Category: Daily Devotions

[Jesus said] “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
Luke 10:5,6

Reacting to Peace

Daily Devotion – July 8, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 10:5,6


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Most often, when I hear the word “peace,” I think of war between two nations coming to an end. I know that in church, “peace” is more often a reference to having a good relationship with God because of what Jesus has done. But it’s rare that I think of peace like Jesus uses the word in this Bible verse.

Maybe I would be calmer if I remembered that peace is something I have and can share simply by speaking. I have peace with everyone because of what Jesus has done. I can say “peace to this house” or “peace to you” and extend my peace to individuals or whole families. I can have good relationships with them.

If those people are also peaceful, we can share in the good relationship made possible by forgiveness and love from Jesus. If those people are not peaceful, my peace is not shattered. It simply returns to me.

The advice of Jesus to his disciples is good advice for me. If it is possible, as far as it depends on me, I can maintain peace with everyone.

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

[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:2

When the Workers Are Few

Daily Devotion – July 7, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 10:2

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There are places in the United States where you can drive for miles and see nothing but corn fields. When those fields are ready to be harvested, farmers try to have the right people and equipment in place to get the job done. It’s satisfying to see the row after row of corn being taken into harvest.

Jesus looks at the world and sees row after row of people who need to hear that he forgives them. We look around at those same people and wonder who will tell them about their sin and their Savior. There are so many people for the harvest, and so few people doing the work. What’s the solution?

We can identify people who would be good workers in the harvest field. We can train them, send them, and support them. We can encourage them and help them. These are all valuable activities.

Jesus says that there is one more thing we can do. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. Pray. And don’t be surprised if the Lord answers your prayer by finding a way for you to serve.

Prayer:
Send out workers into your harvest field in the name of Jesus. 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.

After he [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Daily Devotion – July 6, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 1:9-11


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I’ve decided to start taking golf seriously, so I won’t frustrate and embarrass those who occasionally invite me along. One thing that people keep stressing about is keeping my eye on the ball until after I connect with it. Of course, you need to first eye your target, study it, and think about how you are going to reach it. But after that, it’s time to concentrate on properly hitting the ball.

Is that what the angels were talking about after Jesus ascended into heaven? The disciples were just standing there looking up at the sky when Jesus rose up into the clouds and disappeared from their sight. The angels didn’t want them to forget that sight! That was their target—it gave them aim. It would give them hope, strength, and joy despite the troubles around them. Jesus, who had convincingly shown people he had come alive after the cruel, soul-redeeming death on the cross, was now taking his powerful position of authority over the world. And at the right time, Jesus would return to this pain-inflicted world with tremendous fanfare and bring his people to the mansions of heaven.

Those facts give us our purpose and aim in every aspect of life. Keep those continually in your mind. But now it is time to focus your eye on the ball. In other words, focus on the job Jesus has given us to do. Focus on telling those who don’t know all about him. Jesus told the disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Let this be your focus.

I think my game is coming around. I hope the same can be true in your life.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, even as I look forward to being in heaven with you, keep my eyes on the great and noble mission you’ve given your people while we are still here on earth. 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.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

The Joy That Never Ends

Daily Devotion – July 5, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4


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The Declaration of Independence states that an individual has certain inalienable rights; among them is the “pursuit of happiness.” Ever since the fall into sin, that’s what people have been doing—pursuing happiness. Unfortunately, sinful people pursue happiness in the worst of places. The adulterer cries, “Here is happiness,” only to realize later the grief and destruction he has caused. Many try alcohol and drugs but soon find that their happiness is fleeting at best.

As Christians, the source of our joy is much more certain than what this world has to offer. The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Why should we rejoice? Paul answers, “In the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people, possessions, and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us and rose from the dead.

Your job may have changed. Your marriage may have changed. Your place of residence may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

As Americans, we have the right to pursue happiness. As Christians, we are guaranteed eternal joy. Reflect on that joy today as you go to God’s Word and are reminded of all that he has done and continues to do for you. And then REJOICE!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the joy of knowing that my sins are forgiven. Thank you for the joy of knowing your love for me does not change. Help me to demonstrate that joy in everything I do and say this day. 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.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea . . . If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:25,30

Commitment’s Cost Is Not in Vain

Daily Devotion – July 4, 2025

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 11:25,30


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“What’s in it for me?” That can be a selfish question. It can also be a legitimate question. The person may simply want to know whether the sacrifice they’re going to make will be worth it. If not, it would all be in vain.

Jesus made a sacrifice. He paid dearly with his own life, so you personally benefit and gain eternal life. The payment Jesus made by his suffering and death was not in vain. It accomplished forgiveness and salvation for you. You gain all that Jesus accomplished through faith in him.

Jesus calls believers to be committed to following him. There is a cost or consequence to following Jesus. It may not always be easy. We may not always be the most popular in this world. In today’s Bible reading, the apostle Paul, a committed follower and servant of Jesus, talks about that cost. He was rejected and physically persecuted. It wasn’t always smooth travels as he shared the good news about Jesus. It was hard. It was uncomfortable, but it was worth it!

Yes, there is a cost to following Jesus. It is certainly not a price that we pay to be saved. Jesus alone paid the price in full. But it is a result of being saved. It’s not always easy to be a believer in today’s world, but it’s worth it to trust in Jesus and commit our lives to following him. Because through him we have what the world cannot give. We have peace, peace with God! We have hope, hope that lasts to eternity! To the world, it may seem like we are weak or that our Christian life is in vain. But it’s not! In that weakness and humility, God makes known his all-surpassing power. We may experience light and momentary troubles, but through Christ, we gain eternal life as a gift! It’s worth it!

Prayer:
Lord, may I praise you even in weakness and difficulty so that I may see your grace and power. 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.

So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19:21

Committing to a New Mission

Daily Devotion – July 3, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:21


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A woman once showed her Christian pastor a handbook from her former religion. That religion emphasized her good works rather than God’s gift of salvation. It’s like she was under a yoke of slavery. When she came to know Jesus and his full and free forgiveness, she was relieved; a weight was lifted off her shoulders. After looking at the book briefly, the pastor handed it back to her, but she refused, “I don’t need that anymore.”

When Elisha was called to serve God as a prophet, one who would share God’s word, he left his old profession behind. There was no turning back. He made sure of that by barbecuing his oxen over the coals of his wooden plow. It’s like he said, “I don’t need that anymore!” He was committing himself to a new mission.

When you are brought to faith in Jesus, you are called away from empty and ordinary things of this life—things that don’t bring lasting meaning—and are given a wonderful new perspective and purpose. First, the new perspective is that you now see you are saved by Jesus and his work, not yours. This lifts a burden of guilt that was crushing you to spiritual and eternal death. This good news gives a new purpose and mission.

For you, that likely doesn’t mean abandoning your profession or leaving your home behind like Elisha. It involves committing to a life that honors Jesus and trusts in Jesus. It means abandoning old attitudes, leaving behind those old self-serving goals, and being a servant of Christ. It means doing the things you ordinarily would do, but now with a new sense of mission—to serve and live for the God who served and saved you. When old habits or old attitudes try to call us back, we can say, “I don’t need that anymore! All I need is mine in Christ!”

Prayer:
Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew my attitude so that I may always trust and honor 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.

“I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:61,62

Don’t Look Back

Daily Devotion – July 2, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 9:61,62


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Imagine a man stranded on an island. He’s lost all hope of survival. He’s as good as dead. Then someone comes to his rescue. Once he realizes he’s saved, he climbs aboard and doesn’t look back.

That’s the way it is with a person who follows Jesus. Jesus has rescued them from death and despair. They are no longer stranded and without hope. So, they follow Jesus and don’t look back.

This is the lesson Jesus wanted to teach a man who wanted to follow him. The man said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back…” It’s as though he said to Jesus, his only lifeline, “I want to follow you, but first things first!” As though something else should come first and foremost. Jesus cautioned against the dangers of looking back and returning to a place where the man would be stranded once again and without hope and salvation.

Please don’t misunderstand Jesus. He’s not saying you must forsake your family to follow him. But he cautions against forsaking him for anything in this world, even family. An unbelieving family member may discourage a Christian from following Jesus. The Christian could be tempted to put a family’s approval above Jesus. For Christian families, the temptation could be, “We need to spend quality time together rather than going to church and hearing God’s Word.”

We don’t have to separate following Jesus from family. If you are part of a family, you can follow Jesus together and find meaningful, quality time together in his Word. You need not look back and regret what else you could have done instead. If you’re single or the only member of your family who is a believer, remember that the Church is like a family where you find the assurance of forgiveness and encouragement from other Christians.

Commitment to Christ allows us to look forward. Jesus has saved us and will never desert us. We need not look back on all that life could have been. We look forward to all that life will be now and for eternity.

Prayer:
Lord, by your Spirit, may I commit my life 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.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Luke 9:57,58

Complete Commitment

Daily Devotion – July 1, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 9:57,58


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Some sports fans stick with their team season after season, even when it doesn’t seem like they’re rooting for the winners. These fans are completely committed till the day they die. Then there are fair-weather fans who love to follow the winning team and will proudly sport their colors. However, when the team’s ranking begins to slip, less committed fans quickly lose interest.

When people saw all the miracles Jesus performed, many began to follow him. Who wouldn’t want to follow the guy who could feed thousands of people? How could you not be a fan of the one who could heal your disease with just a word? However, when Jesus made it evident that he didn’t come to primarily give earthly and physical blessings, less committed followers quickly lost interest.

Jesus once told a man eager to follow him, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” If you truly want to follow Jesus, know that it won’t be to a mansion or a place and promise of earthly prosperity. The benefits and blessings of following Jesus are primarily spiritual, not material. Jesus doesn’t promise earthly success; he gives forgiveness of sins. Jesus doesn’t promise a mansion here on earth. He has prepared a heavenly home for all believers.

Jesus, the one who was committed to saving you, calls you to be committed to him. He calls us not to be fair-weather followers, interested only when it’s convenient or popular. And he calls believers more than just fans. He calls them children of God! We eagerly follow him through every season of life, even when we face challenges or difficulties because of our faith in him. Jesus, the Savior of all, has won the ultimate victory over sin and death. He has conquered the evil opponent, the devil. We follow him until the day we die because he has victory even over death. Jesus wins!

Prayer:
Lord, lead me each day to follow you until you bring me home at last. 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.

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

Jesus is Completely Committed

Daily Devotion – June 30, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 9:51


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In the movie Up, the main character meets a talking dog named Dug. Dug introduces himself and begins to explain how he can talk. But then, in mid-sentence, he blurts out, “Squirrel!” Like any dog, Dug is easily distracted and loses his focus when he sees, from the corner of his eye, a squirrel dart out. We quote this scene in our house when someone loses their train of thought and something else has caught their attention.

The Bible describes our natural spiritual state not in terms of a distracted dog, but as a wandering sheep. The Prophet Isaiah wrote, “We like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Things in the peripheral of life that are not all that important catch our attention and distract us from what really matters. One moment we can be focused on God’s words and will, but then, something else darts out in front of us, and we chase after that thing. We chase after popularity. We chase after our favorite pastime, we chase after the material world. When our attention to Jesus and his words and ways is divided, so is our commitment to him. Many things try to steal our attention and commitment away from our Savior.

Thank the Lord, he didn’t get distracted. Jesus lived and worked in the same world of distractions that you and I live in, and yet, he was never distracted from his mission. He was completely committed to saving us from sin and saving us from all the times we’ve let those distractions lead us astray and lead us away. As the time came near for Jesus to suffer and die and rise from the dead, he set his face toward Jerusalem. What focus! What complete commitment. Because Jesus was fully committed, you are fully forgiven. So, let’s give our undivided attention to Jesus. Let those things remain in the peripheral so that Jesus and his salvation stay in clear view.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your perfect focus and complete commitment to carrying out my salvation. Keep me from straying after things that cannot save me and continue to show me your grace more clearly. 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.

When he [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50,51

Last Sight

Daily Devotion – June 29, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 24:50,51


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We tend to remember people by the way they looked the last time we saw them, right? Sure! That’s part of the fun of class reunions.

What a sight Jesus gave to his disciples on this; the last time they saw him. His hands are up, in blessing. There are the nail marks, reminding them that he’s forgiven them. He’s ascending up into the sky, reminding them of his power. And the Bible tells us that “a cloud hid him from their sight.” In other words, he hadn’t left them; they just couldn’t see him with their physical eyes.

Do you think that last sight of Jesus—as they remembered the nail marks, the hands upraised in blessing, the power—may have helped the disciples? As they remembered that he remained with them—do you think that brought them peace, particularly at times of struggle? I’m sure it did.

You know what? Jesus didn’t take a few days off last week—he remained with us, just as he had promised. Nor did Jesus somehow become less powerful last week. And Jesus didn’t stop blessing us last week—those hands of his remained upraised. And Jesus didn’t stop loving us last week—the nail scars were still there. And you know what else? Jesus isn’t taking any time off this week, next week, or the week after that. And he isn’t going to leave you, or stop blessing you, or stop loving you.

He can’t! With the nail marks of the cross, he has engraved you on the palms of his hands. You are always in his sight, always in his mind, always under his powerful and loving protection.

Prayer:
Jesus, when I face struggles, remind me that you are always with me. And may the thought of the nail marks in your hands help me remember your love 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.