Category: Daily Devotions

The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber.
Romans 13:11

Time to Wake Up

Daily Devotion – December 7, 2019

Devotion based on Romans 13:11

See series: Devotions

Morrie Schwartz was a relatively unknown college professor for most of his life. Then he contracted ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He agreed to an interview on television to talk candidly about his condition and his impending death. That television appearance caught the attention of a former student of Morrie’s, a sportswriter from Detroit by the name of Mitch Albom. Albom looked up his old professor and rekindled their friendship. He began stopping by to see Morrie every Tuesday. Later, he turned their visits into a book, Tuesdays with Morrie. It became a national bestseller.

The attraction of Albom’s book lies in Morrie’s many observations on life. One of those observations is this: “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things.”

Living, yet having a meaningless life. Chasing after things that seem important but are wrong. Busy while half-asleep. Is this you? Is this your life? Is this what you’ve become?

Before you answer those questions, just remember: In this world, you and I stand surrounded by all kinds of things that are trying to put us to sleep. In all honesty, you and I must confess there have been times when we’ve fallen asleep and drifted away from what truly matters. Perhaps one of those times is right now.

If so, then the Lord has something to say to you from Romans chapter 13. He says, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber.” It’s time to repent. It’s time to recognize the horror of sleepwalking through life, ignoring the only Savior we have, and look to Jesus. It’s time to be washed in his forgiveness purchased at Calvary’s cross and be refreshed in his Spirit. It’s time to wake up and live again!

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, forgive me for the times I have fallen asleep and drifted away. Refresh me. Revive me. Empower me to live my life in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus said] “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 24:42-44

Live Securely

Daily Devotion – December 6, 2019

Devotion based on Matthew 24:42-44

See series: Devotions

In my childhood home, we had locks on the doors, bars on windows, a night watchman, two guard dogs, and a six-foot fence around our property. Even with all that security, thieves snuck in during the middle of the night, broke the kitchen window, and grabbed whatever was in the sink.

With the security we had then we were not able to prevent the break-in. Perhaps now, with the advances in security systems, we could. However, Jesus says that there’s one break-in that no security will ever prevent: his return.

Should that scare you? Not if you stay alert. Not if you keep watching for his return. When you wake up, when you lie down, when you go about your daily life, keep your eyes on Jesus. He came once when no one was watching to live, die, and rise again. He came to fulfill God’s law for you. He died to pay the price for your guilt. He rose again because he had fully paid for your sins.

Let his love for you cause you to repent and return to the Lord because no one knows when he will come again. It could be at any moment. So, keep watch for his coming. This doesn’t mean that you should stop living your life here and now. It does mean that whether our hands are busy with work or play, our hearts are yearning for heaven.

Thieves don’t make appointments. Neither does Jesus. He came once in grace to save. He’s coming again in glory to judge. So, keep watch, keep in the Word, and keep working while it is day.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am eager for your arrival. Keep me aware for your coming. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus said] “About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”
Matthew 24:36-41

Welcome Him

Daily Devotion – December 5, 2019

Devotion based on Matthew 24:36-41

See series: Devotions

Near the end of the first Iraq War, Air Force pilot Robby Robbins received permission to fly home. He flew across the Atlantic, landed on United States soil, and drove all night to his Pennsylvania home. His arrival was supposed to be a surprise. But when he pulled into his driveway just after sunrise, Robbins saw a large banner hanging across the garage. The sign read, “Welcome Home, Dad!”

Robbins walked into the house. His children, half-ready for school, greeted him with squeals. His wife came running down the hall—hair done, make-up on, wearing a fresh yellow dress.

“How did you know?” Robbins asked.

“I didn’t. We kept listening to the news. When we saw that the war was almost over, we knew you’d be home soon. We knew you would want to surprise us, so we were ready every day.”

When Jesus returns, he won’t be crossing the sea or driving across the country. Swiftly and suddenly, he will sweep aside the heavens and snatch up his family to reunite with them in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.

Jesus is coming! We don’t know when that will be, but we want to be prepared every day. Like Noah, we trust the good news of God’s rescue plan. As we rely on the perfection of Jesus, repent of our sins, and rejoice in his forgiveness, we will be ready to welcome him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I don’t know when you will come but comfort me with the knowledge that you will take me to heaven to be with you forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Romans 13:11-14

Wake Up

Daily Devotion – December 4, 2019

Devotion based on Romans 13:11-14

See series: Devotions

How many hours of sleep do you get in a day? Do you get the recommended eight? Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ and author of this letter to the Christians in Rome, contended that we may sleep more than we realize.

He was referring to spiritual sleep. Like a leaf in a river, it is easy to be carried along wherever life takes us, to go through the motions of our daily routine, jumping from activity to activity. We are living but we aren’t really awake. We are not aware of who we are or what our purpose is. When this happens, we are not living our faith intentionally. We are just going through the motions.

Paul encourages us to wake up, to rejoice that Jesus has rescued us from the sins that separated us from him. He encourages us to dress ourselves in the armor of light, ready to reflect the love of Jesus and to serve our neighbor’s good.

Do this today. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late because Jesus has promised he will return to judge the living and the dead. So, let’s not be spiritually asleep when he does. Rather, let’s be wide awake and ready!

Prayer:
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus, I want to walk as a child of the light. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. . . . Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you.”
Genesis 6 and 7 (selected verses)

Be Prepared

Daily Devotion – December 3, 2019

Devotion based on Genesis 6 and 7 (selected verses)

See series: Devotions

It is two minutes to midnight.

According to a group of scientists, global catastrophe is two minutes away. Because of this, people are preparing themselves and their loved ones for the end of the world as we know it. They build bunkers. They stockpile food and munitions. When asked why one survivalist says: “You can’t always rely on the government or society to help you.”

According to the Bible, in Noah’s day, a world-wide flood was 120 years away. God named corruption, violence, and wickedness as the reasons why he was putting an end to all people. Because of this, Noah prepared himself and his family for the end of the world as they knew it. He built a boat to God’s specifications that carried his family and all kinds of animals above the waters for an entire year. Although Noah warned people of what was to come, they refused to heed his warning and were shocked when the flood swept them away.

Jesus compared the day this world will end to the day the great flood arrived. According to Jesus, no one knows when the end will come.

Are you prepared?. No bunker or boat will save you. But you can rely on God’s covenant promise. Whoever believes and is baptized in Jesus’ name will be saved. He died for our wickedness and was raised back to life to prove he had made us right with God. Rest in the ark of Jesus. He will save you from the destruction of that day and deliver you to an eternal home in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, rescue me for I rest in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. . . . He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.”
Isaiah 2:3-5

Peace that Prevails

Daily Devotion – December 2, 2019

Devotion based on Isaiah 2:3-5

See series: Devotions

In 2008, Mexico City native Pedro Reyes melted down 1,527 weapons to make the same number of shovels to be used for planting trees in the community. The guns Reyes used represent a fraction of the weapons Mexican authorities seize every day. He called his project, “Palas por Pistolas,” or “Pistols to Shovels.”

Twenty-seven hundred years ago, the prophet Isaiah foresaw the day when nations “will beat their swords into plowshares.” Sadly, in spite of efforts such as “Pistols to shovels,” this day has not yet come. We still have no peace and little patience with one another. Despite our best efforts and intentions, we just can’t manufacture the peace we dream of. Sin in the world and our hearts make peace impossible for us.

But not for God. He set up a peace that prevails when he climbed Mount Calvary to hang on a cross. Jesus endured the injustice of people so he could justify people before God. All who trust in him have forgiveness for all their sins, peace with God, and the promise of an eternal end to all their earthly suffering.

When Jesus comes again, he will set right, once and forever, all that is broken. Everyone who believes in him will see this peace realized. He will remove all sin and hatred from our hearts and clothe us in his glorious goodness.

Do you want this lasting peace? Do you want a peace that quiets every guilty conscience? Then climb Mount Calvary by faith and find refuge under the cross. Do you want a peace that no diagnosis, disaster, or death can dissolve? Then walk in the light of the Lord, and he will direct your eyes to the day when he will craft the weapons of death into instruments of life.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I am anxious about anything, guard my heart and mind with your peace in every way. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4

Perfect Peace

Daily Devotion – December 1, 2019

Devotion based on Isaiah 2:4

See series: Devotions

In recent years there have been a variety of songs about what a horrible thing war is, and they call for no more war. Wouldn’t that be a marvelous thing? It would be great!

The problem is, we are sinful human beings. Sinful human beings are selfish, become angry, desire to lord over others and harbor hatred. All of this often leads to outbursts of anger, fights, violence, and yes, even war. The only way the problem of war can be solved is if the problem of sin can be solved.

Thankfully, it has. During the month of December, Christians prepare to again celebrate the birth of Jesus. The name “Jesus” means “savior.” That is what Jesus came to do—save people from their sins. In Jesus, we have forgiveness. In Jesus, we have life eternal. In Jesus, we have the solution to sin. And in heaven, we will enjoy it completely.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were no more wars on this earth? On this side of eternity, though, there will never be perfect peace. Sadly, on this side of eternity, there will always be wars.

But not on the other side of eternity! In heaven, there will be perfect peace, perfect joy, perfect harmony! Rejoice in the peace God gives through Jesus, for your sins really are forgiven! And look forward to the amazing peace which awaits you in life eternal!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, if it is your will, prevent wars on this earth. But even more importantly, focus my attention on the perfect peace which you have won for me, and which I will enjoy forever! Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43

Forever with the King

Daily Devotion – November 30, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 23:43

See series: Devotions

Temptation makes people lose perspective. The student tempted to cheat on a test can easily forget that getting caught will earn him an F. The teen tempted to cheat on a curfew can easily forget that getting caught will earn a grounding. The husband tempted to cheat on his family can easily forget that his actions will destroy that family. There are consequences to the choices we make.

The first Adam realized this when he heard that sickening thud of the gate to Eden’s paradise slamming shut behind him. Adam and Eve had blown it. Their choices had earned them a one-way ticket out of Eden. Paradise lost.

With his sacrifice, with his shouts of agony and bitter pain, Christ Jesus opened the gate that Adam had slammed shut. As you see him battered and bloody, suspended on a cross for crimes he didn’t commit, remember that Jesus is still the King of heaven and earth. He still holds the key to eternal life. He still readily opens the door to all who simply trust in him. Paradise found.

When someone asks me why I am a Christian, I usually say, “Because I find in Jesus all the things that I cannot find anywhere else in the world.” Things like hope—real hope, lasting hope, is found only in Jesus. And we need it. Every day we see promises that go unfulfilled. Every day we see evidence of man’s ugliness and spiritual deadness. Every day we see horrible tragedies that we have no answers for. We need hope.

People put their hope in many things. But only Jesus can promise and deliver on the hope of a better life after this one. When death draws near and we get ready to close our eyes, there is nothing for faithful hearts to fear. Because Jesus is there with his promise. “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Prayer:
King of life and death, draw near to me with your kindness and mercy throughout the seasons of my life. And when it comes time for me to die, be with me especially then, directing my heart to your empty tomb, to your royal power, and to the paradise that awaits me through you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Luke 23:42

A Friend of the King

Daily Devotion – November 29, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 23:42

See series: Devotions

Which of the two criminals are you? Remember the two criminals on Calvary who were crucified with Jesus? Are you the one who insulted Jesus to his face or the one who pleaded humbly that the King would remember him when he came into his kingdom? To our great shame, we find that we have something in common with both.

It’s true that we don’t necessarily sneer at Jesus in utter contempt as criminal number one did. But we do treat Jesus with a shameful disrespect. Would it not be a great insult to you if someone you loved acted as if they did not know you? And yet how often we do things, think things, say things that make it seem like we’ve never met this man called Jesus?

Since we have something in common with the first criminal, let us also have something in common with the second, the one who prayed: “Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom.”

Though the crown of thorns was all that was readily apparent, the eyes of faith saw a very real crown. Mockers saw Jesus’ royalty as the butt of a joke, but the criminal on the cross knew that Christ the King is real and so is his kingdom.

And so he pleaded, “When you ascend to your throne, Jesus, give a thought to me—undeserving though I am. Take me with you and let me be where you are. Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Is there a prayer that more accurately reflects every believer’s most fervent desire? Jesus remember me. His blood is his promise. His resurrection, the guarantee. He will remember all who place their trust in him.

Prayer:
Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15

Thankful for What is Most Important

Daily Devotion – November 28, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 12:15

See series: Devotions

Have you ever cleaned out your basement or garage and discovered many things that you forgot you ever had? While you may be amused at rediscovering something you forgot about, perhaps you ask yourself: “Why do I have all this stuff?”

God truly blesses us with many physical blessings. Everything we have comes from him. He provides all the necessary things for life and is generous to give us many more things than we really “need.” His blessings abundantly fill our lives.

Yet we must be careful that we do not begin to love the gifts more than God who gives them. It is easy for our hearts to become greedy and not be happy with what we have. It is so easy to continually want MORE … money… toys… houses… boats… cars… without end.

Yet none of these things can ever satisfy us completely or fill the place in our life and heart that can only belong to God. Jesus once warned: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” He teaches us that there is more to life and more to us than earthly possessions. He is the source of all that we need spiritually and eternally.

So the Lord Jesus instructs our hearts to focus on what’s really important. Money and the things money can buy are benefits that God graciously gives us, but money cannot buy a relationship with God. Jesus is the only way for us to know God and be with God.

For all that we are thankful for today, Jesus is the most important.

Prayer:
PRAYER TEXT

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.