Author: Kerry

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 1:17,18

Do Not Be Afraid

Daily Devotion – May 2, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:17,18


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Have you ever seen one of those surprise homecoming videos? A soldier steps into a school gym, and suddenly, his child drops everything and runs into his arms. That moment—tears, relief, pure joy—feels like the world has been made right again. Dad is finally home.

Something similar happens in the first chapter of the book of Revelation. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, sees Jesus—not as humble as he was, but glorious as he is now. The sight causes John to collapse to the ground in fear.

But what does Jesus do? He reaches out, places his hand on John, and speaks the most repeated command in the Bible: “Do not be afraid.”

Here is why—Jesus isn’t just alive; he holds the keys to death and the grave. The two things that frighten us the most. Keys signify ownership and control. Death tried to hold Jesus down, but he walked out of the grave holding the keys in his hand. That means death doesn’t have the final say anymore. Jesus does.

If Christ has conquered death, then what do we have to be afraid of? Not our past; his blood covers it. Not our future; he’s already there. Not even death, because those who belong to him will rise as he did. For the believer, death is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a life that never ends.

This means that fear—about money, health, the world, or your failures—does not own you. Jesus does. He bought you with his blood. He conquered the grave so you can live free. And when fear creeps in, listen to his voice: “Do not be afraid.”

He was there for you in the beginning. He will be there for you at the end. And he is with you always to the very end of the age.

Prayer:
Jesus, keep me safe in your hands because you live and reign, now and forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Revelation 1:12-16

The Risen Christ is by Your Side

Daily Devotion – May 1, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:12-16


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In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, a pivotal moment occurs when Gandalf, once thought dead, reappears. He is transformed—radiant, authoritative, and victorious. The sight of him brings hope to his friends and terror to his enemies. This transformation reminds us of the infinitely greater glory of Christ revealed.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle John turns to see someone that the world thought was long dead. His eyes behold Jesus—not as the humble carpenter or crucified Savior—but as the risen and reigning King. His appearance is breathtaking. His snow-white hair and fiery eyes remind us that he is the eternal God who constantly looks out for his people and watches out for his enemies. His bronze feet and thunderous voice remind us that he is the King of kings who rules over everything for the good of his people, with whom he is always present.

What does this mean for you?

It means that Jesus has not and will never abandon you. No matter what chaos or challenges you face, Jesus is with you. You are more than a conqueror through him who lived, died, and reigns for you. He cares about you and is in control of your daily life. He knows your needs and sympathizes with your weaknesses. He is always there with you and for you, in his Word, to give peace and rest to your weary soul.

So, when the world overwhelms you, when doubts creep in, or fear grabs hold, remember this image of Jesus—blazing, brazen, braced, and boss. With you. For you. Always.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, be with me and bless me with your presence, power, and peace, today and always. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”
Revelation 1:9-11

Comfort My People

Daily Devotion – April 30, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:9-11


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Imagine you’re on a Mediterranean island with limestone cliffs and deep sapphire waters. The mountainous interior is blanketed with ancient olive trees. But this is no getaway. You are alone and in exile. The days are long. The nights, lonely. And hope seems like some distant mainland shore.

Then, one day, you find a message in a bottle with a map and a promise: rescue is on the way. Suddenly, everything changes. Even though you’re still on the island, you now have hope.

John, the apostle, was alone on a rocky island. He was suffering exile for his testimony about Jesus. Life was hard. But then, Jesus showed up and showed John—and shows us—that even in the hardest times, we have something to share with others.

John’s vision of the risen Christ reminded him—and reminds us—that we are part of his plan. We can comfort someone else who is going through hard times. We can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We can assure them that because Jesus lives, he has conquered death and reigns overall. His victory over sin, death, and the grave guarantees a glorious future.

Do you see the significance? Your struggles aren’t meaningless. Your job, family, and conversations are part of God’s mission to share. Jesus is with you, comforting, guiding, and strengthening through his Word.

So, take heart. Your life isn’t random or aimless. Because Jesus lives, every day is an opportunity to live out his mission and shine his light in a world that desperately needs it.

Prayer:
Risen Savior, you live and reign at God’s right hand. Give me courage to comfort those who suffer with the comfort I have received in your resurrection. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:7,8

The Alpha and Omega.

Daily Devotion – April 29, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:7,8


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We were lying awake on the cool grass on a quiet country night, staring up at the sky. Suddenly, the stars started to move, leaving a brief burning trail as they streaked across the heavens. At one point, the trail of one meteor, as thick as my finger, arched from one horizon to the other. Yet, I couldn’t even share it with others. The moment was gone before I could even say a word.

Now, imagine something even more glorious. Our Bible reading for today states that one day, Jesus is coming back. Whether we are awake or asleep, alive or deceased, everyone who loves him and those who rejected him will see him. This isn’t some frightening fairytale. It’s a fact.

No one will miss it, but some will miss out. You see, this is no ordinary event. Because Jesus, who was pierced for our transgressions, is returning to set all things right. Those who loved him and longed for his return will weep for joy. But those who rejected him will weep in despair.

But we don’t want anyone to miss out. So, whether at work, school, home, on the road, or out in public, live with purpose. Every blessing we receive and every challenge we face takes on a deeper meaning. Life isn’t about surviving; it’s about preparing ourselves and others for eternity. Those blessings and challenges are all opportunities to point others to the hope we have in Jesus. He’s coming to make all things new.

Sometimes, life moves pretty fast. Sometimes, life moves pretty slowly. But Jesus reminds us that he remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever. He was there in the beginning, and he’ll carry you to the end. So, love boldly. Speak gently. Serve joyfully. The King is coming!

Prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, fill me with joy, and give me opportunities to point others to you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:4-6

Priests to God

Daily Devotion – April 28, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 1:4-6


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Imagine a pioneer cutting a path through the wilderness. With every swing of the axe and step forward, he makes a way where none existed. These brave people didn’t just go for themselves; they blazed a trail so others could follow. Once they arrived, they sent out press—posters and printed words, inviting others to the freedom and peace of this new and better life.

Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, is the ultimate pioneer. What does this mean? Jesus didn’t just lay down his life only to pick it up again for his own sake. He is the One who—by his suffering, death, and resurrection—has blazed the way for us through death to a new and victorious life with him.

Whether we realize it or not, that’s the life everyone longs for—the life that is yours through faith in Jesus. A life in the kingdom of God to which you get to invite others.

And what’s in our press release?

In this kingdom, there are no outsiders overlooked and no one who is on one’s own. There is no turmoil, hostility, or struggle. In this kingdom, we are given a victorious life marked by grace, peace, and freedom in the blood of Christ. His blood guarantees God’s love poured out on us when we least deserve it. His blood galvanizes us against sin and fully pardons us when we do sin. His blood gives us every reason to praise him wholeheartedly.

Because Jesus lives, you have grace to sustain you, peace to calm you, and a mission to move you. And Jesus is with you every step of the way.

Prayer:
King of love and Lord of life, thank you for opening the way for me to eternal life. Empower me to share your grace, peace, and freedom in all I say and do. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

“Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
Revelation 1:7

Every Eye

Daily Devotion – April 27, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:7


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We don’t know what eventually happened to the Roman soldiers in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion. Perhaps some died quelling a forgotten riot or fighting a forgotten battle. Perhaps some of them died from injury or disease. Or, for all we know, all of them lived long and healthy lives, enjoyed their military retirement and died in their sleep at a ripe, old age.

But there is one thing we do know. Every one of them will see Jesus again.

“Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” the Bible says. No matter that they are long dead. No matter that their bodies crumbled into dust centuries ago. They will see Jesus again. They, and everyone else who has ever lived on this earth.

Have you ever thought about that? Everyone is going to see Jesus. Everyone. The checkout girl at the grocery store. The man who maintains the copier at your office. The administrator at the nursing home. The comedian on late-night TV. The boy who’s mowing your lawn this summer. The lead singer for your favorite band. The doctor who performed your mom’s knee replacement. Everyone is going to see Jesus. Whether they want to or not.

This simple fact keeps things real for us. Our Savior is real. Our forgiveness through faith in him is real. Eternal life is real.

It also gives us a sense of urgency. Our living Lord is coming back. When he does, the time for coming to faith in him is over.

Look around you. Every eye you see will one day look on the face of Jesus. Prepare them for that moment. You know what to do.

Prayer:
Living Savior, one day you will return. While there is still time, empower me to share your gospel with those around me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4

Set Your Heart on Things Above

Daily Devotion – April 26, 2025

Devotion based on Colossians 3:1-4


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What is your heart set on? Are you set on getting outside with the warmer weather and doing some springtime planting? Are you perhaps just itching to get out fishing? When your heart is set on something, notice how much of your life revolves around your mindset. If you can’t wait to plant, you are now getting all the things prepared and purchased. If it’s fishing, you’re working to prepare gear and tackle so that everything is ready to go.

We are just a few days removed from Easter Sunday. Do you remember what Christ’s heart was set on? He made it his entire life’s goal and passion to win our eternal salvation by crushing the head of Satan, giving up his life, and then rising in three days. If Christ had been distracted by the things of this world—power, prestige, earthly wealth, he would not have won our salvation, and we would still be dead in our sins. Praise God that Jesus set his heart on things above—on doing his Father’s will so that we might now have forgiveness, life, and peace.

The apostle Paul shares with us what it means to have our minds set on things above. He says that we died. That is to say that the controlling power of the sinful nature inside each of us is now dead. Christ has set us free and truly made us alive, just as Christ Jesus is alive and alive in us by faith.

May our hearts and minds always be set on things above. In the same way, may we also reflect what’s in our hearts and on our minds as we speak to one another about Christ’s victory over sin, death, and hell. It’s the best mindset to have and an even better one to share!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me a heart that is filled with love for you and a mind that is focused on all that you have accomplished for my salvation. Preserve me in saving faith and finally bring me to share in the glory that you have prepared for me and all believers in heaven. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

The Feast of Victory

Daily Devotion – April 25, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9


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Every year at the Masters Golf Tournament, past winners gather for a feast. The menu is set by the previous year’s winner. He often chooses items unique to his region and home. Some of the best chefs use the freshest, tastiest ingredients to put the meal together. It is an elite banquet reserved for the world’s most elite golfers.

The prophet Isaiah describes an even greater banquet. The diners are the victors of something more glorious than even the greatest golf tournament. The feast itself is tastier than anything a three-star Michelin chef could come up with.

These people are celebrating their victory over death. God has rejoined their bodies and souls to delight in a feast put together by God himself. They watch in awe and delight as the Lord destroys death.

Death, the great eater, the consumer of all that is living, is itself swallowed by Jesus. And Jesus left no crumbs. Death is completely destroyed by his resurrection. The sorrow that death causes is gone. The pain that death creates is engulfed by the love of Jesus.

The people eating and celebrating at this meal are the ones who trust in Jesus to save them. They rejoiced in life that God had secured their salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And they will spend eternity enjoying the great celebratory feast and their victory over death.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for swallowing up death for me. Help me to always trust in you and rejoice in the salvation you have won for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:2,3

The Tomb Is Empty

Daily Devotion – April 24, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 24:2,3


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The women came to anoint the dead body of Jesus on Sunday morning. Instead, they found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Confusion clouded their minds. Their first thoughts were that someone had taken Jesus’ body.

If Jesus’ body had been stolen, who would have taken it? The Roman authorities had no reason to remove it; they wanted to keep order and suppress any claims that Jesus had risen. The Jewish leaders certainly would not have taken it; they had asked for a guard to ensure the body stayed in the tomb. And the disciples? They were hiding in fear, devastated by their master’s crucifixion.

An empty tomb alone does not prove a resurrection, but it’s a good start. Add to the empty tomb the undeniable fact that Jesus’ body was never found, the eyewitness testimonies of his disciples, and the radical transformation of those who saw him alive.

The resurrection was confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, Peter, the disciples, and more than five hundred at one time. These were not hallucinations. Hallucinations are individual experiences, yet Jesus appeared to groups of people, spoke with them, ate with them, and invited the disciple Thomas to touch his wounds.

Skeptics suggest alternative explanations, but none hold up under scrutiny. If the disciples had fabricated the resurrection, why would they suffer and die for it? If Jesus had merely swooned on the cross, how could a severely wounded man roll away a massive stone and escape unnoticed?

The simplest, most reasonable explanation is the one the Bible gives: Jesus truly rose from the dead. His resurrection is not just an ancient claim—it is the foundation of the Christian faith and the promise of resurrection to all who believe in Jesus. Because the tomb is empty, we know that death is not the end. Because he lives, everyone who trusts in Jesus as their Savior will also live.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, send me your Spirit to help me believe more and more in the certainty of Jesus’ resurrection. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.
Luke 24:5-8

Resurrection Promised. Resurrection Delivered.

Daily Devotion – April 23, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 24:5-8


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It didn’t make sense to them when Jesus spoke those words. They had seen his power. Power over sickness. Power over nature. Power over spiritual forces. But when Jesus spoke about dying—death at the hands of his enemies and sinners—it didn’t make sense.

How could their Messiah die? And what did he mean about being raised again? No one had ever done that. Sure, people like to call their shot, but no one has ever called their own shot about coming back from the dead. Once you died, that was it! At least until Jesus came.

The angels reminded the women that everything had happened as Jesus said it would. He was delivered to his enemies and crucified, but now it was the third day. And Jesus was raised to life. The woman remembered that Jesus had predicted this all along. It wasn’t just that Jesus had predicted this; it was the implications.

If Jesus can predict his death and resurrection from the grave and then has the power to pull it off, what can’t Jesus do? And if Jesus kept his promise to rise from the dead, he would keep all his promises. Jesus is exactly who he says he is. Jesus does exactly what he promises to do. His resurrection from the dead proves it.

We could spend our entire lives marveling at what that means; it still wouldn’t be enough time. Thankfully, Jesus’ death and resurrection mean that his believers will spend an eternity with him, not just marveling at what it means but experiencing it. Because Jesus has power over his death, it means he has power over your death. Trust him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, your resurrection proves you are the Son of God. Help me to believe all your words. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.