Author: Kerry

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:9,10

Jesus Crushes Evil

Daily Devotion – June 24, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:9,10

See series: Devotions

When you think about it, the Christian faith doesn’t make a lot of sense. Sin, which comes so naturally to every human being, is out of bounds? And the guilt of any sin is enough to earn a one-way ticket to the opposite of everything good? And despite our best efforts, we can’t scrub that guilt off? And the only way out of guilt and into peace is through the actions of a Jewish carpenter who lived under Roman occupation far away and long ago?

It didn’t make any more natural sense to Paul, Timothy, or any who followed Jesus because of them. This trust and the resultant holy living are supernatural—the work of the Holy Spirit. The Christian faith is something no one could have thought up on their own. So, the apostle Paul tells us, it was revealed from the Holy Spirit through the words of the Bible.

And what has been revealed? Grace given before your parents gave you a name, victory over death, a vibrant life that will never end. And all of this won for you and given to you by a hero named Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have won. Your victory is my victory. Lead me in that new reality that I might live 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.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:8

Connected to Jesus

Daily Devotion – June 23, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:8

See series: Devotions

He was a pastor in a country where Christianity was illegal. So, he went by his initial “L”—not his real name—for safety. He drove a truck full of Bibles to distribute them in rural villages—illegal. He ran Sunday Schools where children were taught Jesus—illegal. He ran worship services and taught Bible studies outside the state-controlled church—illegal. Things got really bad, so he boarded a plane in search of asylum. Before the plane took off, authorities boarded and removed “L.” He wasn’t under arrest, but he also wasn’t free to go.

The apostle Paul knew what it was to suffer for sharing God’s Word. In this case, he was writing to his friend, Timothy, from prison. But telling others about Jesus was so important that no amount of suffering would stop him from doing so.

Has suffering, or the fear of it, stopped you from living and sharing your faith in Jesus? In America, the consequences of being an “outed” Christian do not include imprisonment or torture. But have you allowed the fear of what might happen keep you from telling others about Jesus?

It’s easy to do. And it’s why we need a sacrifice who suffered for our sake. A Savior who was not ashamed to be counted among the fearful so that he might rescue people like you.

Because he did, suffering for my faith becomes a chance to be connected to Jesus, to be the mirror that reflects the love of my Savior to a dying world. Just like “L,” just like Paul.

For the closing prayer today, let’s use the words of Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius was an early Christian, so early that he learned about Jesus under the apostle John. May his prayer be our prayer as we face suffering.

Prayer:
“Let fire and the cross; let the crowds of wild beasts; let tearings, breakings, and dislocations of bones; let cutting off of members; let shatterings of the whole body; and let all the dreadful torments of the devil come upon me: only let me attain to Jesus Christ. 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.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6,7

God-given Gifts

Daily Devotion – June 22, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:6,7

See series: Devotions

God has made me a learner, self-assured, eager for the input of others, value-driven, and able to put things and people in the places that set them up for success. How has God gifted you? Has he made you comfortable in front of crowds? Hard-working? Attentive to detail? A careful thinker? He has made you: body, soul, and mind. That means you have characteristics as unique to you as that birthmark behind your left elbow. Those gifts that he’s given to you have been laid at your feet for a purpose, “for the good of those who love him.”

That was certainly true of Timothy. He had gifts. And his spiritual father, Paul, saw them and encouraged them. “Fan them into flames,” he told Timothy. Don’t be content just to have them, but cultivate them, develop them, and lean into them. “They have been given to you; now make the most of them!”

Are you asking, “How do I fan my gifts into flame?” Fair question. Maybe the acronym ILPF will help (Identify – Learn – Practice – Feedback). Identify those gifts that you have. Maybe that’s a reputable assessment or asking a trusted mentor, “What do you see in me?” Then, learn about those gifts. What are they like? Who else has them? What is the danger of misusing them? Next, practice. You don’t get good at anything without endless cycles of trying and failing. That’s practice. And finally, get feedback. Ask those close to you, “I tried to use my gift. How do you think it went? What should I think about the next time?” As you live in your God-given gifts, watch as the Lord carries out his will.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for these gifts I have. I know they are from you. Help me to use them in a way that builds your kingdom. 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.

Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
2 Timothy 1:4,5

From Generation to Generation

Daily Devotion – June 21, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:4,5

See series: Devotions

I remember visiting my grandparents every summer. They were farmers who lived in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. One reason I loved to visit was the copious amounts of ice cream my Grandma Eunice had hidden away for us. Another reason was the chance to ride big machines. But do you know what I remember, to this day, even more than push pops or tractors? I remember my Grandfather Lois read to us from his Bible after breakfast. He never read for very long, and it was never a big deal. But in those few minutes of reading, he modeled for the family what was important, and even a seasoned Christian regularly gets into God’s Word.

Young Pastor Timothy had models in his life too. A grandmother and mother who prioritized a relationship with the living God. Women who passed their faith down to their son and grandson. Their faith meant so much to them that they gave it to those they loved most. And look what God accomplished in that generational gift! How many more generations have come to faith because Lois and Eunice passed down their faith!

Maybe you never had that: a family that spent time in God’s Word—maybe you didn’t even go to church growing up. Maybe your family went to church, but that was the extent of “Jesus talk” during the week. That’s not easy, but you aren’t alone. God has a habit of calling the unlikely into his kingdom and making them family.

One final thought, consider this your calling to be a Lois or Eunice to the children in your life—to your kids, your grandkids, a niece or nephew, or the kids in your classroom. What you and I believe is too good to not pass on.

Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me a family of faith, for those who have played spiritual mom and dad in my life. Keep them safe from harm and temptation. Give me opportunities to pass on what I believe to the next generation. 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.

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
2 Timothy 1:3

Keep Praying

Daily Devotion – June 20, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 1:3

See series: Devotions

It was the little boy’s turn to say prayers at family devotion. With head bowed, eyes closed, and a solemn voice, he said, “Dear Jesus, make all the bad people good, and make all the good people nice.”

Whom have you prayed for lately? A family member? A coworker? A neighbor? Maybe your list is long and constantly changing. Maybe your list is short and hasn’t changed since bell-bottom jeans were in style. But you pray.

You pray because you know that God has invited you to pray. The door to his throne room is open just for you. As you walk in, the King of kings who conducts the affairs of the universe leans forward with eyes locked on you, ready to hear what and who is on your mind.

The apostle Paul made the most of that power for young pastor Timothy, his student, protege, and friend. Paul constantly prayed. He knew that prayer was wrestling with God for the good of God’s kingdom. He knew that in the hearing of prayer, the Lord of heaven blocked out the attacks of Satan and crushed any evil plans. Paul knew that prayer realigned Paul’s dreams and desired to reflect God’s dreams and desires more fully. And so, Paul prayed for Timothy.

Like Paul, keep on praying. God is eager to hear what you have to say and carry out his plan for the world. A plan that has only your good in mind and crushes evil, now and for your eternity.

Prayer:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank you for hearing my prayers. May I be emboldened to pray more often and with bigger prayers because you have invited me to pray. Take my prayers and answer them as you know best. Crush evil and bring about your good. In Jesus’ 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.

Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3,4

The Difference

Daily Devotion – June 19, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 5:3,4

See series: Devotions

For many, it is the stuff of nightmares, a physical condition too horrific to contemplate, the worst of worst-case scenarios. But for a young boy by the name of Nick Vujicic [pronounced, VOY-yitch-itch], this nightmare was real.

Nick was born with no arms and no legs. Let that sink in for a moment. He was born with no arms and no legs. What you and I could not imagine facing for one month or one day, Nick was facing for his entire life. By the age of 8, the darkness of his circumstances was about to swallow him. “I have no life,” he thought. “I’ll never get married. I’ll never be able to do anything. I’ll never be able to be anything. I have no life.”

Fast forward 25 years. Today, Nick travels around the world giving motivational speeches to children, adults, business leaders, prisoners, and everyone in-between. He’s a college graduate. He drives a car, goes fishing, records music, plays soccer, and swims. And he is also married and the father of a young son.

What happened? What made such a difference? Nick’s physical circumstances did not change. He still has no arms and no legs. What made the difference was the gospel. What made the difference was Jesus Christ.

Through the message of sins forgiven and new life in Jesus, Nick came to see his life very differently. As a redeemed child of God through faith in his Savior, Nick recognized that he had a unique opportunity to encourage others with the good news of Christ. Now his heart overflows in thankfulness. As Nick likes to say, “I’ve never met a thankful person who was bitter. And I’ve never met a bitter person who was thankful.”

Don’t misunderstand. Nick’s life is still difficult. It’s still full of struggle. But seeing his life as Jesus sees his life has made all the difference. That is what makes all the difference for you and me too.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I struggle through this world, open my eyes to see my life as you see my life. Empower me to live a life that proclaims 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.

“The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:26

Turn Towards

Daily Devotion – June 18, 2022

Devotion based on Numbers 6:26

See series: Devotions

Dr. John Gottman and his wife, Dr. Julie Gottman, are researchers who have spent several decades studying marriage relationships. They have drawn many conclusions, and their conclusions make for powerful reading. Here is one conclusion. For years the conventional wisdom was that a way to deepen your marriage relationship was through a big romantic getaway—a trip to Paris or a Caribbean cruise. Not so, say the Gottmans. While a romantic getaway certainly has its place, the Gottmans have learned that a key to deepening a marriage relationship—or any relationship—lies in the countless moments you have, in their words, to “turn towards” each other.

Throughout the week, couples will give each other what the Gottmans call, “bids for connection.” These “bids for connection” almost always seem quite ordinary. For example, a spouse might say, “I had one crazy day today.” That, say the Gottmans, is a “bid for connection.” It is an opportunity for two spouses to “turn towards” each other in that moment and to share the details of what made the day so crazy.

This need for couples to “turn towards” each other is vital. In their exhaustive research, the Gottmans found that happily married couples turned towards each other two-and-one-half times more often than couples whose marriages ended in divorce.

All of which brings us to God’s attitude towards you and me.

The Lord has his face turned toward you. Not sometimes. Not frequently. The Lord has his face turned toward you always. With you in mind, he came to this earth and became one of us and lived a sinless life as our substitute—the life you and I have failed to live. With you in mind, he carried your wasted moments and mine to the cross and washed them all away.

And today, he continues to turn toward you. He turns toward you through every word of the Bible you read and hear, through every message from him you encounter. He turns toward you at this very moment, in this daily devotion. Spend this day in the comfort and assurance of knowing the Lord’s face is turned toward you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when my face is downcast because of doubt or despair, remind me that your face is always turned toward 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.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

We Glory in Suffering

Daily Devotion – June 17, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 5:3-5

See series: Devotions

Which sounds better to you? “Avoid suffering at all costs” or “We glory in our sufferings.” Your initial reaction is probably that the first one sounds better. But after you think about it, you realize that even trying as hard as you can to avoid it, you can’t avoid all suffering.

You can eat clean and exercise, but you could still get sick. You can take a defensive driving course, obey the speed limit and rules of the road, but it might not be enough to protect you from the distracted driver. You can be selfless and loving, but it doesn’t mean you won’t face rejection or that your heart won’t be broken. Sometimes it seems like life is a winepress, and you are the grape.

Okay, you can’t avoid suffering, but how do you find glory in it? Christians know the ultimate source of suffering is sin. And they also know that God doesn’t waste that suffering. God uses suffering as a means for drawing believers to himself. When suffering happens, Christians can rely on God’s Word and promises. Faith in God grows, and so the suffering produces perseverance.

When Christians depend on God through tough times, again and again, that produces character. And a Christian who has been tried and tested by the trials and suffering of this world has a confident hope. This world and all its suffering will eventually come to an end.

God poured out his love by sending his Son, Jesus, to suffer the ultimate punishment of sin. Because of that suffering, God sends his Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers to strengthen them through their suffering. And so, yes, you can glory in suffering. God’s using it to draw you closer to him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering for my sin in my place. Help me to find comfort knowing that my present suffering will come to an end and draw me closer to 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.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1,2

Access to God

Daily Devotion – June 16, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 5:1,2

See series: Devotions

There is a lot of privilege and prestige that comes with free access. Very few people have direct and free access to the world’s most powerful leaders. It’s a privilege granted only to a few. For the average person to gain even one encounter with someone like the President of the United States, it would take a lot of back-channeling and knowing the right people. Most of us don’t have that access.

Which makes the words in the Bible reading today even more amazing. The apostle Paul writes that we have gained access to the almighty and holy God. But it gets even more amazing. God is holy and perfect and just. And we are not. We sin, make mistakes, and mess up. If we stood before God in this sinful condition, we could not survive.

Someone not only needed to give us access to God but also make us ready to stand before God. That person is Jesus. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room for us because he fixed our relationship with God.

Jesus lived the perfect life we never could, and now he gives us his perfection. Jesus takes our sin and gives us his holiness through faith. Simply by believing that Jesus has done this for us, we can stand in the grace of God.

To stand in God’s grace means we know Jesus has won peace between God and us, and that we will live forever in the presence of God’s glory.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me access to God and for giving me your perfect life. Help me to always make use of the privilege you have given to me to go before God with every care and concern. 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 will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Numbers 6:27

God Puts His Name on His People

Daily Devotion – June 15, 2022

Devotion based on Numbers 6:27

See series: Devotions

In the popular Toy Story movies, toys come to life with personalities of their own when humans are not present. The main character, Woody, is a cowboy sheriff doll. When Woody gets anxious, worried, or forgets his identity, he lifts his boot and sees the name “ANDY” scribbled on the underside. It’s the name of his owner. Woody then remembers who he is and his purpose. He finds meaning in his identity.

God wanted to put his name on his people. One of the jobs of the priests of ancient Israel was to speak a blessing using God’s name. It was God’s way of putting his name on the people he loved. It was their reminder of their purpose, meaning, and identity.

God still puts his name on his people. Many churches close their worship services with the words of this ancient blessing. It’s a reminder that God’s name is on the people he loves.

When we hear that blessing, it’s a reminder of who we are. It’s like Woody checking the bottom of his boot and seeing the name “ANDY” scrawled there. With this blessing, God puts his name on his children.

When you feel anxious or afraid, remember God’s name is on you. When you forget who you are, remember that God has claimed you. He’s put his name on you. When your sins weigh you down, remember Jesus has washed them away. He’s made you his child, and God loves to bless his children.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for putting your name on me and claiming me as your child. Help me to always find my purpose and identity in the simple fact that you love 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.