Category: Daily Devotions

Then you shall declare before the LORD your God: “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down into Egypt with a few people and lived there and became a great nation, powerful and numerous. But the Egyptians mistreated us and made us suffer, subjecting us to hard labor. Then we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.” Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him.
Deuteronomy 26:5-10

His Victory

Daily Devotion – February 20, 2019

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 26:5-10

See series: Devotions

After accomplishing some great success in life, perhaps you have been given the counsel: “Don’t rest on your laurels.” A sign of victory in ancient times was to wear a wreath made of laurel leaves as a kind of crown. To rest on your laurels, then, means to be so satisfied with your past achievements that you make no further effort to improve. Such a person basks in the glow of glory years gone by.

When the people of Israel entered into the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness, they would be tempted to “rest on their laurels.” After years of suffering, they had found success. They had journeyed to a land “flowing with milk and honey” with rich soil that produced abundant crops. But Moses reminded them that the laurel wreath of victory was not theirs to wear. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, owed everything they had to the Lord, the God of their fathers. When they were helpless, the Lord had saved them from slavery and had led them safely to this new land. By all rights, the Lord deserved their thanks and praise.

Can Christians be tempted to rest on their laurels? After all, we believers have been promised an eternal home in heaven. As God’s children we have the privilege of going to him in prayer. By his grace we even see some successes in our struggles with sin and may have been able to resist temptations that have been the ruin of others around us. But no, the crown of victory does not rightly belong to us. We sinners could never earn peace with God ourselves. It was won by Christ Jesus the Son of God, who with his outstretched arms on the cross defeated sin, death, and the devil for us. He gives salvation as a gift to all sinners through faith. We rest secure on Jesus’ laurels—his victory—rather than our own. And responding to such a Savior in faith and gratitude, we bring the firstfruits of godly living, setting apart for him the best of our resources, our schedule, and our heart.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you used your mighty power to win me back from death and the devil. Let all my thinking, speaking, and doing this day reflect your great love for me. 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.

The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
1 Corinthians 8:2

Necessary

Daily Devotion – February 19, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 8:2

See series: Devotions

Several years ago, a high school in Port Huron, MI, needed a commencement speaker for its spring graduation. The school decided to invite businessman Ross Perot. Mr. Perot accepted. As a result, what the senior class received that year was a commencement address few of them would soon forget.

Not far into the speech, Mr. Perot made it clear that he had a deep concern about a certain portion of the graduating class. His concern, however, was not about those who had to struggle to get through school. Nor was his concern necessarily about those who had certain disadvantages or difficulties. Rather, his deep concern was about those in the class who had sailed through their four years of high school with straight A’s.

In many cases, Mr. Perot told them, “you don’t know what it is to strive, fail, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again and again; and, finally, never to win a medal but just finish the race.” Because that segment of the class had not yet tasted that bitter but necessary slice of life, Mr. Perot was telling them that even though they knew many things, here was one vital thing they did not yet know.

God’s Word has a similar thought for you and me, but the thought is even more profound. It’s easy for us to picture the devil at work when we encounter setbacks or failure or grief. What may not often occur to us is what the devil can do when we experience success. Satan can use even the head-rush of achievement to lessen our appreciation for God’s grace. Satan can use that moment of victory to distract us from God’s undeserved love for us in Jesus Christ.

Keep that in mind when the Lord chooses to allow disappointment and failure into your life. His goal is not to give you an unbroken chain of success stories. Rather, it is to do whatever is necessary to keep you close to him. After all, he died for you. He loves you that much.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I ask you to carry out great things to your glory through my life. I also ask you to do what is necessary to keep me close to 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.

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2

Bold in the Gospel

Daily Devotion – February 18, 2019

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2

See series: Devotions

What makes a person bold? A husband and wife can go to the bank to secure a mortgage for purchasing their first home because their credit score is top notch. An athlete can go into the big game with boldness because he has put in hours of training, practice, and preparation. A young aspiring business professional walks into his interview with boldness because he has a shiny new degree from a prestigious university.

But what makes us bold as Christians? When we look at what God’s law has to say, we have no right to be bold because it shows us that we are sinners who deserve God’s judgment and punishment. Surely a sinful human being cannot be bold before a holy God. Our boldness does not come from God’s law, but from the gospel. God’s gospel tells us that our sins are forgiven in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus our Savior. The Bible says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Through that message, the Holy Spirit works saving faith in our hearts and thus sets us free from the curse of sin. So we can be bold not because of what we have done or can do, but because of what Jesus has done for us!

That freedom and hope also makes us bold to share the wonderful news of the gospel with others, just as Paul did. We dare not change it or speak falsely about it. We set forth the truths of God’s law and gospel plainly because, “…the gospel…is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

So be bold. Know that in Jesus, your sins are forgiven and through faith in him you are made a dear child of your heavenly Father. Then share that gospel message boldly that others may hear it and be saved. Be bold in the gospel!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in you and your work of salvation alone do I have freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life. Strengthen my faith in you and make me bold to serve you with my life. 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.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”–but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

The Basement

Daily Devotion – February 17, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

See series: Devotions

In 2004, author Susan Shaw published a work of fiction with a dark title. She called her book, The Boy from the Basement.

The Boy from the Basement is the story of a 12-year-old boy named Charlie. Charlie has lived his entire life in the basement of his home, kept there by his psychotic and abusive father. He knows nothing about the world beyond his basement walls. In fact, he fears it. He accepts his miserable existence as normal.

That all changes when the city authorities discover his plight. Before long, Charlie’s entire sense of reality is different. He moves into the home of a foster family—a foster family that is caring and kind, affectionate and patient. From there he discovers things he has never known before. He discovers the telephone. He discovers learning. He discovers Christmas. He discovers friendship. Most of all, Charlie discovers unconditional love. Although the road is difficult and long, in time Charlie does find healing. The boy from the basement is in the basement no more.

Before the arrival of Jesus, you and I were in a basement. It was a basement of our own making. It was the basement of our own sin. Because of that basement, you and I could not see what was beyond it. Left to ourselves, you and I would have accepted our basement as reality and lingered there until we died.

But God changed all that. He sent his Son. Through his life and death on our behalf, Jesus destroyed our basement of sin, wrapping us in the blanket of his forgiveness. And now his Holy Spirit speaks to us by the power of his Word. He describes all the things we may now enjoy beyond our basement walls. And he tells us that even better things are on the way.

Yes, the road for us can still be difficult and long. But our healing has come. We are in the basement no more.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you have rescued me. Thank you. In your Word, help me to discover more and more the wonderful things I now have 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.

[Love] is not self-seeking.
1 Corinthians 13:5

The Long Walk

Daily Devotion – February 16, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:5

See series: Devotions

An old, gray-haired man walked into the headquarters of General George Washington. When Washington saw him, he took notice and stopped what he was doing. The old man’s name was Peter Miller. Washington treasured him as a friend, and for good reason. During the dark days of Valley Forge, when Washington’s men were cold and starving and sick, it was old Peter Miller who had worked so hard to deliver as much relief and medical help as he possibly could.

Now here the old man stood, having walked a long walk to see the general. He was there to plead for the life of his neighbor back home, one Michael Widmon. Through some foolish act, Mr. Widmon had been found guilty of treason and sentenced to be hanged. Only Washington could grant a pardon, and a pardon is what Peter Miller sought.

Reports are that Peter Miller’s words moved Washington to tears. Nevertheless, Washington said no. After all, he said to Peter, how could he justify granting a pardon to a man just because he happens to be your friend?

What the old man said next put Peter Miller’s long walk in an entirely different light. “Friend?” he said to Washington, “Michael Widmon is not my friend. In fact, he has been my bitterest enemy.” And it was true. The townspeople knew that Widmon had taken to treating Peter Miller with contempt, even going so far as to spit in his face.

For Washington, that settled it. He granted the pardon. He granted the pardon not because Peter Miller had made the long walk for a friend. He granted the pardon because Peter Miller had made the long walk for an enemy.

You and I might flatter ourselves to think that, on our good days, we might be willing to “walk the long walk” for a friend, or for someone who kindles our compassion. But to do it for someone who has hurt us, or disrespected us, or humiliated us? That’s something else entirely. Our inability reminds us how far short you and I fall when it comes to God’s command to love.

That’s why we need Jesus. Jesus walked the long walk in our place. He suffered and died for our every self-seeking moment. Because he did, he has secured for each of us a permanent pardon from eternal death.

And there’s more. God’s Word tells us that the same love which Jesus demonstrated for us is also what empowers us to lengthen our walk for others—friend and foe alike.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, by your Gospel promise of forgiveness, move me to walk the long walk for those in my life who need me to do it. 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.

I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 59:16

A Friend in a High Place

Daily Devotion – February 15, 2019

Devotion based on Psalm 59:16

See series: Devotions

The man who wrote these words had some enemies in high places. David, the composer, wrote the words of this song when the king at the time, Saul, had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.

I can hardly imagine the danger I would be in if the ruler of my country were trying to kill me. I’m not sure I would be singing. I think I would be trying to keep as quiet as possible, especially if people were watching my house with a view toward ending my residency there.

David was a brave man. In the face of danger, he sang. But he did not sing about his own strength, or his own ability to defeat the king. David sang about the strength of the Lord his God, and not just about his strength, but also about his love. David knew that God was stronger than any king, and David knew that God loved him.

David had a friend in an even higher place than the top of the government. David had a friend in heaven.

No matter who or what your enemy is, God is stronger. He is able to control the events of the world, large and small. There is nothing happening in your life that is too big for God to handle.

Even better, God loves you. He proved his love by sending his Son into the world to save you. He proves his love today by providing you refuge from your enemies, refuge in times of trouble. He forgives your sins, and silences the mouths of your accusers, even of a guilty conscience. His promises are meant to give you security and comfort. He is your fortress, your trusty shield and weapon.

It’s great to have friends in high places. But it’s even greater to have a friend in heaven.

Prayer:
Deliver me from my enemies, O God, and protect me from those who rise up against me. Keep me safe in Jesus. 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.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19

That Perfect Love

Daily Devotion – February 14, 2019

Devotion based on 1 John 4:18-19

See series: Devotions

There can be a lot of fear in our relationships. We fear that the other person will find out who we really are. We fear that we do not really know the other person. We fear that we will be misunderstood, or that we will disappoint the other person.

There can be a lot of fear in our relationship with God. We fear that he will punish us when we fail to follow his Word. We fear that we misunderstand what he wants and that he will be disappointed. We fear that we have not been good enough, and that we will end up in hell as a result.

God’s perfect love for us drives out those fears. God promises that he has punished his own Son, Jesus, for our sins, so he will not punish us with hell. Instead, in his perfect love, he promises us heaven through faith in Jesus, and tells us, “Don’t be afraid.” The perfect forgiveness we have through Jesus takes away our fears.

That perfect love leads us to love God. Even though he is holy, he has reached down to us unholy people and lived with us in the person of Jesus Christ. Today he promises to be with us wherever we go, wherever we live.

That perfect love also leads us to love other people. Because God has forgiven us, we do not withhold our forgiveness from others. When we need the strength to show that love and forgiveness, even to people who don’t deserve it, we remember that God has loved us and forgiven us even when we don’t deserve it, and we are moved to love.

We love because he first loved us.

Prayer:
Lord of life and love, take away our fears, and give us confidence to live our lives for you in love for one another. 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.

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.”
Deuteronomy 18:15-20

The Prophet of Grace and Truth

Daily Devotion – February 13, 2019

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 18:15-20

See series: Devotions

Anyone who has begun studying the Bible might come away from it a little overwhelmed. So much to learn! So much to remember! So many changes I need to make in my life! What if I mess up?

God’s people Israel had received much instruction from Moses over the course of forty years. They would be blessed if they remembered to obey all that the Lord had commanded them through the prophet. But now Moses was soon to die—just as they were on the verge of finally entering the Promised Land! What if they forgot all he had taught them?

Unfortunately, they did just that. The people that God had chosen to be his own forgot about him and turned to serve false, make-believe gods that could not help them. They did what pleased their sinful hearts and brought the curse of the law down upon themselves.

But the Lord kept his promise through Moses to send another prophet, a greater prophet. Jesus Christ, the Son of God in human flesh, did not just come to remind the people of what they should be doing or point out how they had failed to do what God had commanded. Jesus came to keep that law perfectly as everyone’s substitute and to bring forgiveness of sins to all who trust in God’s promise of grace through him. The Bible teaches: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known” (John 1:17-18).

When it comes to following God’s holy commands, we can make mistakes. We can, and we do. But with the coming of Jesus, the Prophet of Grace and Truth, we are free from the fear of failure. The Lord has revealed himself to us as a God who has removed our guilt through the death of his Son on the cross. Our faith in his forgiveness allows us to look at each day as an opportunity to show our gratitude for his love.

Prayer:
Holy Father, I thank you for sending your Son Jesus to reveal yourself to us as a forgiving God. Let his word and work of salvation be my greatest hope and joy. 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 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

The Greatest Expression of Love

Daily Devotion – February 12, 2019

Devotion based on John 15:13

See series: Devotions

In two days, many in the United States will celebrate Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is now observed in many countries as a day celebrating love and affection. Though the date may be different in different places, in most cases it has become a day on which gifts are given as expressions of love.

Common expressions of love include cards, flowers, and heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Sometimes these gestures are empty of real meaning. A grade school student may give cards to everyone in her class, regardless of how she feels about the individual members. An adult may give a gift, not because he really wants to, but because that is what everyone does on Valentine’s Day. More often these gestures are true expressions of love and affection, and those for whom we do such things are those for whom we would do even greater things.

If it came right down to it, who of you wouldn’t give your life for those you love? Your spouse. Your child. Your dear friend. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Life is the greatest expression of love one human being can offer for another.

For Jesus, the Son of God, the greatest expression of love goes even farther. He didn’t just send you a card—though he did give you an unsurpassed love letter in his Word. He didn’t just get you flowers—though he does hold out to you the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth. He didn’t just give you a box of chocolates—though he does open his heart so that you may taste and see that the Lord is good. Jesus gave more; even more than a human life. Jesus gave his perfect life for you. Jesus shed his holy blood for you. Jesus endured the agony of hell for you. And now Jesus lives for you.

In so many ways and with infinite depth Jesus’ love surpasses yours and mine. Praise God that his greatest expression of love has made you a child of God. It has prepared you for life to come, and it empowers you to truly love those around you.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for extending the greatest expression of love to me. May I live in the love of Jesus today and always! 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 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.
Mark 1:25-26

The Devil Shrieked

Daily Devotion – February 11, 2019

Devotion based on Mark 1:25-26

See series: Devotions

Following the first sin in the Garden of Eden, God promised to send “the seed of the woman to crush the serpent’s head” (Genesis 3:15). It was that promise which guided and strengthened all who put their faith into what God had said. When the time was right, God the Father sent his Son into the world to fulfill his long-standing promise. (See Galatians 4:4-5.)

Jesus’ ministry was clear from the start. His reason for coming was not to make people feel better about themselves. Nor was his mission to make life easier. He came to destroy the devil’s power and release people from his tyranny. It is a ministry for which I am eternally grateful.

In an early account of Jesus’ ministry, Mark provides a glimpse of the precious work Jesus came to accomplish. Jesus had gone to Capernaum and into a synagogue to teach. While he was there an evil spirit revealed himself and challenged him. Sternly Jesus silenced him and commanded him to come out of the man. The evil spirit left with a shriek. It was that display of power which offered a preview of what Jesus would later do for me and for all people.

Through the authority of his teaching, and later through his death on the cross, Jesus did battle with the devil. No matter how hard the devil tried, he could not overcome Jesus with his temptations or defeat him with his power. Whatever authority the devil had come to an end when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. The risen Jesus descended into hell and there proclaimed his complete and ultimate victory. The head of the serpent was crushed. All the devil could do was shriek in defeat.

It is because of Jesus’ overwhelming victory that I am able to say, “No to sin and all ungodliness” (Titus 2:12). This means I can stand “toe to toe” with the devil in the good fight of faith. I am no longer a hapless victim. I am no longer hopeless or helpless in the battle. I can draw on the victory Jesus has secured for me, as well as the strength he provides in his Word.

When I rely on Jesus and depend on the power of his victory, the devil will flee from me with a shriek.

Prayer:
O blessed Redeemer, you have freed me from the devil’s control. You have also enabled me to fight and win the good fight of faith. Help me draw on the victory and the strength you offer and keep me faithful until the end. 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 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.