Author: Kerry

For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.
Joshua 2:11

Simply Remarkable

Daily Devotion – August 31, 2020

Devotion based on Joshua 2:11

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If you’re looking for a thrilling story filled with suspense, espionage, and escapes, look no further than Joshua chapter 2. Joshua, the successor to Moses, had sent spies to a city called Jericho. The local king found out and tried to track down and capture the scouts. With the help of an unexpected ally, the Israelite spies narrowly escaped. Remarkable!

But not as remarkable as this confession of faith: “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” Did Joshua say that? Or maybe one of the spies who had been spared? No. Rahab, a harlot living in Jericho spoke those words. News of the Lord had made it to Jericho, to Rahab’s ears, and her very heart. She believed in the Lord God.

Of course, the spotlight doesn’t belong on Rahab but on God. The God of free and faithful grace sought out Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho. His forgiveness covered her sins and his tender heart accepted her into his family. God’s love is remarkable!

Rahab’s confession of faith is a reminder to you that God loves all people, and he wants all people to be part of his believing family. Whatever sins may lurk in your past, be assured that Jesus paid for them when he died on the cross. Whatever skeletons clatter around in your closet, be assured that because of Jesus, you have a fresh start and a clean slate before God. That’s simply remarkable!

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, my past is filled with sins too numerous to count. Remind me every day that you love me and that your death on the cross has removed my sins. Help me to live today in the joy of that forgiveness. 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.

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
1 Kings 19:3-5

Undying Hope

Daily Devotion – August 30, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:3-5

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American poet Robert Frost wrote: “I turned to speak to God / About the world’s despair; / But to make bad matters worse / I found God wasn’t there.” Maybe you’ve felt that way too. Desperate and downcast from the suffering in your own life or seeing evil appear to go unchecked around you, you may wonder where God is in all of this mess. And when God doesn’t appear to answer prayer, the future looks even darker than it did before.

The prophet Elijah came to a point in his life where he had abandoned all hope. Wicked Queen Jezebel was putting to death the prophets of the true God. The people had turned to worship false idols. By his calculations, Elijah was the last faithful believer left, and now he was running for his life too. Exhausted after fleeing through the wilderness, he plopped himself down under a broom bush and told God that he had had enough. In his desperation, Elijah wanted to die under that tree, but it would have served no good purpose.

Hundreds of years later, a man did die–not under a tree, but on a tree. He was nailed to it by Roman soldiers. His name was Jesus Christ, and his death did serve a good purpose. His sacrifice paid for the sins of all people of all time. It shows how much God loves the people of this world, sinful as we are.

Remember this when you become discouraged by the evil in the world. God has not abandoned us. He has not abandoned you. The sacrifice of his Son proves it. May it give you courage and confidence this day.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when I am frustrated with evil and ready to give up, remind me how you gave yourself up to defeat evil 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.

You who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience.
Romans 11:30

A Reason to Show Mercy

Daily Devotion – August 29, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 11:30

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If you’ve taken an English Literature class somewhere along the way, perhaps the name of Robert Browning rings a bell. Robert Browning was one of the most famous and successful English poets of the nineteenth century. Even more extraordinary than his poetry, however, was Robert’s wife, Elizabeth.

Before she met Robert, Elizabeth was a highly respected poet in her own right. But she lived at the home of her possessive and tyrannical father. When Elizabeth and Robert married, her father—for reasons perhaps known only to him—refused to talk to her. For the next ten years, Elizabeth faithfully wrote beautiful, loving letters to her father, patiently working to reconcile their relationship.

Then her father died. Around that time, she received a package in the mail from her father’s address. The package contained all of the letters she had sent over the previous ten years. He had never opened a single one.

A sad story? Yes. But there’s a larger story here that’s beautiful. That package of unopened letters was her expression of love for the most important person in her life. Over the years, Elizabeth had made no secret of her love for Jesus Christ as her Savior from sin. She knew all about the mercy and forgiveness he had won for her at the cross. His flood of undeserved love in her life empowered her to show mercy to others—even to an unforgiving father.

You and I have the same Savior. We have received the same forgiveness and undeserved love as Elizabeth. And we have the same reason to show mercy toward others—especially those who have hurt us.

After all, being merciful to others reflects our thanks to Jesus, who had such great mercy on us.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know the people in my life who have hurt me. Point me to the cross. Empower me to show mercy. Empower me to forgive. 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.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” . . . Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:25-27,33

Do Not Be Afraid

Daily Devotion – August 28, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 14:25-27,33

See series: Devotions

What are you afraid of? Failure, the future, loneliness, love, rejection, disease, death—everyone is afraid of something. But we learn from Jesus that, in him, we have nothing to fear.

Jesus’ disciples were sailing through the night across the Sea of Galilee. While they were still a fair distance from shore, wind and waves were pounding against the boat. As they were busy battling the elements, Jesus came strolling atop the water toward them. The disciples were terrified. But Jesus quickly took away their fears.

He gave them courage by reminding them of who he is. He is the LORD, the unchanging Savior God. He is the God who set boundaries for the waters of the earth, saying, “This far you may come and no farther” (Job 38:11). He is the God who used water to deliver the Israelites from the Egyptians. He is the God who made it rain after 3 years of drought during the days of Elijah. He is the God who gave Peter the confidence to walk on water and the faith to call on his Savior when doubt caused him to sink. He is God who stopped the waves from battering the boat without saying a word.

You have nothing to fear. Jesus is your God, your Savior. He is the God who stretched out his hands on the cross to save you from your sea of sins that would have pulled you under the waves of God’s righteous anger. He is the God who loosened death’s grip when he rose from the grave so that he could give you eternal life. He is the God who speaks courage into your heart when fear batters your spirit and faith into your heart when you are sinking in doubt. Because of Jesus, your God, you have nothing to fear.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I praise you for delivering me from death, calming my fears, and removing my doubts. 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.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. . . . Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:2-4,12

Find Joy in Trials

Daily Devotion – August 27, 2020

Devotion based on James 1:2-4,12

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Dr. Wayne Dyer, a self-help author, once said: “A bar of iron costs $5, made into horseshoes its worth is $12, made into needles its worth is $3500, made into balance springs for watches, its worth is $300,000.” To be worth that much, iron must go through quite a trial by fire. The more it passes through the heat, is hammered and polished, the greater its value.

As a rule, we try to avoid going through the heat. We don’t like experiencing trials in our lives. But James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenges us to change our perspective. He says that God uses trials to make us better. In that sense, they are a blessing from God. Our gracious God has a good goal in allowing us to face all kinds of trials. Trials build and strengthen the character of our faith. The testing of our faith helps us to focus on the right things, eternal things.

The trials God allows us to face remind us that this is not our home. A better life now is not the goal. God has already prepared the best life for those who love him in the world to come. It is an eternal home with him that Jesus made possible for us by his life, death, and resurrection. He faced every trial common to humanity and persevered. And when he passed through God’s fiery wrath on the cross for our sin, he forged the crown of life for all who love him.

So, when God calls you to face all kinds of trials, don’t sigh and say, “Oh, boy.” Remember the goal that God has in store for you after you have passed through them, look up and say, “Oh, joy!”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to you in trials so I may receive the crown of life you have prepared 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.

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Romans 9:1-5

The Value of Knowing Jesus

Daily Devotion – August 26, 2020

Devotion based on Romans 9:1-5

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In 1991, Teri Horton was looking for a gift for a friend. In a thrift store, she came across a large canvas covered with colorful drips and splatters. Even though Teri thought it was ugly, she bought it for five dollars. Her friend thought it was ugly too and gave it back to Teri. So, Teri tried selling the painting at a garage sale. An art teacher spotted the painting and suggested that it might be the work of the famous artist, Jackson Pollock. Teri responded, “Who is Jackson Pollock?” She had no idea that her five-dollar painting might be worth millions of dollars.

Many of the Jewish people living in the first century were in a similar situation. They had something extremely valuable but did not realize it. God had given the Jewish people a special place in his family and had promised that the Savior of the world would come from them. But when the Savior came, they saw no value in him. They rejected him and hung him on a cross. Even though Jesus proved that he was the Messiah, they doubted.

But the apostle Paul, a Jewish man by birth, knew the value of Jesus. His heart broke because his people rejected Jesus. They were rejecting God’s gift of undeserved love, free forgiveness, and eternal life. Paul loved his people so much that he was willing to give up those incomparable gifts if it would save them from eternal death.

But only One can save and has saved us. He is Jesus Christ. We are saved because of Jesus’ sinless life and his death for our sins. Trust him! His splattered blood beautifully covers over the sin-stained canvas of humanity. Don’t underestimate the value of Jesus. Believe it and celebrate it.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to know you and the value of your salvation. 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.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” . . . And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him.
Exodus 14:13,14,31

The Lord Fights for You

Daily Devotion – August 25, 2020

Devotion based on Exodus 14:13,14,31

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The future was full of promise. School lay behind him. His career and his bride-to-be stood before him. But then came the terminal diagnosis of cancer. Going back couldn’t save him. Going forward seemed impossible. He was terrified. Why had God led him to this seeming dead end?

The Israelites found themselves in a similar place of fear. God was leading them from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. But then Pharaoh summoned his army and pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea. With the sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them, the Israelites were terrified.

That night, the Lord drove the Red Sea back and divided its waters to save the Israelites and drown their pursuers. When the Israelites saw God’s might in action, they honored the Lord and put their faith in him.

God still answers our fears. Doctors gave that graduate a grim prognosis. There was nothing he could do but quiet his heart and go forward. And the Lord fought for him. Within months, his cancer was gone. He has been happily married for 17 years and blessed with two daughters.

The Lord also fights for you. He already has. Jesus endured the cross and overcame its curse for you. By his resurrection, he opened a way through death to the Promised Land of heaven for you.

When there is no way back and seems to be no way forward, remember to honor the Lord by trusting him. The Lord fights for you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I am afraid, help me to trust that you will fight 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.

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
1 Kings 19:11-13

A Soothing Sound of Grace

Daily Devotion – August 24, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:11-13

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At some point, we all struggle with our identity. We doubt our purpose. When God’s plans for us are puzzling, we question our relationship with him. Why does God seem far away and silent?

Elijah felt a similar doubt and discouragement. One of God’s Old Testament prophets, Elijah, had proven that the day’s popular idol, Baal, was a false god. But the people didn’t listen to Elijah. And when the queen put a price on Elijah’s head, he had to flee for his life. His faith was shaken. God seemed silent and far away.

So, Elijah confronted God. And God answered in a surprising way. He wasn’t in the violent wind, earthquake, or raging fire. He revealed himself in a gentle whisper. With that soothing sound of grace, God quieted Elijah’s doubts. Elijah wasn’t alone. He couldn’t see it, but through his work, God had preserved seven thousand who remained faithful. Everything was happening according to God’s good plan and purpose.

God still answers our doubts in the same way. Not with great signs and wonders, but with the soothing sound of grace in the Good News about Jesus. In Jesus, we find that we are free from the punishment our sins deserve. In Jesus, we find that God’s plan for us includes the glorious inheritance of heaven. In Jesus, we find our purpose, to declare God’s praises wherever he plants us.

Are you frustrated with your place and purpose in life? Is your faith in God shaken? Remember this simple truth: God is not silent. He is not far away. He is near you with his grace.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when I am troubled, quiet my heart to hear your gentle grace and to listen. 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.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:28-33

Keeping Your Head Above Water

Daily Devotion – August 23, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 14:28-33

See series: Devotions

Jesus is true God. He proved this by doing things that are impossible for humans to do. The Bible clearly states numerous times that Jesus did the impossible. He fed more than 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. He miraculously healed people. He raised people from the dead. And, as we hear in this section of Matthew’s Gospel, he walked on water toward his disciples who were struggling against high winds and waves.

The Lord also gave Peter the ability to walk on the water. Jesus told him to “Come!” and, trusting in the almighty power of Jesus, Peter did. But then the waves broke Peter’s “eye contact” with Jesus. Instead of focusing on the strength of Jesus’ promise, he focused on the size of the waves, and the precariousness of his position. Peter started to sink quickly.

What are the waves in your life? What are the problems that make you doubt his power and promises to still help and uphold you? Do you sometimes fear that you will not be able to keep your head above the waters of life’s adversities?

Peter changed his focus back to Jesus and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus’ response was to pull Peter back to safety. When you feel like you are sinking, focus your attention on Jesus, the almighty Son of God. He promises to help you; he can and he will!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal, 446)
I am trusting you, Lord Jesus, trusting only you,
Trusting you for full salvation, free and true.
I am trusting you, Lord Jesus; never let me fall.
I am trusting you forever and for all. 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.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 14:25-27

Take Courage

Daily Devotion – August 22, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 14:25-27

See series: Devotions

The disciples had left Jesus and embarked in their fishing boat to get to the other side of the lake. But the strong wind and high waves impeded their progress. In fact, they were rowing for about 10 hours and had traveled only about half the distance they intended to go. Tired and scared, they must have wished for Jesus to be with them. They recalled how Jesus saved them from the storm on the lake only a few months earlier. On that occasion, he was with them in the boat and simply commanded the wind to be still, and it was so. But this time, as far as they knew, Jesus was still at the place they left him, several miles away.

So they were surprised when Jesus appeared, miraculously walking on the water toward them. Instead of Jesus, they thought that they were seeing a ghost. This increased their fear because they thought that the appearance of a ghost was an omen of something terrible about to happen.

But nothing terrible was going to happen to them because Jesus was there. He spoke above the whirling of the wind and sound of the surf. “Take courage. It is I.” The familiar voice of Jesus was enough to drive away their fear.

Jesus is close to us. His voice sounds clearly through his promises in the Bible that he is always with us and that he will never leave nor forsake us. No matter how strong the winds of adversity blow in our face or as challenging as the waves of trouble might be in our lives, we can take courage in our Savior’s continual presence. He loves us dearly and assures us that he will help us overcome our circumstances, no matter how great the need or the danger may be.

Take courage. Jesus is with you!

Prayer:
Jesus, lead me to trust your promise that you are always with me to help and encourage me through every ordeal and detail of 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.