Category: Daily Devotions

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

Celebrate Your Freedom

Daily Devotion – July 12, 2025

Devotion based on Galatians 5:1


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It was on July 4, 1776, that our Declaration of Independence was adopted. We celebrate our freedom. Can you imagine the forefathers of the United States, after the Revolutionary War, going back to Great Britain and saying, “We want to be your colony again?” The same would hold true for someone who was held in slavery by a cruel master. Is there any way they would, after they had been set free, go back to that master? Of course not.

Yet, this does sometimes happen in a spiritual sense. Jesus Christ came to this earth to set us free from slavery to sin. By nature, sin had an unshakeable hold on us. Because of that sin, we deserve to spend our eternity apart from God. Jesus rescued us; he set us free from our sins. He did so by living a perfect life in our place. To pay our debt of sin, Jesus willingly went to the cross, where he was punished in our place. To show us beyond any shadow of a doubt that we had been set free, Jesus rose from the dead. We are free!

Now, we can serve our God in thankfulness for all he has done for us. Yet, those old sins are still there, tempting us. It is so easy to listen to their luring voices. Soon, we find ourselves trapped, enslaved in those same old sins. When we encounter them, we come to God and ask for his forgiveness. We know that he forgives us because of what Jesus has done for us. Then we ask God for his help and strength, so we do not allow ourselves to become enslaved to those sins. With his help and guidance, we can say “No!” to those temptations.

Celebrate your freedom as you live for Christ, who loves you so very much.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you went to the cross to free me from my sin. Give me the strength to live free from the sins that are so tempting to me. Let my whole life be a shining light to your glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.
1 Peter 5:2

In God’s Flock

Daily Devotion – July 11, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:2


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What kind of sheep are you?

Pastors are called to be shepherds of the people under their care. It’s good to remember that this is something they are willing to do, and that God asks them to do. It is not an obligation for them. It is a privilege.

What kind of sheep are you in relation to your pastor? Do you wander off from worship, disconnecting yourself from the spiritual food that is prepared for you every week? Stop doing that! It’s not good for you and causes a lot of consternation for your shepherd.

Do you lead other sheep astray by holding grudges, complaining, and turning up your nose at your shepherd? Stop doing that! Your pastor will never be perfect. Forgive him, just as the Lord has forgiven you.

Do you show appreciation for your shepherd? The smartest sheep realize all that God is providing them through their shepherd, and they find ways to express their gratitude.

We all like sheep have gone astray. But the Lord has laid all our iniquity on the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and his undershepherds deliver that message with delight whenever and wherever they have the chance.

Prayer:
Good Shepherd, bless the work of pastors everywhere that more and more sheep come into your sheep pen. Amen

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Ezekiel 3:3

Taste and See That the Lord is Good

Daily Devotion – July 10, 2025

Devotion based on Ezekiel 3:3


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Books designed for children under the age of one have bold black, white, and red illustrations. Those are seen best by developing eyes. Those books often have thick, sturdy pages that can stand going into a baby’s mouth. At that age, everything a baby touches goes into the mouth. It must taste terrible.

In the days of the prophet Ezekiel, words were written on scrolls, not books. Babies might put scrolls in their mouths, but adults would carefully unroll and read them. It must have surprised the prophet Ezekiel when he heard that he was supposed to eat the scroll he was given. The words on the scroll were unpleasant, but when Ezekiel obeyed the command and ate the scroll, it did not taste terrible. It tasted as sweet as honey.

People suspect that the Word of God will be terrible for them. They know that God is strict, and they worry that they will get a sour taste in their stomachs if they take God’s Word seriously. But they soon realize that God’s promises of forgiveness, love, and salvation through Jesus are sweet.

Babies need to learn to eat food with unfamiliar tastes. People need to learn to hear unfamiliar words from God. Eventually, they will taste and see that the Lord is good.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to appreciate the rich feast you have prepared for me to eat when I read the Bible. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

[Jesus said] “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:19,20

Why Rejoice?

Daily Devotion – July 9, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 10:19,20


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I would be happy if I could confront any snake without fear of being bitten. That would clear up a bit of anxiety in my life. And when it comes to scorpions, it would be great not to have to check my shoes in the morning with some worry about what crawled in there at night. If I could overcome all the temptations of the devil and be certain of my power to exorcise someone who is demon possessed, that would be splendid.

When Jesus sent out his disciples to teach people that he had come into the world, he gave his disciples all that authority. They didn’t have to worry about snakes or scorpions or even demons. Those evil spirits submitted to them!

But when they returned from that temporary mission, Jesus advised them to rejoice about something even more important. Through faith in Jesus, their sins were forgiven. They were going to heaven!

We rejoice in the authority we have as believers. We rejoice when spectacular things happen in our lives. But we rejoice the most that God has made us members of his family, and that our names are written in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for the assurance that I am on the road to eternal life with you through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

[Jesus said] “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
Luke 10:5,6

Reacting to Peace

Daily Devotion – July 8, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 10:5,6


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Most often, when I hear the word “peace,” I think of war between two nations coming to an end. I know that in church, “peace” is more often a reference to having a good relationship with God because of what Jesus has done. But it’s rare that I think of peace like Jesus uses the word in this Bible verse.

Maybe I would be calmer if I remembered that peace is something I have and can share simply by speaking. I have peace with everyone because of what Jesus has done. I can say “peace to this house” or “peace to you” and extend my peace to individuals or whole families. I can have good relationships with them.

If those people are also peaceful, we can share in the good relationship made possible by forgiveness and love from Jesus. If those people are not peaceful, my peace is not shattered. It simply returns to me.

The advice of Jesus to his disciples is good advice for me. If it is possible, as far as it depends on me, I can maintain peace with everyone.

Prayer:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

[Jesus] told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Luke 10:2

When the Workers Are Few

Daily Devotion – July 7, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 10:2

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There are places in the United States where you can drive for miles and see nothing but corn fields. When those fields are ready to be harvested, farmers try to have the right people and equipment in place to get the job done. It’s satisfying to see the row after row of corn being taken into harvest.

Jesus looks at the world and sees row after row of people who need to hear that he forgives them. We look around at those same people and wonder who will tell them about their sin and their Savior. There are so many people for the harvest, and so few people doing the work. What’s the solution?

We can identify people who would be good workers in the harvest field. We can train them, send them, and support them. We can encourage them and help them. These are all valuable activities.

Jesus says that there is one more thing we can do. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field. Pray. And don’t be surprised if the Lord answers your prayer by finding a way for you to serve.

Prayer:
Send out workers into your harvest field in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

After he [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Daily Devotion – July 6, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 1:9-11


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I’ve decided to start taking golf seriously, so I won’t frustrate and embarrass those who occasionally invite me along. One thing that people keep stressing about is keeping my eye on the ball until after I connect with it. Of course, you need to first eye your target, study it, and think about how you are going to reach it. But after that, it’s time to concentrate on properly hitting the ball.

Is that what the angels were talking about after Jesus ascended into heaven? The disciples were just standing there looking up at the sky when Jesus rose up into the clouds and disappeared from their sight. The angels didn’t want them to forget that sight! That was their target—it gave them aim. It would give them hope, strength, and joy despite the troubles around them. Jesus, who had convincingly shown people he had come alive after the cruel, soul-redeeming death on the cross, was now taking his powerful position of authority over the world. And at the right time, Jesus would return to this pain-inflicted world with tremendous fanfare and bring his people to the mansions of heaven.

Those facts give us our purpose and aim in every aspect of life. Keep those continually in your mind. But now it is time to focus your eye on the ball. In other words, focus on the job Jesus has given us to do. Focus on telling those who don’t know all about him. Jesus told the disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Let this be your focus.

I think my game is coming around. I hope the same can be true in your life.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, even as I look forward to being in heaven with you, keep my eyes on the great and noble mission you’ve given your people while we are still here on earth. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

The Joy That Never Ends

Daily Devotion – July 5, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4


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The Declaration of Independence states that an individual has certain inalienable rights; among them is the “pursuit of happiness.” Ever since the fall into sin, that’s what people have been doing—pursuing happiness. Unfortunately, sinful people pursue happiness in the worst of places. The adulterer cries, “Here is happiness,” only to realize later the grief and destruction he has caused. Many try alcohol and drugs but soon find that their happiness is fleeting at best.

As Christians, the source of our joy is much more certain than what this world has to offer. The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Why should we rejoice? Paul answers, “In the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people, possessions, and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us and rose from the dead.

Your job may have changed. Your marriage may have changed. Your place of residence may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

As Americans, we have the right to pursue happiness. As Christians, we are guaranteed eternal joy. Reflect on that joy today as you go to God’s Word and are reminded of all that he has done and continues to do for you. And then REJOICE!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the joy of knowing that my sins are forgiven. Thank you for the joy of knowing your love for me does not change. Help me to demonstrate that joy in everything I do and say this day. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea . . . If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:25,30

Commitment’s Cost Is Not in Vain

Daily Devotion – July 4, 2025

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 11:25,30


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“What’s in it for me?” That can be a selfish question. It can also be a legitimate question. The person may simply want to know whether the sacrifice they’re going to make will be worth it. If not, it would all be in vain.

Jesus made a sacrifice. He paid dearly with his own life, so you personally benefit and gain eternal life. The payment Jesus made by his suffering and death was not in vain. It accomplished forgiveness and salvation for you. You gain all that Jesus accomplished through faith in him.

Jesus calls believers to be committed to following him. There is a cost or consequence to following Jesus. It may not always be easy. We may not always be the most popular in this world. In today’s Bible reading, the apostle Paul, a committed follower and servant of Jesus, talks about that cost. He was rejected and physically persecuted. It wasn’t always smooth travels as he shared the good news about Jesus. It was hard. It was uncomfortable, but it was worth it!

Yes, there is a cost to following Jesus. It is certainly not a price that we pay to be saved. Jesus alone paid the price in full. But it is a result of being saved. It’s not always easy to be a believer in today’s world, but it’s worth it to trust in Jesus and commit our lives to following him. Because through him we have what the world cannot give. We have peace, peace with God! We have hope, hope that lasts to eternity! To the world, it may seem like we are weak or that our Christian life is in vain. But it’s not! In that weakness and humility, God makes known his all-surpassing power. We may experience light and momentary troubles, but through Christ, we gain eternal life as a gift! It’s worth it!

Prayer:
Lord, may I praise you even in weakness and difficulty so that I may see your grace and power. Amen!

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19:21

Committing to a New Mission

Daily Devotion – July 3, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:21


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A woman once showed her Christian pastor a handbook from her former religion. That religion emphasized her good works rather than God’s gift of salvation. It’s like she was under a yoke of slavery. When she came to know Jesus and his full and free forgiveness, she was relieved; a weight was lifted off her shoulders. After looking at the book briefly, the pastor handed it back to her, but she refused, “I don’t need that anymore.”

When Elisha was called to serve God as a prophet, one who would share God’s word, he left his old profession behind. There was no turning back. He made sure of that by barbecuing his oxen over the coals of his wooden plow. It’s like he said, “I don’t need that anymore!” He was committing himself to a new mission.

When you are brought to faith in Jesus, you are called away from empty and ordinary things of this life—things that don’t bring lasting meaning—and are given a wonderful new perspective and purpose. First, the new perspective is that you now see you are saved by Jesus and his work, not yours. This lifts a burden of guilt that was crushing you to spiritual and eternal death. This good news gives a new purpose and mission.

For you, that likely doesn’t mean abandoning your profession or leaving your home behind like Elisha. It involves committing to a life that honors Jesus and trusts in Jesus. It means abandoning old attitudes, leaving behind those old self-serving goals, and being a servant of Christ. It means doing the things you ordinarily would do, but now with a new sense of mission—to serve and live for the God who served and saved you. When old habits or old attitudes try to call us back, we can say, “I don’t need that anymore! All I need is mine in Christ!”

Prayer:
Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew my attitude so that I may always trust and honor you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.