Author: Kerry

God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6,7

The Best Is Yet To Come

Daily Devotion – March 13, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:6,7


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I am a firm believer that anytime you go to a party and there are appetizers, it is going to be a good party. Appetizers set the stage for what kind of night you’re going to have. If the appetizers are delicious, you think, “Wow, if the appetizers are this good, I can’t wait for the main dish!” On the other hand, if the appetizers are terrible, you think to yourself, “I can’t wait to get this taste out of my mouth with what comes next.” Either way, appetizers get you ready for something better! At least, that’s my theory.

In our Bible verse today, we’re told that what God has in store for us in heaven is incomparable to what we are experiencing in life. That’s amazing! It blows your mind! Just think of it! If you’re saying to yourself, “My life is great! I am extremely blessed! I couldn’t ask for more.” God tells you, “You think that you’re blessed now? You ain’t seen nothing yet! Just wait until you come to heaven! You’re not going to believe what I have in store for you!”

On the other hand, if this week, month, or year has been plagued with problems and heartache, and you’re dying for it to get better, take heart, God assures you, “This too shall pass. The best is yet to come! Just wait until you celebrate at the banquet of heaven!”

All of this is made possible because of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He delivered us from death! He paid for our sins and has secured our home in heaven! May we find his blessing every day, and may God bless us with patience as we wait until he brings us home.

Prayer:
Dear God, continue to assure me with your Word that I am loved by you because of Jesus. And may the promise of my home in heaven lift my heart when times of pain come. Amen.

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:3-5

Saved by Grace

Daily Devotion – March 12, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:3-5


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Do you compare yourself to other people? Of course you do! When we were in school, we looked at our grades to see how we measured up with our classmates. As we got older, we compared salaries, homes, cars, vacations, etc. We go to the gym and see who is in better shape than us and who isn’t. For most of us, measuring ourselves next to others lets us know where we stand.

I’ll admit that I sometimes do this when I look at how my classmates, neighbors, and coworkers live as well. And when I see them doing something “bad,” a part of me says, “Well, at least I don’t do that!” I’m guessing I’m not alone. Do you ever think that you are better than other people? I’m sure, at times, that thought has crossed your mind.

Here is the truth: God doesn’t judge us by our standards of being a “good” or “bad” person. He judges us by HIS standard, and HIS criterion is perfection. None of us is perfect, however. All of us fall short of measuring up. All of us deserve to face God’s wrath.

But the Bible tells us that God is “rich in mercy.” His heart is overflowing with compassion, and God makes up for our shortcomings and failures. He did that by sending us his Son, Jesus, to live the life of perfection that we can’t live. So, no matter how bad you’ve been or how much better you think you are than your neighbor, the only way anyone can match up to God’s standard of perfection is to be saved by Jesus, saved by grace. Thank God that he has done that for us!

Prayer:
Dear God, I know I am unworthy of you and deserve nothing but your punishment. Thank you for sending Jesus to save me from your just wrath. Amen.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:1-5

I’m Alive!

Daily Devotion – March 11, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 2:1-5


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A long time ago, there was a Christian man who had become highly respected in his church. He was a leader. He was someone people looked to for guidance. As far as most could see, it appeared that he lived his life in a way that pleased God. However, this man hadn’t always lived a Godly life. In his youth, he had lived a rather wild life. Women, wine, partying—he indulged in it all!

One day, he was walking down the street, and one of the women he used to party with saw him and shouted out his name to get his attention. She ran up to him and asked him, “It’s me. Don’t you recognize me” And he replied, “I do recognize you. But I am not that man anymore. That part of me is dead.”

In the words for our devotion we are reminded of the mercy God extends to us—mercy which graciously forgives us for all of our wrongs and faults. God does not treat us as our sinful pasts deserve—instead, he shows us undeserved love—grace. YOU are forgiven! Yes, even YOU! No matter what you’ve done or how far you may think you have fallen, God loves you and has forgiven you of that past because of Jesus!

When we realize this amazing gift, how can we do anything but say no to those desires and cling to our God who loves us?

Prayer:
Dear God, help me to remember each and every day of the new life I live for you. Help me to reject the deadened path of sin and walk with you today and always. Amen.

The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
Numbers 21:7-9

Keep On Looking at Jesus

Daily Devotion – March 10, 2024

Devotion based on Numbers 21:7-9


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To get healed from a snakebite, you look to … a snake? It seems crazy. But it worked because God had promised that it would. God didn’t take away the poisonous snakes; instead, he dealt with the poison.

And that is what he’s done for you and for me regarding the “poisonous snake” called “sin.” Has that snake bitten you this week? A better question would be: How horribly has sin bitten you this week? That’s more accurate, right.

God gives help for the poison of sin. Jesus talked about it in John chapter three, when he said to Nicodemus, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:14,15). God’s answer to sin was to charge Jesus with all of those sins, and put Jesus on a cross to pay for them. When Jesus died, he paid for sin in full. Everyone who looks to Jesus and trust in him for forgiveness is healed of their sin, just as everyone who looked at that bronze snake in Moses’ day were healed of their snakebite. So, keep your eyes on Jesus and trust that through him, you really are healed of your sin.

Prayer:
O Savior, forgive me for underestimating the horror of sin. Lead me back to your cross over and over, that you might continue to assure me that I’ve been healed by your work, that indeed I’ve been healed forever. Lead me to live in the confidence of forgiveness, and to reflect your joy to those around me. Amen.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25

Been There Done That

Daily Devotion – March 9, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:25


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Christian author Timothy Keller has made a compelling observation about Christianity in our society. He says that many in our culture look at Christianity and think to themselves, “Been there. Done that.” In other words, from their point of view they grew up with Christianity, know it through and through, found no satisfaction in it, are bored with it, and have long since moved on. “Been there. Done that.”

But according to Timothy Keller, the real problem is that many have become familiar with the trappings of Christianity—but just enough, in Keller’s words, to “inoculate” themselves. As a result, their attitude towards Jesus Christ might come down to something like this: Jesus is nice. Jesus is quaint. Jesus is good for my kids. Jesus makes me feel better when someone dies—and that’s about all.

If Timothy Keller’s observation is valid—if it is true that the attitude of “been there, done that” is a big part of the cultural air we breathe, then you and I have an important question to ask ourselves. Have we ever fallen into the same trap? Somewhere along the line, has our familiarity with the trappings of Christianity make us think we now have the right to smile that knowing smile, to nod that knowing nod, to sigh and say, “Been there. Done that”?

If we have, it means you and I have dabbled in the same kind of cultural “wisdom” that the apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians chapter 1. Such wisdom is no wisdom at all. Instead, it’s just a lie dressed up like some world-weary truth. Such lies are toxic and lethal. All they do is put cold, uncaring distance between us and our Savior.

Thank God that the Lord Jesus does what he has to do to pull us out of the trap, to shake us up, to call us to repentance. And when that happens, there he is, ready to embrace us in his assurance of forgiveness, cover us in the blanket of his love, and bring us back home.

Prayer:
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, when I have used my familiarity with Christianity as a twisted excuse to ignore you. Embrace me. And help me begin again. Amen.

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. . . “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Exodus 20:1,2,12-17

Zeal for Service

Daily Devotion – March 8, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 20:1,2,12-17


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As a child, you sometimes bristled at your parents, teachers, and coach’s rules. They felt restrictive, burdensome, and unnecessary.

There are times you feel like that about God’s rules, too. Today’s Bible reading focuses on the fourth to tenth commandments. God’s commandments are straightforward, but we might wonder, “Does God realize the situation that I’m in? Those government leaders are corrupt and inept. That person deserves my revenge. My lusting doesn’t hurt anyone. My employer should pay me more if they want more effort. It’s fun to talk about the juicy gossip. Some people do seem to have all the luck.”

God is aware of how your sinful nature thinks. That’s why he has rules. They aren’t meant to keep you from having fun. They are meant to help you and others enjoy life more. The God who gave you the Ten Commandments is the same God who saves you from hell and gives you freedom from slavery to sin. You can trust this God when he tells you that selfish sins never lead to a more enjoyable life. God wants to spare you from the suffering that goes with your selfish sins.

Unfortunately, none of us can perfectly keep God’s commandments. But Jesus did. And because he did so in our place, God gives us the credit for Jesus’ perfect life. Let this promise not only comfort you but motivate you to strive all the more to follow God’s loving commandments.

Prayer:
Gracious Savior, give me zeal to follow your commandments, knowing that you know what is best for me and those around me. Amen.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Exodus 20:7

Zeal for Purposeful Worship

Daily Devotion – March 7, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 20:7


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Being a parent is a joy and a challenge. Your child can make you proud and look good by the way they live their life. Your child can also disappoint you and disgrace your family name. Fair or not, your child is a reflection of you.

The Bible says that God is your heavenly Father. Those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior are called God’s child and bear God’s name—Christian. They are part of God’s family. They represent God as they live their lives. People see who God is and what God is like as they encounter God’s people.

Today’s Bible passage is a strong warning against misrepresenting God and his good name. Every time we speak or act in ways that go against who God is and what God is like, we break this commandment.

Thankfully, God has given us the sacrament of holy baptism. In this sacrament, water is poured over a person in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In this act, God is giving the person his name and making the person a member of his family. Through faith in Jesus, God washes away their sin–even the sin of misusing his name.

If you’ve not been baptized, find a faithful church and find out more about it. You want and need the remarkable blessings it affords. And as a baptized child of God, you can spend the rest of your life properly protecting God’s good name.

Today’s reading is the second commandment. It sounds negative, but God is trying to help us understand the privilege and responsibility of being a part of his eternal family. It’s a special family. Embrace the privileges and responsibilities that go along with the name.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to always properly represent your good name. Amen.

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
John 2:13-17

Zeal for Joyful Worship

Daily Devotion – March 6, 2024

Devotion based on John 2:13-17


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Passover worship was one of three special worship times of the year for God’s Old Testament people. The Passover corresponds with celebrating Easter today. The Passover celebrated how God saved the nation of Israel from death and freed them from slavery in Egypt. The greater significance of the Passover was that it foreshadowed how a Savior was coming who would save sinners from punishment for their sins and free sinners from slavery to sin so they could live a God-pleasing life on earth. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover.

Imagine how joyous this occasion was for Jesus as he came to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem at the beginning of his ministry–a ministry that would end with him fulfilling the purpose of the Passover with his innocent suffering, death, and victorious resurrection from the dead. What should have been joyous, exciting, and uplifting was disappointment, as sinful corruption and distraction were everywhere.

How is your zeal and excitement for worship? Keep in mind that your attitude and behaviors regarding worship are a reflection of your relationship with God. Every time you gather for worship, you celebrate your Savior Jesus—the eternal salvation and spiritual freedom he provides.

Let Jesus’ zeal for you motivate you for zealous, joyful worship of him every week with other Christians.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, consume me with your zeal so that I zealously and joyfully worship you Amen.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
“There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the LORD.”
Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 23:3

Zeal for Restful Worship

Daily Devotion – March 5, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 23:3


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Today’s Bible passage is the third of the Ten Commandments. The word “sabbath” means “rest.” If given the chance to work seven days a week, many would do it, and physical rest would suffer. God loves us, so he commands us to take time for physical rest every week for our physical health.

More importantly, these words remind us that God wants us to get rest for our souls. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest…for your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29). Whether we realize it or not, our souls are weary from daily battles against temptations to sin and the guilt of losing some of those battles.

We need rest for our souls. We need reminders that we are not alone; we are loved, forgiven, and victorious in Jesus to deal with anything in life. God gladly provides that rest in his Word. Daily time spent resting in that Word is vital to our spiritual health. So, too, is weekly time spent resting in God’s Word while gathered in “sacred assembly” with Christian brothers and sisters.

The German reformer Martin Luther summarized the Third Commandment in this way: “We should fear and love God that we do not despise preaching and his Word, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.” Guilt and weariness encircles us as we compare these words to our own mindset about worship. Lord have mercy! And he does! Jesus perfectly kept the Third Commandment, and through faith in Jesus, God considers us to have kept the Third Commandment perfectly as well. Since that is true, trust the Lord that gathering for worship while here on earth will provide you with the spiritual rest you need until you are safely worshiping God in heaven.

Prayer:
Triune God, give me zeal to gladly hear and learn your Word so that I am well rested for life and eternity. Amen.

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Zeal for Foolish Worship

Daily Devotion – March 4, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:22-24


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“Christ crucified” is the Biblical message that 2,000 years ago, God sent into the world his only son, Jesus Christ, so that he could be executed on a cross where he suffered the punishment of hell and death as the substitute for every sinner, including you and me. “Christ crucified” makes it possible for sinners, who believe in and worship him as their Savior, to avoid the hell they earned for their sins and to spend eternity in heaven instead.

The Jews of Paul’s day represent those who reject Jesus as their eternal Savior because they were expecting something different. In the minds of many, eternal condemnation in hell is not the biggest problem facing them. Climate change, terrorism, politics, health issues, financial worries, and racism are bigger REAL issues, and “Christ crucified” doesn’t seem to solve those problems. If God would take care of real earthly issues, they would be more willing to listen to the Bible’s message.

The Gentiles of Paul’s Day represents all those who reject Jesus as their eternal Savior because their human reason gets in the way of faith. Christ crucified is too exclusive because it excludes the possibility that non-Christians go to heaven. Christ crucified is too restricting because it keeps me from living my life on my terms as it tells me that there are certain attitudes, words, and behaviors that are sinful. Christ crucified goes against my human pride that wants to play a role in solving my problems in my own way.

Both the attitude of the Jews and the Gentiles lead people away from Jesus and the salvation he promises to all who follow him. Do not adopt either attitude. Instead, trust the truth that Christ was crucified for you to save you from your sins and assure you of eternal life with the God who created you. It may seem foolish to many people in this world, but it is the most precious message there is.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, give me the zeal to embrace foolish worship of Christ crucified, now and forever. Amen.