Author: Kerry

Create in me a pure heart, O God, . . . A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:10,17

Breaking A Heart of Stone

Daily Devotion – May 29, 2021

Devotion based on Psalm 51:10,17

See series: Devotions

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. So goes the saying. And so it went with King David. One day his heart turned in lust to the wife of another man, and David fell hard. Not only did he commit adultery, but he also tried to cover up his sin with another sin—murder. Then he carried on as though nothing had happened, which also added to his guilt.

Looking back on his state of impenitence, David later wrote: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer” (Psalm 32:3,4).

The knowledge of his sin and punishment deserved from God weighed heavily on David’s spirit. But God was merciful to him and broke his heart of stone. The Lord sent his prophet Nathan to call David to repentance, and through that call, he changed David’s heart again.

Like David, we need to have our sin-hardened hearts broken each day as we repent of our sins. And we flee to God for his mercy, his unfailing love, and his great compassion. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God loves us and forgives us daily.

Prayer:
Let us pray with David: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Amen. (Psalm 51:10,12)

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.

Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?”
Acts 2:7

Ordinary People

Daily Devotion – May 28, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 2:7

See series: Devotions

The Bible tells us about a very special day shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven called Pentecost. On that day, the Holy Spirit of God gave Jesus’ followers the ability to speak in languages they had never learned so that they could tell the thousands of visitors in Jerusalem all about Jesus and what he had done. When they did, the Bible says that the people who heard them speaking were amazed. They asked, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?” These were not college-educated, multi-lingual, highly-skilled orators. They were blue-collar, callous-handed, working-class men. They were fishermen, like James and John. They were tax collectors, like Matthew. They were quick to talk and act but sometimes slow to think, like Peter. They were normal people. They had flaws and fears just like you and me.

Isn’t this comforting to know? God can do amazing things through ordinary people. People like you. It may not be speaking in a language you have never studied. But it might be speaking a word of encouragement to a co-worker, or a word of warning to a wayward teenager, or a word of comfort to a friend.

Why would God use someone like you to do something so important? Certainly not because you are such a deserving messenger. Just like Jesus’ disciples, you are sinful and flawed. But, just like Jesus’ disciples, you have a God who loves you and sent his Son to save you from your sins. That same God can now use you to serve him and the people he has brought into your life. Aren’t you utterly amazed?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, give me a heart that loves all people, as you love all people. Use me, an ordinary person, to serve the people you have brought into my life. 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.

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

Help Me Lord

Daily Devotion – May 27, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 2:21

See series: Devotions

The operator answers: 9-1-1, What’s your emergency? When people dial 9-1-1, they are calling for help. “Someone broke into my home! My house is on fire! There’s a bad accident on the freeway! I don’t know what to do. I can’t fix this. Please, come and help!”

But, whom do you call when you need spiritual help? When you are thinking, “I can’t do this alone, Lord. My guilt is too big. I’ve made a mess of my life. I’ve made so many mistakes—how can I possibly stand before you, O Lord, when my life is over? I need you, Lord. Please, come and help!”

There is only one person you need to call on when you need spiritual help—only one person who can help when you need spiritual help. That person is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, your guilt is overwhelming but remember, Jesus paid for your every sin on the cross.

Yes, you’ve made a mess of things, at nearly every turn; but remember, Jesus was perfect at every turn and in every moment of his life. He did that for you.

No, you can’t possibly stand before the Lord when your life draws to a close, not in the filthy rags of your own accomplishments or morality; but remember, Jesus paid your debt! He canceled your sin! He made you right with God!

When you next find yourself struggling spiritually, when you know you need help, remember today’s Bible reading, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Prayer:
O Holy Spirit, come to me with your Word of comfort. Help me to see Jesus as my only Savior and to love him with all 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.

[Jesus said] “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
John 14:26

The Work of the Spirit

Daily Devotion – May 26, 2021

Devotion based on John 14:26

See series: Devotions

The Bible teaches that there is only one God but that he exists as three separate persons. It is a profound mystery we can never fully comprehend. The Bible calls these three persons the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In our Bible reading for today, God the Son promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to bless his people. So just what would the Holy Spirit do?

He wouldn’t die on the cross; Jesus had already done that. Instead, the Holy Spirit would use that cross to convict the hearts of men, women, and children—this is what your sins have done! And he would use that same cross to console and comfort—this is what the Son has done for you! He’s paid your debt!

The Holy Spirit wouldn’t go from town-to-town preaching and baptizing; Jesus had already commissioned his disciples to do that. Instead, the Holy Spirit would be the power behind every word of truth the disciples would speak and write. The Holy Spirit would work through and in every baptism and every sermon.

The Holy Spirit wouldn’t change water into wine or feed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and fish. Jesus had done that. The Holy Spirit would instead perform different kinds of miracles. He would give new life to those dead in sin. He’d supply trust and faith where there had previously been unbelief and doubt. He would impart comfort and hope where there had been shame and despair.

What would the Holy Spirit do? Exactly what he does today. Whenever and wherever God’s Word is proclaimed, the Holy Spirit is regularly and repeatedly delivering love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit does exactly what Jesus said he would—he is reminding us of everything Jesus has said and done.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, keep my eyes focused on Jesus; help me to know him better. 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.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:2,4

The Wind Still Blows

Daily Devotion – May 25, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 2:2,4

See series: Devotions

In the hours after Jesus’ death, his closest followers were laying low, hiding behind locked doors. They were afraid, doubting, discouraged, and defeated. Then Jesus appeared to them. They were overjoyed but still not understanding everything completely. They needed extra teaching and tutoring. So Jesus promised to send a teacher, the Holy Spirit. That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

Now filled with the Holy Spirit, those disciples who once cowered were preaching in public. Those slow-to-understand students had become the teachers and, as a result of their teaching the gospel, 3,000 people believed that day. Those disciples who had haphazardly scattered when Jesus was arrested weeks earlier, now had become the very leaders, who in an organized fashion, scattered missionaries to share the gospel and save countless souls throughout the world.

But here’s a nightmarish thought: Imagine if that wind never blew that day and the Holy Spirit never came to teach and tutor those disciples. Imagine if the disciples stayed huddled in their room. Doubting, discouraged, and defeated. Imagine if those 3,000 people never heard the good news about Jesus and those missionaries were never sent to the far corners of the world.

Thank God that’s not what happened. Thank God the wind did blow, and the Holy Spirit did work powerfully on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit still works powerfully whenever and wherever the Word of God is proclaimed.

When your sins press hard and life’s challenges press even harder, go to where the wind blows. In other words, open up the Bible and read. Attend a worship service and listen to the preaching of the Word. The Holy Spirit will be there too. He’ll be teaching and tutoring you, just as he did the disciples.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, whenever I read your Holy Word, fill me with understanding. Strengthen my faith. Make me strong to do your will. 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.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:2,4

Life Changing Moments

Daily Devotion – May 24, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 2:2,4

See series: Devotions

Big, life-changing events can happen in a moment. Most tornadoes, for instance, last less than ten minutes; but in those short moments, a lot can happen. On May 22, 2011, at 5:34 P.M. a tornado touched down just west of Joplin, Missouri. Thirty-eight minutes later 8,000 buildings were destroyed, 1,000 people were injured, and 161 lives were lost.

Some of us know what it’s like to lose just about everything. In a moment, the flames, floods, or fierce winds can take away our possessions. In a moment, a doctor can click on that bright X-ray panel and our life can change. In a moment, that seemingly harmless temptation can snap its jaws around us like a bear trap and before you know it, we’re getting comfortable with attitudes, using words, or walking down paths no child of God ever should.

Bad, destructive things can happen in a moment. Good, beautiful things can happen too. On that first Pentecost, it happened very suddenly. There was a sound of a violent wind and the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. They in turn began telling others about the wonders of God and within moments, many other people were also filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit has used some special people and special moments in our lives to introduce us to Jesus and enable us to put our trust in him. What a moment it is when the sign of the cross is made on the head and heart when a child or adult is baptized into God’s family. What a moment it is when a youngster sits on grandma’s lap and hears about the Savior’s love. What a moment it is when a weary soul comes to Jesus for rest, when the sin-laden conscience is assured that Jesus has taken away all sin.

Even as you read or listen to this devotion, the Holy Spirit is working in your heart to calm and comfort you. What a wonderful moment!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I approach this day, help me to value every moment you give 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] “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:25-27

Promise of Peace

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2021

Devotion based on John 14:25-27

See series: Devotions

The words of a loved one can cause anxiety. Let’s say someone close to you says something like, “I am leaving soon. I am going to suffer, and I am going to die. Here are some specific things I want you to do.” Do you think you might have a little anxiety?

Jesus said those things to his disciples. He told them he was leaving. He told them he was going to suffer and die. And he told them that they would have a very specific job, repeating the things that he had told them. The disciples had anxiety; their hearts were troubled.

But Jesus did not just cause anxiety. He also relieved it. He told the disciples that after he was gone, the Holy Spirit would prompt them to remember what he told them—with no mistakes. After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the disciples would be able to preach and teach and write the New Testament of the Bible confidently, knowing that the Holy Spirit was making sure that every word was correct.

Jesus also relieved anxiety by telling his disciples that his suffering and death would bring peace and confidence. He would not remain dead. He would rise from the dead, proving that everything he said was true and showing that God continues to be in charge of this world.

God’s love for you in Christ Jesus gives you peace and takes away fear. You can also speak words that take away anxiety for your loved ones. Because of the peace that you have in Jesus, you are able to speak words of forgiveness to them. Because you know that the Bible is true, you can speak the truth to them in love.

When your heart is troubled, when you feel anxious, Jesus promises you peace.

Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. 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.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty).
Acts 1:15

God Is On Your Side

Daily Devotion – May 22, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 1:15

See series: Devotions

On the day of his ascension into heaven, Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses concerning him and that they were to do so in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

We learn from today’s Bible verse that right after Jesus’ ascension, the number of believers was 120. It sounds like an impossible task for the good news about Jesus to go so far with such a small group.

But the Bible assures us that God is the almighty One, the Maker of heaven and earth. God is the One who rules the winds and waves. God is the God who parted the Red Sea, who turned water into wine, who fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish. That is who God is!

How often we forget, doubt, or fail to appreciate this. We find ourselves fretting and worrying, getting stressed and anxious. Why? Have we forgotten that God is all-powerful? And even more importantly, have we forgotten that God loves us?

Remember that the same powerful God who could do all those amazing things loved us enough to go to the cross for us, to win forgiveness for us. Jesus, the true God, died for you. You are forgiven and loved—loved and forgiven by the all-powerful Ruler of all things.

And now it is that all-powerful God, the God who can accomplish the impossible, who is on your side!

Prayer:
O Almighty God, remind me that you are the all-powerful One. Use your power in the way that’s best for me and for all of your people. In Jesus’ saving 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.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59,60

Forgiveness

Daily Devotion – May 21, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 7:59,60

See series: Devotions

Reginald Denny was a delivery driver. One day his normal route through Los Angeles was flooded with rioters. He stopped his 18-wheeler so that he wouldn’t hit any people. But that’s when the trouble started for him. Rioters pulled him out of his semi, beating him to the point of unconsciousness and leaving him so badly damaged that he needed years of rehabilitation just to walk again.

Witnesses were able to identify the people who did this to him. The incident went to trial, but all the charges were dropped, except one felony count against one of the attackers who was given credit for time already served. After hearing that his attackers would go free, Reginald Denny went over to the mother of one of his attackers, reached out his arms, and hugged her. A few months later, Reginald was a guest on a talk show, where he looked one of his attackers in the eye and forgave him. His attackers destroyed so much of his life. Yet, he wanted them to know that he did not hold it against them.

Stephen wanted his attackers to know the same thing. His dying words were a prayer that God would forgive the men who used stones to destroy his body and life.

And why would he want his attackers to hear such a thing? Because that’s what Jesus had said to those who crucified him. “Father, forgive them,” Jesus prayed, as he carried the weight of the whole world’s sins and died, giving every sinner, even those who pounded the nails in, the right to walk through life knowing they are forgiven.

You are forgiven.

Whatever regrets refuse to leave your mind, whatever you did that fills your heart with guilt, whatever line you crossed, whomever you hurt, or whenever you chose not to help—you are forgiven.

This is why Stephen died at peace and faced death with confidence. He knew he was eternally protected with the same forgiveness Jesus won for you.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of undeserved forgiveness in 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.

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at [Stephen], dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Acts 7:57,58

The Impact of Faith

Daily Devotion – May 20, 2021

Devotion based on Acts 7:57,58

See series: Devotions

I wonder if Stephen was surprised when he saw Saul walk into heaven.

Saul was the name of a young man who was there when Stephen was killed for his faith. He didn’t try to stop what was happening. He approved of it. He held the coats of those who were throwing stones at Stephen and later hunted for other Christians he believed deserved persecution for their faith. As Stephen closed his eyes on earth for the last time, this young man named Saul was someone who wanted nothing to do with Jesus and someone we may have even voted as ‘least likely to be in heaven one day.’

Yet, this Saul is the same man who eventually became a disciple of Jesus, helped establish Christian churches throughout the world, and wrote 13 books in the Bible. Many today know him not as Saul but as the apostle Paul. It was a direct confrontation with Jesus that finally opened Saul’s eyes of faith. But as Saul looked back on the day Stephen died, he no doubt remembered a powerful example of what faith looks like. It is difficult to imagine that Stephen’s witness did not make a difference in Saul’s life, even if Stephen never saw that difference during his life on earth.

That’s the way it is with a Christian’s life of faith. Whether they know it or not, their life makes an impact on those around them. Perhaps you can think of a Christian whose life of faith impacted you. That life was lived the way it was because that Christian knew the love, joy, and forgiveness only Jesus can provide. It is a love, joy, and forgiveness that he provides for you, too. He promises it. And you can be sure he will keep his promise to every one of his followers.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant me a faith that trusts your promises so that my life might be a blessing 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.