Category: Daily Devotions

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 7:9

A Victory Celebration

Daily Devotion – June 8, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 7:9


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When you think of heaven, who do you see there? Is it full of grandmas and grandpas walking down golden streets? Are there white hair harpists floating on clouds everywhere? Are there angelic choirs singing God’s praise from on high?

Sometimes, cartoons paint our ideas of heaven more than the Bible. Fortunately, God gave the apostle John these visions in the book of Revelation. They serve as a glimpse of the heavenly glory, and in this passage, we see “who” will be in heaven.

The passage tells us that heaven will be overflowing with people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. The truth is that God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Wherever God’s Word is preached and believed, there are believers. And though these believers come from all over, they are all dressed the same. They are wearing white robes—a picture of the very righteousness and holiness of God, which Jesus gives to all who believe in him.

Everyone in heaven will be purified forever from all sin. That’s a picture worth a thousand words. As it is right now, you and I cannot wash away even one of our sins, but through faith in Jesus alone and clothed in his forgiveness and love, our sins are taken away. Should God call us home tonight, we are dressed and ready to join the multitudes.

To top it off, this victory celebration will never end. What a refreshing and wonderful sight! That’s what Jesus has in store for you and all who believe in him!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for lifting my eyes to heaven and reminding me of the treasures and glories you have in store for me and all who believe. Help me to continue to share your love, so that through your Word, many more may join the everlasting celebration. 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 say: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:11,12

Worthy of Praise

Daily Devotion – June 7, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 5:11,12


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Whom do you praise? Is it some college basketball team that wins repeated national championships? Does your praise go to your son or daughter for getting an “A” on a test or winning a blue ribbon? No doubt, lots of hard work and effort were put forth. Parents are proud of their children’s accomplishments. Fans rejoice in the victory. But step aside from all that and ask yourself, who is worthy of praise?

Star athletes have their flaws. Children aren’t always cherubs. Yet there is one, and one alone, who is worthy of everyone’s praise, and his name is Jesus.

The apostle John records what he heard and saw in this vision of heaven. Before him are countless angels giving praise to Jesus alone! But it’s not just praise for praise’s sake. They let us know exactly why Jesus alone is worthy of praise. They call him “the Lamb who was slain.”

On Calvary, Jesus shed his blood in our place to pay for all our sins! Because of his perfect sacrifice, the gates of heaven are open for all who believe! This is why Jesus alone is worthy of the angels’ praises as well as yours and mine!

The best part is that you don’t have to wait until heaven to join in praising Jesus. Each week we gather to worship Jesus and sing his praises. Each day you give glory to Jesus as you read the Bible. Throughout each day, sing a song of praise to him who has forgiven all your sins and promised you eternal life in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord God, let my life be a song of praise to you, for you alone are worthy of praise. 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.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17

Drink the Water of Life

Daily Devotion – June 6, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 22:17


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You just discovered the perfect little place to relax. It is quiet. It is beautiful. No one seems to know about it. Here’s the dilemma: Do you share this information with others, or do you keep it to yourself?

Sometimes, we like to keep information like this to ourselves. We are afraid that if too many people find out, then the wonder of our little hidden spot will be ruined.

Jesus proclaims himself as the Alpha and the Omega and being the Root and Offspring of David. He washes our robes and gives us access to the tree of life, to his mercy and forgiveness.

What follows is the response of the Spirit and the bride. The Spirit is the Holy Spirit. The bride is…you. God’s church, believers, are his bride.

And what do the Holy Spirit and the bride say? “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

To know Jesus as our Savior from sin refreshes us like a sip from a mountain stream. But rather than keeping this good news to ourselves, we invite others to know the thirst-quenching message of forgiveness in Jesus.

If you have come to know Jesus as your Savior, God gives you a clear purpose. Your work is to tell others: “Come and join me and drink of the water of life!”

If you are reading this and you don’t know Jesus, or are unsure, Jesus has good news for you. He loves you and shed his blood and gave his life to take away your sins. He rose from the dead to show you that he is not just a special person, but God himself. Now it’s your turn. “Come and drink the water of life in Jesus.”

Your soul will never thirst again.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me who you are and having mercy on my soul. Help me to invite others to drink the water of life. 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, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:16

Proper Credentials

Daily Devotion – June 5, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 22:16


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You need critical surgery. You are given the choice of two surgeons to perform the delicate task. The first one says, “I have successfully performed this exact surgery 68 times and the results have always been excellent.” You meet with the other surgeon who tells you, “I read about this surgery in a manual once. I’m sure it can’t be that hard.”

Your choice? It’s obvious. You go with the one with the proper credentials.

At times, we are forced to entrust our lives to the hands of skilled surgeons. But only when we need to. The rest of the time, we are in charge of our own lives. At least we feel that way, and we might act that way.

The Bible reminds us today who really is in charge. Jesus gives himself some interesting titles in this verse. He calls himself the Root of David. The mighty King David, for all his power and splendor, still needed someone to give him life. He needed someone to create him. Jesus is the Root, or source, of King David.

Jesus is also the Offspring of David. While Jesus is the eternal God, he also took on human flesh and blood so that he could take all the failings of humanity upon himself. Eternal God willingly set aside his power and glory as God so he would be the source of its salvation. He was a human descendant of David. In this way, Jesus is also the Offspring of David.

Jesus also calls himself the Morning Star. Like the last bright star that still shines as night gives way to the light of a new day, Jesus is the bright star that will shine until he returns at the dawn of the Last Day.

This means that day by day we can confidently be assured that our lives are placed into the hands of Jesus. Could there be a better place than that? We have nothing to fear because Jesus has all the credentials to give us what is best for now and for eternity.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my God and Savior. Help me to trust you and place myself confidently into your hands. 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] “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Revelation 22:14,15

Access Granted

Daily Devotion – June 4, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 22:14,15


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There are certain places that you never want to be closed. If you are suddenly very sick and in need of emergency care, how dismayed you would be if, at the entrance to the hospital emergency room, there was a sign across the doors that said, “Closed.”

“Closed” is what happened in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit, they were banished so that they could not “take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever” (Genesis 3:22).

That banishment from the Garden of Eden was actually an act of mercy from their Creator. Can you imagine an eternity of life on earth with a sinful nature and bodies broken by sin? Some might call that hell on earth.

“Closed” is what you and I would rightfully expect to see at the gates of heaven if left to our own doing. Before the purity and power of God’s holiness, we too would have to join the “dogs” and all sinners outside the gates of heaven.

But God’s desire is always for sinners to come near to him. The gates into the eternal city have been opened by the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus was excluded from the mercy of God so that you and I would not be. Jesus was closed off from the love of his Father so that he could provide something for us we could never have on our own access.

One day, by the grace of God, we will walk through those gates into the eternal city and see the tree of life with our own eyes.

Until that day comes, keep the vision of glory before you. But also heed God’s warning when it comes to our sin. Cling to Jesus, and the robes he has washed for you. Through him, access to the tree and eternity is always open.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me confidence about my eternal future. Give me that same comfort and confidence as I live my life in 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.

[Jesus said] “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13

The Big Picture

Daily Devotion – June 3, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 22:13


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Winston Churchill liked to tell the story of a young boy who was rescued by a sailor. The boy fell off a pier into the icy water, and a sailor jumped in, rescued the drowning boy, and was able to revive him. Later in the day, the boy and his mother were walking down the street when the boy exclaimed to his mother, “That’s the man who saved me!” The boy and mother quickly rushed over to the man, where she asked him, “Are you the man who saved my boy this morning?” “Yes, I am,” the man replied. “Well, where’s his hat?” she asked. “He came home without his hat!”

She missed the big picture. A hat is nothing compared to a life saved.

Sometimes, we miss the big picture, too. We fret over all the problems of life. We forget the One who is Eternal Life.

In our Bible reading for today, the apostle John gives us the big picture. He presents to us the glorified Lord Jesus. Having been crucified and raised, and then ascended into heaven, he speaks to us from the final chapter of the Bible. And what does this glorified Jesus want us to know?

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Jesus has always been in existence. There is no starting point for the eternal Son of God. Jesus will always be in existence. There will be no ending point for Jesus. Alpha and Omega are the “first and last” letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is stating his eternal existence.

What makes this so comforting for us is that Jesus, who is eternally present, is also the One who set aside his glory and power for a while so that he could take our sin upon himself.

Our God is not some timeless but disinterested entity out there. Our Savior, Jesus, is both timeless and loving, eternal and sacrificial.

Keep that big picture in mind as you serve your Savior. He can help you in your needs. He exists. He loves. He cares.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to remember that you rule all things for the good of your church, your people. Help me to place my daily trust in 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.

[Jesus said] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
Revelation 22:12

Seek Unity in Christ

Daily Devotion – June 2, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 22:12


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Differences divide. When people look different from each other, talk differently, act differently, or eat different foods, these all can become reasons that divide. We see this in people. We even see this with entire nations and cultures.

However, differences also divide those who are the same. People of the same family, of the same faith, of the same culture also struggle with anger, resentment, and hard feelings. Even where you could reasonably expect unity, it is often lacking.

Christians struggle with unity. And nothing makes the devil happier than seeing God’s people bicker. Satan delights when Christians fight.

The apostle John in the book of Revelation gives us proper perspective. Jesus is coming. One day, soon, believers of every nation, tribe, people, and language will gather before the Lamb of God (Revelation 7:9). The grudges we hold and the hurts we hang on to simply will not matter when we stand before Jesus.

He will come “with his reward.” This is not something earned, it is something Jesus gives. His reward is all the blessings we receive from the One who loves us and gave himself for us.

And Jesus says that he will “give to each person according to what they have done.” What we do in life matters, this is clear. God desires that his people practice and share the forgiveness that we have received just as generously as it was given to us. Our deeds don’t save us but they do display that God has worked in our hearts.

One day, the risen Lord Jesus will return. That day will be awesome. And in his plan, it will be soon. He will unite all believers before himself. On that day, differences will not divide.

Until that day, seek unity, not division.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the greatest divide has been bridged between a perfect God and sinful people with your death and resurrection. Help me to rejoice in my forgiveness by sharing and showing your peace with 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.

Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Exodus 15:11

It’s Majestic!

Daily Devotion – June 1, 2025

Devotion based on Exodus 15:11


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The magic of David Copperfield is always intriguing to watch. It is fascinating how he can seemingly transport himself from one side of the Great Wall of China to the other. It’s amazing how he can make the Statue of Liberty disappear. I’m guessing he can do some pretty impressive card tricks, too! Yet all the things he and other magicians do are still called “magic.” Trick photography, sleight of hand, mirrors, intricate cameras, and the like make the illusion appear to be reality.

Arguments can be made as to who is or was the greatest magician, but all of them pale in comparison to the Lord, not the magician, but the majestic! Moses saw him part the waters of the Red Sea, allowing thousands of Israelites to cross on dry land and then close the waters on the pursuing army of Pharaoh. What he saw could only have been done by the Majestic One, the Lord. His works are not tricks or sleight of hand. They are obvious. They are real, although not all acknowledge them. Consider the intricacies of the human body and marvel at the balance of the ecosystem. Gaze into the massiveness of the universe. All these “declare the glory of God.”

Even his greatest act, his resurrection from the dead, had no sleight of hand, no tricks and no mirrors. It was real. It was something no one else had done. It shows, just as the parting of the Red Sea convinced Moses, there is none among those called “gods” like the Lord. What he has done for you is not magic; it’s majestic!

Prayer:
Jesus, you proved that you are the majestic Son of God and my blessed Savior by your resurrection from the dead. Comfort me with the knowledge that one day you will majestically return and raise all the dead and give to your believers eternal life in heaven. Use me, Lord Jesus, to catch more people for 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.

[Jesus said] “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:21,22

Real Grief; Real Joy; Same Event!

Daily Devotion – May 31, 2025

Devotion based on John 16:21,22


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Jesus spoke earnestly to his disciples just before the three-day, salvation-winning event of his death and resurrection. Jesus pictures a mother in labor, delivery, and at the birth of her child. That same event brings real pain and real grief but also real joy to the mom, and to her husband also.

Jesus’ disciples felt real grief over what Jesus revealed at that Upper Room Passover meal. Jesus spoke of betrayal, denial, and his own death, saying, “In a little while you will see me no more.” But he added, “…and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16).

We can hardly plumb the depth of grief the disciples felt that night. Jesus assured them, “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” On the third day, following the onslaught of that grievous event, which brought our Savior to the agony of Calvary, salvation-winning event culminated in his resurrection! The disciples saw Jesus again, just as he said they would. They were eyewitnesses. Their grief turned to joy, “joy that no one will take away” because Jesus lives and reigns eternally! So he said, “Tell the world!”

For you, me, and every Christian, considering the cross of Christ stirs both real grief and real joy concerning that same event. The real grief is in the deeper understanding that the sins of every human being, including your sins and mine, nailed Jesus to the cross. The real joy is in the deeper understanding that Jesus willingly made that “atoning sacrifice (paid the full punishment price) for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). We have eternal life and an irrevocable joy shared by all who trust in the risen Christ for eternal salvation! Tell the world!

Prayer:
Lord, help me view the cross with grief, joy, and thankful sharing. 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.

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:27

One Way In

Daily Devotion – May 30, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 21:27


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Heaven sounds like a great place. There will be no crying or pain there. God will wipe away every tear from every eye. Heaven does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and Jesus the Lamb is its lamp. There will be no night there. People in heaven will be in the presence of the Lord forever. Nothing will mess it up.

It sounds like a great place to be! But the more I think about it, the more I wonder how I will ever get there. I have done things that are shameful and deceitful. Because of my sin, I am impure, and the Bible says that nothing impure will ever enter heaven.

But the Bible also says that people whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be able to get in. The Lamb is Jesus. Why is he called the Lamb in this context? It’s because there was a day when a lamb was sacrificed to pay for sins and earn purity for people. Jesus was the Lamb who was sacrificed once and for all to earn purity for all people, enough purity to get them into heaven.

So, I will get into heaven because the Lamb sacrificed himself for me, and when he called me to faith in him, he wrote my name in his book of life. I can be confident that I will fit right into that perfect heaven, and you can be confident, too, through Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, take me to heaven at exactly the right time to live there forever with 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.