Month: May 2023

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Acts 2:21

The Name

Daily Devotion – May 31, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 2:21

See series: Devotions

Consider the curious power of a name. On the one hand, a name is simply a sequence of selected vowels and consonants. But when you see or hear the name of someone you know, that name is an instant trigger. It immediately delivers to the front of your mind everything you know about that person. It delivers to you the person’s appearance. It delivers to you the sound of the person’s voice. It delivers to you that person’s personality, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. It can also deliver to you all the good and bad experiences you’ve had with that person.

Some names have the power to make you smile and laugh and bathe you in warm memories. Other names may have the power to make you wince and grow silent. That is how potent a name can be.

Which brings us to the most powerful name there is. When you and I take even a moment to meditate on the name of our Lord, his truth and beauty arise. There is his goodness, his justice, his mercy, his faithfulness, his power, his wisdom, his eternity, his glory. And there is his grace, his undeserved love for you and me in Jesus Christ.

And that’s why the name of our Lord is something more. The name of our Lord is not simply a trigger that delivers to my mind all the profound truths his Word has revealed. The name of the Lord is the name that saves my soul. As the apostle Peter says elsewhere, “There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

When God the Holy Spirit, through his gospel, creates within me the miracle of faith in my Savior; and when, in faith, I call on the name of the Lord, forgiveness is mine, God’s promises are mine, eternal life is mine. All mine through faith in the name of the One who lived a perfect life in my place, suffered and died for my sin, and rose from the grave. That is the power of the name of the Lord.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by your Spirit move me to call on your name every single day. 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.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “. . . These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!”
Acts 2:14,15

Misunderstood

Daily Devotion – May 30, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 2:14,15

See series: Devotions

Ten days after the risen Christ had ascended into heaven, he sent his promised Holy Spirit. As he did, the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ apostles to speak God’s Word in all kinds of different languages. A large crowd quickly gathered around the apostles to find out what was happening. But while many were delighted to hear the message of Jesus in their own native language, others misunderstood. They dismissed the apostles as drunken babblers because they could not understand what they were saying.

It was not the first time believers in Christ were misunderstood, and it would not be the last.

You and I live in a world broken and twisted in sin. You and I also live in a world where Satan and his demons will seize every opportunity to nurture misunderstanding and misperception. We ourselves have fallen for it at times. Thank God that his Son has come. Thank God that Christ Jesus has lived a life of perfect truth on our behalf, and God has taken our every lie and deception and paid for them all at the cross on Golgotha. And thank God that his Son has risen from the dead.

Now it’s our privilege and joy to live for him—to declare Jesus in our words and actions. As we do, some will misunderstand, and some will draw wrong conclusions. Some will assume the worst. They will accuse us of many things—from toxic hypocrisy to dark, hidden agendas.

If they do, that’s okay. They misunderstood Jesus, too. Sometimes, on purpose. But Jesus kept right at it—teaching, serving, demonstrating love, showing kindness, proclaiming the truth, calling souls to repentance, announcing the good news of full forgiveness in him.

As souls washed clean in Jesus’ blood, you and I can do the same.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there were those who chose to misunderstand you. There were those who chose to misunderstand your followers. In the face of misunderstanding, give me courage. Give me patience. Move me to keep right on living for 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.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd.
Acts 2:14

Finding Your Voice

Daily Devotion – May 29, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 2:14

See series: Devotions

On December 5, 1955, 26-year-old Martin Luther King, Jr. received a shock. He and others had gathered to prepare for a first-of-its-kind mass meeting. The meeting was to address the overt racism that existed in their city’s policies. Dr. King had no interest in serving as a leader in this effort. He just wanted to attend. But less than an hour before the meeting began, the group, to his dismay, chose him to make a speech.

He had 20 minutes to prepare. He later said he wasted five of those twenty minutes having a panic attack. Then he had to fight traffic. Then he had to struggle through the crowd of thousands. Finally, at 7:30 P.M., with only a few notes, Martin Luther King, Jr. began to speak. The packed hall listened. The rest is history. Martin Luther King, Jr. had found his voice.

Ten days after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the apostle Peter stood up to address a crowd in Jerusalem. Up to this point, Peter’s reputation for courage under pressure was sketchy at best. But things had happened—extraordinary things. For one, the promised Holy Spirit had filled Peter with courage through the power of the gospel. For another, Peter’s crucified and buried Lord had risen from the dead. So when Peter stood up to speak, he spoke with real bravery. Thanks to the resurrection of Jesus and the sending of the Holy Spirit, Peter had found his voice.

In our sinful weaknesses, you and I can often wince and cower at the thought of speaking to someone else about Jesus. But things have happened—extraordinary things. For one, the promised Holy Spirit has come to fill us with courage through the power of the gospel. And for another, our crucified and buried Lord has risen from the dead.

You and I may never be a Martin Luther King, Jr., speaking to thousands in a single speech. You and I may never be a Peter, speaking boldly to people who had called for Jesus’ crucifixion. But the Lord can move you to speak to another soul about Jesus. In him, you can find your voice.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you’ve washed me clean. You’ve risen from death. Empower me to find my voice. 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.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:41

Pentecost Miracle

Daily Devotion – May 28, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 2:41

See series: Devotions

When the Holy Spirit revealed himself on that first Pentecost Sunday, the people of Jerusalem witnessed dramatic miracles. They heard men speak languages they had never studied before. They heard the sound of wind rushing through that room in the temple—but there was no wind to be found. They saw what appeared to be little tongues of fire hovering over the disciples’ heads. Incredible miracles—each indicating the special presence of God the Holy Spirit with his people.

Which of these miracles would you say was the greatest? Anyone who has attempted to learn another language will verify how amazing a miracle it was when those mostly unschooled disciples started speaking all the different languages of the world—without ever cracking a book. And the other sights and sounds were equally remarkable. But all these miracles pale in comparison with the greatest Pentecost miracle.

The greatest Pentecost miracle occurred later than all the rest. The Bible tells us that “about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). Just think of it! Three thousand people raised from death to life! Three thousand people added to God’s workforce to carry out our Savior’s Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Though the other Pentecost miracles were incredible, there was no comparison with the miracle of faith that the Holy Spirit worked through God’s Word that day.

That greatest Pentecost miracle continues today. When we hear and read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit bolsters and strengthens our hearts. When we speak God’s Word, the Spirit works to bring people from death to eternal life. A simple splash of water or a morsel of bread and a sip of wine, when used with God’s Word, creates and strengthens God’s gift of faith. The Holy Spirit continues the greatest Pentecost miracle as we use and share God’s Word and sacraments. What a wonder!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, through your Word and sacrament, continue to work your miracle of faith in my heart. 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.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12,13

Rejoice in Your Sufferings

Daily Devotion – May 27, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 4:12,13

See series: Devotions

What makes you happy? The end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation? Seeing a beloved family member again after a long separation? Being able to spend some time on the golf course or in the wood shop or at the pool?

How about suffering? Does suffering make you happy? Would you consider it pure joy to actually suffer physical violence because you told other people about Jesus?

Jesus’ apostles really did consider it pure joy to suffer in that way. One time, after the Jewish ruling council had them flogged for preaching about Jesus, they “went out…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41). In fact, they went right back to the temple and kept telling people about Jesus, despite the punishment they had just endured.

The apostle Peter tells us in today’s Bible passage that we, too, can “rejoice as [we] share in the sufferings of Christ.” When people ridicule us for being Christians, we can consider ourselves blessed because God’s Spirit rests on us. Such suffering doesn’t come to us because we’re doing something wrong. Rather it comes because we’re doing something right. We’re suffering for following Jesus. And that is nothing to be ashamed of.

But rejoicing in our sufferings is not something that comes naturally. When someone ridicules us, our first reaction is to strike back at them, not to rejoice. Yet, all that changes when we remember the one for whom we are suffering. We’re suffering because we belong to Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again for us and soon will return in glory to take us to the eternal joys of heaven. Because we belong to Jesus, we, like the apostles, have been counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of his name. What a reason to rejoice!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of being able to suffer for your name. 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.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10,11

Destination Restoration

Daily Devotion – May 26, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:10,11

See series: Devotions

Many of us can look back and laugh at family road trips we took as children or with our children. They were torturous for children and parents alike. The frequent bathroom breaks. The incessant questions. “Honey, do you know where you are going?” “Do I need to pull this car over?” “Are we there yet?” The road seemed to stretch on forever and the destination forever out of reach. But once you arrived, the glory of the destination often outweighed and outshined the frustration of the journey.

Suffering during our journey through this life as we head toward heaven can be just as torturous, indeed, more so. We do not tend to look back on tough times with humor. The road of suffering seems to go on forever. The end, forever out of reach. We break down frequently. We question God incessantly. “Lord, how is this good for me? Have you forgotten about me? Can you even put a stop to this?”

The apostle Peter assures us that God can. He is still in control. His ability to act on our behalf has not run dry. He will always have the power to deliver us. Therefore, we have no right or reason to squabble with God. Regardless of how much of our life is marked with suffering (even if it is every single day of our lives), God is always the same. He is always full of grace. Always giving all his mercy to all his children. He holds nothing back.

If you doubt it, look to Jesus. Because of Jesus, you have a share in God’s eternal glory. Your days of suffering will end. And when they do, God will be there to greet you. The end of that road will reveal a destination that is extraordinary and unending in its splendor. Compared to the glories of eternal life, the sufferings of earthly life will seem little and light.

Are we there yet?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain 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.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.
1 Peter 5:8,9

Stand Firm in the Faith

Daily Devotion – May 25, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:8,9

See series: Devotions

“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight.” You probably know this song from the soundtrack of a popular Disney movie. However, the original was written and recorded in 1939 by South African, Solomon Linda.

Linda grew up as a herder who spent his time protecting the cattle from bush lions. His hauntingly hypnotic song contains only two words, Mbube zimba. Less of a lullaby, Linda’s song is the cry of a child cattle herder pleading, “Lion, stop!”

Like Solomon Linda’s original melody, the apostle Peter wrote about a lion that does not sleep. The devil has been prowling and devouring unsuspecting victims throughout the world since the beginning. We should not be lulled into a false sense of security that we are safe in God’s peaceful village. We need to be vigilant.

So, Peter urges us to stay alert, to keep a sober mind, and to stand firm in the faith. Stay alert because that lion masquerades as an angel of light. Keep a sober mind because that old evil foe knows your weaknesses. Stand firm in the faith because one little word can fell him.

He is vicious; but he has no power against the victorious Lamb of God. Jesus’ crucifixion took the teeth out of the jaws of that lying lion. Our Savior’s resurrection has shown the lion’s accusations to be more “meow” than “roar.” The devil cannot tear us from our Champion.

The next time Satan comes snarling, sing with Solomon Linda, “Lion, stop!” But sing it with the confidence of Martin Luther, “I admit that I deserve death and hell. What of it? For I know the One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ.”

Prayer:
God, your Word is my greatest treasure for salvation and truest weapon against the spiritual forces of evil. Help me to hold it tightly and wield it rightly. 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.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6,7

God Cares for You

Daily Devotion – May 24, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:6,7

See series: Devotions

I need help.

Those are three of the hardest words for anyone to say. They are a humble confession that I have limitations. I am not strong enough. I am not smart enough. I am not skilled enough. I am stuck and cannot see a way through this.

But these three words are some of the most liberating words for anyone to say. Especially when the person to whom they are said can provide the help we need.

That is why going to God when we need help is so wonderfully comforting. The apostle Peter knew this. That is why he points us to God as our perfect helper. God can do anything by the power of his mighty hand. Picture the helping hand of God throughout history. Picture the Lord opening a road through the Red Sea for Israel to escape the Egyptian army. Picture the Almighty making a way through the wilderness for the remnant to return from Babylon. Picture Jesus reaching down to grab hold of Peter’s hand as that experienced fisherman floundered and flailed for his life in the Galilean Sea. Picture Jesus, at the appointed time, stretching his hands on the cross to die for a world of helpless sinners. Picture those same scarred hands embracing Peter as Jesus urged him, “Feed my sheep.”

So, go to God when you need help. He does not simply care about you. He cares for you. It is who he is. It is what he does. Let him take care of it for you. At the proper time, he will help in the perfect way.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, you are my capable and caring God. Help me to humble myself before you, trusting that you will help me at the perfect time, in the perfect way. 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.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:14-16

Praise God in Persecution

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 4:14-16

See series: Devotions

Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, told his disciples to imitate him. To imitate his love. “Love one another just as I have loved you. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”

As we share and show the love of Jesus, people will take notice. But not everyone will appreciate it. Some will make you suffer violence for it. Others will attack you verbally. Your attackers want you to feel ashamed for being a Christian. But you are not doing something wrong or dishonorable.

There is no shame in bearing the name of Jesus. How can we be ashamed to carry the same banner we so proudly stand behind? Jesus said that when we suffer in his name, it is a sign that we belong to him.

That’s the good news. Christ has had compassion on us. He came from heaven to earth to suffer and die for us. He was misunderstood by his parents and mocked by his siblings. His body was mangled by his enemies and mounted to a cross. Our sin is paid for. And now he lives as proof that our guilt is pardoned.

Praise God when you are persecuted. Persecution is a badge of honor! Persecution is proof that you belong to God and are chosen and loved by him. You are set apart from the world. Now you suffer at the hands of the world, but you are set apart for glory.

First the cross. Then the crown.

Prayer:
Triune God, how great is your love that I should belong to you. Even in persecution, I will yet praise you. For in you, I put my hope. 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.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12,13

Rejoice in Suffering

Daily Devotion – May 22, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Peter 4:12,13

See series: Devotions

After a difficult day, you go home, get comfortable, and cozy up on the couch. Suddenly, the doorbell rings. Then, there is a banging at the door. You were not expecting company. Whoever it is, is not welcome. You try to ignore it, but it does not stop. So, you get up, walk to the door, and open it. Your annoying neighbor pushes their way in, flops down on the couch, props their feet on your coffee table, and drinks down your glass of wine. You shake your head at the rudeness of this unwelcome guest.

The trials we face as Christians can seem like unwelcome guests. These trials go beyond life’s annoyances and inconveniences. They are the painful experiences we endure because we follow Jesus. When we do good, the world calls us evil. When we speak God’s truth, the world labels us as liars. When we show the love of Jesus, the world hates us for it.

The question is not whether I will face persecution for my faith. The question is how I will respond when persecution comes knocking. The apostle Peter says we should not be surprised. Jesus said it would be this way. “Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Therefore, Peter encourages us to embrace this suffering with joy. Suffering is not evidence that God has abandoned you. Suffering is proof that you are partnered with Jesus. He died and was raised to life to open the way that leads through this life’s dangers and disappointments to the inexhaustible and inexpressible joys of the glorious life to come. The suffering we experience for following Jesus keeps us from getting too comfortable in this world. Suffering reminds us that salvation is coming.

So, chin up. Welcome suffering with a smile. And walk on.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I rejoice in all that you suffered for me. Help me to be joyful whenever I must suffer for 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.