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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Worry

Daily Devotion – November 19, 2023

Devotion based on Philippians 4:6


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Don’t worry! That’s what God says in his Word for us today. But we wonder how we can put aside all our worries and every instant of our anxiety. There are so many dangers that surround us, so many things that stress us out, so many people who are hurting and some of them are very dear to us. Not to worry seems impossible.

It is impossible to stop worrying if our attention is riveted on the problems and predicaments of life. But a wonder of God’s love for us is that he teaches how much greater he is than the worrisome circumstances we face daily. He assures us that he is in control of all things. He is the almighty, all-knowing God who knows our every need and is capable of fulfilling all of them.

He took away our greatest worry; he freed us from the damnation we deserved as sinners. And he lavished his love on us by giving us life with him that will last forever. So our heavenly Father, who loved us so much to send Jesus to be our Savior, promises to provide for our life and protect us from danger.

Thankful for his saving love, we can turn from our inclination to worry and turn to him with our concerns and burdens. We can confidently address him in prayer, knowing that he listens and will answer according to our best interests. Since God has secured our eternity through Jesus, we know that according to his love, he will care for us now and always.

So, there is no reason to worry and every reason to pray.

Prayer:
Teach me, Lord, not to worry. Remind me of your great love and power that I can trust in times of need. Accept my prayers through Jesus, my Savior, and help me according to your wisdom. Amen.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Be Ready

Daily Devotion – November 18, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3


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The apostle Paul used the phrase “the day of the Lord” to point to the time when Jesus will return in great glory and almighty power on the Last Day to judge all mankind. We can’t predict when that day will come, because the Bible tells us that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

If Jesus were to come back today, are you and I ready? As we consider our lives, perhaps we’d say, “It sure doesn’t look that way.” I try hard to live in a way that is God-pleasing. I try hard to love God and to love others. I try hard to be patient and kind, faithful and forgiving. Instead, I often see myself exhibiting impatience, bitterness, selfishness, and other behavior that I know God is not pleased with. That doesn’t sound like someone who is ready to stand before Jesus. I don’t feel ready at all!

But that’s the reason Jesus came. He came not because I was a good person but because I’m a horrible sinner who needs a Savior. Jesus came to this world for the express purpose of saving me, saving you. That’s why he was born humbly, lived perfectly, died innocently, and rose victoriously. Believing in him as our Savior, you and I have the assurance that he rescued us from the destruction, the eternal damnation we deserve for our sins.

Whenever Jesus comes back, you have nothing to fear. Your sins are forgiven, and by faith in Jesus, you are at peace with God. Yes, you are ready. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Prayer: (Psalm 33:20-22)
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Amen.

Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor . . . Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.”
Isaiah 52:1,2,3

Sleepwalking

Daily Devotion – November 17, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 52:1,2,3


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Are you or is someone you know a sleepwalker? Sometimes, sleepwalking can result in some funny things happening. One time, my grandmother found my father sleepwalking, and he was trying to water the plants in the house! Sometimes, sleepwalking can be dangerous, like walking out into the middle of the street.

Spiritual sleepwalking is always dangerous. The people of Israel were spiritually sleepwalking through life. It was what brought them into captivity in Babylon. And for many, the lesson wasn’t yet learned. Many looked at their situation as strangers in a foreign land, unable to return home, as a reason to continue to sleepwalk through their spiritual life. Many thought God would not keep his promise of deliverance (even though he told them exactly how long it would be).

Friends, captive Israel is a picture of you and me as we wait for God to deliver us from the “captivity” of this sinful world and, at last, bring us home to heaven.

As you wait, watch out for spiritual sleepwalking! Be on your guard against sleepily stumbling through life because of the sorrow of living in this sinful world. Awake, and keep watch against the devil’s empty promises, which lure us into wandering into the path of destruction.

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord calls out to his sleepwalking people, “Awake, awake! Rescue is coming! In fact, it is already yours, even though you do not see it. I have given you garments of splendor because I have washed away all your sins. I have redeemed you, buying you back to myself without money. Not because you have no worth but because the price of your immortal soul is priceless. So I have sent my Son to purchase you with his precious blood. Only I can and will rescue you from your captivity. Only I can and will bring you home. Awake!”

Prayer:
Lord, in your mercy, wake me from my spiritual sleepwalking that I may be ever watchful for the day of your Son’s return. Give me the assurance that I already wear forgiveness as garments of splendor. Amen.

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.”
Matthew 25:1-4

Fuel Supply

Daily Devotion – November 16, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 25:1-4


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As the days grow colder this time of year, we are reminded of the importance of having a good fuel supply. Not having an adequate fuel supply can be deadly in the regions of our world that see below-freezing weather in the winter. In the same way, Jesus wants us to know that having an inadequate spiritual fuel supply is deadly.

To be ready for Jesus’ coming, we not only need to be adequately fueled, but we also need the proper fuel.

This world offers all kinds of options it claims are just as legitimate as God’s fuel supply. Self-worth found in achievements, abilities, and accolades. Strength found in wielding earthly power through wealth, politics, or social influence. Happiness found in pleasures of the flesh, drink, and drugs or of popularity and prestige.

While this sinful world imagines these can fuel a beautiful flame, they are fuels for the wrong fire—a fire of pain and suffering that will not end!

Friends, be fueled by God’s fuel supply—his promises found in the Bible. His fuel supply can never be exhausted, and you can never have too much! Fill up your fuel supply that will fuel your faith to burn even in the coldest winters of this sinful world as you patiently wait for your bridegroom to appear!

He is coming! He is coming to take you home! And he has given you all you need to be prepared to go home. Be in his Word in personal devotion. Be in his house with your fellow waiting believers to encourage one another and to receive the fuel of your salvation in the body and blood of your Savior together with bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper, and you will be well supplied!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for providing all the fuel I need to be ready for your return. Help me to treasure this fuel and daily fill up my supply. Amen.

“The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ . . . “The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. . . Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:5,6,10,13

Waiting for the Wedding

Daily Devotion – November 15, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 25:5,6,10,13


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Waiting for the wedding day can be difficult for the bride and groom, the parents, friends, and other family because everyone can’t wait for the joy of that day.

The same is true for us as we wait for the day of Jesus return. We know what Jesus will provide for us on that day will be better than anything this world has to offer. We also know not waiting for Christ in faith will leave us locked out of the wedding banquet of heaven. Knowing this, it can be difficult to live in a world that is not perfect, a world in which there is so much suffering and sin.

But our Bridegroom, Christ, has seen to it that as we wait for his arrival, we will have all we need so that we’re ready when the cry rings out, “Here’s the Bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” He invites you to remember your baptism, which made you his bride. And your Bridegroom invites you to come to a wedding rehearsal meal called the Lord’s Supper, where you get to taste and see just how wonderful that final, eternal wedding supper of the Lamb will be!

Friends, it may still be a long night before the cry rings out that our Bridegroom has arrived or that he has come for you personally in your death. You may still have to struggle through many hardships and dark moments. But you can keep watch. By God’s grace, you have the oil of the gospel. Your faith’s lamp is lit and keeps burning through that gospel. Ours now is but to wait for the wedding. What a glorious day it will be!

Prayer:
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly . . . But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. . . For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5,9,10

God’s Calendar

Daily Devotion – November 14, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5,9,10


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Even if you’re not big on scheduling your life or using a calendar, you probably still use a calendar for the big things in life.

What if you knew the biggest event of your life was coming, but you didn’t know exactly when it would be? You never received a “Save the Date” for your child’s wedding, or no one told you when to show up for a critical surgery that could save your life? It would be disconcerting at best.

In a way, that is our lives as we wait for the Last Day to come. God has told us that the biggest day of our life is coming, but we don’t know when it will be. This has caused all kinds of people to become frustrated with God. Some have even tried to find hidden messages in the Bible to try and determine when that day will be.

But friends, let God’s peace rest on your hearts because you know your sins are forgiven. Even though the Last Day will come like a thief in the night, the surprise will not upset you because you are children of the light! God has opened your eyes to see the truth that Jesus is your Savior, and you are safe and will live with him forever in heaven!

Prayer:
Lord, help me to give my “Amen” to your calendar, and patiently wait for your Son’s appearing. Amen.

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you’. . . “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’”
Matthew 25:7-12

Lit Lamps

Daily Devotion – November 13, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 25:7-12


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Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised he would one day return. It can sometimes seem like Jesus is taking a terribly long time to return. But just because we are impatient or tempted to think we have all kinds of time doesn’t mean that we don’t need to be ready at any moment for his return.

Jesus warned us about becoming complacent about his return in the parable of the ten virgins. Five of them were ready when the bridegroom arrived, and five were not.

No one is in more danger of finding out that they’re a foolish virgin too late than the Christian who assumes, “Well, of course I’m a wise virgin! I don’t have to worry about anything.” This is to live life as though the gift of faith is some lucky rabbit’s foot rather than a lamp that’s been lit within you that constantly needs to be fueled with the oil of the gospel.

Sadly, Jesus’ parable warns that if we are found with unlit lamps on the Last Day, we can pound on the doors to heaven all we want begging, “Lord, Lord! Open the door for us!” But he will say, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you!”

The good news is that Jesus has already done everything necessary to save us from our sins and earn our place in the wedding banquet of heaven. Be sure to keep your lamp of faith lit by regularly fueling it by hearing and reading God’s Word. Just as you are doing right now!

Prayer:
Lord, help me to treasure the gift of the gospel, the oil that keeps my faith lamp lit that I would be ready for the joyful announcement, “The Bridegroom has come!” Amen.

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Endless Blessings

Daily Devotion – November 12, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11


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God created the first people perfectly. They were more than free from defects or handicaps; they were completely holy and pure—like God himself. It was God’s wonderful will to have them live in his presence to enjoy his great favor and experience his endless blessings.

But sin entered the scene. Disobedience brought separation from God and fear of his judgment. Though deserving, God did not appoint sinners to suffer wrath. He did not want sinners to be condemned and suffer eternally. Rather, it was his deepest desire that they spend eternity with him.

So, God sent his Son into the world to rescue people from their sins against him. Jesus was born like us—a true human being. But unlike us, he had no sin. In the greatest act of love that this world has ever seen, Jesus willingly took on the guilt of everyone’s sin. He placed himself under the judgment of God in place of us. He died and paid in full the penalty of sin for us all.

Now all who trust in him as their Savior have no fear of eternal wrath, only everlasting life with God. Be encouraged by this tremendously good news and encourage others with it, too.

Prayer:
Dear God, who loved this fallen world and sent your Son to save it, renew my faith in Jesus as my Savior. Comfort me with the good news that by the death of Jesus, I am freed from the fear of your wrath and have the gift of life with you forever. Amen.

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:1,2

Boldness

Daily Devotion – November 11, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 2:1,2


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In the first part of this chapter of the Bible, Paul described his ministry to the Christians at Thessalonica. He was not bragging and just attempting to bring attention on himself. As he spoke about the difficulties and opposition he faced in doing the Lord’s work, he hoped to encourage those persecuted Christians to also be persistent and bold in living and practicing their faith.

He reminded them how he suffered and was insulted in Philippi just prior to coming to Thessalonica. Together with his companion Silas, Paul was unjustly accused, stripped, and beaten, severely flogged and thrown into prison. After that humiliating and painful experience, who would have blamed Paul for giving up and just going home?

But Paul kept on, and he did it “with the help of our God.” God helped him to be bold even though he faced strong opposition. God strengthened and sustained him so that he could bring the message of Jesus Christ to the people in that city.

Boldness is also a virtue we pray that God increases within us. Boldness to speak up for Jesus when people put us down. Boldness to defend God’s truth when others trash it with their lies. Boldness to live by God’s Word when so many others ignore it. Even in the face of opposition, boldness to never deny Christ.

Prayer:
My God, help me to be bold in my life of faith. Keep me faithful to Jesus and give me the courage to follow him even when I face opposition. Amen.