Today's Devotion

Devotion - February 10, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“Does not man have hard service on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired man? Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss till dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope. Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.”

Job 7:1-7

Hope in Tragedy

When did you first realize that you weren’t going to live forever? Maybe it was an accident that brought you so close to death that it was no longer possible to ignore its reality. Or perhaps it was when someone your own age (or younger) was taken away. For some of us it takes a little longer, but sooner or later, the circumstances of life and the reality checks of an aging body remind us that life is short—sometimes too short.

One by one tragedy came parading into Job’s life. First his servants and livestock were taken by an invading tribe. Next the news came that his sheep and camels had also been destroyed. Then worst of all, his sons and daughters died when a windstorm caused their house to collapse. On top of all of this, Job experienced intense physical pain as his body was covered with sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. He sat among the ashes and scraped himself with broken pieces of pottery, as his friends and even his wife seemed to question his faith in a good God.

But even as Job suffered and tottered on the edge of despair, he did not give up hope in Lord. He gripped God’s gracious promises even when it seemed senseless to do so. He said, “Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath.” Job faced the fact of his mortality; he was well aware that his physical life on earth would end. But death would not rob him of hope. And the reason for his hope he states, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27)

Job experienced more suffering in his life than most of us ever will. Yet the Lord preserved his faith and strengthened him through it all. What great comfort to know that whatever hardship and suffering we might have to endure, God will never forsake us; his love for us never changes. Through Jesus we have God’s peace even amidst the turmoil of life. Though we face the fact of death, we have the confidence of the resurrection from the dead and rejoice in the gift of eternal life from our Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, keep tragedy from falling upon me, if it is your will. But if it is necessary that I experience suffering and hardship, use it to draw me ever deeper into your love. For the sake of your Son who has already suffered everything for me. Amen.

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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 10, 2012

Devotion - February 9, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Christ Removes the Crushing Weight

From time to time we hear of people doing extraordinary things, like a woman who managed to lift a car that had slipped off the jack to free her son who was being crushed under the heavy weight. In extreme emergencies people have been known to tap a source of physical strength and mental resourcefulness they didn't know they had.

However, human strength and wit cannot accomplish every feat. They do not enable us to save ourselves or others from the power and the punishment of sin. Not by our power or resolve can we get out from under, or help free others, from the crushing guilt of sin.

But what we can't do, our Lord Jesus did for us. He was crushed for our iniquities. He bore the full weight of our sin and allowed it to crush him to death. He took the punishment we deserved. He freed us from sin’s overwhelming burden. Trusting in our Savior, we stand before God not scared and trapped under his judgment, but safe and free in the peace we have with our God through Jesus.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love. It was your will to crush your only Son and cause him to suffer and die for the sins of all. Fill me with gladness for the pardon that my Savior accomplished and the peace he gives me.

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Devotion - February 9, 2012

Devotion - February 8, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

Play It

In the early 1900's, there was a man by the name of Fritz Kreisler. Fritz Kreisler was a superb violinist. On one particular day, however, he was facing a terrible disappointment. Some time before, he had discovered a violin that made exquisite sound. He dearly wanted to have it. But the violin was expensive, and so Fritz carefully saved up money to buy it. When he arrived to make the purchase, however, he discovered that a wealthy man had bought it simply to add to his collection of rare violins.

Fritz went to the man's home. There was the violin, on display, but silent. The man, proud of his new purchase, refused even to consider selling it. Fritz turned to leave, but then he had an idea. He asked the man if he could play it. The man agreed. Fritz picked up the instrument and began to play. What flowed from that violin stunned its owner. So beautiful and moving was the music that the man finally blurted out, "I have no right to keep that to myself." Then he said, "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."

There are times when you and I assume we are doing all the right things with the message of the gospel. We treat it reverently. We preserve it. We put it on display so we can admire it from time to time. We tell ourselves how fortunate we are to have it when so many others do not. And then we don't “play” it—we don’t listen to the wonderful sound of its beautiful message and take it to heart.

When we don't, we rob ourselves of the peace God wants us to have through his word. We rob ourselves of the assurance of forgiveness in Christ that the gospel gives. We fill ourselves with empty silence instead of the fullness of Jesus.

Play it. Let the gospel ring out. Listen to the sound of your Savior's voice. And take it into the world.

Prayer:

I confess, Lord Jesus, all the times I have allowed your gospel to remain silent in my life. Open my ears and heart to listen again and again to the sweet sound of your forgiveness. Amen.

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Devotion - February 8, 2012

Devotion - February 7, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Who's In Control?

Sue was excited to visit New York City; it was her first time to experience the sights and sounds of the big city. But on arrival, her expectation for an exciting time was threatened by the taxi ride to the hotel. The driver seemed determined to demonstrate his skill and daring in negotiating the traffic congestion. He went careening down streets, making abrupt turns, nearly sideswiping other cars, and coming to screeching stops. Sue thought that the trip was going to end in a cemetery. She was frustrated and afraid because she didn't have control, and she felt that her life was in unreliable hands.

Experiences like Sue had illustrate our human tendency to want to be in charge of things in our lives. We are nervous whenever we feel that the control of our lives is out of our hands. When we are tempted to think that way, we need to remind ourselves that the LORD of our lives—the one who is truly in control—is the almighty God and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. We can put our full confidence in him knowing that he will never be reckless in the way that he leads us because he loves us with an unending, never-failing love. We need to learn to relax in him and believe that he can handle anything he allows to come into our lives. Although we need to plan and live responsibly, we are wise to recognize that our LORD is in complete control. It is his will, not our efforts, that keeps us alive and secure. It is always wise and safe to place our full confidence in him!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I don’t know not what this day may bring and tomorrow there are many more unknowns. But I know that you are my almighty, loving God. Teach me to put my life under your control. Amen.

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Devotion - February 7, 2012

Devotion - February 6, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Mark 1:35-38

Looking for Jesus

It seems curious Jesus would say, “Let us go somewhere else.” It seems even more curious when he says it to his disciples following their exclamation, “Everyone is looking for you!” While the disciples would have been content to stay in that area of Galilee, Jesus had a different plan. He came to proclaim the good news of forgiveness and eternal life to all.

As I consider Jesus’ response, I need to ask myself a question: “What am I looking for?” My answer to that question is important because the devil has designed a trap for me. He wants me to consider Jesus as someone over whom I can exercise control and authority. Then, when Jesus doesn’t turn out to be what I am looking for, the devil quickly springs the trap and I am caught in disappointment and despair. His goal is to lead me to the conclusion: Jesus wasn’t what I was looking for.

This is why I need to look for Jesus where God has revealed him. In the Bible he is called my Savior. He lived a sinless life in my place. He provided the payment required to secure my freedom from the fear of punishment when he died for my sins. He guaranteed peace and forgiveness for me through his triumph over the devil when he rose from the grave. If this is what I am looking for, then I don’t have to look any farther. Jesus is my Savior, my Redeemer, my comfort, my joy and my peace.

When Jesus was on this earth, he could have gathered countless followers. All he had to do was become what they were looking for. Unfortunately, many became disappointed and stopped following Jesus because he did not conform to their desires. What about me? What am I looking for? If I am looking for Jesus to be the one whom God has revealed in the Bible, then I will have the Savior I need.

Prayer:

O dearest Jesus, give me the eyes of faith to see you as my Savior. Open my ears to hear your precious good news of life and peace. Purify my heart through your gift of forgiveness. Amen.

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Devotion - February 6, 2012

Devotion - February 3, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - February 3, 2012

Devotion - February 2, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“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.

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Devotion - February 2, 2012

Devotion - February 1, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - February 1, 2012

Devotion - January 31, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 31, 2012

Devotion - January 30, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 30, 2012

Devotion - January 27, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 27, 2012

Devotion - January 26, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 26, 2012

Devotion - January 25, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 25, 2012

Devotion - January 24, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 24, 2012

UPDATED: Devotion - January 23, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:31:49 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 23, 2012

Devotion - January 20, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 20, 2012

Devotion - January 19, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 19, 2012

Devotion - January 18, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 18, 2012

Devotion - January 17, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“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.

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Devotion - January 17, 2012

Devotion - January 16, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 16, 2012

Devotion - January 13, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

“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.

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Devotion - January 13, 2012

Devotion - January 12, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 12, 2012

Devotion - January 11, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 11, 2012

Devotion - January 10, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

"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?

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Devotion - January 10, 2012

Devotion - January 9, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

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.

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Devotion - January 9, 2012

Devotion - January 6, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

“Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult.

Isaiah 45:20-25

If you turned on the television on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you could see Christians celebrating all over the world. No matter where they lived, people were rejoicing and singing that God had kept his promise: “Christ the Savior is born.”

Now, twelve days later, the gifts have been opened, the tree is getting old, and we are back to work. Did it make any difference?

Around the world, people are still bowing to idols of wood. They are still shamefully paying attention to money or pleasure more than they pay attention to the Lord. We are still tempted to join them.

But when we realize how pointless it is to live without Jesus, we run away from the ignorance around us and become “fugitives” for Christ. We come together again to worship the true God—he is the LORD who supplies us with righteousness and gives us strength. He is the only God who is our Savior.

Our knees still bow at the thought of God’s miracle in the manger, and our tongues still pray prayers of thanks for his peace.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for filling our hearts with the peace that the world cannot give, the peace that comes from Christ our Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - January 6, 2012

Devotion - January 5, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

The Christian's Confidence in the Outcome

The apostle Paul expressed his confidence that the Christians in Philippi would remain firm in the faith and thus attain eternal glory. He was confident of this grand result because it rested on God's gracious purposes. Paul’s confidence for the preservation of their faith was based on the power and the promises of the One who "had begun a good work" in them.

God graciously brings people to faith and assures them that, as they use his Word and Sacraments, he will preserve them in faith so that they will assuredly receive the goal of heaven. Our spiritual security, therefore, does not depend on our sin-tainted efforts. It rests on the sure promises and sustaining grace of God. From eternity he chose us to be his own. In time he came to save us by the cross and the open tomb. In our lifetime he began a good work in us—he called us to faith by the gospel. In the future he will complete his work by bringing us home to himself on "the day of Christ Jesus." Therefore, all the glory for becoming a Christian and remaining a Christian belongs to God who will carry out his plan of salvation to completion for all of his faithful people.

Through the Bible’s good news of a Savior who was born, lived, died and rose again for you, God began in your heart the good work of saving faith in Jesus Christ. Live confidently for the day of the Lord’s second coming because God works through his Word to keep you connected to Jesus your Savior. Hold fast to the Word and rejoice in the promise of your heavenly Father to preserve you in the true faith until you make it safely home to heaven.

Prayer:

Lord, work through the gospel to preserve me in saving faith. Give me the confidence that by your power and according to your promise, you will bring me to live in heaven because Jesus lived and died for me. In his name I pray. Amen.

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Devotion - January 5, 2012

Devotion - January 4, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

TO FORGIVE

Want in on a little secret? Here it is. I like to hold a grudge. I like to hold a grudge because it feels good. You see, when I hold a grudge, the other person is the bad guy, and I’m the victim. When I hold a grudge, I can play the part of the tragic hero and bask in my righteous indignation. Best of all, when I hold a grudge, my life is simple. I’m right. They’re wrong. And unless they come back and grovel to my satisfaction, I don’t have to strain my mind about anything.

But there’s a downside to holding a grudge. Playing the victim seems like an easy pass for a while. But over time it leaves a sense of helplessness that’s bitter and dark. Righteous indignation may taste sweet for a moment, but eventually it sours the soul. And when I hold a grudge in front of my eyes, I am blinding myself to all the ways I have failed others, all the ways I have disappointed others, and all the ways I have given others good reason to hold a grudge against me.

Maybe you struggle with the same problem.

But here’s the real tragedy. You and I are naturals when it comes to holding grudges. We’re good at it. So good that, as sinners, we’re trapped. Trapped in cycles of bitterness and resentment. Trapped with no peaceful place to go.

Which is exactly why Jesus came to invade our time and space. He took upon himself the weight of our every sin, our every failure, our every wrong. He went to the cross. He paid for them in full. Because he did, the Lord has forgiven us. It’s a forgiveness that’s complete. It’s a forgiveness that’s free.

That forgiveness is something else, too. God’s Word tells us that that forgiveness is also what gives us the power to forgive others, to release old grudges, to dismiss old grievances that have been darkening our lives far too long.

This year, throw the old grudges away. Forgive. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the grudges I have held. Empower me to forgive. Amen.

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Devotion - January 4, 2012

Devotion - January 3, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 John 5:14,15

The Christian's Confidence in Prayer

How do you pray? Are you a bit reluctant to bring everything to God? Do you ever dismiss the thought of praying because you doubt that God would give serious consideration to your request? Do you sometimes treat God like a stranger with whom you lack the confidence to strike up a conversation? It shouldn't ever be that way for God's children. Instead we should have the same boldness that children display when it comes to asking their parents for something. There's no hesitation in their little voices. Knowing their parents’ love and commitment for them, little children trust that they are attentive to their needs.

Now, I grant you, children don't always understand how things work for us in this world. They are confident that our bank accounts are limitless resources of ready cash. They think that our energy level is always equal to or greater than their own. Time is not considered in the calculation of what they ask of us. They simply remain confident in our ability to produce, until one day they come to know that their parents are not infinite sources of everything.

Though we are limited in many ways, our heavenly Father is not. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, we have gained access to him, and he is favorably disposed towards us. Jesus told us, "Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7a). The prophet Isaiah wrote, "Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear" (Isaiah 59:1).

In Jesus, "we know that he hears us—whatever we ask." As God’s dear children, we are confident in approaching him with our requests. Our faith in Christ moves us to pray and his Word directs our prayers to seek that God's will be done in our lives. In this way, "we know that we have what we asked of him."

Guided by his Word, pray with confidence, Christian! Your Father is listening.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, make me confident of your desire to hear my prayers. Grant my requests according to your will for my life and through the love you have shown me in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - January 3, 2012

Devotion - January 2, 2012

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people; a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Luke 2:28-33

A Marvelous Mystery

Parents can be amazed at what their children say and do. Often they are left speechless, and wondering, “How did they do that?”

When Jesus was eight days old Joseph and Mary took him to the temple in Jerusalem. On their arrival they were met by an elderly gentleman who took the baby in his arms and began to praise the Lord. What he said regarding the child was amazing and left the parents wondering.

As I consider the words of Simeon’s song of praise, I am left with the same sense of wonder. His marvelous words provide me with the comfort and reassurance I desperately need.

Without a doubt the world in its wisdom offers many well-intentioned solutions. Unfortunately, many fail to deliver what was promised. What the Lord offers will always deliver. Even if I may not always understand his solution, I can be confident it will work for my blessing.

My confidence comes as a result of Jesus’ precious work. Even as a tiny child, God’s promise and plan for my blessing were already in motion. My rescue from sin had begun. The light to lead me out of the darkness of death had started to shine. The glory of the Lord’s faithfulness had been revealed.

This is what the prophets promised Jesus would do. His appearance in the temple and Simeon’s song of praise signaled the promise was being kept.

Today I do not have to rely on what was promised; I can look at the accomplished fact. Not only did Jesus go to the temple, he also went to the cross, endured God’s just punishment for my sin and secured my freedom from the grave with his resurrection.

While God’s plan for my salvation may remain a marvelous mystery because I can’t explain how God the Father and his Son accomplished what they did, it still remains the foundation of my faith and my confidence of life in heaven.

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, your ways are beyond my understanding. While I marvel at your work, give me the faith I need to believe all you have done through your Son for my rescue from sin and my life in heaven. Amen.

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Devotion - January 2, 2012

Devotion - December 30, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7

Beautiful Feet?

Okay, take a good look at your feet. What do you see? Calluses? Blisters? Dry skin? Toenail fungus? When was the last time you told someone to look at your “beautiful” feet?

Our feet are even less beautiful when we walk sinfully into places our Lord forbids, or when we stand with those who violate God’s Word, or when we walk away from a chance to witness for Christ, or neglect that act of compassion we know should be done.

Back in Isaiah’s time, long before phones, radios, and instant communication, news was carried by runners. Was the war won or lost? The runner would bring the news, hopefully good news. Imagine how his feet looked after running miles over hard, dusty roads. However, if he brought news of a great victory and peace, his feet were beautiful!

The hustle and bustle of Christmas is now over. Hopefully you’ve finished running to Christmas parties, relatives’ homes, and stores to return gifts. I pray that you have beautiful feet that will travel to church to thank God for all his undeserved blessings showered upon you during the year now coming to an end. I especially pray that you’ll thank Jesus for his beautiful feet that walked the dusty roads of his day living the holy life you could never live. Thank him for his beautiful feet, pierced by a nail and dripping with holy blood shed for all your sins. That’s good news for you and me!

I also pray that your feet, (though they may be blistered, callused, and beset by toenail fungus) will be beautiful as they bring the good news of the gospel to others you meet in 2012. There’s the neighbor who still doesn’t believe, a fellow student plagued by the guilt of his sexual misconduct, that member of your church who struggles with finances or failure and doubts God’s love. People around you need your beautiful feet to come and warn them of sin and its hellish consequences and to bring them the good news of God’s love. Then you have feet that are indeed beautiful feet!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your gospel, the good news of forgiveness, peace and salvation. Make my feet beautiful as I share your good news in 2012. Amen.

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Devotion - December 30, 2011

Devotion - December 29, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 7:16

The Christian's Confidence in Others

Winning someone's confidence is not always easy! That's probably because we've experience many let-downs: He said that he'd be there, but he wasn't. She said she'd help, but she didn't. They assured us of their support, but they failed.

Writing to the Christians in Corinth, Paul expressed his gladness for the confidence he had in them. A surprising statement because this was the congregation in which there was infighting, divisiveness and greed. There was a tolerance of immorality among its members, adultery, divorce and drunkenness. They abused the sacrament and had disorderly worship.

How could Paul write to them and say, "I am glad I can have complete confidence in you"? There's only one explanation. It was because Paul's confidence relied on the One who was at work in them. He had confronted their sin with God's law, and they responded with repentance. He addressed their sinful behavior with the power of God’s Word, and they changed their ways. He was confident that sinners, into whose hearts the love of the Savior had flowed, were producing fruit and would continue to do so.

One thing is for sure…we can have confidence in our God. He is faithful to his word; he always fulfills his promises. Jesus is clear proof. God’s marvelous message of salvation has restored us to him—made us members of his eternal family. And God continues to use the gospel of Christ to help us live faithfully as his followers and strive to be trustworthy with people in our lives.

So, tell your Christian brothers and sisters of the gladness that is yours because of them. Do so in the spirit of the gospel that won them—and you—for Christ! This is our confidence!

Prayer:

Gracious Savior, grant that my life as your follower leads others to have confidence in me as I cling to your Word. Amen.

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Devotion - December 29, 2011

Devotion - December 28, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

About the Son God says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.”

Hebrews 1:8

A baby, wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger. No room for them in the inn. A family having to travel at the dictates of a foreign—and heathen—king. Yes, there is much in the Christmas account which is humble.

And thank God for it! Only by humbling himself could Jesus serve as our Savior. For our salvation to take place, we needed God to become human. We needed God to be willing to go to the cross and die for us. It took amazing humility, motivated by gracious love, to accomplish our salvation! Thank God for the humility in the Christmas account!

But we also thank God that the baby wrapped in cloths is also GOD! That baby who was laid in a manger is the almighty God! He is the supreme Ruler of all things! His throne WILL last forever! And that King is ruling for your benefit!

And so we look at the combination: we have an eternal, all-powerful King who loved us enough to humble himself in order to save us from sin and death. What wonderful truths to serve as our anchor this day! What wonderful truths to serve as our foundation as we move forward into a new year!

Prayer:

Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!" Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Amen.

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Devotion - December 28, 2011

Devotion - December 27, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.

1 John 3:21

The Source of the Christian's Confidence

The inspired author of these words was among those who were hiding for fear of the Jews after Jesus' crucifixion. Where was John’s confidence? You and I know all about the lack of confidence. Where John once was, we also have been. Fears have a way of crippling confidence, especially as we think about standing in the presence of our holy God.

Years later after his less than confident days, this same apostle wrote the words on which our devotion today is based. We wonder what had changed. How could John dismiss his fears and failings? As a sinner, how could he have confidence before God? How can you and I also have such confidence?

It's all in knowing, believing and relying on the true Source. Having confidence before God is entirely derived from outside of ourselves. It is found in Jesus' sinless life and his all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. John stood beneath the cross and heard those all-important words of his Savior, "It's finished!" (John 19:30) Redemption completed! Sacrifice for sins accepted! Condemnation for sins gone! Sinners justified—declared not guilty by God!

The Bible says, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). God laid on Jesus the guilt of our sins and sentenced him to the death that we deserved. Now by faith in our Savior, we have confidence before God. In his great love, he purchased us with the blood of his Son to be his own. He gives us the peace of forgiveness, the joy of salvation, and the hope of heaven.

If you ever wonder how you stand before God, look at the cross and see how greatly God loves you. And live with the confidence that you are not condemned by God because he condemned Jesus in your place.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, hold your cross before my eyes, so that always my conscience shall be clear and my confidence unshaken. Amen.

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Devotion - December 27, 2011

Devotion - December 26, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:10-12

During Christmas, it's better to receive than give.

No, that first sentence wasn't a mistake. Sound shocking? Greedy? Maybe even anti-Christian? Yes, yes and yes...if we are talking about gifts under a Christmas tree. But everything changes when we begin talking about gifts sent from heaven. In that aspect, it is far better to receive than to give. Here’s why…

Many people drift into thinking of Christmas as a special, magical month when folks generously spend money on others. Some give to the less fortunate; others give anonymously; most give to family members, coworkers and friends. The phrase, "it's better to give than receive" is used repeatedly as an important Christmas theme. Some might go so far as to think they have earned their way out of trouble with God because of their generous, greed-less giving around the holidays.

Don't be mistaken. There is absolutely a time and a place for generous giving—the kind that is from the heart and without any strings attached. In many scenarios, it certainly is better to give than receive. After all, “the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35) But all our greed-less giving is not enough to earn our way out of the debt of sin that we have with God. We cannot give enough to free us from that debt. But the good news is that God gives us a heavenly gift to rescue us. In regard to his gift to us, it is indeed better to receive than to give.

Our Bible reading today is about Jesus. Look again at these verses: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Jesus came all the way from heaven to rescue the world from sin and death. He made a bigger Christmas sacrifice than all the rest of us put together. However, when he arrived, he was snubbed, ignored, rejected and despised. Many people didn't think they needed a Savior. They refused God’s gift from heaven.

But the reading of God’s Word goes on: “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Not everyone turned away from him. Some took him at his word and believed him when he declared himself to be the Savior of the world. In faith, they received Jesus as God’s heavenly gift. To those precious people, Jesus gave the right to be the children of God, and still does.

This Christmas season enjoy giving to others. But always remember that regarding the heavenly gift of Jesus, it is better to receive than give.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are my best Christmas gift. Open my heart to receive you and rejoice in you as my Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - December 26, 2011

Devotion - December 23, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed.

Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. “‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” - 2 Samuel 7:8-16

My wife and I are busy preparing for Christmas. I am a pastor, so I have services to prepare, musicians to line up and sermons to write. My wife works full-time, but also does almost all of our Christmas shopping. She decorated the house and even decorated the Christmas tree twice, because the dog knocked it over the first time. (She still isn’t too happy about that.) We are busy preparing for Christmas.

But when we go to my wife’s parents for Christmas, we don’t have to do anything to get ready. My mother-in-law loves to make all the meals and decorate her house. My father-in-law likes to get the house ready and take care of all the sleeping arrangements. Sometimes we feel bad that they won’t let us help, but they really enjoy doing all the work.

In the reading above from 2 Samuel, read carefully and look at who promises to do all the work in establishing the kingdom of Israel. In this short section, God speaks in the first person and uses the pronoun “I” over 10 times. God is making sure that everyone would know that even though David would be the one sitting on the throne, the Lord would be the one who was acting to protect and further his kingdom. With God working on his behalf, David could be sure that these promises would be fulfilled.

But God’s promise to David was more than that of just an earthly kingdom. He promised a descendant who would come after him who would establish an eternal, spiritual kingdom. The promised one from the line of David is Jesus Christ. Physically, he was born as a descendant of David, but he was much more than that. Jesus is also true God who has come to take away the sin of mankind and to bring us into the kingdom of God through faith in him.

As you prepare for Christmas, I am sure you have a lot of work to do. But the true work of Christmas is already done by our God. Jesus is one who came to be born in Bethlehem. He is true man and true God who has come as our Savior.

Prayer:

My dear God, thank you for fulfilling your plan of establishing an eternal kingdom through your Son, Jesus. I pray that he rule in my heart by faith so that I enjoy all the blessings of his great love. Amen

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Devotion - December 23, 2011

Devotion - December 22, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.

John 18:36-37

God Provided a Savior – Born To Rule

A thousand years before the birth of Jesus, God promised David: "I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth" (2 Samuel 7:9). God uplifted David to the position of king over his nation of people. He was with David and gave the people victory over their enemies and blessed them with great prosperity.

Yet God's promise went beyond the temporal. God promised David an offspring and said of him: "I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (2 Samuel 7:13). While David's kingdom lasted a few decades, the kingdom of his offspring, the One who would leave his throne in heaven above to be born of a virgin below, would continue forever.

Jesus Christ is the king whom God established to rule over all people. We might tend to think political leaders rule our world today. But make no mistake about it: Christ rules the universe. God the Father has "placed all things under his feet" (Ephesians 1:22).

That's comforting, isn't it? We live in an age when it appears that at times evil might win the day. It won't. It can't. Our crucified and risen Savior reigns victoriously. There's no reason for us to cower in fear. Christ controls everything that happens on earth for the benefit of his believers.

Christ's kingly rule permeates even further than the matters of the world. He rules deep in the hearts of all who, in faith, claim him as Lord and Savior. Christ's rule on earth will come to an end when he brings the world to its close, but he will continue to rule in the lives of his faithful people whom he gathers to be with him in the eternal kingdom of heaven.

We are right in saying that he is our King – and blessed forever!

Prayer:

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woes,
O Savior, King of glory, who conquered all our foes,
Bring us at last, we pray, to the bright courts of heaven
And to the endless day. Amen.
(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 47)

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Devotion - December 22, 2011

Devotion - December 21, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Romans 16:25-27

At our house there are presents under the tree. There are even a couple with my name on them! What's in those boxes? Will it be something I need? Or something just for fun? Or? Right now it's a mystery!

There are a few things I can pretty well know about what's in those boxes. I can easily pick them up, so I know it's not something real heavy. When I shake the box, it's not making any noise. That helps me to eliminate some ideas as to what it could be. In a sense, that heightens the mystery!

But soon I'll know. Soon the mystery will be revealed, as we open our gifts.

During the Old Testament times, the Savior was kind of like a wrapped present. Oh, the prophecies gave the believers some hints as to what he would be like and what he would do, but much was still a mystery.

But then the time became right, and Jesus came to this world! The "present" was unwrapped! Little by little the believers at that time got to see, "Ah, THIS is what Isaiah was talking about. THIS was what Micah was referencing. Now I see!"

Thank God that we live in the time when the mystery has been revealed! The "present" has been unwrapped for all the world to see! The gift of forgiveness – it's yours. The gift of life eternal – it's yours. The gift of knowing that God loves us – it's yours. It's yours because of that Babe of Bethlehem, whose birth we are again about to celebrate. What a great gift!

Prayer:

O Holy Spirit, I thank you that you "unwrapped the gift" for me, leading me to trust that Jesus is my Savior. As I again celebrate his birth, fill me with appreciation for all the gifts which you have given to me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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Devotion - December 21, 2011

Devotion - December 20, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.

Isaiah 40:31

GOD PROVIDED A SAVIOR – BORN TO RENEW

Are you tired? Have all the activities leading up to Christmas made you a little weary? The fatigue of our Christmas days pales in comparison to a woman's fatigue from two thousand years ago. When she was nine months pregnant, her government insisted she travel 75 miles to her husband's hometown—and she did it on a donkey! She spent her Christmas Day in a barn. It's likely she endured labor pains a good portion of that day. What's more, some unexpected company—shepherds—showed up for a visit that night. Mary must have felt nearly exhausted.

If you have entered the middle-aged years of life, physically you know you will never feel like a teenager again. If you are in your senior years, you understand you will never have the stamina you once enjoyed at the age of 30. Plain and simple, age tires us out.

Sin does the same to us spiritually. King David spoke of the burden of sin: "My bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (Psalm 32:3,4). The lures of this fast-paced world, untiring Satan, and the slothful flesh seek to wear us down spiritually. Together they aim to snuff out the flame of faith, which the Spirit at Christmas ignites within us.

At Christmas time, the Holy Spirit draws our eyes of faith to the child in the manger. The Spirit also points our eyes farther down the road to Jerusalem, where they see the Savior's cross of love. There he invigorates our sin-laden spirits with his message of forgiveness and peace with God. That's true spiritual renewal. And it works. The Scripture proclaims: "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary" (Isaiah 40:31).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as I prepare for the celebration of your birth, renew my faith with the peace of forgiveness that you gained for me through your sacrifice on the cross. Focus my attention on the purpose for my Christmas celebration – to thank you for coming to be my Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - December 20, 2011

Devotion - December 19, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

Luke 1:34-38

How will this be?

Mary's question resonates within all of us: Lord, how will this be? What fears or concerns are alive in your heart today? What's your reason for asking the Lord, "How will this be?" The details of Mary's conversation with the angel Gabriel are worth pondering for all of us.

Mary asked, "So I am going to have a baby boy that will rule forever...how will this be, since I am a virgin?"

The angel declared, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God…For nothing is impossible with God.” The angel pointed Mary to the fact that God is not limited in any way; he able to do anything.

And Mary was perfectly content with that. She believed what the angel said. She trusted the almighty God, and that she was simply the Lord's servant. "I will let God figure out how it will be," she thought. "My Lord can be in charge of the ‘virgins-having-babies’ department. I will take the role he has given me, and with the Lord in control, I will enjoy this chapter of my life in his peace."

When you ask the Lord, "How will this be?" let him be in control. Take him at his Word, for nothing is impossible for him. After all, he accomplished your salvation through the sacrifice of his holy Son; he took away your sin and made you a member of his kingdom by faith in Jesus. Enjoy your status as the Lord's very own treasured servant. That way, no matter what chapter in your life comes next – and it doesn't even matter what the details are – you will have the peace of God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to take you at your word like Mary did, that I might cast all my anxiety on you, trust that nothing is impossible for you, and live the next chapter of my life in your peace. Amen.

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Devotion - December 19, 2011

Devotion - December 16, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. … I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before him.

Isaiah 61:1-3, 10-11

On each episode of the TV show, “The Biggest Loser,” the morbidly obese contestants try to lose weight. They do lose weight each week, but my favorite part of the series is when, after a year’s time, they show the “before and after” pictures. The contestants go through a striking transformation from what they used to look like to what they look like at the end.

In this lesson the prophet Isaiah gives a “before and after” picture of the people of Israel. He illustrates the contrast between life with and without the Lord, and the transformation that comes about as a result of a restored relationship with God. At Isaiah’s time the people turned away from the Lord. Their sin and their refusal to turn from it led to broken heartedness, spiritual captivity and a form of slavery to sin from which the people could not escape. As a result they were miserable. They mourned over their loneliness and their sad spiritual condition. They were left without hope.

Their transformation didn’t come in some valiant attempt at self-improvement; it came in a person. The one who brought about the change was Jesus Christ, the anointed and chosen one. He brought the good news the people so desperately needed to hear. As he lived his perfect life he proclaimed the good news of forgiveness to the poor. He healed broken hearts. But his greatest accomplishment was winning our freedom from the prison of sin by giving his life on the cross. He brought joy to the people of his time. He brings us the same joy today.

Another picture our reading gives is that of a bride or groom on his or her wedding day. On my wedding day I wore a tuxedo. My wife wore a wedding dress. I can’t think of a day when the two of us looked better. The righteousness that Jesus wins for us is like a wedding dress or tuxedo. Christ’s perfection covers us so that God likes what he sees when he looks at us—no more sin, no more imperfection, only the beauty that Christ provides.

Part of the beauty of the show “The Biggest Loser” is the hope that is given to people who have none. It reminds all overweight people that they can change. Christ gives sinners a much greater hope. When you feel the weight and the pain and ugliness of sin, remember the healing he brings to hurting hearts. Be assured that Jesus has come to help you.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, when I feel the burden of my sin, direct me to the cross where you bore the entire cost of all sin. Lift up my heart with the sure hope that, clothed in your perfect, I will stand confidently before God and receive the crown of eternal life. Amen.

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Devotion - December 16, 2011

Devotion - December 15, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

[Naomi asked Ruth], “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said. “The LORD bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our kinsman-redeemers.”

Ruth 2:19-20

God Provided a Savior – Born To Redeem

Recall how sorrowful Naomi was in the land of Moab. Her husband and sons had died there. Naomi returned with a heavy heart to her home town of Bethlehem, accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth. But God had not forgotten nor forsaken Naomi. Everything that had happened was part of his plan to include Ruth in the ancestral line of the Messiah.

The story involved a man named Boaz. Naomi identified him as “one of our kinsman-redeemers.” According to Old Testament law, a kinsman-redeemer had the right to purchase the land of a deceased relative. By doing so he would also receive the widow as his spouse. Boaz bought the land of Naomi's late husband and received her daughter-in-law, Ruth, as his wife. Ruth gave birth to a son, whom they named Obed who was the grandfather of King David. Many generations later, the Bible tells us that there was a “virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27). Yes, God fulfilled his plan and provided the world with an eternal Redeemer.

The Christ of Christmas was born to redeem us, to buy us back from sin and eternal death. Thirty-three years later this same Jesus, who at birth was wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a manger, was dressed in linen cloth and placed in a tomb. God's plan of redemption was completed. Jesus finished the work for which his Father had sent him to earth that first Christmas night. With his holy, precious blood, Jesus purchased all people from sin, death, Satan, and hell. For proof of Christ's redemptive work, we need only to see what Peter saw on that first Easter morning—strips of cloth, but no Jesus! We know that our Redeemer lives.

Humanly speaking, had Naomi not returned to Bethlehem, her tattered heart may never have been mended. Ruth never would have met Boaz. Naomi would not have experienced the joyful marriage of Ruth and Boaz and the birth of her grandson.

Those who don't stop at Bethlehem on Christmas will not find peace for their souls. Those who travel through life without peering into the manger of the Christ Child will never experience the eternal joy of salvation.

As we ponder the events in Bethlehem of long ago, we remember God's greatest gift. He provided a Savior, born to redeem us.

Prayer:

Precious Redeemer, I rejoice in the good news that you were born, lived, and died to buy me back from sin and condemnation. Fill my heart with the joy of salvation. Amen.

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Devotion - December 15, 2011

Devotion - December 14, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Be joyful always.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Lasting Joy

If you’re looking for a good biography to read over the Christmas break, consider picking up a copy of Mark Twain: A Life by Ron Powers. It’s a fascinating book. For the Christian, it can also be a thought-provoking one.

Here’s why. It would be easy to make the case that Mark Twain lived a charmed life. His natural writing ability and riveting personality opened doors for him around the world. He became wealthy. He traveled where he wanted, when he wanted. People packed any theater where he was going to speak. He was a true celebrity, and he relished the part. In addition, he married the love of his life, and together they raised children who adored him.

But based on his statements about spiritual matters, it also appears that Mark Twain never came to know the peace of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As a result, his sense of happiness was always dependent upon how well or how poorly his life was going. He rarely forgave anyone who ever let him down. Guilt over his past failures haunted him. And when death later touched his immediate family, he spent the closing years of his life in bitterness.

Mark Twain received virtually every pleasant thing the world could offer. One thing he did not possess was lasting joy.

Let's be candid for a moment. Many of you reading or hearing this will be lacking a lot of things this Christmas. You may not have a job. You may not have good health. You may not have peace in your family. You may not have money to pay off past bills. You may not have an intact marriage. You may not have the love of your life close to you.

But you have the Christ Child. You have Jesus. And he has you. And because he does, you are forgiven, you are at peace with God, you have no reason to fear the future, and you know that all will be well according to God’s purpose and plan. It also means you possess what the world cannot deliver. In Jesus, you possess lasting joy.

Prayer:

Dear God, you were faithful to fulfill your plan of sending a Savior to us. I praise you for Jesus who was born in lowliness that I might be exalted with the riches of your amazing love. Amen.

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Devotion - December 14, 2011

Devotion - December 13, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

Ruth 4:13

God Provided a Savior – Born of a Woman

God could have delivered the wondrous Christmas gift of his Son in whatever manner he decided. From eternity, though, God chose to send Jesus to earth as a helpless baby—in a cold barn—in the little town of Bethlehem. What's more, God handpicked a young virgin of humble background to be the Savior's mother.

The book of Ruth in the Old Testament reminds us that the happenings of this first Christmas didn't occur by chance. More than a millennium before the miracle at Bethlehem, God's hand was already at work there.

God had big plans for Ruth—to be an ancestor of Christ. God initiated his plan for Ruth by bringing a famine to Bethlehem. This caused a woman named Naomi and her family to move from Bethlehem to Moab. While there, one of Naomi's sons married the foreigner Ruth. Then Naomi's husband and sons died in Moab. Saddened, Naomi decided to return to her home city of Bethlehem. Ruth insisted that she would leave her native land to go to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law. She said, "Where you go I will go. . . . Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth went with Naomi to Bethlehem. There she married Boaz. They became the great-grandparents of King David. A thousand years later, in the same town of Bethlehem, God’s eternal plan of redemption continued when his eternal Son condescended to leave his throne above to be born in a manger below. In a once-in-all-history event, the Holy Spirit conceived in Mary's womb the Savior of the world.

In Bethlehem we view God's grace in action. Mary's son is born. God's Son is born. Our Savior is born. Glory to God in the highest!

Prayer:

Dear God, you were faithful to fulfill your plan of sending a Savior to us. I praise you for Jesus who was born in lowliness that I might be exalted with the riches of your amazing love. Amen.

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Devotion - December 13, 2011

Devotion - December 12, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.

John 1:6-7

"Let the Truth be Heard!"

There was electricity in the court room. The eyes of everyone were fastened on the defense attorney. The people who filled the court room knew his reputation. Not only did he have a flair for the dramatic, he could also be persuasive. Slowly he eased himself from his chair. Deliberately he walked past the prosecutor’s table. Silently he positioned himself in front of the jury. His every action made people ache with anticipation to hear his closing oration. He did not disappoint. His arm shot heavenward. His features became terse. Then with a thunderous roar he proclaimed, “Let the truth be heard!”

There are many times when I would appreciate an advocate who would demand the truth be heard. Day after day I am bombarded by exaggerations and all sorts of claims that only lead to confusion. Where can I find clarity? Where can I find some semblance of certainty? Where can I hear the truth?

While the world may offer little hope of providing the truth, there is one source I cannot afford to overlook. This is the Lord. Not only did he cause the truth to be recorded in the Bible, he also proclaimed it through servants like John the Baptist. When the time was right, the Lord sent John to testify to the truth that “the light was coming into the world.” His message was simple, and it pointed directly to Jesus as that light.

The Lord’s message through John has not changed, and it continues to resound through every generation: “Let the truth be heard! Jesus, the Light of the world, has come into the world!” I, along with every sinner, desperately need to know that Jesus has brought light to my sin-darkened life. I also need to know that he has shattered the darkness of death with his victory over the grave. Equally important, I need to trust that God’s Word is the never-failing light and guide for my life.

Certainly the world offers many substitutions which only become confusing. The devil joins in to promote this confusion with his endless stream of deceptions. By myself I can not sift through the cacophony of claims and get to the truth. This is why I have to depend on the words of John along with every word the Lord caused to be recorded in the Bible. Through these precious words the Lord offers me a thunderous proclamation: “Here is the truth that saves, let it be heard and believed!”

Prayer:

O gracious Lord, I thank you for the truth you have caused to be proclaimed for my blessing. Open my ears to hear it. Prepare my heart to receive it. Send me your Holy Spirit so I can believe it. Amen.

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Devotion - December 12, 2011

Devotion - December 9, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.

Isaiah 40:1-2

Words of Comfort

For the author of this devotion, it has not been an easy fall. After a two year battle with bladder cancer, the Lord called my father home to heaven. It was not easy, especially since we live a long ways away from his home. This past summer the doctors told us 3-6 months, so we knew the time was short. Yet even though we could prepare for it, nothing prepares you fully for the loss.

What does a person say to one who has lost a loved one? What words are there to bring comfort? God gave the prophet Isaiah perhaps the perfect words to speak: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”

Were there tears at the funeral? Was it hard to follow the hearse to the cemetery? Indeed. There is sadness and loss, but there’s also joy and comfort because for my father the hard times, the difficulties and struggles are over and that heaven is now his—all because Jesus, his Savior, had paid for all his sins. The pastor used my father’s confirmation verse, “Lo I am with you always…” That was God’s promise to him all his days and they are also words that continue into eternity. What comfort! What joy! What peace!

The best part is that these words don’t apply just to my father; they apply to all. Jesus has paid for the sins of all people. He suffered far worse than cancer. He suffered the very wrath of God while on the cross. Now, through faith in him as our one and only Savior, we know that these words of comfort and forgiveness apply to us. Through faith we know that we receive such mercy and kindness from the hand of our gracious God.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, comfort me with God’s declaration that my sins are forgiven—all because of your sacrifice in my place. Fill my heart with the peace of God that gives me the confidence to face death victoriously through you, my Savior. Amen.

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Devotion - December 9, 2011

Devotion - December 8, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

In his anger against Israel the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.

Judges 2:14,15

God Provided a Savior - Born To Call Forth Repentance

Nobody enjoys punishment. From the child sent to his room for having his hand in the cookie jar to the criminal sent to a penitentiary for having his hand in the cash drawer, nobody delights in the imposed sentence.

God disciplined Israel after Joshua's generation because the people had forsaken him. He handed the Israelites over to plundering raiders. He sold them to their enemies. The Lord's hand turned against his own people.

Why did God act in such a way? Was it to pay the Israelites back for their rebellion? Was it to give them the thrashing they deserved? Was it merely to punish them? We must answer with a resounding NO.

Though we, like Israel, deserve punishment for our sins, God doesn't heap it on us. Instead, he provided a complete Savior. The blood of Christ was the perfect, all-sufficient ransom price that paid for the sins of the entire world. As the Bible teaches, “The blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

It’s tremendous good news that the eternal punishment for sin was borne by Jesus. In love, our heavenly Father does chastise his people during their lifetimes. Such chastisement may be severe, strict, or even painful. However, it serves a good purpose—to lead the sinner to sorrow and repentance. The Bible says, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Therefore, chastisement is an act of God's mercy and grace. He loves us enough to administer discipline in our lives, that we might never stray from his side. In every chastisement the Savior promises his deliverance.

Jesus came to earth to "call . . . sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). Do not be surprised when life's road gets bumpy. Remember that whatever happens to you passes first through the hands of your loving Redeemer. Then turn and firmly cling to him.

Prayer:

Lord, use the difficulties and struggles that I have in life to remind me of your saving love, and lead me to trust in your faithful promises to deliver me. Amen.

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Devotion - December 8, 2011

Devotion - December 7, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Since everything will be destroyed [on the Last Day], what kind of people ought you to be? …Make every effort to be found…at peace with him.

2 Peter 3: 11, 14

Step Away From Your Stuff

The camera captured the moment. Up to this point, the cable program had been filming inside the home of a woman whose hoarding of material things had consumed her life. There was virtually no place to sit, no place to eat, no place to sleep. Even worse, she spent all her time with her things and no time with her adult daughter. The woman had agreed to allow her daughter and a crew of cleanup experts to come and help. As soon as they tried sorting through her possessions, however, the woman’s attitude turned dark. In a frantic rage she began spouting every reason why nothing should leave the house, why everything should stay the same. After two days of trying to reason with her, the cleanup crew drove away with empty trucks.

It was then that the camera captured the moment. The daughter, exhausted and sobbing, said, in essence, “I’ve lost my mother. She’s chosen this over me. She’s going to stay here. And one day I’m going to find her here, dead, surrounded by all her things.”

It was an uncomfortable program to watch. But even more uncomfortable to watch is my own life – when the temporary things of this world begin to mean more to me than my relationship with my Savior.

How many times have I behaved like that woman? How many times have I initially agreed that spending time with Jesus is more important than the accumulation of stuff? But then, when push comes to shove, how many times has my attitude turned dark? How many times have I come up with all kinds of reasons why the priorities in my life should stay just as they are?

I know how I have to answer that question. I think you do too.

But here’s the good news. Your stuff does not have to consume you. The temporary things of this world do not have to have the last word. Jesus died for all of your wasted moments. His blood has washed clean all of your wasted years. This means that, through faith in Jesus, you are free. You belong to him! It also means that you can begin your life again anew right now.

How? Just step away from your stuff. Step away from what the world thinks is important. And get re-acquainted with the only Savior you’re ever going to have.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, forgive my wasted moments and wasted years. Empower me to begin again. Amen.

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Devotion - December 7, 2011

Devotion - December 6, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.

Judges 2:10-13

God Provided a Savior – Born For All Generations

Picture your congregation on Christmas Day, a hundred years in the future. Imagine your church on that day standing empty. Nobody attends to hear that a Savior has been born. Not a soul lifts up his voice to sing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" Why? Nobody knows the Lord Jesus anymore. Another god has replaced him.

The Bible tells us that “Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua” (Joshua 24:31), but we read that the next generation forsook and forgot the Lord.

While Baal and Ashtoreth might not be the gods of choice today, rest assured the devil continues to bring before us other appealing gods. These gods might be digitally mastered, visually enhanced, in surround-sound, loaded with megahertz, fuel-injected, paying high dividends, or in a picturesque neighborhood. Such gods demand our time and attention. They promise to bring fulfillment to our lives. They guarantee perfect contentment. But they never fully deliver.

When these gods enamor and ensnare us, we know our true God's reaction. He feels righteous anger. Our holy God can't tolerate sin in his presence. In his justice he must condemn it.

He did! He condemned all sin in his Son. He poured out his righteous anger on Jesus on whom the sins of the whole world were laid. God forsook his beloved Son on Calvary's cross for the innumerable times we have forsaken him. Because of Jesus’ death, God does not count our sins against us. The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

This message of God’s great love prompts us to discard worthless, worldly idols and cling to him alone who saves. It also motivates us to do the work God has placed us here to do—share his full and free salvation with the next generation. Then by grace on Christmas Day in all future years, the houses of the Lord will resound with singing, "Glory to God in the highest."

Prayer:

Fill me, Lord, with the joy of your salvation. And lead me to live for you in grateful response to your love. Put your word on my lips and help me share with others the good news that you are the Savior of all. Amen.

Series of daily devotions are available for download purchase: Devotions on God’s Word

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

Devotion - December 6, 2011

Devotion - December 5, 2011

webmaster@wels.net (WELS: What About Jesus) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:01:00 +0000

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I.”

Mark 1:6-7

Completely Unexpected

Paul was speechless. He was caught completely off-guard by the unexpected kindness of his neighbors. A day earlier he had rushed his wife to the hospital for emergency surgery. Not long after he returned home, a steady stream of neighbors knocked at his door. They had a single purpose. We want to help.

When Paul’s wife returned home, he invited everyone to come over in order to say thank you. As he surveyed their faces, it took every ounce of strength he had to fight back his emotions. Paul finally expressed his heartfelt appreciation: “Thank you! This was completely unexpected.”

There have been times when I have experienced the same heartfelt appreciation. Like Paul I can only manage to say, “Thank you! This was completely unexpected.” One of those instances is when I remember how the Lord reached out in love to rescue me.

Throughout the course of time God promised to send his Son, Jesus, into the world. In order to prepare people for his coming, God sent John the Baptist as his forerunner. John’s message and his ministry were unique, but they served one purpose. Through John, God the Father proclaimed that his Son had come now.

This proclamation was completely unexpected. God the Father had every right to deal justly with me. He could have convicted and condemned me because of my willful disobedience and negligence. But he didn’t. In an act of love which was completely unexpected, he released me from condemnation and declared me not guilty of all charges. He made this proclamation through the work of his Son who came to this earth. Jesus became my substitute to credit me with his sinless life. Jesus gave up his life on the cross to secure my forgiveness. Jesus even shattered the grip of death to give me life after I leave this world. This precious work was completely unexpected. There was nothing I could have done to earn, deserve, or expect it. It was an unmerited gift of God’s mercy and compassion.

There are times when my life is touched by the kindness of others. These are particularly moving because they are unexpected. When I consider all God has done for me in Jesus, not only is my life touched by his kindness, it is changed forever. All I can do is thank and love him, because everything he has done is completely unexpected.

Prayer:

O dearest Lord, words can never sufficiently thank you for the gracious gift of your Son. Accept my love in return for your undeserved love. Amen!

Series of daily devotions are available for download purchase: Devotions on God’s Word

Today's Devotion is 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.

Devotion - December 5, 2011