Author: Kerry

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”
1 Samuel 13:14

God Looks at the Heart

Daily Devotion – October 17, 2021

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 13:14

See series: Devotions

Researchers claim that we form our first impressions of people in the first six seconds after we meet them. We form our opinions quickly, based on what we see—facial appearance, age, skin color, clothing, and the like.

This is how it was for the people of Israel and King Saul. Based on a quick first impression, many Israelites concluded that Saul would be an excellent king. There he was, the perfect physical specimen. What more could they want in a ruler? The peoples’ first impressions, however, were greatly misleading. Soon Saul’s heart became corrupt. As time went by, Saul hardened his heart more and more until royal convenience and expediency took full precedence over obedience to God. Finally, the Lord had enough. God would choose another king—one after his own heart.

God sent the prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to choose the new king. As Samuel observed seven of Jesse’s sons, he looked only at the outward appearance. Samuel looked at each of them thinking that he was God’s choice, but the Lord said, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

When the last son, David, was brought in, Samuel saw a handsome young man with honest and alert eyes, the picture of health, but his youthful good looks did not suggest one strong enough to rule Israel. But God knew better. David’s humility and trusting heart were exactly what God was looking for!

What does God see when he looks at us? Does he see hearts that admit their sin and seek God’s forgiveness? Does he see faith that looks to Jesus’ cross for pardon? Does he see people who are willing to follow Jesus as faithful disciples? If so, then we are people after God’s own heart!

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I have followed my own sinful ways rather than your holy ways. Give me your 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.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:35,36

Compassion

Daily Devotion – October 16, 2021

Devotion based on Matthew 9:35,36

See series: Devotions

Compassion. There often isn’t much of it in our dog-eat-dog world. Survival of the fittest. Win at all costs. Look out only for yourself. Climb the corporate ladder no matter who you have to step on. Show compassion? Ha! That’s for the weak.

But our Bible reading for today tells us that Jesus had compassion on people when he lived in this compassionless world. He healed the sick and injured. Most compassionately of all, he preached and taught the good news of free forgiveness and eternal life to souls burdened by guilt and sin.

You are on the receiving end of God’s compassion. In compassion, God sent his Son in the flesh to save you from the guilt and punishment of your sins. In compassion, God brought you into his family through his Holy Spirit who brought you to faith. In compassion, God daily protects you with his angels and provides for all your needs. In compassion, God hears all your prayers and is preparing a room for you in heaven. In compassion, God is working out everything that happens to you (even the bad and sad) for your eternal good.

God has shown you compassion. With an appreciative heart, go and show others compassion with your words and actions. You can’t heal the sick as Jesus did. But you can help ease someone’s pain. Above all, you can tell a burdened soul about a compassionate and forgiving God.

Prayer:
God, thank you for treating me daily with compassion. Help me to share your compassionate love with others. May they see your compassion and love through 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 is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2:11

Not Ashamed

Daily Devotion – October 15, 2021

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:11

See series: Devotions

Real Men Love Jesus. The slogan appears on t-shirts, hoodies, coffee cups, and drink coasters. But why sell such items? Who would purchase them?

It’s a bit of a reaction to an unfortunate trend. Christians are often pressured to feel ashamed of Jesus and to hide their faith in Jesus. The Real Men Love Jesus slogan is a marketing strategy designed to reverse that trend. It’s time for Christians to let their light shine, not hide it. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus!

But have you ever wondered, “Could Jesus be ashamed of us?” After all, we are part of a human race that seems so self-absorbed. There’s so much chaos and disharmony in our communities. News outlets run stories about riots, wars, assaults, and trafficking. Could Jesus love a world like this?

On a more personal note, I have a good deal of chaos and disharmony in my own heart. I’m supposed to love Jesus above all else. In reality, I’ve set my heart on so many other things. I’m supposed to trust Jesus. Instead, I stress myself out with worry or try to take matters into my own hands. I’m supposed to honor Jesus by the things I think, say, and do. Oh, how I’ve failed! Could Jesus love a person like me?

He could. In fact, he does! John 3:16 reminds us that God loved the world so much, he sent Jesus to be our Savior. Jesus didn’t walk away from our self-absorbed humanity but willingly came running to our rescue. He took all the selfishness, sin, dishonor, and chaos of our hearts and communities—he took it all to the cross. And there on the cross, he suffered and died and made a perfect payment.

The result? The sins of the world have been paid for by Jesus! On a more personal note, the sins of my past have been taken away. The times I’ve dishonored or distrusted my God—those have been forgiven. Jesus, my Savior, has washed me clean.

What a way to start or end your day, knowing that Jesus loves you, has paid for all your sins, and isn’t ashamed to call you his brother or sister!

Prayer:
Savior, Jesus, since you have loved me so dearly, help me never to be ashamed of 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 God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
Genesis 2:18

Never Alone

Daily Devotion – October 14, 2021

Devotion based on Genesis 2:18

See series: Devotions

According to Google, there are over eight million different species in the animal kingdom. Another article in an online animal journal identified ten of the most solitary creatures in the world. Out of all those eight million animal species, only ten prefer to be alone. The vast majority of animals prefer to be in packs, herds, and families. If that’s true for the animal kingdom, it is surely true for the vast majority of the seven billion human beings living on this planet.

While some alone time can be valuable, most of us thrive with the company of others. It’s not good for us to be alone. We function better when we have relationships with other people. We enjoy sharing experiences and creating memories with others. We benefit when friends or family members offer up listening ears, helping hands, and empathetic hearts. We feel a sense of purpose when we lend our ears, hands, and hearts to those around us.

Of course, all of us are different. We are unique individuals with unique personalities. Because of that, some of us might prefer just a few friends while others crave a much larger network. Yet, all of us thrive when we have some level of companionship.

Our Creator God knows what we need, and in his generosity, he supplies it. In marriage, God provides for that deep human need in a unique and special way. Husbands and wives transition from the households of their youth and join together into their own personal family units. For those who aren’t married, God still provides specials bonds with siblings and friends and deep, life-long relationships with parents and children. Because we live in a sinful world, there will be times when spouses, friends, and family members depart. Even then, our God does not abandon us. It is not good for us to be alone. So our Lord assures us, “You’re never alone! I am with you always.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my dearest Friend, thank you for the people you have put into my life. Help me to see my family members and my friends as precious gifts from you. Fill me with your love so that I may be a faithful friend to others, as you have been 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.

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18

Complementary Companion

Daily Devotion – October 13, 2021

Devotion based on Genesis 2:18

See series: Devotions

After God created the world, he had Adam give names to all the creatures God had made. It would have been obvious to Adam that every creature had a companion—Mr. Lion had Mrs. Lion, Mr. Giraffe had Mrs. Giraffe, and so forth. It was God’s intention to supply Adam with a companion too. His creating activity wasn’t quite complete.

To a certain degree, Adam could have found some level of companionship within the animal kingdom. But God wanted to give him an even better gift, so he created Eve. Eve shared Adam’s humanity. Eve was a friend. Adam now had someone “suitable” for him. He had someone similar to him and equal to him, but uniquely different. He had someone to share in his joys and help carry his sorrows; someone to grow old with; someone to talk to. Not only did Eve provide Adam with companionship and vice-versa, but they also formed a compatible, harmonious team. Jesus said, “God created them male and female” (Mark 10:6). God very consciously and carefully created two distinct genders so they could team up together and complement each other.

Even in a world where some try to erase the differences between genders the Bible shows a loving Creator who knows how to give good gifts, special gifts, varied gifts. In a marriage, what one spouse lacks physically, emotionally, or psychologically the other can provide. Where one might be weak, the other can be strong. Husbands and wives are teammates and partners, but that doesn’t mean they will always have the same jobs, opinions, or ideas. Instead, they bring into the relationship different strengths, different abilities, and different backgrounds. They are better together than they are apart.

Husbands and wives, take a moment to consider how unique and even how different your spouse may be from you. Rejoice in those differences. Thank God for the complementary companion he has given you.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, ever since the beginning of the world you have showered your people with good gifts. Thank you for the many different and unique people you have put into my life. Help me to shower them with kindness and affection. 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.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21

Relationship Instructions

Daily Devotion – October 12, 2021

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:21

See series: Devotions

According to one internet survey, the BILLY/OXBERG bookcase and the PAX wardrobe are the two pieces of IKEA furniture that are the most complicated to assemble. Customers complained that the directions were too complex. Numerous reviewers fussed about having leftover pieces and the assembly process taking five hours or more.

Some things you can take out of the box and build without even looking at the instructions. Not the BILLY/OXBERG bookcase or the PAX wardrobe. You want to follow the instructions.

The same is true when people enter into friendships. There are some basic instructions you want to follow for the friendship to be successful. Be kind to one another. Treat each other with respect. Be honest. Those are valuable instructions when it comes to all human interactions and relationships.

Honesty, kindness, and respect are particularly valuable in marriages. God doesn’t give spouses a 400-page document of dos and don’ts, but he does give a very basic directive: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The natural tendency for human beings is to look out for self, to serve self. In other words, ME FIRST! God reminds us that a different mindset is what makes marriages and relationships work. Not me first but my spouse first. When spouses submit to one another, they are saying, “I want your needs to be met before mine. I want your happiness and your goals to come before mine.” Submitting to one another looks less like a tug-of-war contest and more like a gift-giving contest (if such a thing existed).

And if we’re looking for a role model, we need look no further than Jesus. And, if we’re looking for a boost to help us do less taking and more giving, we need look no further than Jesus. The patience, love, and forgiveness he shares with us are all the motivation we need. The way he put our needs ahead of his own and the way he sacrificed his life to save ours is the boost we need to keep sharply focused on a Christ-like mindset—not me first, but others first.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your deep love for me enables me to love others. Whether I am single or married, young or old, help me to think, to love, and to act more and more like 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.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25

Learning to Love

Daily Devotion – October 11, 2021

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:25

See series: Devotions

Years ago, a Christian woman in her mid-60s said to me, “Now that my husband is retired, he is home all the time, and it’s really putting a strain on our marriage.” I knew what she meant. She wasn’t saying she didn’t like being with her husband or that her marriage was falling apart. But instead, over the years, when they each had full-time jobs, they would see each other only in the evenings. A pattern had developed. They had learned how to be loving and patient with each other for the few hours they were together each evening. But now, that pattern had been disrupted. They had to intentionally work at being loving to one another—not just in the evenings, but in the mornings and afternoons as well.

With more and more people working from home, husbands and wives are spending much more time together than before. As a result, couples of all ages are coping with new patterns. And that can be challenging to relationships.

Here are a couple of things to consider: If it’s a little bit more difficult for us to be surrounded by family members more often than we were accustomed to, understand it’s probably just as difficult and straining for them too. Additionally, just because it might be a strain doesn’t mean it’s a negative thing. It means we have a new pattern that may need some adjustment. Spending extra time together means we will need to be extra intentional with our love and patience. We will want to work extra hard to take words and actions in the kindest possible way.

And if you want a little extra motivation, look to Jesus, who loved the church and gave himself up for her. When we see of how patient Jesus is with us, we are moved to be more patient with others. When we see how often and how freely Jesus forgives us; that helps us to forgive one another. When we see how Jesus makes sacrifices for us and serves us, that makes us want to serve too—not just in the evenings, but in the mornings and afternoons as well.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to love and serve others as you have loved and served 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.

“Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
Matthew 20:15

Not Fair

Daily Devotion – October 10, 2021

Devotion based on Matthew 20:15

See series: Devotions

“That’s not fair!” How often don’t we feel or say that something isn’t fair? God has blessed me with children. If one daughter didn’t receive what her sister got, you can guess what I heard: “Dad, that’s not fair!”

In the Bible, Jesus tells the story about a landowner who hired workers throughout the day to work in his fields. At day’s end, he gave them all the same pay, regardless of how long they worked. When those who worked the longest saw that their paycheck matched that of those who worked less time, they cried out, “That’s not fair!” The landowner reminded his unhappy workers that he had the right to do what he wanted with his money. They were not to be jealous of his generosity.

At one time, you and I were without purpose or hope because of sin’s curse. But God, the gracious landowner, called us to faith and service in his vineyard, his kingdom of grace. Perhaps you have served him for a long time now. One day you will receive your paycheck in full: the gift of eternal life in heaven. There will be many there who will receive the same paycheck of God’s grace, even if they didn’t serve as long and hard. Yet may we not cry out, “That’s not fair!” Rather, let’s rejoice in God’s generosity for us! And while there still is time, let’s get out into those fields and labor to bring the message of a generous heavenly Father to those who are without purpose or hope.

Prayer:
Lord, in your generosity you have called me to serve you with my very life. Help me be faithful and truly thankful for your goodness. Through me bring your generosity in Jesus 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.

[Jesus said] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Perfect Rest

Daily Devotion – October 9, 2021

Devotion based on Matthew 11:28

See series: Devotions

Hurricanes, wars, droughts, broken families, illness…These and many other things in life cause us to be worried, afraid, uncertain, and perhaps leaving us feeling weary and burdened. No one escapes these problems or these feelings, no matter how hard they try. Most of our solutions to those problems are either unsuccessful or temporary.

Thankfully, Jesus provided a solution to the problem which causes all of our other problems. We had become disconnected from God because we had chosen to do things our way instead of his way. The Bible calls this sin, of which we are all guilty. But Jesus, God’s Son, came into this world to solve the problem of our sin. He did this by living life God’s way—perfectly, and by paying the price for our sins with his death on the cross. His rising from the dead on Easter morning shows us that we are God’s children. This promise also includes the promise that one day God will raise us to take us to be with him in heaven where there will be no sin and none of the other problems that cause us to be weary and burdened.

As long as we live in this world, problems will continue to exist, but Jesus has solved our worst problem. This gives us rest from our burdens and peace in the midst of a life full of weariness. It gives us the sure hope that one day, in heaven, all trouble will be gone. Jesus is our Savior who gives us rest today and will give us perfect rest in heaven.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for providing us with a solution from all of life’s worries and burdens. Especially for the solution to the problem, which brought all this into the world, our sin. Jesus I am facing trials in my life, I bring them to you. Thank you for carrying them 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.

[Jesus said] “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Mark 9:50

Be Salty

Daily Devotion – October 8, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 9:50

See series: Devotions

Salt is an extremely useful substance. Today, we mainly use salt to season our food. But in the years before refrigeration, people also used salt to preserve food. Salt draws water out of food, preventing the growth of bacteria that can spoil food.

It’s hard to imagine salt losing its chemical properties. But if that were possible, it would make what normally is a very useful substance into a useless one. If salt no longer can season your food, and if it loses its ability to prevent food from spoiling, what good is it? You may as well just throw it away!

Jesus once said to his followers, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). His message was that those who believe in him help preserve the world from “spoiling.” Our world is filled with sinners, all of whom by nature care only for themselves. Sinners on their own are willing to do all sorts of things, including things that harm others, if they think that in the end it will benefit them. Those who trust in Jesus provide a preservative against that. Because of their faith in Jesus, they are eager to serve God by serving those who are around them.

But what if believers, the salt of the earth, no longer live their faith? What if they start living just like everyone else instead of serving God by serving those who are around them? Then they’re not good for much, are they? They’re just like salt that has lost its saltiness.

That’s why Jesus encourages us, “Have salt among yourselves.” Jesus wants all who trust in him to be “salty” people. And when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, that is exactly what we are. We are the salt that God uses to preserve this world. The faith that God has worked in our hearts leads us to love Jesus, who sacrificed himself to pay for all our sins. And that love for Jesus overflows into our love for others, which leads us to serve them and be at peace with each other.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, keep me always close to you that I may be salt in this world. 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.