the race of life. And in this race, winners don’t have to finish first; they just need to finish. It is a life-long race, an ultra-marathon that takes perseverance and striving.

Crossing the finish line of this race means entering eternal glory. Runners win the prize of heaven and life forever with Jesus. This prize never perishes or tarnishes.

But how do you know if you’re running the right way? How do you know if you’re going to cross the finish line and win?

Listen to the coaching in our Bible reading. The key is to fix your eyes on Jesus. With love for you, Jesus ran his race straight to his cross. Along the way Jesus faced temptation and rejection. But he never stumbled over sin or let rejection get in his way. He just kept running. Though the cross would bring him immense pain and shame, he never faltered. As Jesus ran, the joy of you being with him in heaven kept him going. He ran the perfect race in your place. When it was over, he confidently said, “It is finished.”

So, keep looking at what Jesus has done for you. And keep looking to Jesus as you follow him all the way to the heaven he won for you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, keep my eyes on you until I see you face to face in heaven. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

“Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
Jeremiah 23:29

God’s Powerful Words

Daily Devotion – August 16, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:29

See series: Devotions

The prophet Jeremiah faced challenging work. God called him to speak the hard truth to a people who did not want to hear it. Instead, the people had surrounded themselves with false teachers. These false teachers spoke what the people wanted to hear. They claimed God was speaking to them and saying everything would be fine.

But these were lies. The false teachers had not received any messages from God and certainly not one saying that things were fine. Jeremiah warned the people that disaster was right around the corner. Unless they changed their ways: their cities would be destroyed, and they would be taken captive.

The people thought that Jeremiah’s words, really God’s words, were empty. But in time, God’s words proved true. God’s words consumed the false promises of the lying teachers like fire. Their cities were smashed into pieces, and their people captured.

God’s words may not always deliver what we want to hear. They do not promise us a false peace that we desire. We all love affirmation of our actions. But God’s words do not affirm our actions when they are contrary to his will. Instead, we hear that those actions are sins we need to turn away from. Like the people of Jeremiah’s times, we find those words offensive.

But God gives us these hard words in love. Let God’s word smash sinful habits, so we can find life in him. Let God’s words be the fire that consumes shame and guilt.

Those willing to listen to the truth of God’s words will find a much greater peace. They will discover that God promises a security far greater than we could ever imagine. God’s powerful words promise that Jesus has made things right between God and us.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to cancel out the false messages and lies and to listen to the truth of your powerful word. Forgive my sins. Make me trust always in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:23,24

God Wants to Be With You

Daily Devotion – August 15, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:23,24

See series: Devotions

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they thought they could hide from God. They crouched behind bushes and out of sight. It was the first time that people were terrified of God, but it wouldn’t be the last.

When we sin, it triggers something in us called a conscience. Feelings of guilt, shame, dismay, and even terror overcome us.

We have those feelings when we sin because God has written his law on our hearts. We can try to run from God by eroding that law and dulling our consciences. We can even trick ourselves into believing that God does not care about us or what we do. But as God declares through Jeremiah, “Do not I fill heaven and earth?”

We choose to try to escape God, but God does not choose to escape us. And that is good news! Our sins make us repulsive to God, but instead of running away from us, God seeks us. As God sought Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he looks for us lost sinners.

Instead of washing his hands of the mess of humanity, God decided to stay close. He wants to be with his people even though they sin and make mistakes. God even calls himself “Emmanuel—God with us.” God became like us. Jesus was born, lived a human life, and died a human death. Jesus did that because he does not want our death to separate us from him. Instead, he died to bring us to him in glory in heaven.

Until then, God is still near us. He guides us through life. He seeks us when we stray. He rejoices when he finds us. It’s all because he loves to be with us.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for finding me when I try to hide from you. Help me find comfort in your presence. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

[Jesus said] “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
Luke 12:49-51

Peace on Earth

Daily Devotion – August 14, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:49-51

See series: Devotions

Didn’t Jesus come to earth to bring peace? Yes! To win that peace, Jesus marched into war against sin, death, and hell. In the verses for our devotion today, he describes the distressing mission to win our eternal deliverance. Jesus looked ahead to the torment and death that he alone would undergo for us. He willingly poured out his lifeblood on the cross to win eternal peace for guilty sinners.

Through Jesus’ perfect life and selfless suffering and death, believers have the peace of God. They are filled with a faith kindled by the Holy Spirit. Their transformed hearts burn within them because of the gospel’s joyful news of peace with God. However, not everyone enjoys the peace Jesus freely won for them. Unbelievers search in vain for worldly peace, dousing the flame of faith extended to them through the gospel. They live as enemies of Jesus, despising the cross and the comfort Christ brings.

Because of humanity’s sin, Jesus’ beautiful gospel message of eternal peace will cause division in this world. Believers will face rejection and ridicule by neighbors, friends, and even family. It is a temptation for believers to attempt to maintain peace in their relationships at all costs. Yet peace maintained at any price is not the purpose of Christ. In love, Jesus reminds his followers that loyalty to him counts more than all else.

Jesus has graciously given us a mission. Filled with Christ’s peace, we hear his call to proclaim his eternal gospel to others. When it appears that the message falls on deaf ears, do not be discouraged. Jesus encourages us, “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me” (Luke 10:16).

Our ultimate goal in sharing the gospel is that others may know of the peace Jesus won for them so that they may enjoy eternal peace with Jesus in heaven.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, thank you for giving me your everlasting peace. Give me confidence to proclaim your message of peace to others. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Daily Devotion – August 13, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:2

See series: Devotions

What do you see happening…in your own life…in your world? No doubt, you witness joyful sights—the birth of a healthy child, a sports victory, a marriage anniversary trip, a graduation ceremony, a retirement party. But there are also plenty of troubling sights that you see with your eyes and that dwell in your mind—a terrorist attack, vicious activity on the campaign trail, a loved one laid to rest, job termination papers, divorce decrees, defeat, signs of mortality—sin in general.

We can easily become fixated on things good and bad in this life. But it’s important for us to deal with all of life’s experiences with the perspective of faith in Jesus as our Savior. The Bible passage today, gives this encouragement: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” It is an encouragement that God gives to us when the things we see and experience in this life get us down.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the object and the source of our faith and hope. Who strengthens the faith he gives through his gospel promises. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who now sits at God’s right hand in a position of all power and authority, ruling over the events of this world for the sake of his followers.

Jesus is the unchanging, unshifting, solid, and steady rock on which to base our faith and build our lives. By fixing eyes of faith on him, he gives us perspective, steadiness, and strength through all events of life, good and bad. He gives our life real meaning, joy during earthly sorrow, and the sure hope of glorious life with God forever. No matter what we see in this world with our eyes, let’s fix our eyes, the eyes of faith, on Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, there are so many things, good and bad, that I see in this world that threaten to divert my gaze from you. Help me to always focus on you and your forgiving grace, my Savior, brother, and friend. In your name I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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

Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Luke 12:33,34

Set Your Heart on Heavenly Treasure

Daily Devotion – August 12, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:33,34

See series: Devotions

“Their heart just wasn’t in it.” When have you heard or said that phrase?

Maybe it was a dramatic or musical performance that, even though it lacked mistakes, felt flat, and lacked passion. Maybe it was a player in an athletic contest who seemed distracted and didn’t perform up to their usual ability. Maybe it was someone who decided to switch paths—to change schools or careers—when they didn’t find joy in the path they were on.

You can often tell when someone’s heart is in something and when it’s not. And we set our hearts on the things most important to us, on the things we treasure.

When we set our hearts on things that don’t last, we will eventually be disappointed. Human achievements, worldly wealth, even health and family don’t last forever. Setting our hearts on such things can leave us feeling uneasy, and rightly so. When those blessings are taken away from us, our hearts are left empty. And that uneasiness or emptiness can show in how we live our lives.

But Jesus reminds us that we have more to live for. We have treasure that cannot be taken away from us. It is the treasure of life without disappointment, failure, or loss. It is the treasure of life in God’s perfect, loving presence.

Jesus bought that treasure for us with his holy life and his innocent death. Watching Jesus’ life, as his story is told in the Bible, no one would ever say his heart wasn’t in it! He was all in for you! He paid the ultimate price to buy for you and me the treasure of eternal life with him because he treasured us above his own life.

Heavenly treasure is yours! Priceless treasure without cost or condition and that nothing can destroy! Ponder and celebrate that treasure. Live for it. Live each day with your heart in it—focused on your true treasure.

Prayer:
Jesus, you set your heart on saving me. Move me to set my heart on the priceless treasure of life with you! Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

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