Category: Daily Devotions

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It pleased the LORD for the sake of his righteousness to make his law great and glorious.
Isaiah 42:21

A Gift Worth Opening

You receive a gift. You open it up. The gift may tell you something about the person who gave you the gift. Are they a big spender? Do they have a solid grasp on current fashion? Do they know you well or not?

The same happens when you open God’s gift to you–his Word found in the Bible. Each day as you open that gift, what will you learn about your God? You will learn that he is wise and powerful and loving. And, as the prophet Isaiah writes in our Bible passage today, you will see that the God who loves you is righteous.

God wants you to know his righteousness. So, God made his Word great and glorious. He did this, not to make it a “great read” or best seller (although it is). He made his Word great and glorious so that you would clearly see and know his righteousness. And the One who is righteous makes you righteous, too.

Perhaps one of the most important clues you may pick up from a gift you receive is a clear indication of what the giver thinks of you. But many gifts from others often don’t accurately reflect this. Perhaps they like you, but not as much as their lavish gift seems to indicate. Or they deeply love you but are lousy gift givers. In the Bible, you clearly and repeatedly see that God loves you. That’s a gift that’s worth opening every day!

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, thank you for the great and glorious gift of your Word. Give me the time and desire to regularly read and study your Word. May the Holy Spirit give me understanding, wisdom and increased faith in you. Empower my faith to shine in a life of love for you and 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.

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Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

The Lamb of God Takes Away Our Sins

Matthew uses the word “kingdom” fifty-four times in his Gospel. The “kingdom” Jesus is talking about is not a place, but rather the saving activity of God. For example, in Matthew 13:24, we see that “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed seed…” This is a picture of the way God gathers people into heaven by means of the gospel.

The “good news (gospel) of the kingdom” is the message about how God gathers us to be his people. Part of the message is repentance—sorrow for sins and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. Another important part is God’s assurance that our sins are forgiven. For people living in an uncertain world, a world filled with tragedy, disaster, war, anger, fear, doubt, loneliness, and guilt, the assurance from God that our sins are forgiven is the only remedy. Jesus spread this remedy around and also gave people convincing proof that his message was true by performing miracles. No wonder people came from all around. He spoke words that gave people eternal life and true hope.

Jesus has also spoken to us. We have his gospel message, which assures us that our sins are forgiven. We are not held accountable before God for our sins because the guilt of all our sins was laid on Jesus. As our Savior, he rescued us from the death we deserved for our sins. He fully completed the work of our salvation. Yet the activity of God’s kingdom continues. The message about Christ and his completed work still needs to be spread through the saving Word of God. Who better to do that than you and me, who have the peace of Jesus in our hearts?

Prayer:

Jesus, amid many difficulties and challenges of my life, I am so grateful for the peace that comes from knowing you as my Savior. You established your kingdom in me by faith, now rule my life always with your loving power and tender mercy. 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.

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I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14

Renewed by the Light

Before you go camping in the woods, be sure to check that your flashlights all work properly and the batteries are all new. You will be far away from the artificial lights illuminating the cities and suburbs. Many thick trees can block the natural light of the stars. Unforeseen clouds and rain might also douse the light of a campfire.

Before facing a new day in this dark world, be sure to check that your spirit is recharged with the truth and grace of Jesus. We are still living far away from heaven’s glorious light. The things of this world that are supposed to bring us happiness are merely artificial lights that quickly burn out. Unexpected temptations threaten to plunge us into sinful decisions and right back into the darkness of fear and shame.

We constantly need to recharge the lights of Jesus’ truth and love in our hearts. John tells us how: “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

The evil one still accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy faith. Yet John dares to speak in the past tense: “You have overcome the evil one.” This victory is not based on present feelings or visible success, but on Jesus’ finished work. By his cross and resurrection, Jesus has already defeated Satan. Faith clings to that victory.

In ourselves, we are weak. Our faith wavers, our resolve collapses, and our obedience is imperfect. But in Jesus, we are strong. Those who live in the word of God will have the word of God living in them. It will renew your faith in Jesus’ victory. It will continually rekindle the joy in your heart that Jesus has overcome the darkness of evil for you.

Keep living in the word of God, and the word of God will live in you, reminding you daily that in Jesus, you are strong.

Prayer:

Jesus, Light of the world, shine in my heart. Forgive my sins and fill me with your love so that I may walk in your ways and love my neighbor as you have loved 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.

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The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light.
1 John 2:8-10

Walking in the Light

Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement.

Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others.

That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”

The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining.

John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God’s love for us will overcome the darkness of evil.

In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us.

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again.

Prayer:

Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to 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.

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“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Matthew 4:19

Come, Follow Me

“Follow me.” Those two words changed Andrew and Peter’s lives forever. Up to that point, they were regular, ordinary men working at their job. But then, Jesus came to them and changed their lives forever.

Notice that Jesus does not say to them, “Become something extraordinary, and then, come, follow me.” He does not demand specific qualifications, spiritual maturity, or proven obedience. Instead, he calls them as they are.

And he promises that he will change them: “I will make you…” The power to change lives exists not in the disciples themselves, but in the Word of Jesus that creates what it commands. Just as God once spoke light into existence, Jesus now speaks faith to follow him into the hearts of fishermen.

“Follow me.” Those two words continue to be heard in unlikely places by unlikely recipients. Jesus’ call continues to be passed down through the Word of God to reach the ears and the hearts of the most unworthy people imaginable—you and me.

Jesus does not wait until we have sorted out our lives, cleared our nets, or resolved every spiritual question. He calls us as we are. He steps into the middle of our ordinary routines and says, “Come, follow me.” His call is an act of grace.

Jesus’ call continues to change countless hearts, minds, and lives still today.

“I will make you fishers of men.” This is the noble purpose Jesus has given to us in our lives. Notice again who does the work. Christian living is Jesus shaping us, through his Word, into people who naturally reflect his mercy and speak his gospel.

The disciples left their nets, but they gained a Savior. They left their boats, but they received a life-changing mission. They left their security, but they entered the kingdom of heaven opened to them by Jesus.

We, too, follow Jesus daily as he continues to call us through his Word of truth and grace. We trust him to continue forming us into his people and sending us out on his loving, life-changing mission.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for calling me by your grace. Give me ears to hear your Word, a heart to trust you, and hands willing to serve. Shape my life according to your will. 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.

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Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17

Turn to the Light

Driving at night on winding, unfamiliar roads, we rely heavily on our GPS to get us where we need to be. On a recent drive, navigating the roads as they twisted and turned, I diligently scanned for deer and watched for broken tree limbs that might have come down on that windy night.

I realized that the GPS guiding me was extremely important, but there was something else I was relying on. Without it, I would never have made it home. Even a perfect map would have done me no good if I did not have headlights to show me where the turns were, where the dangers were.

Light is a good thing—it exposes the dangers around us that we need to avoid. It shows us where we are headed.

The light of Jesus is very good. In Jesus, God himself came into the world and promised: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Believing in Jesus is the way to the kingdom of heaven. He is the one who endured sin’s curse for us, removing it forever. And he is the one who rose from the darkness of his own tomb, bringing to light the way to everlasting life.

But until we reach heaven, many dangers still lurk in the darkness. Often, it feels like we’re driving at night with the lights turned off.

So, Jesus preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” By calling sinners to repent, Jesus is urgently pleading with us: “Turn to me in faith! Turn on the Light of the world! I will expose the dangers around you. I will guide you on the way of peace and bring you safely to the kingdom of heaven.”

When you are uncertain of where your life is heading, turn on the Light of the world. Turn to Jesus and trust his promise: “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you that your kingdom has come among us through Jesus. Turn my heart toward you in repentance and faith. Let your mercy and forgiveness guide my life today. 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.

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“The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Matthew 4:16

The Light Has Dawned

Spelunking in a massive cave takes a lot of courage. I don’t have that much courage, so I took a guided cavern tour instead. After venturing far into the cave, the guide stopped us in the deepest cavern and told us that all the lights would be turned off for one minute. As soon as he turned all of the lights off, I was paralyzed with fear. The darkness was so thick and oppressive that I could not see an inch in front of me. I felt that if I moved one step into the darkness, I would be lost forever. When the lights finally came back on, expressions of profound relief were clearly visible on everyone’s faces. We were safe again.

The Bible describes an even deeper, more terrifying darkness covering all people living on this earth. It is actually the darkness that is within each of us. It is the terrible darkness of selfishness and greed, bitterness and hate, pride and self-glory, that covers our hearts and minds like a thick, weighted blanket. Living in this thick darkness is truly terrifying because deep down, we realize that we are living under the shadow of death. We will be lost forever.

But our gracious God did not leave us in eternal darkness. He sent Jesus to shine the brilliant lights of God’s forgiveness and God’s truth for all to see and believe. We see the light of God’s loving forgiveness shining out from Jesus as he carried the evil of the world’s sins with him to the darkness of his crucifixion and death. We see the truth that Jesus is the true Light of the world as he rose from the dead. He lives to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness, truth and hope into our minds and hearts.

In our Bible reading for today, the apostle Matthew tells us, “On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” May you experience profound relief in your soul as you live and believe in the light of Jesus’ forgiveness.

Prayer:

Jesus, Light of the world, shine into the dark corners of my life. Turn my heart toward you. Help me trust in your mercy each 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.

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Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

Jesus’ Ministry

Preaching, teaching, and healing. Those three actions pretty much summarize Jesus’ earthly ministry. He touched a lot of lives during those thirty-plus years. But he’s touched a lot more lives since, like mine. He’s touched my life in ways beyond counting. He’s forgiven my sins. And there are plenty to pardon! He’s given me the peace of knowing that I’m loved by the Father despite myself. He’s reconciled the two of us . . . put us back into a right relationship again.

He gives me a fresh perspective and a whole new set of “eyes” with which to see others, the circumstances of my day-to-day life, and the problems I inevitably face as I go about my business.

He put a song in my heart and a spring in my step because he has convinced me, by his Spirit, that no matter what happens, he’ll walk beside me, guiding and protecting me and working all things out for my ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Nothing in all creation can separate me from his love (Romans 8:39).

It’s encouraging to begin each day knowing that because of Jesus and what he’s done for me, and continues to do for me, I’ll be more than just okay: I’ll be blessed beyond belief!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I thank and praise you for all the blessings with which you enrich my life. Teach me to dedicate my life to you in gratitude for all you give to 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.

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The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29

Look, the Lamb of God!

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he could have pointed to the fact that this man approaching was the almighty God, the second person of the Trinity, “through whom all things were created!” Instead, he called him “the Lamb of God.”

In most cases, a lamb is nothing to get excited about. A lamb doesn’t stand a chance against a lion or bear. A lamb cannot carry anyone on its back like a noble steed. However, John knew this Lamb had a higher calling, an eternal calling, a calling that would serve all people of all time, for all people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

John knew that Jesus came to sacrifice himself as a sin offering for all people’s sins—that includes yours and mine. By doing so, the Lamb would forever destroy the power of the devil. Unlike the Passover lambs, which were sacrificed year after year, Jesus would offer himself once for all!

This Lamb is our Savior, and this is something to get excited about! His victory, which is ours through faith, will never become old, outdated, or surpassed by any other. As you look to Jesus today, hail him, sing his praises, and point him out to others as the one who has taken away all our sins.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for winning the victory over the devil for me and taking away all my sins. Help me each day to rejoice in the gift of salvation you have given to me. Strengthen my faith so that I may live for you and point others to you, for you are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 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.

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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7

Keep Your Attention on the Lamb of God

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward where he was baptizing in the Jordan River, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” But what did John want people to do when he said, “Look!”?

The word he used means something like, “Hey, look over there!” It is a kind of interjection, a way to draw people’s attention to something important that they might have otherwise missed. If John hadn’t pointed out Jesus, most would not have given him a second glance. There was nothing about Jesus’ appearance that would make him stand out in that crowd.

John’s whole ministry, however, was to get people ready for the coming of God’s promised Savior. Jesus was the one hope of salvation that sinners have. It was important they didn’t miss, or worse, ignore the Lamb of God who was standing among them. When John said, “Look!” it was more than just calling their attention to a quick curiosity or a momentary distraction. Jesus was to hold their permanent attention. The Bible says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Somewhere, at some time, someone pointed you to Jesus. You have (hopefully!) come to know him as your Lord and Savior, the one who died to set you free. Now, don’t let yourself be distracted away from him. Rather, continue to train your eyes on him and his cross, and tune your ears to his voice in the Scriptures. Through his word, he will strengthen your faith and change your heart. Let the model of his humble love and the certainty of forgiveness in his name occupy your thoughts and fill your heart with joyful service and thanksgiving.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, you took away the sin of the world. Have mercy on me and keep my attention focused on you and your love. 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.