Category: Daily Devotions

Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
Luke 7:11-13

An Aching Heart

Have you ever felt so sad about something that your stomach churned, that your insides hurt? I’d guess most of us have had that feeling somewhere along the way.

That’s the thought of the Greek word translated, “his heart went out to her.” In other words, as Jesus viewed this funeral procession, his stomach churned, his insides ached. He cared that much!

And don’t forget the reality: Jesus is God. And so, we are led to an amazing truth—God cares for us humans in an amazingly powerful way. God cares for us humans so much that his insides can hurt as he sees our hurts.

It is absolutely true that God is all-powerful. It is totally true that God rules all things, that he is far superior to anything and everything in the universe!

But it is also true that our God has a heart which cares oh-so-deeply for us humans. What an amazing combination! We have a God who is all-powerful… and who cares for you and me. Take comfort in this truth this day.

Prayer:
Remind me, O God, that your heart aches for me. Amen.

For you have heard of my previous way of life . . . , how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.
Galatians 1:13

The Castle

Christian writer Greg Elder grew up along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As a boy he used to spend long hours building intricate sand castles on the beach. However, one year he encountered trouble. For several days in a row, local bullies came by and used their bare feet to kick down whatever sand castle he was building.

Finally, this young boy had had enough. He decided to try an experiment. He started to build a sand castle as before, only this time he included cinder blocks and chunks of concrete as part of the base.

Once again, the local bullies showed up. Once again, they raised their bare feet to kick down his castle. This time, however, their tender feet collided with something that was not going to budge. As a result, several young men limped away in pain, they retired from the castle-kicking business, and little Greg Elder’s castle remained standing.

There are times when it seems as though Christianity is like a sand castle that all kinds of feet are trying to kick down. There’s the foot of our secular society, false doctrine, and cynics. And there’s the foot of our own sinful priorities.

Before the Apostle Paul came to faith in Jesus, kicking down the castle of Christianity was what he lived to do. As he did so, he thought he was being successful. But he soon discovered that the base of the castle was never going to budge because the base of the castle was Jesus Christ.

As you and I encounter the feet of those forces that are trying to kick down the castle of Christianity, don’t be afraid. Those tender feet are no match for the rock of our salvation. The same One who washed us clean at the cross is the One who lives and rules and will not be kicked into submission by anything. The castle of Christianity will stand.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, on you, the solid rock, I stand. When the troubles of life come, remind me that I have nothing to fear when I remain in you. Amen.

[Jesus] was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Luke 7:6,7

Sight Unseen

It is unnerving when the power fails. Suddenly darkness becomes an all-encompassing blanket. What was once a friendly and familiar space is now filled with hidden dangers. Everything becomes a trap ready to catch its unsuspecting prey. Finally, when light and sight return, the anxiety ends. It isn’t until one has experienced “blindness” that sight is truly appreciated.

Still, there is one instance where the opposite is true. In spiritual matters, sight may have to be ignored. This was clearly demonstrated in the case of the Roman military officer who is referenced in our Bible passage today. Here was a man who took Jesus at his word. In fact, he trusted him to heal his servant without even having Jesus come to his house. He simply trusted Jesus would do what was best—sight unseen.

We do well to model our faith after this centurion’s—putting our trust completely in Jesus’ promise and his power. Trusting in his promise and power to forgive our sins. Trusting in his promise and power to help in every time of need. Trusting in his promise and power to do whatever is best for us. Trusting in his promise and power to give us eternal life.

Although we have not seen the fulfillment of these things, we can believe that they are true because Jesus has promised them, and he has the power to fulfill his every promise. What wonderful realities we can know are true—sight unseen!

Prayer:
O precious Spirit, you have brought me to faith in Jesus my Savior. Remove any weakness or uncertainty, so that I can live every day trusting in Jesus’ promises and in his power. Amen.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

Blessed Is the One Who Perseveres

“Do you intend to continue steadfast in this teaching and to endure all things, even death, rather than fall away from it?”

Ginny knew the question was coming. On the last day of Bible Information Class, Pastor Schroeder had talked to them about the adult confirmation ceremony. She and a handful of others would stand before the congregation and confess their faith according to the Apostles Creed. There would be some other questions by the pastor, with pre-rehearsed answers that she and the others would give. And then they would be welcomed into membership at St. James Lutheran Church. Ginny had been looking forward to this for weeks now.

But that one question—wow! Hearing it now in front of everyone, Ginny’s heart leapt into her throat.

She was so grateful to have found the gospel, to know that God loved her enough to send his own Son to take her place. Through faith in Christ she knew her sins were forgiven, and eternal life was hers. But would she always believe so firmly as she did at this moment?

“To endure all things, even death rather than fall away from it . . .” She couldn’t help but wonder what kinds of trials would be in store for her as a Christian. What tricks would Satan use against her? Which of her personal weaknesses might lead to her downfall?

But Ginny had learned from the Bible that God’s many promises included his assurance that he would hold his dear ones close to himself. Through the gospel, the Holy Spirit would strengthen and keep her with all the other believers in the true faith. Yes, temptations would come throughout her life, but she could count on Christ to be with her through his Word and sacraments. Heaven was her home. With that in mind, did she intend to continue steadfast in this teaching and to endure all things, even death, rather than fall away from it?

Ginny heard herself saying with the others, “I do, and ask God to help me.”

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, keep my faith strong through your Word, so that I might not lose your gift of eternal life in Jesus. Amen.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.
James 1:9,10

The Great Equalizer

From her seat in the pew, Ginny watched the members of St. James Lutheran Church file up before the altar in groups of eight on each side. She was only a few weeks from completing the Bible Information Class and couldn’t wait to take her place next to the others.

This Sunday what caught Ginny’s eye were two men who happened to go up for Communion at the same time, kneeling next to each other at the altar rail. One was a distinguished-looking gentleman wearing a suit and tie. “Doc Greg,” they called him. She had also seen his name in the church bulletin on the list of those volunteering to help with VBS this summer. The man next to the doctor was wearing a faded denim jacket and jeans. Before the service that morning he had introduced himself to her as “Sammy.” He told Ginny that he had first visited St. James Church a few years back because of their food pantry when their family was struggling financially. But they kept coming, he told her with a grin, because here they had found Jesus, the Bread of Life. Now these two men knelt shoulder to shoulder at the Lord’s altar.

In terms of wealth, education, and social status, Christians can be quite different from each other. But the Lord’s Table is a great equalizer. Those who are in a higher position in the eyes of the world are reminded as they approach that they are no less sinful than anyone else. They too will one day die and face their Maker. This is why God commands us all to repent, humbling ourselves before a just and holy God. But the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament also point to the humble sacrifice he made for all people. Even the lowliest in this world are assured of God’s grace and love for them. In Christ Jesus, their disobedience has been paid for and their sins forgiven. All who humbly trust in Christ for salvation will rise to live with him forever when he returns to earth in glory.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to follow you in humble but confident joy in all circumstances of life. Amen.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:6-8

You Must Believe and Not Doubt

Pastor Schroeder noticed two women approaching him after Bible Information Class. Nancy was a member who was taking a “refresher” class, and Ginny had started attending church shortly after her aunt’s funeral.

Nancy said, “Pastor, last week Ginny and I were talking about how we can always go to God if we’re struggling in our faith. I shared with her a passage from James that says anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God and it will be given to him.”

“Oh yes, James 1:5—that’s a great passage!” Pastor agreed.

“But then at home Ginny read the passage in its context (like you always say we should), and now we’re not sure what to make of it,” Nancy said.

Ginny added, “The next verses make it sound like only someone with absolutely perfect faith can pray. ‘You must believe and not doubt.’ I don’t think I’ll ever live up to that.”

Pastor Schroeder reached for his Bible and quickly thumbed to the book of James. “Yes, I see what you mean,” he said. “Those words give any Christian reason to pause. But remember what we learned about faith. It’s not just a positive feeling or simply acknowledging that there is a God. Faith is trusting that God is who he says he is and that he will do what he promises. And that includes his mercy towards those who are weak. James is saying that it doesn’t do any good to ask God for help if you don’t really think that he can or wants to help. Faith connects us to Christ our Savior.”

“So what do I do when I struggle with doubts?” Ginny asked.

“Look to Jesus,” Pastor Schroeder said. “He is our Rock, our solid ground. Look to his gospel. Since Jesus died for us and rose to life again, all our sins are forgiven. We can be confident that God will hear our prayers for his sake. Put your trust in him and he will never let you down.”

Prayer:
Lord, I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief! Amen.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Ask God for Wisdom

Ginny was glad she had signed up for the Bible Information Class at the Lutheran church near her home. She hadn’t really been to church since she was a kid, though, and there was a definite learning curve. But the class had given her much to think about.

During a break, the lady across the table (“Nancy” was written on her name tag) asked, “Are you enjoying the class so far?”

“Very much,” Ginny nodded. “But there’s so much to take in. And I’m afraid of asking a stupid question.”

Nancy laughed. “Oh, Pastor always says there’s no such thing as a stupid question. We’re all here to learn. In fact, this is the third time I’m taking the class. Each time it seems there’s something new I get out of it. Especially when others ask good questions. Sometimes they even stump the pastor!”

“Well, that must be embarrassing for him!” Ginny said with a giggle.

“Not at all! Pastor says that to be a Christian means that we are disciples of Jesus—lifelong learners. So when he’s stumped, Pastor just says, ‘Let’s ask God together!’ And then he grabs his Bible. After all, even Jesus had to study the Old Testament Scriptures as a boy.”

Ginny raised her eyebrows at that. “But I thought Jesus was the Son of God? Why would he have to go to Sunday School?”

“Good question,” Nancy said with a smile. “From what I understand, Jesus made himself like us so that he could do everything perfectly for us. Even the learning part. And especially the dying part! So now through faith in Jesus, we are credited with his perfect life. That’s how God can accept us as his holy children even though we have sinned. And like any good father, God loves it when his children ask him for help.”

The students began to take their seats again and the pastor asked, “Before we move on, did anyone have any questions?”

Ginny’s hand shot high in the air.

Prayer:
Dear God, there is still so much I don’t understand about you and your Word—and how to apply it to my life. Send your Holy Spirit to give me your wisdom. Amen.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2,3

Finding Joy in Trials

Ginny was heartbroken. Her favorite aunt, Aunt Cathy, had been such a strong, Christian woman and an inspiration to everyone. She had fought the cancer for so long, but in the end “the Lord called her home.” At least that’s what the pastor had said at her funeral. He also mentioned her strong faith in Jesus. So then why would God let her suffer so much only to let her die like that?

Maybe you have had a similar crisis of faith at some point in your own life. When you did, how did you feel about your situation? Sad? Frustrated? Worried? Angry? In our Bible verse for today, James, the brother of Jesus himself, encourages us to “consider it pure joy” whenever we encounter events that put our faith to the test.

It’s not that God wants us to have a morbid desire to suffer. And he certainly doesn’t want us to chase after temptations and spiritually dangerous obstacles to our faith. No, they will come often enough without our having to look for more. But when these dark clouds come, God wants us to see the silver lining.

You see, the Lord knows that we are weak. Our faith in him and in his promises easily wavers. On our own, we would wander away from God and bring even more trouble into our lives. So he allows us to face trials of all kinds—because he also knows that when believers are tested and overwhelmed by doubts or fears, they will run to their Savior. They run to him who faced all of Satan’s temptations but never gave in to sin. They run to Jesus who did not run from death but gave his life so that we could walk with him forever. And every time we run to him, we find him waiting with open arms.

The more our faith in Christ is tested, the stronger it becomes, because we witness time and again how trustworthy he is and how certain his promises are.

Prayer:
Lord God, every day I face tests to my faith. Use them to strengthen my confidence in you so that I will remain forever close to Christ my Savior. Amen.

Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
Galatians 1:8

Knowing the Real Gem

The writer Haddon Robinson tells the story about a boy in China who wanted to learn all about the precious gemstone, jade. So, he went to study under a gentle old man who knew all there was to know about jade. The first thing the old man did was to place a piece of jade into the boy’s hand and tell him to hold it tight. Then the old man proceeded to talk about everything under the sun; everything except jade. After an hour of this, he took the gem back and told the boy to go home.

This routine went on for weeks—the boy holding the piece of jade in his hand, the old man talking about everything but jade. Understandably, the boy became frustrated. “When is my teacher going to start talking about jade?” he thought. Then one day, when the old man put a common stone into his hand, the boy cried out instinctively, “That’s not jade!”

The old man’s wisdom was clear. He didn’t want that boy to sit and listen to someone talk about jade. He wanted that boy to know for himself what jade was, and to know it so well that he could instantly recognize a fake.

God wants the same for us when it comes to his Word—he wants us to know it so well that we will instantly recognize any false teaching about him. He knows how dangerous false teaching is. It leads us away from him rather than toward him. No wonder St. Paul was so emphatic when he told the Christians in Galatia that they should not listen to false teaching, even if he himself preached it—even if an angel from heaven preached it!

Our loving Lord does not want us to be deceived into thinking that we can somehow earn or deserve his love and forgiveness. These are a pure gift from him through Jesus. “So,” he says, “When you are told or tempted to think that you can earn your own way into my good graces, be sure to say, ‘That’s not the gospel!’”

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I ignore opportunities to know your Word better. Work through that Word so that I may know your truths so well that I never fall for what is false. Amen.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

Hope Through the Storms of Life

Sixteenth-century European explorers were racing to find a way to India and the east. The land route had been cut off; the only option remaining was the sea. One of the first Portuguese navigators to try sailing south around the African continent ran into a storm that nearly tore his ship into pieces. He called that place the Cape of Storms. A few years later when Vasco da Gama arrived at the same location, he was heartened by the fact that they were no longer sailing south but east. His eyes were on the riches of India that lay ahead of him. The place was renamed the Cape of Good Hope.

The human experience has much in common with a stormy sea; we are easily shipwrecked on the rocks of doubt, despair, or temptation. We experience suffering and sadness, pain and loss in our lives. And when we die, we know we will face our Maker to give an accounting to him. At times it may seem that he is already punishing us for the wrong we have done.

But the hope of Christians is not founded on what we can perceive but rather on what God has promised. God’s Word assures us that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Through no merits of our own, but purely through faith in the Son of God who sacrificed himself for us, our guilt has been removed and we are at peace with God. No matter how turbulent the journey through life is, we know it ends with our loving Savior welcoming us into his heavenly home. Our hope in God’s promises sustains us through the storms of this world.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you calmed the stormy sea by speaking a word. Calm my restless heart by reminding me of what you have done and what you promise still to do for me. Amen.