Category: Daily Devotions

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

Condemned No More

In Rawlins, Wyoming, something unusual is waiting for you. What awaits is a guided tour of an old prison that closed in 1981. The entire tour is riveting. Anyone who has taken the tour, however, will tell you that your heart begins to beat a little faster when you climb the steps of a specific, small building. This is the death house.

As you enter the second floor, you see a short row of small cells. Beyond the row of small cells is a door. The tour guide opens the door. You walk through. And there it stands, right in front of you. There stands the gas chamber.

Then the tour guide tells a story. She explains that, before each execution, it was standard procedure to test the gas chamber with a live pig. The technicians would bring the animal into the death house, up the stairs to the second floor and into the gas chamber. They would close the chamber door. Then they would drop cyanide pellets into an acid bath to fill the chamber with lethal gas. And the animal would die.

During the tour guide’s talk, it doesn’t take much imagination to picture the prisoner in one of the small cells behind you. There he is, listening. He hears the staff struggling to bring their test subject inside. He hears the pig’s angry grunts. Then he hears its frightened squeals. He hears the large metal door close. Finally, the prisoner hears silence.

To take such a tour and to stand in such a place can at least give you a small taste of what the word, “condemned,” really means.

You and I once sat condemned. There we were, waiting for the inevitable. There we were, waiting to die. What we awaited, however, was not some quick physical death in a gas chamber. Because of our sin, you and I were facing the pit of outer darkness, the abyss of eternal death.

But Jesus changed all that. He became one of us. On our behalf he lived the holy life we could not live. Then he put himself on death row in our place. He died as our substitute. He paid our penalty in full.

And now he lives. And because he does, you and I stand condemned no more. All is forgiven. Eternal death no longer awaits. What lies ahead now is eternal life.

Prayer:
Dear Savior, because of you, only the joys of heaven await. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Thank you! Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Hebrews 7:26-27

Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest

In the fifth chapter of his book, the author to the Hebrews tells us what Old Testament high priests did: “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Hebrews 5:1).

Why do we call Jesus our High Priest? Because he did what the Old Testament high priests did. Just as they represented the people before God, Jesus represents his people before God. Just as the Old Testament priests made sacrifice for sin, Jesus made sacrifice for sin. We rightly call Jesus our High Priest. But there is more.

Why do we call Jesus our perfect High Priest? Because he did not do what the Old Testament high priests did. The verses from Hebrews for today’s devotion make this clear. Jesus did not offer sacrifices day after day. Jesus did not offer sacrifices for his own sin—not even one! Jesus did not repeatedly offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. That’s why Jesus is not just another high priest, but our perfect High Priest.

Jesus sacrificed for sin, once for all, when he offered himself. Why only once? And why did it count for all? Because the one making the sacrifice and the sacrifice being made were one and the same, and that one was perfect—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Such a high priest truly meets your need. Remember that when you have stumbled and fallen, and feel like you can’t get up. Remember that when guilt over sin weighs heavily upon you. Remember that also when your faith needs a boost to take on the challenge or overcome the temptation before you. Remember that when you are rejoicing in blessings you have through Christ. Indeed, remember this not only after a failure, but before a challenge, and through it all thankful for a victorious Christian life: Jesus is your perfect High Priest!

Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for doing what the Old Testament priests did, and for not doing what the Old Testament priests did. Thank you for being my perfect High Priest. May I trust you to meet my every need, today and always. Amen.

The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.

[Christ] … is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:10-11

Amazing!

Can you imagine what it was like to see Jesus ascending to heaven? He was standing there, talking with and blessing the disciples when suddenly, he was taken up into the sky! Wow! It must have been amazing!

But it was so much more than what met the eye. He ascended “in order to fill the whole universe.” Wow again! That same Jesus who was standing there talking with his followers face-to-face now fills the entire universe! His ascension proves it! Amazing!

But now here comes, perhaps, the most amazing part of all. How does he use his power? He uses it for the good of his people! Specifically, he raised up apostles and prophets. And now he continues to raise up evangelists, pastors, and teachers. That’s how he chooses to use his power.

Why is this so important? Because ultimately there’s nothing that a prophet could do, which would be more important than making sure that his message is spread! Jesus, THE Prophet, wants people to know that he is the Savior who paid for all sins and won eternal life for us humans. Jesus wants people to come to believe in him so that they can spend eternity with him in heaven.

Yes, that’s what the all-powerful and filler-of-all-things wants! He wants that for you! And so, he makes sure that his message gets out, and that there are messengers to get that message out. Thank God that he does it, because that guarantees that you can keep on hearing that wonderful message of salvation. What a gracious Prophet Jesus is!

Prayer:
O gracious Prophet, keep sending messengers, so that your message might continue to be spread. Amen.

The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.

And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God…You shall have no other gods…You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God…Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Honor your father and your mother…You shall not murder…commit adultery…steal…give false testimony against your neighbor…covet.”
Exodus 20:1-17

God’s Words Matter Most

Whose words matter most? The government’s? The scientists’? The experts’? Your loved ones’?
What about your words? Some would say that your words matter most. “Find your voice.” “Speak out.” “It will empower you.”

However, God’s words matter most. Society can say that morality evolves over time. We can tell ourselves that right and wrong are determined by our own feelings in the moment. But God’s words matter most.

God spoke these words: I am the only God. Worship me alone. Trust and honor my name alone. Give credence to my word above all other words. Honor the earthly authorities I have set up, at home, in church, and in government. Respect and preserve the gift of life, regardless of its “quality”. Respect and keep pure the gifts of marriage and sexuality. Respect the possessions God gave others and practice wise stewardship of what God gives you. Keep the good name of others intact. Guard even your thoughts, lest they dishonor God or display lovelessness for others. These are God’s Ten Commandments.

Those are God’s words. They matter most. They determine what is right and wrong, for everyone, no matter what our feelings.

When God speaks, we are silent. We recognize our sin. We admit our faults. We confess that God is right and we are in the wrong.

But God isn’t done speaking. He also speaks his love. His Word became flesh. His Son was born for us. God spoke that we are forgiven when Jesus died in our place. God spoke that we are justified, not guilty, by his Son’s resurrection from death. God speaks to you: I love you. I forgive you. Do not be afraid. I hold you in my hand. By faith in my Son, Jesus, heaven is yours. You are mine.

God’s words about right and wrong, and above all, his words about his love and forgiveness in Jesus, matter most. We would be wise to listen and adhere to them.

Prayer:
Dear Father, everyone wants their say in today’s world. My sinful nature wants to speak up, as well. But when you speak, I see my sin. When you speak, I know your love and forgiveness in Christ. Let your words dwell in my heart. Amen.

The weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25

Surprise

One of the big stories coming out of this year’s Winter Olympics is the story of Ester Ledecka. Ester is a champion snowboarder. When it comes to skiing, however, she is not very experienced. So, when she decided also to compete as a downhill skier (on borrowed skis, no less), no one gave her a chance. After all, there were so many other skiers who knew how to attack the hill far better than she did. By the time it was her turn to ski, the TV broadcasters had already moved on to other events.

But then came the big surprise. Ester Ledecka won the Olympic gold medal. As a result, one of the enduring images from these Winter Games is a picture of Ester’s stunned face at the end of her run as she slowly realized what had just happened. Some have theorized that it was Ester’s lack of experience which gave her an edge. It’s possible that her lack of experience caused her to attack the hill in a different way. If so, then Ester’s perceived weakness as a skier, was not a weakness at all.

The image of a man dying by means of crucifixion is not an image that communicates strength. Instead, it communicates weakness, humiliation, defeat, and despair. No one would look at such an image and think it was an answer for anything.

But then comes the big surprise. The perceived weakness of Jesus on a cross is not a weakness at all. As it turns out, the Son of God on a cross is the only thing strong enough to wash clean the collective lifetimes of all of our sinful failures. It is the only thing strong enough to destroy our deepest fears and to carry our greatest hopes. It is the only thing strong enough to change your eternity and mine.

And the surprise continues. Every day the message of Christ crucified continues to create the miracle of faith in Jesus as Savior. Every day it continues to bond us closer to him and his promises. Every day it continues to season our hearts with courage, strength, persistence, and endurance. And every day it continues to season our hearts with the boldness of joy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, season my heart in the message of the cross. Let the life-changing surprise of your gospel continue to refresh my relationship with you. Amen.

After [Jesus] was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22

Puzzle Pieces

Puzzles can be fun. They can also be frustrating. If anything, they require patience and persistence. Not only do all the pieces have to be identified, they also must be put together correctly.

For many people Jesus’ life appeared to be a puzzle. They tried to put the pieces together. Unfortunately, they didn’t do it correctly. In the end they came up with the wrong picture.

For the disciples of Jesus, the pieces eventually all came together, but it took the final piece of the resurrection to do it. Then they knew, and believed everything Jesus said was true.

It is also important for us that all the pieces of Jesus’ life come together in the right way. But in our sinful weakness, we become impatience and fail to understand Jesus. An unanswered prayer may lead us to doubt Jesus’ wisdom. A disaster may make us question his goodness. Just about any difficulty or illness may cause us to wonder about his love.

The problem isn’t with Jesus, or with his wisdom, goodness, and love. It rests with us. We fail to understand how all the pieces fit together.

We need to rely on what Jesus has said. From the Scriptures we realize how he faithfully completed all he said he would do. From the Scriptures we can understand not one word or gracious promise has ever failed. From the Scriptures we can clearly see what he has done for our rescue. He has fulfilled every righteous requirement on our behalf. He has suffered the shameful treatment and mockery we deserved. He has even sacrificed his life as our substitute to give us eternal life. When we take the time to consider all he has done for us, all the pieces come together. The life of Jesus is not a puzzle with missing pieces. It is a beautiful picture of him as our Savior, made complete by his faithful Word.

Prayer:
O gracious Lord, open my eyes to see all you have done for me. Increase my faith to trust that you will always keep your Word. Give me joy in knowing that you hold me in your loving hands. Amen.

As [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”(this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. … Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
John 9:1-7,35-38

A Miracle

“Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for me?”

Do you ever find yourself asking that question after reading a Bible story like this one? There he was—a man who had been blind since birth—and just like that, Jesus restores his sight! His greatest problem fixed in a flash. What a miracle!

But don’t you have similar problems in your life? You may not be physically blind, but what about your other health problems? What about your emotional problems? Your financial problems? Your relationship problems? Jesus certainly has the power to fix those problems too, doesn’t he? You wonder, “Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for me?”

When you find yourself asking that question, consider this: Was this man’s physical blindness really his greatest problem? Jesus makes it clear that it was not. Even after restoring his physical sight, Jesus seeks out this no longer blind man once again in order to fix a far greater problem—a problem that every single human being is born with—spiritual blindness. This man could not see Jesus as his Savior from sin.

So, what did Jesus do for him? Jesus opened his eyes again. Only this time Jesus did not grant physical sight; he granted spiritual sight. Jesus caused this man to see what he could not see before—that Jesus, “the light of the world,” was his Savior. “Lord, I believe,” was the man’s simple confession of faith. Through it, he now possessed all the blessings that come through faith in Christ: the forgiveness of sins, the comfort of salvation, and the certain hope of eternal life. What a miracle!

Why doesn’t Jesus ever do stuff like this for you? Dear friend, he has! For you, too, were born in the same helpless condition—spiritually blind, stuck in the darkness of unbelief, and unable to see Jesus as your Savior. But then Jesus performed a miracle in your life. Through the waters of your baptism and the message of his Word, Jesus opened up your eyes. He brought you out of the darkness of unbelief, granting you spiritual sight. You, too, are now able to confess, “Lord, I believe.” You, too, now see Jesus, “the Light of the world,” as your Savior from sin. What a miracle. A miracle that Jesus has done for you!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Thank you for overcoming the darkness of unbelief in my heart, that I may see you as my Savior from sin. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:8-14

Let the SON Shine

The apostle Paul is speaking to Christians when he says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” A regular part of the Christian life is studying God’s Word where Jesus flips on the light switch for us to see what it means to be his followers—children of light. When the SON shines on us, he leads us to regularly evaluate how we are doing in our role as children of light. So how are you doing? In your relationships with others, are you loving, submitting, obeying, and forgiving as God wants you to? Have you been giving your full effort at work even when the boss is not watching you? Have you been fair and encouraging to your employees? Are you allowing hobbies, sports, entertainment, work, or some other activity in your life to be a bigger priority than worship of Jesus and study of his Word? Are you limiting your exposure and that of your family to the darkness of sin that penetrates minds and hearts through television, music, video games, and the internet? Are you trying to be aware of the words that come out of your mouth so that God’s name is honored? Are you striving to speak to others in ways that encourage and build up instead of tear down? Do you give the impression that you are content with how the Lord has blessed you in your life or do you give the impression that you feel shortchanged by God and others? Are you generous with your time, abilities, and financial blessings in support of church and charitable work, or do greed and materialism have a strong grip on you and your family?

Additionally, part of letting the SON shine in your life is to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t just mean you evaluate only your own life. It means God called you to gently and with respect expose sinful attitudes and lifestyles embraced by others. Do you speak the truth in love when others you know have wrong ideas and actions concerning marriage, sexuality, beginning of life and end of life issues, and other matters that God speaks clearly about in Scripture? Do you seek to expose their sin and unbelief so they might repent and can enjoy the light of Jesus’ forgiveness? Or does your silence actually serve to confirm them in their spiritual slumber and their trek toward eternal death in hell. Or maybe even in the privacy of your home and circle of family and friends, do you laugh and joke about the sinful lives of others?

After honest evaluation, wouldn’t each of us have to admit that we are more children of twilight as we try to live in both the world of darkness and the world of light at the same time? Yet Jesus didn’t call us to be twilight children, he called us to be children of light. The SON, Jesus Christ, shines on us and calls us to repent of the times we try to continue to live in the sinful “glory days” of darkness. Jesus leads us to sorrow over our sins so that we find true appreciation in these words: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Because of your faith connection to Jesus Christ the “Light of the World” God has forgiven your attempts to be more a twilight child of God instead of a full child of light. He has forgiven all the times you have failed to lovingly, gently, and respectfully expose the sin of others calling them to repentance and faith in Jesus. When God looks at you through Jesus he doesn’t see any darkness, he just sees the light of his SON’s perfection covering you. God is pleased with you in every way because “you are light in the Lord” by faith in Jesus. Let that good news daily impact your life so that you grow and mature in your ability to live as the child of light God called you to be and considers you to be in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for connecting me by faith to my Savior Jesus, the Light of the World. Help me grow and mature as a child of light to glorify you and let my light shine before others. Amen.

This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.
Isaiah 61:1

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.
Luke 8:1

The Prophet who Speaks Good News

An author wrote: “Nothing travels faster than the speed of light with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys its own special rules.”

The author was right. Bad news does travel fast. Bad news does obey its own special rules. It goes from person to person, house to house, and website to website. Brings people down. Brings fear, dread, and gloom. Bad news is easily obtained, quickly spread, greedily consumed, and obsessively believed.

The Bible identifies the source of all the bad news. All have sinned and have turned away from God. Sin deserves death and brings wrath. Death reigns in this sinful world. It’s all true and there’s nothing we can do to change any of it.

But the Sovereign Lord did change it. The Sovereign LORD designated a messenger, a prophet, a herald of good news, a Messiah of hope.

This Messiah spoke through Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Good news! Riches from heaven for the poor in spirit! Healing for the brokenhearted! Freedom and forgiveness for captive sinners! Hopeless mortals released from darkness and death! Life and light has come!

And then this divine Messiah spoke through his own human lips: “God’s kingdom has come! I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life! I am the Good Shepherd! I am the Resurrection and the Life! I am the Way and the Truth and the Life!”

Jesus came not only to announce the good news, but to BE the good news. He LIVED the good news. He died to accomplish the good news. He rose to life again to seal the good news. He speaks the good news in his powerful saving Word: sin is forgiven and death is conquered in him, the Christ!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, all around I hear and read bad news. Let your good news of forgiveness fill my heart, that I may have the sure hope of salvation. Let this good news drive out fear and dread and gloom. Let your good news fill my mouth, that those around me may be lifted up. Amen.

The devotions in March on Thursday and Friday focus on the office of Jesus Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King.