Category: Daily Devotions

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:19

Reconciled

Daily Devotion – February 10, 2019

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:19

See series: Devotions

Do you ever feel like the whole world is against you? No matter where you turn, you find opposition, and where there is no active opposition, there is simply apathy and ignorance. You think you know people, and then they turn against you. Nothing goes right for very long. On most days, most things go wrong.

What is your reaction when that happens? Frustration? Anger?

You may feel like the whole world is against you some days, but God has the right to feel like that every day. No matter where he turns, he finds opposition, and where there is no active opposition, there is simply apathy and ignorance. Even when people claim to know him, they end up with mixed motives and deeds that fall short of their aspirations. Nothing goes right for very long. On most days, most things go wrong.

What is God’s reaction when that happens? It’s not frustration and anger.

Instead, God’s reaction was to send his Son, Jesus, into the world to be the Savior. Jesus is not the Savior of only a few people. He is the Savior of the world. God does not count people’s sins against them because of the perfect life and innocent suffering and death of Jesus. He does not count your sins against you.

That is the message of reconciliation from me to you. God is not your enemy, even though he could easily be disappointed by your life. He is your Savior, and he is there for you even when the whole world seems to be against you. He invites you to repent and to trust in his promises of forgiveness in Christ.

Prayer:
Lord God, when nothing goes right, remind me that, in Christ, you have reconciled me to you. Let me live in the joy of full forgiveness. 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.

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11

The Path of Life

Daily Devotion – February 9, 2019

Devotion based on Psalm 16:11

See series: Devotions

The late Yogi Berra, a famous baseball player, once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” He made that saying the title of a book of his many well-known “Yogi-isms.” It’s a silly saying, because everyone knows that when you come to a fork in the road, you have to walk down one path or the other. The point of a fork in the road is that you can’t walk both directions.

The Bible says that life has two paths. The one is the path to eternal life. The other is the path to eternal death. You can’t walk both directions.

We give thanks to God that he has made known to us the path of life. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,” he says. “Whoever believes in him will not perish but will have eternal life.” The path to life is the path of faith in Jesus as Savior.

The path to eternal life has some sacrifices along the way, because faith in Jesus as Savior means that we do not believe in ourselves as saviors, or in other people who want to entice us to follow them rather than Jesus.

But the path to eternal life ends with joy in the presence of the Lord. All of the joys of heaven, all of the eternal pleasures, involve being in the presence of God forever.

The other path, the one leading to eternal death, may look good, but at its end there is only destruction. Many are on that path. Through Jesus, the Lord leads you on the path to heaven, the one less traveled, and that will make all the difference.

Prayer: : (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 422)
Jesus, lead us on till our rest is won; and although the way be cheerless, we will follow, calm and fearless. Guide us by your hand to our fatherland. 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.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Ephesians 5:25-27

Walk as a Bride Today

Daily Devotion – Walk as a February 8, 2019

Devotion based on Ephesians 5:25-27

See series: Devotions

Though the first word of today’s Bible passage says, “Husbands,” this devotion is not directed to husbands; it is directed to the bride. But not the bride of an earthly husband. It is directed to the bride of Christ. It is directed to you—one who believes in the holy Christian church, the communion of saints.

As St. Paul talks about the relationship between husbands and wives, he holds up the beautiful relationship between Christ and his bride, the church. In this relationship we see a bride who is beautifully dressed for her husband. In fact, she is holy. She is blameless. She is radiant. Without any stain or wrinkle or blemish. She is the perfect bride!

What is it that makes this bride so beautiful? What is it that makes you so beautiful in God’s eyes?

Notice, there is no talk of the dreams the bride had from little on. There is no talk of the plans the bride outlined in the years and months leading up to her wedding day. There is no talk of the detailed preparations the bride made as the hour of her wedding drew near. What we do hear, what we do see, what we are blessed with, is the loving work of the bridegroom–the loving work of Christ.

Christ made his bride holy and blameless. Christ cleansed her and made her radiant. He did that by giving himself up for her. The Son of God offered his holy, blameless life for his beloved. The Lamb of God, without stain or wrinkle or blemish, sacrificed himself—the perfect payment for sin making the sinner perfect.

This is not a dream or a fairy tale. This is the story of God’s love for you.

Dear friend in Christ, walk as a beautiful bride today. Walk up and down the aisle, out the door, across the street, around the corner, along the path in front of you, with complete confidence in your bridegroom and with eager anticipation of what lies ahead. Walk as a bride who knows that her bridegroom is beaming at her with love.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for cleansing me by the washing with water through the word. May I rejoice to live as your bride today. 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.

Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your home town what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”… All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
Luke 4:23,28-29

The Truth Hurts

Daily Devotion – February 7, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 4:23,28-29

See series: Devotions

“You need to hear this.” When Phil heard these words, he didn’t know what to think. He could sense it wasn’t going to be pleasant. Still, he figured he needed to hear what his friend had to say. But was it going to be a gentle correction, a needed criticism, or a stern rebuke? In any event, he prepared himself because he knew the truth would hurt.

The truth was what Jesus shared with the people in Nazareth, and there was an honesty which was hard to accept. The truth hurt. Because of the painful truth Jesus revealed, many rejected him. They were also ready to silence him. The account provides a much-needed caution for me.

While I prefer to hear about God’s goodness and love, I desperately need to hear when he speaks honestly with me. I have to hear the whole truth, and, the truth hurts. I am a sinner. I am rebellious and hostile to God. By nature I don’t want to do what God desires, nor am I inclined to even think about obeying him.

As Jesus opened the eyes of the crowd, so he opens mine. He confronts me with the truth of my rebellion. He also confronts me with the truth of my condemnation. The truth hurts. It is when I feel the sting of this harsh reality and am broken under its pressing burden, that I long to hear what Jesus has done for me.

He accepted the punishment I should have endured. He experienced the condemnation I should have received. He rescued me from the painful sentence I should have borne. This precious truth brings relief. It also renews me through faith, so I can delight in doing what he desires.

By faith, Jesus has set me free from the painful reality which confronted me and replaced it with the peace only the whole truth can provide. In this truth I now live and rejoice.

Prayer:
O blessed Savior, my Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the precious truth you provide. This alone reveals the burden of my sin, and leads me to you, the one who has released me from that burden. 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.

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I Knew You

Daily Devotion – February 6, 2019

Devotion based on Jeremiah 1:4-5

See series: Devotions

“I knew you.” You might hear those words from someone who thinks you’ve changed. They knew you at one point in your life, but now you’ve apparently changed. You might hear them from someone you’ve drifted apart from. At one time you were close, but then one of you moved—off to school, off to a new job, off to a new you.

The perspective is one of looking back on who you once were. Time and distance have changed you. What they knew about you no longer seems to be true.

The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and told him: “I knew you.” But the Lord isn’t surprised at Jeremiah—who he is, how he’s changed, or what he’s up to now. No, the Lord’s perspective was different. Before Jeremiah even existed, the Lord knew him and what he would do.

From our perspective, life can feel like a chaotic tornado or a giant game of Plinko (a “Price Is Right” reference for those of you who don’t know game shows). When we feel that way, we all too easily give in to temptations. When it feels like no one is in control, we decide to take the reins. We start making all the decisions ourselves, regardless of what God says. When it feels like our lives are stuck in a dangerous swamp of question marks, we worry about everything, even though worrying has never worked. The list could go on, but the point is simple: when we think no one knows or cares, we sin.

The Lord is here to tell us differently. He knows. He cares. The Lord has plans for you. The Lord’s plans started before you were even born. He planned for you before this world was created. His plans included a cradle where his Son, your Savior, was born. He planned for the cross where Jesus’ punishment brought you peace. In your life, God brought you his Word and Jesus. And, Jesus is planning and preparing a room for you in heaven.

The Lord, who has known and planned those HUGE details for you, knows every little detail, too. The Lord knows. He knows you. He loves you.

Prayer:
Lord, you know me better than I know myself. Forgive me for not trusting your loving care. Give me confidence always that you know me, you love me and your plans for me culminate with my happy home in heaven with 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 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short.
1 Corinthians 7:29

Life is Short

Daily Devotion – February 5, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 7:29

See series: Devotions

In the history of TV ad campaigns, few have been more successful than the series of commercials that ran for Chevy Trucks. The slogan was, “Like a Rock,” and if you’ve ever seen one of the ads, chances are that you’ve never forgotten the sound of the strong, gravelly voice that sang those three words. Thanks to that voice, the “Like a Rock” series of TV spots lasted for years.

The strong, gravelly voice that convinced us that Chevy Trucks are “Like a Rock” belongs to a singer/songwriter by the name of Bob Seger. And here’s the twist. If you google the song and listen to the lyrics, you soon learn that Bob Seger is not celebrating toughness or power. Instead, he is a man mourning the passage of time. As a young man, Seger sings, he was “Like a Rock.” But then the years came and went. The strength of his youth disappeared. And it all happened so quickly that Seger finds himself sitting at night in front of his fireplace bewildered, stunned, wondering where those years have gone.

The message of his song is devastating and clear: Life is short. Whether you live to be 24 or 94, the years will pass through your fingers with startling speed. And when they do, your moment on this earth is done.

Which brings us to Jesus Christ.

Without Jesus Christ, it doesn’t matter how strong you are in your youth; it doesn’t matter how successful you are in your prime; it doesn’t matter how golden life is in your golden years. Without Jesus Christ, this moment on the earth is the best you will ever have.

On the other hand, when you walk by faith in the Savior who has washed away your sins and covered you in his holiness—when you live in him, everything in your short life changes. Regardless of circumstances, your life has eternal purpose. Regardless of difficulties, your life has eternal joy. And regardless of the pleasures or pains you experience here, you know that the best is yet to come.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my life here is short. But you are eternal. Empower me by your gospel 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 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come, “he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me, “Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:14-18

Love and Forgiveness

Daily Devotion – February 4, 2019

Devotion based on Mark 1:14-18

See series: Devotions

There are many people who want to describe Jesus’ ministry in their own terms. Some focus on his love and use it to condone just about anything. Others focus on his forgiveness and rely on it to excuse every indiscretion and act of disobedience. But, how do I describe Jesus’ ministry? Actually, a better question might be, how should I describe Jesus’ ministry?

Mark provides a valuable description when he records a portion of Jesus’ early ministry in Galilee. Three words stand out: repent, believe, and follow.

Repentance is turning away from sin and returning to the Lord. Certainly I can be sorry, but repentance takes on a greater sense of urgency. I must realize that I have sinned against God and humbly confess my disobedience. Jesus’ ministry calls me to repent daily and sincerely.

Jesus also invited people to believe the good news, the good news that by his life, death and resurrection he rescued sinners from their guilt and punishment. When I turn from sin in repentance, my first and only, response is to turn to him. I am filled with peace and joy to hear that good news of forgiveness which Jesus not only secured, but which he also freely offers through faith.

As I receive his undeserved love through faith, I also receive the invitation to follow him. Jesus didn’t forgive me so that I could go on with my life as I please. He provided me with his mercy, so I could follow him and serve him in love and obedience. Jesus’ ministry is, and always will be about the change he works in me. He gives me life when I was dead. He gives me sight when I was blind. He gives me faithfulness when I was rebellious.

Certainly love and forgiveness would be two proper ways to describe Jesus’ ministry, but it would leave much to my personal interpretation. A better description is repent, believe and follow. In these I experience his undeserved love and forgiveness. Through these I acknowledge he is my Lord and my Savior.

Prayer:
O dearest Jesus, I thank you for coming into the world to be my Savior. At your invitation lead me to repent of my sins, hear the good news of my forgiveness, and follow you—faithfully, willingly and joyfully. 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.

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Matthew 6:24

Day by Day

Daily Devotion – February 3, 2019

Devotion based on Matthew 6:24

See series: Devotions

Many people pray that the Lord would allow them to win the lottery. It seems like such a good solution to life’s problems! People imagine that if they had all of that money, their needs would be met and their cares would disappear.

Lottery winners generally tell a different story. Their needs seem never-ending, and their cares multiply. How can that be?

In today’s Bible verse, Jesus explains that money is really a master. If you serve it, you depend on it as the answer to everything, and you spend all of your time trying to accumulate more of it. You trust it to give you everything you need, and when you realize that you still are not happy, you figure that you just need more. When that does not work, you are tempted to despair, to hate and despise God, because he has not blessed you with everything you desire.

By contrast, when you serve God, you realize that money is a gift to be used to his glory. You take care of your obligations and your family. You figure out how to use your money to promote the gospel, which promises you forgiveness of sins and peace through Jesus Christ. You come to hate and despise the love of money as “a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). You gain a perspective on life that can only come through service to God.

Christians pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” and they trust that God will take care of their monetary and other physical needs, day by day.

Prayer: (Christian Worship Supplement: 765)
Day by day, your mercies, Lord, attend me, bringing me comfort to my anxious soul. Savior, lead me to the home I treasure, where at last I’ll find eternal rest. 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.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10

A Risky Proposition

Daily Devotion – February 2, 2019

Devotion based on James 4:10

See series: Devotions

You wonder if James was thinking about his brother, Jesus, when he wrote these words. Certainly, there was never anyone humbler. Perhaps, James had heard of how Jesus took little children in his arms, spent time with the outcasts, and stooped down to wash his disciples’ dusty feet. Then in his greatest act, Jesus humbled himself by submitting to the Lord’s plan and allowing himself to be crucified like the worst of criminals. But the Lord lifted him up. On the third day he raised Jesus from the dead proving that his death for sinners was accepted. Jesus’ humility was for you and for me.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord.” Humility is not something that comes easy to us. Maybe that’s because it seems kind of risky. If I don’t draw attention to the good things that I do at work, then who will notice? Or if I don’t stand up and speak out for my own interests, then who will take care of them? Humility can be a difficult thing to put into practice in our everyday lives, and especially as we consider our relationship with the Lord. Human reason tells us that if we openly and freely admit that we deserve nothing, that is exactly what we will get.

But notice that these words are not just a command, but a promise. James writes, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” When you come before the Lord, you don’t have to pretend that you are better than you are. The Lord knows your sinful thoughts, words, and actions, better than you do. But nevertheless, because of your humble Savior, the Lord will lift you up. He will not and he cannot turn away those who come to him with nothing but the cry, “Lord, have mercy on me!”

It might seem risky to practice humility in your life, but God promises blessing. He promises to bless you in your relationships with others, and most importantly, when you come before him trusting in your Savior alone.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, your Son humbled himself for all. Help me to trust in you and to practice true humility as I approach you and as I interact with others in life today. 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.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

The Great Light

Daily Devotion – February 1, 2019

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:2

See series: Devotions

Are you afraid of the dark? If so, you are not alone. Whether we like to admit a true fear or not, there are things that are scary about the dark: we can’t see where we are going, and we can’t identify hazards that might be surrounding us. Darkness that is so enveloping keeps us from knowing what is going on around us and sometimes puts us in danger.

How comforting, then, that in today’s Bible verse, God describes his Son, our Savior, as a great light in the darkness. Jesus is the light that came to illuminate the way for those who couldn’t see where they were going. That’s us. We were all living in the darkness of sin, unable to see our way out, unable to find the path to eternal life, unable to even see the dangers that are all around us. This verse tells us we were not just living in physical darkness and ignorance, but we were living in the land of the shadow of death. In other words, we were on the path to hell. This is much more serious than feeling a little lost in a dark house, or worrying about imaginary monsters hiding under our bed.

When Jesus came into this world to live a perfect life, suffer and die for the sins of the world, and rise again, he secured our salvation and revealed it to us. That’s why Jesus is called the Light. He made a way out of our darkness, and he guides us on the way to heaven. We no longer have to wander around in the darkness and guilt of our sin. Thank God for caring enough about us that he sent the Light to save us from the darkness.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing us from the darkness of sin and for leading us on the path that leads to heaven. Help us always trust you to guide us. In Jesus, our Light’s name we pray, 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.