Category: Daily Devotions

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Acts 9:10-16

Because Jesus Lives, We Can See Our Purpose

Daily Devotion – May 7, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 9:10-16


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Ananias of Damascus was exactly the kind of person that Saul of Tarsus had been pursuing. If Jesus had not appeared to Saul on his way to Damascus and blinded him, Ananias very likely would have been hauled away to prison along with others who believed in Jesus as their Savior. It’s somewhat understandable, then, that Ananias questioned the Lord’s command to minister to this violent persecutor of the church. You can almost picture Ananias’ jaw dropping when the risen Lord Jesus further explained that Saul was his chosen one to proclaim his name near and far. The one who had caused so much suffering for disciples of Jesus would himself suffer greatly for that same Jesus.

Ananias did as he was told. Face to face with the man who days earlier had been breathing out murderous threats against people like him, Ananias understood that the resurrection of Jesus changed everything. He visited Saul, comforted him, and healed him of his blindness. What’s more, Ananias seems to have had the privilege of baptizing Saul, ushering him into God’s kingdom of grace.

Believers in Jesus have the same calling today: to love the unlovable and to tell them of the forgiveness we have in our Savior, Jesus. Because he lives, we can see our purpose.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because you died for me and live again, help me live for you and for others. 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 [Saul] neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Acts 9:3-5

We Can See Our Need for a Savior

Daily Devotion – May 6, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 9:3-5


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To say that Saul of Tarsus was a religious man would be an understatement. As an up-and-coming Pharisee, he had been a disciple of Gamaliel himself, a highly regarded teacher of the law. When, in later years, Saul described himself as having been “faultless” in his obedience to Jewish religious laws, no one could deny it. He joined his fellow Pharisees in condemning Jesus of Nazareth as a blasphemer, falsely claiming to be the Son of God. How dare this carpenter’s son criticize their righteousness and teach that strict obedience to the law is not what makes a person right with God! Now that this Jesus had been justly executed on a cross, Saul would not stop until the last voice praising him as the Messiah had been silenced. And everyone would know that it was Saul’s zealousness for the Lord that brought them down.

But Saul’s self-confidence came crashing down around him suddenly when Jesus himself interrupted his journey. Not only was the crucified Jesus very much alive but with a radiant glory that blinded Saul for days. The resurrected Christ spoke to Saul, turning his world upside down. All the while that he believed he had been serving God; Saul had been doing the opposite: he was persecuting the living Son of God himself when he persecuted God’s people. Later, going by the name of Paul, he would write that God showed him mercy that day. He learned to cling to the truth that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, of whom he considered himself the worst.

During his earthly ministry, Jesus preached that all must repent of sin. We too must stop believing the lie that God will accept us based on our own “goodness.” As long as we put our faith in ourselves, we are at odds with Jesus who calls us to repent and believe in him for forgiveness. Because he lives, he cannot be ignored.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, risen Lord, teach me to trust you when you call me to a life of repentant faith. 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.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
John 21:4-7

Because Jesus Lives, We Can See Clearly

Daily Devotion – May 5, 2025

Devotion based on John 21:4-7


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Simon Peter had been a fisherman when he first met Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Following an unproductive night, Simon’s crew was calling it quits for the day when Jesus convinced him to throw his net overboard one more time. When Simon’s boat began to sink from the weight of so many fish caught in the net, the veteran fisherman knew it was a miracle. All he could see at that moment was how unworthy he was to be in the presence of this holy man. He fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Go away from me, Lord; for I am a sinful man!”

Fast forward a few years. Simon Peter had many opportunities to learn from Jesus, and he witnessed even greater miracles than that earlier one. More importantly, he and the other disciples had seen for themselves how their teacher, Jesus, allowed himself to be crucified on a cross as a sacrifice to make them right with God—and what’s more, he had come back to life! A short time later, Jesus once again caught the disciples off guard with a miraculous catch of fish. This time, however, Peter’s reaction was completely different. Rather than pleading for Jesus to leave him, he jumped overboard, swimming to shore in his eagerness to see his risen Savior.

Jesus’ resurrection corrects our spiritual vision better than any lenses could do for our physical eyesight. We now know that we have been reconciled with God. Rather than avoiding Jesus out of fear of punishment, we are moved to pursue our Savior in joy.

Prayer:
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! 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.

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Revelation 5:11-14

Worth It!

Daily Devotion – May 4, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 5:11-14


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Years ago, a certain cosmetic company used the tagline, “Because I’m worth it!” The idea was that I deserve to be pampered because I am worth it.

What are we truly worth? We have flaws and shortcomings. We get angry, are selfish, and jealous. We lust, covet, lie, steal, and hate. We cover over our flaws and shortcomings because we know what we truly deserve for our sins.

We don’t deserve God’s mercy, love, faithfulness, or forgiveness. We deserve the worst. We deserve to be disciplined and deserve to be condemned. For our continual animosity toward God and his goodness to us, we deserve to be separated from him and his goodness forever. We are insufficient to save ourselves.

There is only one person who is inherently worth it. His name is Jesus. He is our perfect substitute. Even though we didn’t deserve it, God sentenced his own Son to suffer for our sins and die in our place. He has paid for our sins. He has removed our guilt. How do we know this? Because our Redeemer lives! Jesus didn’t deserve to die. He is worth so much more. So, God raised him from the dead and promised that whoever believes in him is not condemned but has passed from death to life.

Praise Jesus for his love. Honor him for his sacrifice. Glorify him with your life. He is worth it!

Prayer:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 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 said] “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 1:18

The Key

Daily Devotion – May 3, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:18


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Keys are small. Their importance is not. We don’t give keys much thought until we need them or lose them. Have you ever misplaced your keys? There’s a feeling of frustration and fear when you lock yourself out of your car or house.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they lost the key to life. The result of their sin was a verdict of death. And we have been held prisoner under the same sentence.

We have tried, in vain, to escape death’s prison. We have searched for the fountain of youth and the tree of life. We have spent an enormous amount of money on anti-aging creams and medicines. In spite of all our scientific advancements, the worldwide average life expectancy is about thirty years shy of a hundred. After thousands of years of searching and researching, we have not managed to find the key—we cannot break free from death.

Frustrating? Frightening? Yes. But not hopeless.

Jesus is the key. Like every human, he lived, died, and was buried. But unlike us, he broke free. Because, unlike us, he is sinless. He is the Son of God, and death could not hold him prisoner because Jesus had committed no sin.

By his resurrection, Jesus has opened a door that no one can shut. Death is no longer a final destination. It is a doorway to an unending life where sin and death have no authority. In heaven, death is gone, crying is gone, pain is gone.

You might not give your house or car keys much thought throughout the day. But don’t make that mistake with Jesus. He may be small in the world’s estimation, but his importance is not.

Everyone who lives and believes in him does not ultimately die. Follow him and he will lead you through death to life immortal.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, I find my hope in you alone. With you as my light and salvation, and the fortress of my life, I have nothing to fear. 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.

“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.