Author: Kerry

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

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.

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.

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

Chosen by God

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.

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 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

Daily Devotion – March 4, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:12,13

See series: Devotions

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Daily Devotion – March 2, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:29,30,35

See series: Devotions

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.

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 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

Daily Devotion – March 1, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:7,8

See series: Devotions

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.

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.

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

Daily Devotion – February 28, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 9:28,29

See series: Devotions

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.

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.

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

Daily Devotion – February 27, 2022

Devotion based on Exodus 34:29,30

See series: Devotions

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.

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.

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

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.

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] “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

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.

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.