Daily Devotions

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

Deuteronomy 18:15-18

Listen to the Prophet

We live in an age of hyper-communication.  Many of us spend a good portion of our time with our cell phones, text messages and email.  We’ve become masters of communicating in short sound bytes and have forgotten how to listen to any one thing for too long.  On the internet we read 50 words here, 50 words there, and then click on another link and read 50 words somewhere else.  Even the evening news has reduced its stories to shorter segments, because the producers know that many of us have an “attention deficit disorder” of the ears.

Moses was a prophet called by God to speak his Word to the Israelites.  When he ascended Mount Sinai to receive God’s Law, there was thunder and lightning, the sound of a loud trumpet blast and the Lord himself came down in fire.  The whole mountain shook violently and the people trembled in fear.  After hearing the Ten Commandments and seeing God’s awesome display of power, the people said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen.  But do not have God speak to us or we will die” (Exodus 20:19).  The Law brings fear.

The Lord allowed Moses to peer into the future and see another prophet.  This prophet would be like Moses in some ways, but very different in others.  Jesus Christ was born among his people.  He came speaking the very word of God – the words that God himself put in his mouth.  While Jesus proclaimed and applied the Law spoken by Moses, he came primarily to speak good news of forgiveness and salvation.  The Law given on Sinai condemns all those who violate it.  The good news spoken by Jesus brings freedom, peace and everlasting life.

In the midst of the noise of everyday life, make sure to take the time to listen to the prophet Moses foretold – your Savior, Jesus.  Only his voice assures you that all your sins have been forgiven.  Only his voice calms your troubled heart and points you to your home in heaven.

Prayer: 

Dearest Jesus, help me tune out the distractions of everyday life and truly listen to you.  I thank you for bringing good news of great joy for all people.  Help me to rejoice in you and speak your name wherever I have the opportunity. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - February 3, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.”

Ezekiel 33:31

Worship that God calls GOOD

Surely it is GOOD to gather with others in church to hear the Word of God through our pastors whom God has called to serve us. It is also GOOD when we speak and sing the praises of God in his house of worship.

Listening to the Word and praising God is GOOD, but it can become displeasing to him. God told his prophet Ezekiel the reason: The hearers do not put God's Word into practice.  Many think their worship is GOOD even when they just do it out of habit. They consider the mere act of worship a service to God.  However, even when expressed with eloquence, our worship is meaningless before God when faith and sincerity are lacking in our hearts.

God calls worship GOOD when we hear his Word, believe it, and put it into practice. Prompted by the love of Jesus for us, our acts of worship are glad expressions of thanks to him.  Our willful obedience to God’s Word flows out of faithful hearts filled with the joy of his salvation.  That’s the kind of worship that God calls GOOD.

Prayer: 

Gracious God, lead me to love your Word and gladly hear and learn it.  Help me to put your Word into practice with a heart filled with faith in Jesus. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - February 2, 2012 --Daily Devotion

There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:6

TWO WAYS TO LIVE

In front of the RCA Building in New York City there stands a massive statue. It’s the statue of a man straining to carry the entire world on his shoulders. Put yourself in front of that statue for a moment. Look at it. Think about it. If you wish, you can live your life that way. You can focus on yourself. You can look to yourself for answers. You can take all the problems of your life and work them out on your own. You can carry your world on your shoulders.

But now, cross the street. Go into the church that stands directly across from the man carrying the world. Walk up to the altar. Go behind the altar. There you will see another statue. This statue is of Jesus as a young boy. Look closely. In his hand he’s holding something, and he’s holding it without any effort or worry or strain. In his hand rests the entire world.

There are two ways to live. You can carry the world, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the weight of your cares, or Jesus can carry you. You can carry the guilt of your past, or you can recognize that Jesus has already come to carry it on your behalf.

In our sinful weakness, we often behave like the man straining to carry the world. When that happens, come to repentance. Look to Jesus. See him carrying the world. See him carrying you. Rest in his forgiveness. Rest in his promises. It’s the only way to live.

Prayer: 

Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for all the times I have tried to carry the world. Empower me by your Spirit to see that you have come to carry me. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - February 1, 2012 --Daily Devotion

We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

It has been said that we begin dying the moment we are born. These bodies of ours are not what they would have been had sin not entered the world and along with it death.

Knowing this, we understand the importance of time. Once spent, it cannot be recovered. There isn't a time machine that will permit us to rewind our lives and live them over. The past is just that—it's passed!

For that matter, we don't have possession of the future either. Will I be here tomorrow? Perhaps not! "My times are in your hands," the psalmist sang (Psalm 31:15). The voice of God's servant Job proclaimed, "Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed" (Job 14:5).

Over the course of our God-given time, we experience what the apostle Paul writes: “outwardly we are wasting away.” Hair grays and thins. Skin wrinkles. Muscles lose strength. Eyesight dims. Hearing fades. Memory loses track of little details—and sometimes big ones. Though outwardly we may look and feel like the wrecks of time, the time that God gives us is precious because “inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

We often pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." The nourishment that our bodies cannot do without, God graciously and regularly provides for us.  In his love, God also gives us spiritual nourishment that inwardly renews us day by day.  He feeds our souls with the precious truths of his Word.  He comforts us with his forgiveness through Jesus to renew his peace in our hearts.  He assures us of his unfailing love to renew our joy even as face the failings of our physical life.  He promises to give us life that is perfect and eternal to renew our hope of heaven. 

When you notice the signs of aging in your body, don’t lose heart. Through the Word of God which points you to Jesus your Savior, inwardly you are being renewed day by day!

Prayer: 

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 471):

Renew me, O eternal Light, and let my heart and soul be bright,
Illumined with the light of grace that issues from your holy face.

Create in me a new heart, Lord, that gladly I obey your Word.
Oh, let your will be my desire and with new life my soul inspire.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 31, 2012 --Daily Devotion

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Mark 1:21-28

Amazed 

What grabs the headlines? It’s what people say and do. The unbelievable play or record-breaking game grabs the headlines in a sports-crazed nation. The jolting, dramatic comments or all-embracing ideologies get top-billing as a governmental election draws near.

Jesus grabbed people’s attention with what he said and what he did. When Jesus taught, people were amazed. Jesus taught with such authority and even backed up his words with miracles!

Have you ever had trouble feeling the same way about what Jesus teaches? Is it difficult being amazed at what Jesus teaches because it doesn’t line up with what you believe? Perhaps it’s been in an area of living—where God calls what you’ve been doing wrong. You start with your own ideas, and you look to have Jesus echo them. If God’s Word says something different, you then turn Jesus off.  You are not amazed; you’re upset.

It shouldn’t be that surprising that our hearts react like that sometimes, or what we say or do is offensive to God. You and I are sinners. We have sinful hearts that produce thoughts and lives filled with sin. Our sinful hearts do not like correction.

Thankfully, Jesus’ taught with authority. His original audience heard him and recognized that his teaching was different. What he said was completely, entirely the very Word of God. Jesus backed up his teaching with miracles. The miracles showed people Jesus was their eternal, all-powerful God.  As the sinless Son of God, Jesus taught with authority.
 
Thankfully, Jesus still teaches with authority. When he calls something a sin, you can be sure it is a sin. When he promises forgiveness, you can be confident that you have forgiveness. When Jesus tells you that God loves the world, you know with certainty that God loves YOU.

It’s interesting to read the headlines, catch up on your favorite team or follow the latest political developments. It is essential for you to listen to Jesus. He teaches with authority because he is the Son of God.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank you for your powerful teaching. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored it or failed to keep it. Give me the time and resolve to regularly read, learn, believe and do what you teach. Use your Word to strengthen my faith. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 30, 2012 --Daily Devotion

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 1:16-18

Jesus saw Simon and Andrew as he walked along the Sea of Galilee. They were fishing, and he said to them, “Come, follow me.” It seems like a simple request. But then the question comes to mind, “Why?” What was it about these men that made Jesus choose them over all the other people along the Sea of Galilee? Jesus could have chosen the rich, or the highly educated, or the influential, or the officials of his day. But he didn’t. He found common fishermen and chose them to follow him, so that they could be trained for three years to become fishers of men instead of fishers of fish. But it wasn’t anything about those two fishermen that caused Jesus to choose them. It was simply God’s grace that was poured out on Simon and Andrew.

You could ask the same question about yourself: What does God see in you that would lead him to call you to follow him? If you are honest with yourself, you have to admit there is no reason that he would have to call you. You are not good enough, smart enough, perfect enough, or deserving enough to make Jesus call you. But in his grace Jesus chose you to be his disciple. He removed the obstacles separating you from God when he paid for your sins. Now he calls you to follow him just as he called Simon and Andrew so many years ago.

What a great privilege and gift from your Savior! He has chosen you to follow him.

Prayer: 

Dearest Jesus, I give thanks that you have called me to be your disciple. Give me the strength to follow you all the days of my life. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 27, 2012 --Daily Devotion

In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice.

Psalm 18:6

The Listener

There was a machine repairman who had an unusual knack for correctly diagnosing where the trouble was in faulty factory equipment. And he could fix it quickly. His co-workers noticed that he normally left the lunchroom 10 minutes early. One day someone followed him to see what he did before the others started working again. The repairman didn't touch a wrench or a screwdriver. Instead, while everyone else was gone and there was no sound of conversation, he stood in the middle of the large room, closed his eyes, and listened to the machinery. His ear caught every subtle sound, every click, every change in pitch or vibration. He could identify the first signs of a problem before it became apparent to the others. It's as if he knew each machine personally.

That’s how God knows us. God knows us personally and intimately. He monitors our thoughts and feelings all the time. And when we need help, he is listening. Today’s Bible verse assures us that when we cry out to him, the Lord hears us. Why does the Almighty God want to hear us? Because he loves us and he wants to help us. He’s proved his love through Jesus—the incarnate love of God to rescue us from sin’s destruction.

God hears us when we call on him. He hears the shouts and the groans of our hearts. He knows when we are "broken" or "out of tune." And when we call on him, he knows exactly what we need.

Facing a problem today? Cry out to the Lord. Through Jesus, you can be sure he will hear you!

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, thank you for always listening to the groans and troubles of my heart and life. Thank you for always being there to answer with your solution to all my problems— Jesus my Savior. In his name I pray. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 26, 2012 --Daily Devotion

What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Devoted to the Lord

“Those who have wives should live as if they had none.” I haven’t ever heard a husband use this verse to justify neglect, self-indulgence or carousing, but I suppose it could happen—if the words were taken out of context: “Look, I can do what I want when I want. You don’t really matter. I’m supposed to live like I’m not married!” Neglect, self-indulgence, carousing—certainly that isn’t the apostle Paul’s point here. So what is the point?

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is talking about being devoted to the Lord: Don’t get too caught up in the things of this world or affairs of this life; they aren’t going to last. Keep things in balance. Keep things in perspective. Number one is the Christian’s relationship with the Lord; this has lasting, eternal implications.

The things of this life, often good in and of themselves, can distract a person from devotion to the Lord—sorrows, joys, material things, marriage. None of them should transcend our devotion to our Lord. Sadly, sometimes I let that happen. I let tough times take my attention off the Lord. I rejoice in good times without him. I’m tempted to rely too much on earthly things. And then there’s my marriage…

Thank God. Jesus interacted with women perfectly. Jesus mourned perfectly. Jesus rejoiced perfectly. Jesus interacted with the things of this world perfectly. Never once did he sin. Jesus lived the perfect life that you and I can’t.  He is the perfect Savior we need!

That moves me to honor him in all that I do, remembering that when devotion to the Lord remains the number one priority in my life, my relationship with sorrow, joy, things, and my marriage will not suffer. When I live a life of thanksgiving to my Savior God, the various aspects of this life will be enhanced. That includes times of sorrow and times of joy. It includes how I regard the things of this world and how I interact with my spouse.

Sorrow, joy, material things, marriage—they will all be richer when they are done with Jesus.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, may I never become too attached to the things of this world. Help me when I do! Bless me as I encounter every situation in life with you. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 25, 2012 --Daily Devotion

The company of the prophets said to Elisha, “Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to live.” And he said, “Go.” Then one of them said, “Won’t you please come with your servants?” “I will,” Elisha replied. And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. “Oh, my lord,” he cried out, “it was borrowed!” The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. “Lift it out,” he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.

2 Kings 6:1-7

You’ve probably heard it said: "Don't sweat the small stuff!" Of course, the point is that we shouldn’t let ourselves be troubled and overrun by the little things of life. The incident that occurred in today’s Bible reading points us in that direction.

The tree-cutting was going well when one of the workers broke his borrowed ax, and the iron head flew into the Jordan River. "Where did it fall?" the prophet Elisha asked. When the man showed him the place, Elisha threw a stick in the water and "made the iron float." "Lift it out," he said. So the man "reached out his hand and took it."

That miracle worked by the power of God illustrates an important truth: God cares about us and the things that affect our lives, such as lost axheads, lost coins, lost keys, lost files, lost cell phones – the little things that cause us to fret and worry. He does not always restore what was lost – for his own good reasons – but he understands our loss and seeks to comfort us in our distress.

Recall a time when your child or grandchild was distressed over some small loss and your heart was touched by their distress. The broken or mislaid thing had little significance for you, but it wasn't trifling to them. It mattered to you because it mattered to them, and your child or grandchild matter to you.

So it is with our heavenly Father. Our small worries and troubles matter to him because we mean everything to him. Just look at the cross and you will see how much we matter to God. We can cast all our cares, anxieties, worries, small stuff on him because he cares about us.

Don't sweat the small stuff – trust that your heavenly Father will always take care of you.

Prayer: 

Thank you, Father, for caring about my cares because you care about me. All the small stuff in my life that I like to sweat, I leave in your hands. In my Savior's name. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 24, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth…When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Our Loving Lord Calls Us to Repentance

Nineveh was the New York City of its day. Capital of the powerful Assyrian Empire, the city was large and proud. One hundred foot high walls surrounded it. The citizens of Nineveh were well protected from physical danger by the walls that surrounded them. 

But the Ninevites were in danger from a force much more powerful than any neighboring army. They were in grave spiritual danger. Sin was rampant, and God had had enough. He sent his prophet Jonah some six hundred miles to warn them to repent of their sin or he would destroy them in forty days.

Like the people of Nineveh, God commands us to repent of our sins. God’s warnings about our sin are always urgent. Sin is serious; it separates us from God. 

Against what sins are you struggling? Today God calls on you to repent. Turn away from those sins and trust God for his mercy. He is a forgiving God, just as he was for the people of Nineveh: “…he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.” God has had compassion on you, too. Instead of bringing on you the destruction your sins deserve, he brought that destruction on Jesus when he hung on the cross. Through Jesus you have forgiveness for all your sins against God. May this comforting reality give you the strength you need today to leave your sin behind and live your life for him.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have so often sinned against you. Forgive my sins for Jesus’ sake. Give me the strength and the will to live this day in true repentance that all my doings and life may please you. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 23, 2012 --Daily Devotion

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Now that very many people use a cell phone, it also seems that quite a number of people have learned a new skill – “selective answering.”  Their cell phones ring; they look at who is calling, and in an instant decide whether or not they are going to answer. It is “selective answering.”

Unfortunately, too often we do something similar when it comes to the Lord’s communication with us. We use “selective listening.” When we read what God has to say in the Bible we think, “Go ahead and speak, LORD. I will think about what you have to say. Then, if I agree with it I will do it. If not, I am going to ignore it.”

In our Bible reading for today we hear about a young boy named Samuel who answered differently when the Lord spoke. Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel didn’t wait to find out if he liked what God had to say. He was going to listen no matter what God had to say. Samuel trusted that whatever the Lord said, it would be important for him to hear and follow.

This is also true for us.  Everything the Lord tells us in his Word is important for us to hear and believe.  Most importantly, he wants us to know about his love for us through Jesus whom he sent to save us from our sins. Everything that the Lord tells us in his Word is for our good.

Remember this the next time you read or hear God’s Word so that you can confidently say with Samuel, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times when I have doubted or disobeyed your Word.  Give me a faith like Samuel so that I will always listen to your Word carefully and obey your Word faithfully. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 20, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

A treasure hunter in Florida searched for 16 years for a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622 with a cargo of precious metal. In 1985 the ship was located, and 40 million dollars worth of gold and silver were salvaged. The approximate location of the ship was determined by searching ancient records.

The Word of God contains great spiritual treasures. These, declares the psalmist, "are more precious than gold, than much pure gold" (Psalm 19:10). The wisdom of the Holy Scriptures, which make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, "cannot be bought with the finest gold" (Job 28:15) says Job. The Word of God exceeds every earthly treasure, for only it can comfort people when they, just like Job, have experienced trouble and heavy losses. Only God’s Word enables a person to say: "I know that my Redeemer lives" (Job 19:25).

Indeed, the Holy Scriptures hold treasures to make us rich and strengthen us spiritually, but how do they come into our possession? The answer is to search the Scriptures. When we read, study, discuss and apply the truths of God's Word, "through endurance and the encouragement of Scriptures...we have hope." Our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ comes by hearing and reading God's written Word. Then like the man who discovered treasures in a Spanish galleon, we too will discover precious treasure - most importantly our Highest Good, and he is Jesus Christ our Savior!

Prayer: 

Merciful Father, thank you for your love shown to me in Jesus. I ask you to lead me deeper into the Holy Scriptures so that I may be drawn closer to Jesus my Savior. In his name I pray. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 19, 2012 --Daily Devotion

The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:13-20

The Holy Spirit led the apostle Paul to use a very striking example. Would you ever say, “Hey Jesus, I’m going to spend some time with a prostitute? Want to come along?”

Of course not! A child of God would never think that. A child of God would never say that. Never! Yet children of God sometimes do that. And children of God do other nasty things. They unite their bodies—or hearts or minds—with a man or woman not their spouse. They unite with sinful images in print or on video. They unite with sinful content on their computers. The temptations are real. Very real!

What is a Christian facing such temptations to do? Think about what Paul urged the Corinthian Christians to do when facing similar temptations.

When battling sexual temptations, remember that your body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord. Why? Because God has done a wonderful thing. Through faith he has united you with Christ. That means everything Christ did is yours. His perfect life is yours. His death is yours. His burial and resurrection are yours. And his new life is yours.

Jesus offered his perfect life and shed his precious blood on the cross for you. That purchase price made complete payment for your sins. Wow! What an awesome gift! Your sins are taken away.  And by faith you have been made a member of Christ; you are united with Jesus, your Savior!

Paul mentions a few results. You are not your own. The Holy Spirit lives in you; your body is his temple. And your body will be raised from the dead; you have an eternal future. So, what’s the bottom line in the context of sexuality? Where Jesus goes, you go.  And where you go, Jesus goes. All of this moves and enables you to flee from sexual immorality.

We are surrounded by some pretty nasty temptations. When you face those temptations, remember what Christ has done for you. Remember who you are in Christ.  And together with him, honor God with your body.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, I know what you have done for me and what you want from me. Help me flee from sexual immorality. In unity with you may I honor God with my body. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 18, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“Surely I am with you always.”

Matthew 28:20

"It seems like the hurrier I go, the behinder I get!" We've heard it; we've been there; we've done that.

"I can't seem to make any progress!" Again, been there; done that. 

"I feel like everything is against me!" Yes, been there, done that, too.

"I feel like I'm all alone." No! That’s not true. That’s not your situation. You are not all alone!

Your God has promised that he will never leave you nor forsake you. Your God has promised to be with you always. Your God has promised that he's always near.

And who is your God? He is the all-powerful God who can do anything. Your God is the one who went to the cross to win forgiveness for you. Your God truly loves you and cares for you.

And that God? He's with you ... ALWAYS!

Prayer: 

Lord God, I place myself into your care, confident in your promise to always be with me. Lead me through life, guarding me against all danger of soul and body, and sustaining my saving faith in Jesus. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 17, 2012 --Daily Devotion

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

John 1:43-51

What would someone need to do to convince you that they really were God’s son? I would imagine that there would be a healthy skepticism on your part until you saw evidence.

Nathanael had that skepticism. Philip told him that they had found the Messiah—the one Moses and the prophets wrote about. He had found the Son of God. Then Philip adds, “He is from Nazareth.” Well, this made Nathanael skeptical. Nazareth was a tiny town in the back country of Galilee. It was definitely not the place you would expect someone important to come from.

Despite his skepticism, Nathanael came to see this Jesus Philip was telling him about.  And when Jesus described Nathanael—a man he had never met, and talked about seeing him under the fig tree, that was enough to convince Nathanael and remove any skepticism. He acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God and the King of Israel.

In his lifetime, Jesus did many things to remove our skepticism. He proven over and over again that he really is the Son of God. He demonstrated his divine power as he cured the sick and healed the lame. He showed his authority as he taught and explained God’s Word to the people. Jesus revealed his divine love and grace as he endured temptation and willingly went to a cross to die for the sins of the world. He revealed that he is true God when he was raised from the dead on the third day

All this is recorded in the Bible about Jesus so that your skepticism will crumble away. Like Nathanael you too are able to say to Jesus, “You are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.”

Prayer: 

My Savior Jesus, through the power of your Word fill my heart with the truth that you are the Son of God who came from heaven to make me a child of God.  Praise to you, O Lord! Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 16, 2012 --Daily Devotion

“Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name. He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.” He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor.” But I said, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’s hand, and my reward is with my God.” And now the LORD says—he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength—he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 49:1-6

Sometimes I wonder what Jesus was thinking as he was growing up, living in the home of Mary and Joseph. I know that he never sinned, but I wonder what he thought about the whole time.

Seven hundred years before he was born, Jesus gave us a hint of what was on his mind as he prepared for three years of public ministry. In his own words from the book of Isaiah, Jesus shows that, even though it was difficult, he knew his purpose was to declare and display the splendor of the Lord. Jesus understood that he was bringing salvation to the ends of the earth.

So even though I live in a place distant from where Jesus lived as a child, the light of his salvation shines brightly on me as well. He forgives my sins, and promises that I will live with him forever in the light of heaven.

Prayer: 

Almighty God, you have filled me with the new light of the Word who was made flesh and lived among us. Let the light of my faith be revealed in all that I do. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 13, 2012 --Daily Devotion

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

Isaiah 43:25

Record of Sins? Gone!

There is a story about a man who was on his deathbed and had withheld forgiveness from a neighbor who had wronged him. His pastor persuaded him to see the man and forgive him. He finally agreed to this and the neighbor was led into his chamber where a formal reconciliation of the two took place. Then, as the neighbor was leaving, the dying man called out to him, “Remember, if I get better, this will all be off!”

We are relieved to learn that God is not like that dying man. He forgives and forgets our sin. He states with absolute certainty that his forgiveness is complete, that our sins are truly forgotten. He says “I am he who blots out your transgressions…and remembers your sins no more.”

God doesn’t say, “Remember, if circumstances change, this will be off!” The gift of his forgiveness is not surrounded by exceptions, conditions or exclusions. Jesus bore the punishment of all our sins by his suffering and death. When our Savior cried out on the cross, “It is finished!” he confirmed that the payment for every sin had been made.  Jesus took away the sin of the world!

The first missionaries to Labrador found that the native people had no word for forgiveness in their language. The missionaries had to determine a way to express this precious gift of God. They made a glorious choice: “not-being-able-to-think-about-it-anymore.” God doesn’t recall our sin because Jesus paid the penalty for us. Through Jesus, we are free from guilt and free to live in peace and joy with God because he remembers our sins no more!

Prayer: 

Merciful God, fill me with the peace of forgiveness through Jesus Christ, your Son and my Savior. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 12, 2012 --Daily Devotion

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

Acts 16:31

IN PURSUIT OF YOUR SOUL

Some years ago there was a fierce manhunt in California. A thief had stolen a VW Bug. The authorities were so determined to get him that they unleashed all kinds of resources to find that one car and the thief who was driving it. They even resorted to broadcasting their message over local radio stations in order to find the thief and stop him.

Why such hot pursuit over this VW Bug? Here’s why. On the front seat of the stolen car was a box of crackers. But, unknown to the thief, the crackers were laced with poison. The car owner had intended to use the crackers to kill rats. The authorities, therefore, were in hot pursuit of this thief because they wanted to save his life.

Jesus has been in pursuit of your soul. Many times, in our sinful, confused thinking, we assume he’s after us because he wants us to pull over and behave better, to give up our freedom, to give up our fun.

When you and I think that way, we’ve got it all wrong. Jesus pursues us because he wants to save us. He pursues us because, if he doesn’t, the poison of our sin will consume us. He pursues us because he wants to give us life, peace, joy, and forgiveness. He died to purchase that forgiveness. And now he lives to pursue us through his gospel.

Believe in the One who has pursued you. Trust his promises. Savor his rescue of your soul. And let him continue his pursuit of others through you.

Prayer: 

Dearest Jesus, thank you for pursuing my soul through your gospel. In you I have life. Use me to pursue others by sharing your message of salvation. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 11, 2012 --Daily Devotion

"Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:36-39

Rejoice in Your Baptism!

The man in the chariot was the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. He held the keys to all her wealth. But he lacked the key to real happiness, the key to the Scriptures, the key to heaven. All the wealth and power in this world could not bring him lasting joy. But with Philip's help, he found the master key to true wealth.

These verses from Acts give us real insight into how the Holy Spirit works. The Spirit set up the meeting. The Spirit directed the Ethiopian to read Isaiah chapter 53. The Spirit opened Philip's mouth to share the gospel. The Spirit used the gospel to bring the man to faith in Jesus.

Then the Holy Spirit led the eunuch to desire Baptism. With love for the Savior burning within his heart, he wanted to obey Jesus' command to be baptized. He knew God would confirm his newly found faith. And so he was baptized.

The Ethiopian man was not one bit sad that the Holy Spirit suddenly took Philip away. He had the key to eternal life. Philip was gone, but he had a new companion—the Lord Jesus Christ. Now he rode home with a lasting peace and joy in his heart that would radiate into the lives of others.

In Baptism God the Holy Spirit uses the power of gospel with the water to wash away the guilt of our sin and make us members of God’s holy family by faith in Jesus. If you have been baptized, rejoice every day in the blessed fact that you are a child of God and heir of heaven.  If you are not baptized and would like to learn more about this wonderful blessing from God, locate one of our churches near you and ask the pastor about baptism.

Prayer: 

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 294):

Baptized into your name most holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly, among your saints, your chosen host,
Buried with Christ and dead to sin your Spirit now shall live within.

My loving Father, there you took me to be henceforth your child and heir.
My faithful Savior, there you let me the fruit of all your sorrows share.
O Holy Spirit, comfort me when threat’ning clouds around I see. 

For information about baptism, read the article from WhatAboutJesus.com:  How can simple water do such great things in baptism?


Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 10, 2012 --Daily Devotion

John came baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:4

John Came

Paul’s job fit him perfectly. He was in charge of quality control.  His sole purpose was to examine his company’s product to make sure it met specifications. What made Paul perfect for the job was that he was a detail-oriented person. What most people would miss, Paul caught. His ability made him an invaluable asset for his company.

Most people are not like Paul. They take a brief, passing glance and say, “It looks good to me.” Often though, some easily overlooked details are the most important. Take the first words of Mark’s Gospel, “John came.” It would be easy to overlook these words.  People come and go all the time. There is, however, an important truth attached to the fact that John came, and that he came baptizing and preaching. It is a truth I need to carefully consider.

John the Baptist was the forerunner of the promised Savior. His arrival signaled everything was ready for God’s great promise to be fulfilled. As a result, John proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God (John 1:29). John testified that Jesus was the Son of God the Father (John 1:32-34). John even revealed Jesus was the one who would bring eternal life (John 3:34-35).

These are not insignificant details. They actually demand my undivided attention and my total trust. Jesus is the one who came to offer God the Father the purchase price for my release from eternal death. Jesus is the one who declared me not guilty of all charges against me for my sin.  Jesus is the one who offered me new life through the working of the Holy Spirit.

John came. Through these simple words the Lord provides a precious truth for me and for my rescue. When God the Father announced that John came, he was also announcing that Jesus had come. This is one fact I can never afford to overlook.  Because when Jesus came, my peace, my forgiveness and my new life came with him.

Prayer: 

O blessed Lord, thank you for keeping your promise and sending John the Baptist as the forerunner of Jesus. Through his work I now know the truth that Jesus is my peace, my joy and my Savior. Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

WhatAboutJesus.com has a new look. Check it out! 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.

Devotion - January 9, 2012 --Daily Devotion