Category: Daily Devotions

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5

The Lord is Near

Daily Devotion – August 27, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 4:5

See series: Devotions

The Lord is near. He is coming back from heaven to judge the world. But believers in Jesus have nothing to fear. They know and trust the Savior who has taken away sin’s guilt and freed them from condemnation. Jesus has removed the fear of the final judgment with his sure promise of eternal joy with him. This comforting message leads us to rejoice always in the great love of God!

Because the Lord is near, let your gentleness be evident to all. Let people around you see the calm, confident spirit that you have because you rejoice that you are a child of God and an heir of eternal life. Imitate the gentle spirit of Jesus, always ready to help and serve others with a humble attitude and unselfish actions.

The love of Jesus working in your life through his word helps you to be gentler in your relationship with others, as he is with you. Think how conspicuous that will make you against the backdrop of the dog-eat-dog world in which we live. That can create all kinds of opportunities to tell people of the gentle love that Jesus has for them, too.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, fill me with a gentle nature that reflects the joy I have for the forgiveness of my sins which I rejoice to have by faith 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.

Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.”
Luke 13:25-28

Standing Firm

Daily Devotion – August 26, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:25-28

See series: Devotions

What has your spiritual journey looked like? Did you grow up in a Christian home, participate in Christian worship, and attend Christian schools? Or did you just start hearing about God and his salvation recently?

According to Jesus, each situation has its blessings and challenges. If you just started hearing what the Bible teaches, you have the blessing of remembering what it was like to be “dead in sin.” You might feel like a newlywed on their honeymoon. Everything about God is new, fresh, and exciting. On the other hand, because your faith is not mature, you could be like a plant with little roots. Worldly desires, distractions, or disasters could have the potential to pluck you from the faith.

In the same way, there are blessings and challenges for those of you who have grown up in the Christian faith: You know how to listen to God’s Word and respond in prayer. You probably have a network of Christian friends that can help you when you are struggling. On the other hand, you might be tempted to believe you are stronger than you think. You might forget how much you need continual strengthening by God’s Word and worship.

So, whether you are a new Christian or a life-long Christian, keep growing. Let the roots of your faith grow deep as you gather with God’s people around his Word.

Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, rekindle in us the fire of your love. 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.

People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.
Luke 13:29,30

Part of the In Crowd

Daily Devotion – August 25, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:29,30

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I have vivid memories of my High School cafeteria. That was where the pecking order was established. If you sat at the right table with the right people, you were cool—you were in and accepted.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t cool enough to be at that table. I didn’t have the looks or the skills. I didn’t know how to tell the right jokes or wear the right clothes. So even when I mustered up the courage to sit with those people, I knew I didn’t belong.

Is that how Christianity works? Is Christianity about doing the right things, wearing the right clothes, and speaking the right way so that somehow you become a spiritual insider? Some people in Jesus’ day sure thought so—the religious elite assumed they were part of Jesus’ inner circle. They also thought that anyone different than them were outsiders and unsaved nobodies. But Jesus had a surprise for them.

He said that on the Last Day, there would be many people from faraway lands that they considered outsiders who would get in. And those who thought they were obvious insiders will be cast out. In other words, those who were last will be first, and the first will be last.

Why is that? Often those people who are last in this world recognize their need. They tend to humbly call out to God for help and rescue. They welcome Jesus’ salvation. But those who are first in this life often believe the lie of their own self-sufficiency. They are self-reliant to the point of being self-righteous. They are so full of themselves that there is no room for God.

Here is the good news: If you feel like a spiritual outsider, someone God could never love—know that Jesus came to save just such people. He came to save you so that you who deserve to be last can be first.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for welcoming me to your table. Show me what it means to be accepted by 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.

[Jesus] said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ . . . Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”
Luke 13:24-27,30

A Narrow Door

Daily Devotion – August 24, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:24-27,30

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Jesus says we must walk through the “narrow door” to enter heaven. But what exactly is that “narrow door”? Some people believe that it is about knowing all the right religious teachings. And so, “entering the narrow door” is like passing an academic test. If you know the right answers, you make it through.

Others might think it’s about doing the right deeds. “Entering the narrow door” is about completing a list of tasks. They might think, As long as I go to church, give an offering, and become a good citizen, I’m in.

But Jesus says that on the Last Day, those people who just had a mere superficial and transactional relationship with Jesus will not enter. He will say to them, “I don’t know you or where you come from.”

So how do you “enter through the narrow door”? We trust in him like a child trusts their parents. We rely on him as our way back to God.

Jesus explained what it means to enter this narrow door in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Today, right now, make every effort to enter through the narrow gate. Put your trust in Jesus. Abandon all hope in yourself and your knowledge and performance. Cling to Christ and let him lead you into your heavenly Father’s presence.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the way through the narrow door of salvation. I trust in you. I will not be afraid. 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.

[Jesus] said to them “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
Luke 13:24

Walk Through the Door to Heaven

Daily Devotion – August 23, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:24

See series: Devotions

Maybe you heard that all you have to do is “believe in Jesus,” and you will be saved. And so maybe you thought that the Christian faith is easy. Just believe, and that’s it. But when Jesus describes salvation, he says, “Make every effort” and “enter through the narrow door.”

So, what is this door? And why does it take so much effort to enter through it?

First, you’ll notice that Jesus is describing a singular door. There are not many doors to heaven. There is one. Jesus said that he is that one and only door. “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep” (John 10:7). Every other religion doesn’t offer a doorway but a mountain of religious rituals and rules to gain their god’s favor. But because of the work of Jesus, the doorway to heaven has been swung wide open for all.

But why does Jesus describe this door as “narrow” and that many will not enter it? What does that mean? The doorway to heaven is narrow because no one who is puffed up with pride can squeeze through. Before we enter this doorway, we must recognize our great need as we go through the process of repentance. As we trust in Christ, our self-righteousness is deflated, and we can fit through that narrow door.

Getting to heaven is hard. In fact, on our own it is impossible. By nature, we reject our need to be rescued. But the Holy Spirit makes our unwilling hearts willing to receive Jesus.

Therefore, by the Spirit’s power, enter through this narrow door. Shed your pride and self-righteousness. Cling to Christ in faith and walk through the door to heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for all that you have done throughout history to open a way for all to be saved. Now, continue to work a miracle in my heart. Lead me to believe and trust in you, so that I might always be confident in my salvation. 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.

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”
Luke 13:22-24

Make Every Effort to Enter God’s Kingdom

Daily Devotion – August 22, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:22-24

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According to the Pew Research Center, in 2015, there were about 2.5 billion Christians on earth. That is a large number of people professing to follow Jesus. And yet, when you consider that there are about 8 billion people in the world, that number doesn’t seem so high. That might lead us to wonder, are only a few people going to be saved?

That is not a new question. In fact, when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” (Luke 13:23) Now we believe that Jesus is true God, and so we believe he knows everything, even the very number of hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7) He knows the exact number of people who will be saved. But when he was asked, he didn’t disclose that number. He didn’t tell his followers how many people would be saved.

Instead, Jesus responded, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to” (Luke 13:24). Jesus was not dodging the question but redirecting his followers to a more important issue: their own salvation. He was telling them not to assume that they were automatically in God’s kingdom because of their nationality or religious upbringing. He told them to make every effort to enter into God’s kingdom.

The same is true for us. Rather than focusing on how many people will be in heaven one day, Jesus wants us to focus on making sure we are in heaven one day. This means staying close to Jesus and the promises he makes in the Bible—the promise of forgiveness, peace with God and eternal life through his life, death, and resurrection. Strengthening our faith by the power of God’s Word is how we make every effort to enter the door of heaven.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me to grow your kingdom even as you work on my heart. 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.

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

Rejoice Always

Daily Devotion – August 21, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4

See series: Devotions

Can we really feel joy in our hearts when we are troubled by past sins? Can we rejoice when we or those whom we love are facing life’s sharp edges of unemployment, financial problems, sickness, uncertainty, pain, and death? How can we rejoice under some of the harsh circumstances we face in life?

The Bible answers, “Rejoice in the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people and possessions and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us just as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is just as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us.

Your job may have changed. Relationships you have with others may have changed. The sense of security and satisfaction that you once had may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

In the Lord, outward circumstances do not and should not determine the condition of our hearts. Even when everything around us is dark and gloomy, God’s changeless love fills our hearts with joy. That inner joy flows from sure promises of the gospel: the joy of daily forgiveness, the joy that God is with us, the joy that God works out all things for our good, the joy that Jesus is returning again to take us to be with him in heaven.

Reflect on that joy today as you think how greatly God loves you through Jesus. And then REJOICE! ALWAYS!

Prayer:
Lord, amid the difficulties and disappointments of my life, shine through to my heart with the largeness of your love. Thank you for choosing me to be your own and giving me a changeless and incomparable joy in you, my Savior. 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.

Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.
Hebrews 12:10-12

Useful Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 20, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10-12

See series: Devotions

No one likes to be disciplined. But we all understand that at times, disciplining our children is important, even critical, for their well-being.

The same is true for God’s children. At times it is important, even critical, for him to discipline us. Discipline, sometimes painful discipline, is used by God to make us stronger. Painful trouble is not fun, but God allows it. He allows it, but not because he wants you further away from him. No! Just the opposite is true. He uses trouble and tribulation to draw you closer to him.

When you face trials in your life, remember that God is not punishing you for sin. Jesus already took your punishment in full on the cross. Hear God proclaim his love for you as he forgives all your sins. Listen to God’s care for you when he tells his highest goal for you is an eternity at his side in heaven. Know that he loves you dearly and deeply. The pain you’re experiencing does not disprove that love. Rather, God says this painful discipline emphatically proves his love for you. Through it, God promises “righteousness and peace.” These blessings are yours in Christ.

God may allow very difficult things into the lives of his children. But Christ’s followers know God’s intent is not to cruelly treat his children. God’s desire is to turn our eyes and hearts to him and his Word. God’s goal is to grow our faith as we trust in his promises. Our almighty, all-wise, and loving God will use even painful troubles to discipline us, and “produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.” This pain is temporary. Our joy with God in heaven will be eternal.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, increase my trust in you when you allow trouble into my life. Drive me back to your Word and your strength. Pull me close to you with your sure promises and love. 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.

[Jesus said] “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”
Luke 12:51

The Way Jesus Divides

Daily Devotion – August 19, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:51

See series: Devotions

The well-known Christian author C.S. Lewis once commented that being a follower of Jesus is not like a horse training to jump better and better. Instead, it’s like turning a horse into a winged creature. The point Lewis makes is that sometimes people think that becoming a Christian will lead to a few small changes in their lives. But in reality, being a Christian is nothing less than a transformation.

Becoming a Christian is not like adding a backsplash and changing the paint color in your kitchen. It is a full demo—it means stripping everything down to the studs and starting over. That kind of transformation is sweeping and dramatic.

Jesus knows that this kind of change will impact families and relationships. It’s a transformation that will sometimes cause division because Christians no longer conform to the pattern of the world; instead they conform to the pattern of Christ. That type of change means leaving behind sinful situations and temptations. It may even mean leaving family members who reject Christ and mock his followers. When some family members follow Jesus and others do not, divisions will naturally arise.

Jesus’ goal was not to divide families. His goal was to divide people from their sins. Jesus came to separate us from our selfishness. He wants to split us from our guilt and shame. Jesus promises that all who believe in him will be divided from their sin and united to him instead. This good news really does create a transformation in people.

This transformation might mean division for a time on earth, but it also means a far greater peace has been achieved between God and us. Jesus took it upon himself to unite us with God so that we are no longer just his creatures but his sons and daughters. Because of Jesus, we will have peace forever in God’s family.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to bear the divisions that come from following you. Thank you for your great sacrifice and for uniting me with you and all believers forever. 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.

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10,11

Directed Discipline

Daily Devotion – August 18, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 12:10,11

See series: Devotions

One could argue that the most unloving thing a parent could consistently do to their children is not discipline them. All parenting experts agree that children need discipline. Perhaps you’ve experienced the effects of an undisciplined child. Those children become unhappy, angry, and resentful.

Disciplining is not easy, neither for the parent nor the child, but it is loving. With the perspective of time and wisdom, you can look back at the disciplining you received from your parents and be thankful for it. Though it was unpleasant at the time, it showed how much they loved and cared about you.

The people who received the Biblical letter entitled “Hebrews” were going through a terrible time of suffering. One reason the author wrote to them was to encourage them through this time of tribulation.

The author wanted them to know that the suffering they faced was not a punishment from God, who was angry with them; rather, it was loving discipline from a loving Father. This discipline was intended to increase their faith and reliance on God instead of anything else.

When you face difficult times, sometimes they come simply as the result of living in world full of tragedy, evil, diseases, and disasters. Sometimes they may come as a form of God the Father disciplining you in love. But you can be sure that God is not punishing.

God punished someone else for the world’s sin—his own Son, Jesus. That punishment brought peace to all who trust in Jesus as the Savior. That peace means that even though you will face painful experiences, you can be sure that God loves you, and God will not waste the tears that come from that pain. In love, he will use them to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for you.

Prayer:
Dear Father, help me endure painful moments and to trust that you love me through it all because you sent Jesus 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.