Author: Kerry

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28

All Things

Daily Devotion – August 16, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:28

See series: Devotions

It was the last night of a Christian retreat, and Paul Lim felt immense relief. As far as Paul was concerned, the entire retreat so far had been awful—awkward company, poor quality music, and even the food was bad. Besides, Paul was an economics major at Yale, and his worldview was completely secular, even atheistic. With the end of the retreat in sight, Paul sat towards the back of the room for the final session.

As he did, the band got back on stage. It then played a song Paul had never heard before. And there was something about that song—something in the words that struck Paul’s heart. And Paul Lim began to sob. Before long, Paul professed his faith in Jesus as his Savior.

Fast forward to Paul’s next semester at Yale. If one were writing a feel-good movie, the script would call for Paul Lim to feel happy and satisfied now that he had become a Christian. But that was not the case. An immediate consequence of his Christianity was extreme loneliness. His friends were, abruptly, no longer a part of his life. But, as Paul later admitted, it was the loneliness that drove him to read the Bible. In fact, in that one semester, Paul Lim read through the entire Bible seven times. And it was during those difficult days that Paul Lim began to get truly acquainted with the person of Jesus Christ.

In our Bible reading today it says, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” For some of us, these words have become almost a cliché, a throw-away line we use to assure ourselves that everything is going to be okay. When we do, however, we often overlook God’s promise to be at work in our darkest moments.

Today, Paul Lim teaches history at a major university. He is also openly Christian, inviting his students to ask questions. By the power of the gospel, he knows what Jesus did on the cross to wash his sins away. He also knows how God uses even dark times for profound good. That’s how the Lord works—in your life and mine too.

Prayer:
Lord, in my difficult times, remind me that you are at work. Carry me through. 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 reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have now bowed down to Baal.
1 Kings 19:18

Appearance Verses Reality

Daily Devotion – August 15, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:18

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The classic adventure-fantasy film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, concludes with this climactic scene: The Nazis have seized what they believe is the actual Ark of the Covenant from the Old Testament. They open the Ark, expecting to find fascinating wonders inside. All they find, however, is sand. They—and we, the audience—droop in disappointment. They are about to shrug their shoulders and move on. Before they do, however, angels fly out of the Ark. At first, the Nazis are thrilled, but they quickly realize their doom is at hand. In dramatic fashion, the angels dispatch all the Nazis, and good prevails.

This scene is a good example of appearance vs. reality: It appears the Nazis have the upper hand. It appears the Ark is simply a harmless box full of sand. But then comes reality and reality is very different. Appearance vs. reality is a theme in countless works of literature, plays, and, more recently, movies. Such ancient themes in our stories resonate for a reason. They resonate because what appears to be true often isn’t reality.

This brings us to the true account of the prophet Elijah. From his perspective, it appeared that belief in the Lord had virtually disappeared and that he was the only believer left. All he could see around him was a rampant belief in the false god Baal, a fertility god who promised material success and reckless pleasure without consequences. Baal had hundreds of prophets. The Lord had one.

Ever feel like Elijah? Ever feel as though God’s Word is in full retreat and the lies of the devil are in full command? From one end of our culture to the other, it can appear as though all is crumbling, all is darkness, and all is lost.

But appearance is one thing. Reality is something else. The Lord assured Elijah that he was far from alone. The same holds true for us. The Church remains. The gospel message of full forgiveness through faith in Christ continues to bring souls into the light. And it is this reality—the reality of Jesus our Savior—that has the final word.

Prayer:
Lord, move me to look beyond mere appearances. You alone have the final word. 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.

After the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:12

Small Moment

Daily Devotion – August 14, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:12

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The year is 1783, and the fledgling United States of America is in real trouble. For some time, Congress has failed to pay the nation’s army its wages. Things have gotten so serious that the officers of the army have gathered in a special meeting to discuss mutiny. As they do, one man walks in, desperate to talk them out of it. The man is their commanding officer, George Washington.

In talking to his men, Washington uses every ounce of his persuasive power. It still is unclear, however, whether or not his tired, bitter, angry officers are going to listen. Then comes a small moment. Washington wants to read from a letter. To do so, however, he needs to put on his glasses. As he does, Washington softly says, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The moment moves the officers to tears. The officers’ affection for their old commander is overwhelming. The zeal for mutiny quickly fades. The collapse of the United States does not take place.

In 1 Kings chapter 19, the prophet Elijah is tired, angry, and bitter. Rejection of God throughout the land seems so complete that Elijah feels as though he is the only one left. The Lord, however, announces to Elijah that his presence is about the pass by. First comes a powerful wind, but the Lord is not in the wind. Then comes an earthquake, but the Lord is not in the earthquake. Then a fire; but the Lord is not in the fire. But then comes a small moment. There comes to Elijah a gentle whisper. It’s the voice of God in his Word. With that, the Lord begins to flush out Elijah’s despair by refreshing him in his gospel promises.

There are times when you and I feel like Elijah. The burdens of sin can isolate and smother us. But then comes the small moment—the moment of God’s voice through his gospel; through it, he refreshes us. He brings forgiveness through faith in Christ. He pulls us back from despair. He empowers us to carry on.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you. Thank you for every moment you give me in your Word. 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.

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Matthew 14:22-24

Jesus Knows Our Troubles

Daily Devotion – August 13, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 14:22-24

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All people—including Christians—have problems. Even many of our happiest times are spoiled by something that has gone wrong. The prospect of what awful things the future may hold distresses many people. But it doesn’t have to be that way for us. Children of God know that they have a Savior who loves them, who was willing to die for them, and who took away all the punishment for their sins. And that same Savior steps into the turmoil of our lives and says to us, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus knows what our troubles are. Even though Jesus was not with his disciples, he knew where they were and their needs. The disciples were not able to make much headway in the strong wind and against the high waves. They had been straining at the oars for most of the night and were only three miles from the shore. But even in the darkness of night and at such a distance, Jesus knew exactly where his friends were. This would be impossible for an ordinary man but not for the all-knowing Son of God.

In that same way, Jesus knows exactly where we are at all times, and he knows what circumstances we are facing. Jesus knows the difficulties we are going through. From the top of that mountain, he saw the plight of his disciples. And now, from heaven’s vantage point, he sees our lives’ struggles.

When you cry out to him for help, don’t be afraid that he will not find you. Jesus sees you, knows your need, and can reach you wherever you are.

Prayer: (Psalm 138:7)
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

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.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:19-21

With Jesus There Is Always More

Daily Devotion – August 12, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 14:19-21

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With Jesus, there is always more. More than five thousand people were fed with five loaves and two fish. And leftovers galore—there was more food left over than they had at the beginning.

This miracle is a big deal. It’s one of the few recorded in all four books in the Bible about Jesus’ life. The repetition means Jesus really wants us to know about it. Why? He wants us to know that he is able to take care of us and provide everything we need.

This is a simple lesson to know but difficult to believe. Your sinful nature wants you to think that you take care of yourself. The devil does not want you to trust God. He wants you to trust yourself and say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17).

But is that true? Who gives you time to work? Who gives you the strength to work? Who gives you the skills to work? Moses told the Old Testament people of Israel, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Jesus doesn’t work miracles to flaunt his power. He works miracles to show that he is God Almighty in human flesh. Jesus gives health and wealth because that is what Jesus does. He provides his life, death, and resurrection for your salvation. If he can do that, he can do something as simple as providing daily bread.

Because with Jesus, there is always more. Jesus’ compassion for you knows no bounds. No need is too impossible for Christ to meet. No sin is too big for Jesus to forgive. You can trust him with anything and everything!

Prayer:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. 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 have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength . . . And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:11-13,19

Persistent Contentment

Daily Devotion – August 11, 2023

Devotion based on Philippians 4:11-13,19

See series: Devotions

It has been said that contentment isn’t having what you want; it is wanting what you have. That’s a mostly true statement, but it still puts “stuff” at the center of contentment. Somehow, I don’t think that was the secret to contentment that the apostle Paul had learned.

If we center our contentment in stuff or circumstances, we will find it hard to have persistent contentment. That is because stuff and circumstances change every day! Stuff wears out. Circumstances shift rapidly. The secret of contentment is to center it in something that never changes, no matter what. That was the secret Paul had learned.

Instead of stuff and circumstances, we center our contentment in Christ Jesus. No matter what life is like around us, Christ meets us with his love and promises. Every day, no matter what, there is forgiveness for your sins. Every day, no matter what, God promises to watch over you and care for you. Every day, no matter what, you get to look forward to the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

That is the secret to contentment! The promises of God strengthen you to live with persistent contentment no matter the circumstances of your life because the promises of God never change. God will meet all your needs through the riches he has already brought you in Christ Jesus. And if he’s given you that blood, he’ll give you everything else you need; you can trust that.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, work in me greater faith which always sees your promises and provision. Give me humility when I have plenty and assurance when I am in want. Work in me a persistent contentment centered 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.

[Jesus said] “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:25,26,33

Freedom From Worry

Daily Devotion – August 10, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 6:25,26,33

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The rain had just stopped on a warm summer evening when my family and I decided to go for a walk. As we walked down the sidewalk, we were commenting on all the worms lying on the warm, damp concrete. Just then, a bird swooped down and flew off with a worm in its beak.

I highly doubt that bird was worried about its meals. It simply swooped down and picked up the meal God provided that evening. And if God provides a meal like that for a bird (for which Jesus didn’t die), will he do it for you (for whom Jesus did die)? Of course, he will!

In fact, the apostle Matthew says that not only does God know what you need, but he also says, “it will be given to you.” Imagine that! The very things the rest of the world spends their lives chasing are just given to believers at God’s promise. That means we don’t have to worry about our physical needs.

So, what should we spend our lives doing now that we’re free from that worry? We can seek the kingdom of God and live in righteousness! God’s kingdom comes as he reigns as king in the hearts of believers. Free from worry and pursuing the world, we can instead pursue God’s kingdom in Word as we grow in faith and assurance that our sins are gone in Jesus. And we expand his kingdom as we bring his Word to others.

So, let your anxiety be replaced by God’s assurance of provision. Find your peace in being part of God’s kingdom through the blood of Jesus. Find your joy in spreading his Word to others.

Prayer:
Providing God, strengthen me by your word to live free from material worry and make me passionate to seek your kingdom. 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.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Fearless Generosity

Daily Devotion – August 9, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

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Recently, my wife and I planted a zinnia garden in our yard. We weren’t sure of the soil quality in that spot, so we were tempted to plant only a packet or two of seeds. After all, why waste good seeds in bad soil? In the end, we decided to plant multiple packets of seeds, way more than needed. Why? Because we wanted zinnias and lots of them! The only way to get lots of zinnias is to plant lots of seeds, even if there is risk involved.

The apostle Paul applied that same principle to our material wealth. Paul was writing to the Corinthian congregation and inviting them to participate in the offering of money that Paul would take back to the needy Christians in Jerusalem. The gift would support the preaching of the gospel. And the more preaching that happens, the more opportunity the Holy Spirit has to claim souls through the gospel.

Sometimes, we act as though God has given abundantly to us so that we can be comfortable and enjoy this life. And we worry about the risk of giving—there will be less for me! But God gives us more than enough so we can be fearlessly generous. He mitigates the risk of giving with his promise that we’ll still have plenty.

So where do you find joy to give? Find it in recognizing what God has given to you! And not just the material stuff. He’s given you the precious blood of his Son for the forgiveness of sins. And that isn’t just a gift for you—it’s a gift to share! Use your resources to share that message of forgiveness so that others may have the same joy you do. And don’t just give a little give lots! After all, that is why God himself gave so much to you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your generosity to me. Help me to reflect your generosity fearlessly 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.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3

#Blessed

Daily Devotion – August 8, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 1:3

See series: Devotions

A few years ago, #blessed was posted all over social media. Pictures of people standing in front of their new cars were labeled #blessed. New job, #blessed. That new videogame/outfit/toy finally went on sale, #blessed.

It all felt so phony to me. I rolled my eyes every time I scrolled past another #blessed picture. Had I finally become a curmudgeon? Why was I so annoyed at this hashtag? Isn’t it good that people are recognizing their blessings?

Then it occurred to me: none of those posts are about God. #Blessed had become a cultural bragging movement. Each picture and caption had the overtone of “I deserve this.” The #blessings were really about the recipient, not about the giver. And that goes contrary to the Bible.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul uses the word “blessed” two times. The first time Paul is speaking of us blessing God. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? If God is the source and giver of all blessings, then it must mean that he lives surrounded by blessings 24/7! Blessing God has the believer recognizing God’s unsurpassed greatness that has been his since eternity.

The second time Paul uses the word “blessed,” he has God blessing us. And that makes sense too, doesn’t it? In his generosity, God doesn’t hoard blessings. Instead, he showers them on all people! But the highest blessings, his spiritual blessings, are reserved for God’s chosen people.

In view of all God’s spiritual blessings to his people, Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with a long run-on hymn of praise—some two hundred words without punctuation. It’s almost like Paul is just bursting forth in an unorganized prayer of thanks to God for his rich blessings.

And you can do the same. Praise God who gave us the highest spiritual blessing, the forgiveness of our sins! From that great spiritual blessing, follow all other spiritual blessings that overflow our lives. Blessed be our God who has so #blessed us.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for all the blessings you have given me. Thank you, especially, for the gift of forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. 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.

So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
1 Kings 17:5,6

Unlikely Provision

Daily Devotion – August 7, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 17:5,6

See series: Devotions

The French philosopher, Dennis Diderot, once famously said, “A deist is someone who has not lived long enough to become an atheist.” Deists believe that God exists and that he created everything. However, they picture him more like a watchmaker, a God who builds a watch and then leaves it alone to run itself. A deist doesn’t see God as active in his creation. Instead, they picture creation left to operate on its own.

Our Bible verses today show us that God is not like a watchmaker. God is active in his creation. And, even more than that, he is active in caring for his people.

In 1 Kings 17, the prophet Elijah bursts on the scene with little to no introduction. Speaking God’s word, he boldly prophesied that there would be a drought in the land of Israel because the Israelites had turned away from God and were following Baal. There was only one problem, Elijah himself lived in Israel. How would God make sure to take care of the prophet?

God provided for Elijah in an unlikely way: he commanded the ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat twice per day. God, who is in control of his creation, used his creation to take care of his people. Far from being absent from creation, God is intimately involved in directing it day-by-day and minute-by-minute.

In fact, so great is God’s love for what he created that he entered creation as a man to save it. Jesus Christ became a man with flesh and blood, just like you and me, except Jesus was without sin. Because of his love for us, he died on the cross to take away all our sins. Having given us his Son for eternity, he promises to take care of you each day too.

Prayer:
Almighty God, I praise you for your promise to daily take care of me and my family. Help me to trust your provision for both physical and spiritual needs until the day you take me to heaven. 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.