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Merry Christmas from WELS Missions!

Mara Rugen — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 19:02:13 GMT

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ).

Can you hear the excited children’s voices? Can you see the expectation and joy-filled faces of God’s littlest believers as they recite these familiar words? We learn in Isaiah about God’s priceless treasure given in perfect love to his children. In a world that is often filled with pain, confusion, anger, and sadness we, as believers, can hold strong to the promises of God. He sent his Son to be perfection for us and to suffer for our sins, and we thank him for this priceless gift.

Our WELS home and world missionaries and those in their mission fields wanted to share a message of thanks for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support in this special video. It is because of God working through people like YOU that we are able to share this priceless gift in 64 different countries and 132 home mission congregations across North America. We are so grateful.

Let’s raise our voices together in song as we worship the Christ child this Christmas season and thank our Heavenly Father for fulfilling the promises of old.

Together with you, we sing with joy and gratitude celebrating our Prince of Peace!

WELS Home, World, and Joint Missions

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Thank You from Christian Aid and Relief – 12/21/2021

Sarah Proeber — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:11:30 GMT

Photo by Mindy Olson P on Unsplash

When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son (Galatians 4:4).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
WELS Christian Aid and Relief is privileged to serve the hurting and helpless in Jesus’ name. In times of disaster, we deploy volunteers to clean up the mess and restore order. When people need food, water, or medicine, we send the needed supplies. When one of our brothers or sisters is hurting, we do all we can to help and bring relief. We try to do these things in a timely fashion so that people receive the help they need as soon as possible.

When we deploy volunteers, send humanitarian aid, or help the hurting, we are just imitating what God has done for us. Of course, his acts of mercy and compassion are on a much grander scale.

At just the right time, God deployed his Son, a willing and able volunteer, to come to our rescue, to be our Substitute and Savior. He sent him into the virgin’s womb to supply us with what we need: a perfect life, the payment for sin, and victory over death and hell. He saw us as we are by nature – depraved, lost, condemned, and utterly helpless to do anything about it – and did something about it. He sent his Son to provide us forgiveness of sins and peace with God through his flawless life, priceless blood, and empty tomb.

The little one in the manger has brought us rescue and relief! Life now and life forever! Thanks be to God!

On behalf of the entire team at WELS Christian Aid and Relief, I thank you for your partnership in this vital ministry of compassion, and I wish you a Christmas season filled with the peace of the Christchild and a New Year filled with the confidence that only God’s promises can give.

In the name of our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Advent Devotion – Day 22

WELS — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 12:00:55 GMT

Christ, Lord of All

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:8,13,14,16

Shepherding. Not the most glamorous job. Caring for animals at all hours of the day. And not beautiful steeds that follow every command, but slow, dirty, dumb sheep who would wander away from the flock and get caught in thorny bushes. Being a shepherd was burdensome work, considered unskilled labor and usually relegated to the lower strata of society.

Yet, shepherds were the first people to hear that the Messiah, the Savior of all the world, was born. God chose some of the lowliest people by the world’s standards to be witnesses of the holy choir of angels announcing the Savior’s birth. The shepherds left their flocks, entrusting them to God’s care and went to see for themselves. So, they were not only the first to hear about the Savior, but the first worshipers to see him with their own eyes… from the fields of Bethlehem to the cradle of the Savior of the world!

Then in stark contrast, we see some others God chose to be among the first from a distance to learn about the Savior’s birth.

After [the wise men] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:9-11).

Wise men. Influential advisors to the king, knowledgeable in astronomy. These wise men knew that this was no normal heavenly body in the sky. They were well versed in Scripture’s prophecies to know that this was the star that was leading them to the Savior. When they arrived at the place where the Christ Child was, they presented him with their very costly gifts. They too, like the shepherds, worshiped the Savior. They understood that this little child was more important than any earthly king they served. They knew this child deserved their worship and praise.

What about you? Have you been called to a high position in life, or would the world consider you to be of lowly status? No matter who you are, what you do for a living, where you live, your age, race, or nationality—none of it matters. God sees you as his child. You are worthy of his salvation, not because of who you are or what you’ve done, but because of his mercy and love. When he sees you, he sees Jesus, the babe who humbled himself to come to earth, live a perfect life, and die the death you deserve. When he sees you, he sees a white robe of righteousness.

You are part of God’s story as much as the shepherds and wise men. You are chosen. You are part of God’s royal priesthood. You are God’s treasured possession. What high status he has given you! Live in confidence knowing that Jesus came for you!

Prayer:

What brought thee to the manger, O Christchild, sweet and dear?
Thy love for me, a stranger—Oh, be thou ever near!
O Lord, how great is this thy love That reaches down from heav’n above,
Thy love for us, by sin defiled, That made thee, God, a child!
(Christian Worship 43:3)

Written by Paula Sulzle
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Luke 2:4

Sarah Proeber — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:48 GMT

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 22

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:35 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 22

Isaiah 20-22:14 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 22

Bible reading based on Isaiah 20-22:14 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1222db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 20

A Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush

¹ In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it- ²at that time the LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.

³ Then the LORD said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, ^[a] ⁴ so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks baredóto Egypt’s shame. ⁵ Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be afraid and put to shame. ⁶In that day the people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’ ”

Isaiah 21

A Prophecy Against Babylon

¹ An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea:
Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland,
an invader comes from the desert,
from a land of terror.

² A dire vision has been shown to me:
The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot.
Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!
I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused.

³ At this my body is racked with pain,
pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor;
I am staggered by what I hear,
I am bewildered by what I see.

⁴ My heart falters,
fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for
has become a horror to me.

⁵ They set the tables,
they spread the rugs,
they eat, they drink!
Get up, you officers,
oil the shields!

⁶ This is what the Lord says to me:
“Go, post a lookout
and have him report what he sees.

⁷ When he sees chariots
with teams of horses,
riders on donkeys
or riders on camels,
let him be alert,
fully alert.”

⁸ And the lookout ^[b] shouted,
“Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower;
every night I stay at my post.

⁹ Look, here comes a man in a chariot
with a team of horses.
And he gives back the answer:
‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen!
All the images of its gods
lie shattered on the ground!’ ”

¹⁰ O my people, crushed on the threshing floor,
I tell you what I have heard
from the LORD Almighty,
from the God of Israel.

A Prophecy Against Edom

¹¹ An oracle concerning Dumah ^[c] :
Someone calls to me from Seir,
“Watchman, what is left of the night?
Watchman, what is left of the night?”

¹² The watchman replies,
“Morning is coming, but also the night.
If you would ask, then ask;
and come back yet again.”

A Prophecy Against Arabia

¹³ An oracle concerning Arabia:
You caravans of Dedanites,
who camp in the thickets of Arabia,

¹⁴ bring water for the thirsty;
you who live in Tema,
bring food for the fugitives.

¹⁵ They flee from the sword,
from the drawn sword,
from the bent bow
and from the heat of battle.

¹⁶ This is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end. ¹⁷The survivors of the bowmen, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.

Isaiah 22

A Prophecy About Jerusalem

¹ An oracle concerning the Valley of Vision:
What troubles you now,
that you have all gone up on the roofs,

² O town full of commotion,
O city of tumult and revelry?
Your slain were not killed by the sword,
nor did they die in battle.

³ All your leaders have fled together;
they have been captured without using the bow.
All you who were caught were taken prisoner together,
having fled while the enemy was still far away.

⁴ Therefore I said, “Turn away from me;
let me weep bitterly.
Do not try to console me
over the destruction of my people.”

⁵ The Lord, the LORD Almighty, has a day
of tumult and trampling and terror
in the Valley of Vision,
a day of battering down walls
and of crying out to the mountains.

⁶ Elam takes up the quiver,
with her charioteers and horses;
Kir uncovers the shield.

⁷ Your choicest valleys are full of chariots,
and horsemen are posted at the city gates;

⁸ the defenses of Judah are stripped away.
And you looked in that day
to the weapons in the Palace of the Forest;

⁹ you saw that the City of David
had many breaches in its defenses;
you stored up water
in the Lower Pool.

¹⁰ You counted the buildings in Jerusalem
and tore down houses to strengthen the wall.

¹¹ You built a reservoir between the two walls
for the water of the Old Pool,
but you did not look to the One who made it,
or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

¹² The Lord, the LORD Almighty,
called you on that day
to weep and to wail,
to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth.

¹³ But see, there is joy and revelry,
slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep,
eating of meat and drinking of wine!
“Let us eat and drink,” you say,
“for tomorrow we die!”

¹⁴ The LORD Almighty has revealed this in my hearing: “Till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for,” says the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 20:3 That is, the upper Nile region; also in verse
Isaiah 21:8 Dead Sea Scrolls and Syriac; Masoretic Text A lion
Isaiah 21:11 Dumah means silence or stillness , a wordplay on Edom .

The Greatest Gift – December 22, 2021

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:03 GMT

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
Isaiah 9:6

The Greatest Gift

Daily Devotion – December 22, 2021

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:6
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211222dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

What gifts are waiting for you under the tree, soon to be opened? Have you looked? Maybe, when no one else was around, you snuck in and picked up the package with your name on it to gauge its weight. Maybe you shook it to get a sense of what it might contain. What gifts are you hoping for?

Whatever is in that package under the tree, will it satisfy? Will it be as amazing as you imagine, or will it break soon after opening? Will it live up to your expectations, or will it not be all you had hoped for? Will it take away the guilt or pain that you are feeling now? Will it fill the hole in your heart? Will it provide only a momentary rush, or will it provide lasting joy?

As wonderful as the gifts might be, God has given you a gift that is greater than all. God has given you a gift that is perfect and holy. A gift that has the power to erase everything you’ve ever done wrong. A gift that is not only the answer to all we struggle with here on earth but also provides lasting joy and peace. A gift that provides your ticket to an eternity in heaven that will never perish, spoil, or fade.

This one-of-a-kind gift is his Son, Jesus. God gave the very best that he had. He gave what no one else could or would. God gave the perfect gift. In Jesus, we have forgiveness and eternal life. In Jesus, we have the love of God and the reassurance that he is there for us. This gift from God is exactly what we needed. And guess what? This gift never fades over time. It does not break. It never fails to live up to what God promised. In Jesus, we are always saved, forgiven, and loved. Through this gift, we have eternal life in heaven.

As you open your gifts this year, remember the greatest gift. Thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son. He is the perfect gift. Help me to appreciate the blessings he brings all year through. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

The Greatest Gift – December 22, 2021

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:00:03 GMT

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
Isaiah 9:6

The Greatest Gift

Daily Devotion – December 22, 2021

Devotion based on Isaiah 9:6
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211222dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

As you open your gifts this year, remember the greatest gift. Thank God for the gift of his Son, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son. He is the perfect gift. Help me to appreciate the blessings he brings all year through. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

A special 2021 Christmas message

WELS — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:55:27 GMT

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind” (Luke 2:14 Evangelical Heritage Version).

What greater reason to give God glory than to hear the message of the angels that first Christmas night: Because of this child born in Bethlehem, God was bringing his peace and good will to all people on earth. This was not just any kind of peace. It was the peace between man and God that was possible only because of the Savior who would bring sinful man and a holy God back together again. This was not just any good will that had come. It was the good and gracious expression of love from a God who would not let his people die in their sins.

In a world in which peace is hard to find and in a world in which the love of many has grown icy cold, God once again fills our ears and hearts with the message of the only kind of peace and love that really matters—the peace and love that reaches down to us and, through Jesus, brings us joy that extends to all eternity.

May these days of celebration focus on that gift of God’s love—his own Son—and fill you and your families with the peace that he brings.

Serving in Christ,
President Mark Schroeder

CURRENT TOGETHER ISSUE

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WELS IN THE NEWS

WELS churches and schools featured in their local media.

A quiet place

Snowden Gene Sims — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 18:42:49 GMT

When life is filled with noises everywhere, we need to find peace in our quiet place.

I am sure you can relate to the inner and external pressures of the world around you. The lingering effects of the pandemic haven’t helped. The challenges in life can get you down: your job demands, family struggles, unexpected setbacks, or your own health and sanity.

With all these to face, you and I need a quiet place. We do not want to escape life, but we do want to find a place for some peace, relief, and quiet time to refocus or recoup.

Up on the roof

“Up on the Roof” is a song written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King and recorded by The Drifters in 1962. Over the decades, several different artists have sung the song, people like James Taylor, Tony Orlando and Dawn, Julie Grant, and Kenny Lynch, just to name a few.

The song talks about how to deal with the pressures around us—by getting away from them to a quiet place, a place to release these pressures into the heavens:

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space.
On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
And there, the world below can’t bother me.

With my Savior

I find that a quiet place and quiet time are beneficial for my mental health. This also affects my physical well-being.

Jesus was aware of the need for a quiet place as well. “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” (Mark 1:35). He also encouraged his disciples to find a quiet place. “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ ” (Mark 6:31).

Getting rest is vital. Finding a quiet place is just as important. One of my favorite quiet places is actually not so quiet. It is in the backyard, riding on a noisy lawn mower. The revving of the motor takes me away from the noise of clamoring voices. It provides a time for me to clear my mind and smell the freshly mown grass. It is my time to focus on keeping my mower lines straight instead of wondering about the twists and turns of situations or challenges.

My quiet place provides me with a great time to do what Jesus did: pray. (Of course, I don’t close my eyes because I want my lines to be straight.) I find myself getting lost in prayer for members, friends, and family who are on my mind. It is refreshing to let go of the worldly challenges, lift them up to heaven, and leave them at the throne of the God who can and does handle them. The reality is that when I am in my quiet place, my Savior-God is there with me as I meditate on his Word and promises.

Where is your quiet place? If you don’t know, find one. It may be on a rooftop, on a lawn mower, or even on a lake. Wherever it is, be sure to take Jesus with you.

Author: Snowden Sims
Volume 109, Number 01
Issue: January 2022

WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds to South Central tornadoes

WELS — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:33:50 GMT

On Dec. 10, tornadoes caused devastation across the South Central part of the United States. Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, reports: “At this time, we are unaware of any of our WELS congregations or members who have been directly impacted by this storm. Praise God for watching over his people!”

Because no WELS congregations are near the affected areas, WELS Christian Aid and Relief is currently not planning to mobilize volunteers for onsite disaster relief work. “Because we don’t have the deep resources or infrastructure of FEMA or the Red Cross, it’s very difficult to go into areas where we don’t have a congregation nearby to use as our ‘home base’ for volunteers,” says Sims. “However, we will continue to look for opportunities to go to the area and help those in need.”

To support those affected by the tornadoes, WELS Christian Aid and Relief has sent a gift of $10,000 to Direct Relief, which has people on-site and active in providing disaster relief in the form of medical aid.

Sims is thankful for the response from WELS members wanting to help: “We are grateful for your support and your messages of care and concern. Your love for those who are hurting is obvious. May the Lord continue to bless our efforts to ‘do good to all people’ (Galatians 6:10).”

To help those affected by the tornadoes, you can make a financial gift through WELS Christian Aid and Relief’s disaster fund at wels.net/CARgift (designate the gift to “disaster relief”). Stay updated on relief efforts at wels.net/relief.

Introducing the new hymnal

WELS — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:31:42 GMT

About 45 percent of WELS congregations have ordered Christian Worship: Hymnal and accompanying resources since its release in September. Most materials are now available and are being shipped to congregations and individuals who have preordered or are currently ordering. Christian Worship: Service Builder, a digital tool to help congregations with planning worship and generating service folders, is projected to be released the week after Christmas.

Resources are available to help people become familiar with some of the key new hymnal features and to help pastors guide congregations through their first use of Christian Worship materials. Resources include:

Introduction scripts and a dedication rite.
Video presentations that highlight hymns, psalms, and liturgies included in the new hymnal.
Concert videos.

Some congregations are planning to purchase the new hymnal and resources in 2022, including St. John, Burlington, Wis. But even though St. John hasn’t yet bought the hymnal for its sanctuary, it already has started to introduce its members to it.

In November St. John hosted a hymnal introduction seminar where more than 100 people gathered to hear presentations as well as sing selections from the new hymnal and psalter. Both books were available for attendees to examine and use—and even buy. “This hymnal is something that will touch the lives and worship of all the members of the church,” says Rev. Kirk Lahmann, St. John’s pastor. “Because of this seminar, people were able to walk away saying, ‘I really understand why this is important,’ and that generates excitement.”

Now the church is working to raise money to buy hymnals for all the pews and enough psalters for the choir to use.

Once the hymnals are in the pews, the introduction process will continue. For worship services, Lahmann plans to distribute a simple outline to congregants and then have members use the hymnal to follow along rather than a service folder. “We need to learn how to navigate the book,” says Lahmann. “If we want this to be a book that is used in worship and the home, then let’s learn how to use it.”

Rev. Bryan Gerlach, director of the Commission on Worship, comments: “We recognize that congregations can be at very different stages of evaluating and obtaining new hymnal resources. Some preordered before the books were even in print for review. Some, like Burlington, waited longer. Others might not explore options yet for months. That’s okay. Whenever a congregation is ready, the online resources will help them explore the great benefits of the new hymnal suite of resources.”

Learn more about Christian Worship: Hymnal as well as access hymnal introduction resources at christianworship.com. Northwestern Publishing House also has published shipping updates.

Offer from Church Mutual

WELS — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 17:29:35 GMT

WELS and a significant number of its affiliated organizations have entrusted the insurance coverage of its buildings, property, and people to Church Mutual for more than 40 years. This has also included providing innovative risk control technologies through a sensor technology program designed to alert customers to act before damages and disruptions to their ministries can occur. The program includes a CM Sensor® 24/7 Temperature and Water Alert System that provides notifications when it detects water or extreme temperature fluctuations in your building, added proactive support to an existing fire preparedness and prevention program with an ALARM ALERT Smoke Alarm Notification Service, and a PULL FOR POLICE Armed Intruder Emergency Service that includes a device that notifies local law enforcement of an armed intruder situation within seconds of being pulled. Church Mutual is working with WELS to promote this innovative technology, and customers can expect to receive a future communication directly from Church Mutual regarding its sensor program.

For more information on these Church Mutual programs, view this online brochure.

Advent Devotion – Day 21

WELS — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 12:00:14 GMT

The Unashamed Pursuit of Jesus

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:9-12

The wise men followed the star as far as Jerusalem. Were they surprised that their inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Messiah were met with confusion, and not, “right this way”? Wasn’t everyone aware something extraordinary had taken place? Wasn’t everyone looking for the promised Son? With guidance from the Jewish leaders, who we’d think would be eager to join the wise men in their quest for the Messiah, they headed to Bethlehem and finally arrived at their destination. And they were overjoyed!

What did Mary and Joseph think of the strangers at their door? If they had started to think of Jesus as a normal child, this was their reminder he was the promised Messiah. The wise men bowed to worship this young child years before Jesus began his ministry as they worshiped through eyes of faith!

Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh were gifts suitable for a king, and apart from the expensive jar of perfume poured out at his feet, would likely be some of the most extravagant gifts Jesus received.

And then the Magi offered one last gift to this king who held their adoration. When told in a dream not to go back to Herod, they obeyed, giving Joseph time to pack up his family and move them out of Bethlehem before Herod unleashed his wrath.

My life is a sharp contrast to these wise men. I am not always so overjoyed to spend time with Jesus. At times reading my Bible becomes one more thing to check off the list. I’ve mumbled my way through the liturgy and listened half-heartedly to the sermon; mindlessly invited him to be my guest at dinner without worrying about what I say at the table.

Too often, my worship is clouded with doubt. Will You show up, Lord? Do you have this under control?

More often than I want to admit, I’ve brought just my trinkets to Jesus. I am guilty of putting in only so much effort, serving only so much, and complaining when I break that threshold.

And though I am aware of what God asks of me, I am not always so quick to fall in line with God’s will. I turn to grumbling instead of gratitude, and to disrespect (in my mind if not vocally) instead of humble submission.

These men of high standing were unashamed in their pursuit of Jesus. They unabashedly showed their joy and reverence. They brought the Messiah costly gifts, and they humbly obeyed God’s sovereign will. Oh Lord, who brought me the greatest gift possible—salvation—work in my heart, that I may do the same!

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your unfailing kindness even when my love is half-hearted. Fill me so I may be overjoyed. Move me to generosity and work obedience in my reluctant heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Amber Albee Swenson
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Peace – December 21, 2021

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:59 GMT

And he will be our peace.
Micah 5:5

Peace

Daily Devotion – December 21, 2021

Devotion based on Micah 5:5
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211221dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

We hear a lot about peace this time of year. Christmas carols sing about peace on earth. Talking heads on television speak of how the true meaning of the holiday season is peace and goodwill among men. They dreamily describe a world where we all will live in perfect peace and harmony with each other.

While such a picture might look beautiful and sound wonderful, it is not reality. There is no peace on earth. Look around. Politicians stab each other in the back and refuse to work together for the common good. Nations continue to threaten each other. People scream at each other and post terrible things about other people all over social media. Family members argue and fight. This world has never known true peace, and that is not ever going to change. We live in a sinful world, and disharmony and strife come with the territory.

That is why Christmas is so important. Jesus entered into this world so full of conflict and disharmony. And he came to bring something this world longs for: peace. Yet, it is important that we understand what the Bible means when it says about Jesus: “And he will be our peace.” While peace between men and nations is a wonderful thing to have and strive for, there is a far more important kind of peace: Peace between sinners and a holy God. Jesus came to provide just that.

In Jesus’ life and death in our place, we have peace with God. Our sins have been removed, and our guilt paid for. Sin—the giant barrier that once stood between God and us—has been forever removed. We now have peace with God.

Do you realize what that means? It means we can go to him in prayer and know that he hears us. It means we have the protection he offers through his angels and the promise that he is with us always. And it means that we will live with him in perfect peace forever in heaven. This world will never experience perfect peace, but that blessing is and will be ours forever with Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for providing true peace. Help me to know that I am forgiven and saved and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Peace – December 21, 2021

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:59 GMT

And he will be our peace.
Micah 5:5

Peace

Daily Devotion – December 21, 2021

Devotion based on Micah 5:5
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211221dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for providing true peace. Help me to know that I am forgiven and saved and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 21

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:12 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 21

Isaiah 17-19 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 21

Bible reading based on Isaiah 17-19 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1221db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 17

An Oracle Against Damascus

¹ An oracle concerning Damascus:
“See, Damascus will no longer be a city
but will become a heap of ruins.

² The cities of Aroer will be deserted
and left to flocks, which will lie down,
with no one to make them afraid.

³ The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,
and royal power from Damascus;
the remnant of Aram will be
like the glory of the Israelites,”
declares the LORD Almighty.

⁴ “In that day the glory of Jacob will fade;
the fat of his body will waste away.

⁵ It will be as when a reaper gathers the standing grain
and harvests the grain with his arm—
as when a man gleans heads of grain
in the Valley of Rephaim.

⁶ Yet some gleanings will remain,
as when an olive tree is beaten,
leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches,
four or five on the fruitful boughs,”
declares the LORD, the God of Israel.

⁷ In that day men will look to their Maker
and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

⁸ They will not look to the altars,
the work of their hands,
and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles ^[a]
and the incense altars their fingers have made.

⁹In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.

¹⁰ You have forgotten God your Savior;
you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.
Therefore, though you set out the finest plants
and plant imported vines,

¹¹ though on the day you set them out, you make them grow,
and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud,
yet the harvest will be as nothing
in the day of disease and incurable pain.

¹² Oh, the raging of many nations—
they rage like the raging sea!
Oh, the uproar of the peoples—
they roar like the roaring of great waters!

¹³ Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters,
when he rebukes them they flee far away,
driven before the wind like chaff on the hills,
like tumbleweed before a gale.

¹⁴ In the evening, sudden terror!
Before the morning, they are gone!
This is the portion of those who loot us,
the lot of those who plunder us.

Isaiah 18

A Prophecy Against Cush

¹ Woe to the land of whirring wings ^[b]
along the rivers of Cush, ^[c]

² which sends envoys by sea
in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.

³ All you people of the world,
you who live on the earth,
when a banner is raised on the mountains,
you will see it,
and when a trumpet sounds,
you will hear it.

⁴ This is what the LORD says to me:
“I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

⁵ For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone
and the flower becomes a ripening grape,
he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives,
and cut down and take away the spreading branches.

⁶ They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey
and to the wild animals;
the birds will feed on them all summer,
the wild animals all winter.

⁷ At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty
from a people tall and smooth-skinned,
from a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers—
the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD Almighty.

Isaiah 19

A Prophecy About Egypt

¹ An oracle concerning Egypt:
See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud
and is coming to Egypt.
The idols of Egypt tremble before him,
and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.

² “I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian—
brother will fight against brother,
neighbor against neighbor,
city against city,
kingdom against kingdom.

³ The Egyptians will lose heart,
and I will bring their plans to nothing;
they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead,
the mediums and the spiritists.

⁴ I will hand the Egyptians over
to the power of a cruel master,
and a fierce king will rule over them,”
declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

⁵ The waters of the river will dry up,
and the riverbed will be parched and dry.

⁶ The canals will stink;
the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up.
The reeds and rushes will wither,

⁷ also the plants along the Nile,
at the mouth of the river.
Every sown field along the Nile
will become parched, will blow away and be no more.

⁸ The fishermen will groan and lament,
all who cast hooks into the Nile;
those who throw nets on the water
will pine away.

⁹ Those who work with combed flax will despair,
the weavers of fine linen will lose hope.

¹⁰ The workers in cloth will be dejected,
and all the wage earners will be sick at heart.

¹¹ The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools;
the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice.
How can you say to Pharaoh,
“I am one of the wise men,
a disciple of the ancient kings”?

¹² Where are your wise men now?
Let them show you and make known
what the LORD Almighty
has planned against Egypt.

¹³ The officials of Zoan have become fools,
the leaders of Memphis ^[d] are deceived;
the cornerstones of her peoples
have led Egypt astray.

¹⁴ The LORD has poured into them
a spirit of dizziness;
they make Egypt stagger in all that she does,
as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit.

¹⁵ There is nothing Egypt can do—
head or tail, palm branch or reed.

¹⁶ In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them. ¹⁷And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Judah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the LORD Almighty is planning against them.

¹⁸ In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Almighty. One of them will be called the City of Destruction. ^[e]

¹⁹ In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. ²⁰ It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. ²¹ So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. ²²The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

²³ In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. ²⁴ In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. ²⁵ The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 17:8 That is, symbols of the goddess Asherah
Isaiah 18:1 Or of locusts
Isaiah 18:1 That is, the upper Nile region
Isaiah 19:13 Hebrew Noph
Isaiah 19:18 Most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text; some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls and Vulgate City of the Sun (that is, Heliopolis)

Revelation 5:5

Sarah Proeber — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:11 GMT

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Call Report – December 20, 2021

Sarah Proeber — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 22:30:02 GMT

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Pastor, teacher, and staff minister call report

12/14/2021 – 12/20/2021

The call report details when pastors, teachers, and staff ministers change positions within WELS. The Conference of Presidents oversees and coordinates the calling process.

NOTE: Due to the upcoming holidays, the next call report will be posted January 3, 2022.

CORRECTION: Last week it was announced that Rev. Nixon Vivar resigned from the ministry. That was incorrect, and we apologize for the error. Pastor Vivar did not resign. Rather, his position at Christ Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wis. was eliminated.

NO DECISION REPORTED

Pastors	Current call	New call	Date issued
Rev David Horton	Beautiful Savior LC Petoskey MI	St John LC Whitewater WI Pastor	11/16/2021
Rev Andrew Schroer	Redeemer LC Edna TX	Pan de Vida LC Garden Grove CA Pastor	11/21/2021
Rev M John Derme	Shepherd of the Mountains LC Reno NV	St Paul LC Saint James MN Pastor	11/21/2021
Rev Jason Liebenow	St Paul LC Tipler WI St Mark’s LC Iron River MI St John’s LC Florence WI	Our Shepherd LC Lancaster CA Pastor	11/21/2021
Rev Tyler Shinnick	Martin Luther LC Neenah WI	Trinity LC Saline MI Associate Pastor	11/23/2021
Rev Benjy Pederson	Cross of Christ LC Coon Rapids MN	Salem LC Milwaukee WI Associate Pastor	11/28/2021
Rev Matthew Vik	St Paul’s LC Fort Atkinson WI	St Peter LC Saint Peter MN Associate Pastor	11/28/2021
Rev Stephen Schmiel	Faith Evangelical LC Prior Lake MN	St Paul’s LC Menomonie WI Associate Pastor	11/29/2021
Rev Benjamin Schmudlach	First LC La Crosse WI	St Paul’s LC Menomonie WI Associate Pastor	11/29/2021
Rev Scott Schultz	Cross of Christ LC Portage WI	Reformation LC Dousman WI Pastor	11/30/2021
Rev Joshua Janke	Risen Savior LC Mc Farland WI	Shepherd of the Valley LC West Fargo ND Pastor	11/30/2021
Rev Timothy Shrimpton	Gloria Dei LC Belmont CA	Shepherd of the Plains LC Lubbock TX Pastor	12/1/2021
Rev Philip Koelpin	Retired	Immanuel LC Greenville WI Associate Pastor; Retirement Call	12/1/2021
Rev Luke Myslik	Zion LC Peshtigo WI	St Luke LC New Lisbon WI Associate Pastor	12/2/2021
Rev Joel Pankow	Trinity LC Bay City MI	Salem LC Loretto MN Associate Pastor	12/5/2021
Rev Thomas Barthel	Rock of Ages LC Payson AZ	St John LC Fairfax MN Pastor	12/5/2021
Rev Mark Jacobson	Grace LC Glendale AZ	Our Savior’s LC Wausau WI Pastor	12/5/2021
Rev Daniel Lange	Light of Life LC Covington WA	Tree of Life LC Cary NC Pastor	12/6/2021
Rev Jonathan Kehl	Crown of Life LC New Orleans LA	Crown of Life LC Riverside CA Pastor	12/7/2021
Rev Philip Moldenhauer	Our Redeemer LC Madison WI	Living Hope LC Peoria IL Pastor	12/8/2021
Rev Timothy Denney	Shepherd of the Hills LC Duluth MN	Mt Sinai LC Montrose MI Pastor	12/9/2021
Rev David Backus	Eternal Love LC Appleton WI	King of Kings LC Wasilla AK Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Jason Strong	Light of the World LC Fairbanks AK	St John’s LC Dakota MN Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Timothy Berg	St Paul’s LC Rapid City SD	St John’s LC Sleepy Eye MN Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Brett Krause	Zion LC Denver CO	Faith LC Tallahassee FL Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Caleb Free	Risen Savior LC Lakewood Ranch FL	Grace LC Oshkosh WI Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Mark Kahrs	Calvary LC Glenwood MN	St Paul’s LC Fort Atkinson WI Associate Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Gregory Sitzman	Emanuel Redeemer LC Yale MI	Zion LC Monroe MI Associate Pastor	12/12/2021
Prof Andrew Naumann	Michigan Lutheran Seminary Saginaw MI	Trinity LC Waukesha WI Associate Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Benjamin Zahn	Amazing Grace LC Myrtle Beach SC	Our Savior LC Grafton WI Associate Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Matthew Kiecker	St John LC Lomira WI	Christ the Vine LC Temecula CA Pastor	12/12/2021
Rev Paul Bowe	Gethsemane LC Oklahoma City OK	Zion LC Rhinelander WI Associate Pastor	12/14/2021
Rev Jacob Behnken	Good Shepherd LC Midland MI	Amazing Grace LC Dickinson ND Pastor	12/14/2021
Rev Dr Paul Steinberg	Chaplains in Schools Inc Milwaukee WI	Crown of Life LC Warren MI Pastor	12/15/2021
Rev Jeffrey Duquaine	Ascension LC Escondido CA	King of Kings LC Willoughby OH Pastor	12/16/2021
Teachers	Current call	New call	Date issued
Mrs Stephnie Marquez	Arizona Lutheran Academy Phoenix AZ	Arizona Lutheran Academy Phoenix AZ Teacher; Art, Half-Time, One-Year, Provisional Call	10/25/2021
Mr Michael Strautmann		Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee WI Professor; Asst. Professor of Business	11/8/2021
Mr Andrew Danner	St Paul LS Plymouth NE	Cross of Christ LS Coon Rapids MN Principal; Grades 7-8	11/14/2021
Mr Alan Schaffer	Christ LS Oakley MI	St John LS Saginaw MI Principal; Grades 7-8	11/14/2021
Mr Scott Stevenson	Pilgrim LS Mesa AZ	Illinois Lutheran Elementary School Crete IL Principal	11/15/2021
Mrs Ellen Stevenson	Pilgrim LS Mesa AZ	Illinois Lutheran Elementary School Crete IL Teacher; Kindergarten	11/15/2021
Mr Steven Lehman	St Paul LS Menomonie WI	St Paul LS Menomonie WI Teacher; Grade 4, Athletic Director	11/16/2021
Mr Landon Zacharyasz	Mount Olive LS Appleton WI	Martin Luther College New Ulm MN Professor; Education & Director of Field Experiences	11/17/2021
Ms Deborah Heiderich	St John LS Maribel WI	Salem Preschool Woodbury MN ECM Director	11/21/2021
Mrs Amanda Ofstie	Little Lambs Learning Center Mandan ND	Zion Lutheran Preschool Mobridge SD ECM Teacher	11/21/2021
Mrs Kelli Baas	Trinity LS Brillion WI	Building Blocks for Life Preschool Cambridge MN ECM Teacher	11/21/2021
Mr Isaac Sharrett	Bethany LS Port Orchard WA	Bethany LS Port Orchard WA Teacher; Grades 5-6, Athletic Director, One-Year, Provisional Call	11/21/2021
Mr Jeffrey Wetzel	St Paul LS Muskego WI	Christ Alone LS Thiensville WI Principal; Grades 5-6 2022-2023, Principal 2023-2024	11/22/2021
Mrs Jennifer Hahn	Grace Lutheran Academy Lowell AR	St Paul LS Onalaska WI ECM Teacher & Student Services Coordinator	11/22/2021
Miss Kaylen Orr	Building Blocks Christian Academy Los Angeles CA	Divine Savior Academy – Santa Rita Ranch Liberty Hill TX ECM Director; Kindergarten	11/22/2021
Mrs Christina Johnson	First LS La Crosse WI	First Light Early Learning Center La Crosse WI ECM Teacher; 3K	11/22/2021
Mrs Alisha Gilbert	First LS La Crosse WI	First Light Early Learning Center La Crosse WI ECM Teacher; 4K	11/22/2021
Mr Shawn Herkstroeter	Faith LS Fond du Lac WI	Lakeside Lutheran High School Lake Mills WI Principal	11/23/2021
Mrs Carrie Dorst	Faith LS Antioch IL	St Mark LS Green Bay WI Teacher; Kindergarten	11/24/2021
Mr Alec Bergmann	Divine Savior Academy – Sienna Missouri City TX	Zion LS Egg Harbor WI Principal; Grades 5-8	11/28/2021
Mrs Kendra Bergmann	Divine Savior Academy – Sienna Missouri City TX	Zion LS Egg Harbor WI Teacher; Grades 1-4	11/28/2021
Mrs Kara Krull	Wee Love Learning Center Appleton WI	St Paul Lutheran Child Center Winneconne WI ECM Teacher; Assistant ECM Director, 4K Lead	11/28/2021
Ms Michelle Yotter	St Peter LS Saint Peter MN	Crown of Life Christian Academy Fort Myers FL Teacher; Grade 1	11/28/2021
Mrs Allison Byers	St Paul LS Lake Mills WI	Cornerstone Early Learning Center Hugo MN ECM Director	11/28/2021
Mrs Rachel Hansen	Good Shepherd LS Burnsville MN	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Delray Beach FL ECM Teacher	11/29/2021
Miss Aimee Duncan	Trinity LS Aberdeen SD	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI Teacher; Science	11/29/2021
Mr Kyle Melso		Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI Teacher; Spanish, Religion, Social Studies	11/29/2021
Mr Justin Hansen	Good Shepherd LS Burnsville MN	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Delray Beach FL Teacher; Grade 4	11/29/2021
Mrs Darnell Anthony	East Fork LS Whiteriver AZ	Atonement LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; 4-year-old Kindergarten	11/30/2021
Mr Scott Anthony	East Fork LS Whiteriver AZ	Atonement LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grades 5-6, English Language Arts	11/30/2021
Mrs Elissa Ellermann	Christ-St Peter LS-West Campus Milwaukee WI	Reformation LS San Diego CA Teacher; Grade 1	12/1/2021
Miss Jessica Neumann	St John LS Mukwonago WI	Martin Luther LS Oshkosh WI Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/1/2021
Mr Adam Pavelchik	Mt Olive LS Mankato MN	St John’s LS Burlington WI Principal; Grade 8 (25% teaching)	12/1/2021
Mrs Mandy Pavelchik	Mt Olive LS Mankato MN	St John’s LS Burlington WI Teacher; Grades 5-6, English Language Arts	12/1/2021
Mr Paul Kanzenbach	St John LS Milwaukee WI	Emanuel LS New London WI Teacher; Grade 4	12/2/2021
Mrs Malissa Voss	Calvary LS Dallas TX	Risen Savior Academy – Lakewood Ranch Lakewood Ranch FL Teacher; Kindergarten	12/2/2021
Miss Deanna Rahn	Wisconsin LS-Middle School (6-8) Racine WI	St Paul LS Wisconsin Rapids WI Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/5/2021
Mr Matthew Evans	California Lutheran High School Wildomar CA	Holy Trinity LS Des Moines WA Teacher; Grade 5, Spanish	12/5/2021
Mrs Julia Marshall	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	Abiding Word LS Houston TX Teacher; Grade 1	12/5/2021
Mr Justin Marshall	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	Abiding Word LS Houston TX Teacher; Grade 4	12/5/2021
Ms Beth Hauf	Bethlehem LS-North Germantown WI	Salem LS-Greenfield MN Greenfield MN Teacher; Grade 1-2	12/5/2021
Ms Anna Potter	Emanuel First LS Lansing MI	St Matthew LS Iron Ridge WI Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/5/2021
Mr Luke Beilke	Ascension LS and Preschool Sarasota FL	Shepherd of the Valley LS Westminster CO Principal; Grades 6-8	12/5/2021
Mrs Laura Pufahl	Trinity LS Waukesha WI	Peace LS Hartford WI Teacher; Lower-Grades	12/5/2021
Mr Casey Pufahl	Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee WI	Peace LS Hartford WI Teacher; Grade 5, Music, Drama	12/5/2021
Mrs Jennifer Hennen	Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee WI	Morning Star LS Jackson WI Teacher; Grade 5	12/5/2021
Mrs Jodi Murphy	Pilgrim LS Menomonee Falls WI	Morning Star LS Jackson WI Teacher; Grade 2	12/5/2021
Mr Casey De Frain	St Mark’s LS Watertown WI	Bethel LS Bay City MI Teacher; Grades 3-5	12/5/2021
Mr Robert Schmidt	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	St Philip LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 8	12/5/2021
Mrs Emily Schmidt	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	St Philip LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 5	12/5/2021
Mr Joel Lauber	Good Shepherd LS Omaha NE	Shepherd LS Albuquerque NM Principal; Grades 6-8	12/5/2021
Mrs Rebekah Frear		Grace LS Glendale AZ Teacher; Lower-Grades Reading, Student Support Services	12/5/2021
Mrs Shelley Kromschroeder	Salem LS-Greenfield MN Greenfield MN	Salem LS-Greenfield MN Greenfield MN Teacher; Grades 5-6, Provisional	12/5/2021
Mr Jacob Rothe	Mt Calvary LS Redding CA	Peridot-Our Savior’s LS Peridot AZ Teacher; Grade 7	12/6/2021
Mrs Kathy Miller	St John LS Dakota MN	Salem LS Stillwater MN Teacher; Kindergarten, Family Ministry, Piano, Organ	12/6/2021
Mr Jon Kulhanek	Bay Pines LS Seminole FL	Salem LS Stillwater MN Teacher; Grades 5-8, ELA, Music Director	12/6/2021
Mr Nicholas Kressin	St Paul’s LS New Ulm MN	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL Teacher; Grade 8	12/7/2021
Mr Craig Charron	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL Administrator; Dean of Students	12/7/2021
Miss Corinne Humann	Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School Waco NE	West Lutheran High School Plymouth MN Teacher; Grades 9-12, English Language Arts	12/7/2021
Mr Joel Schultz	Trinity LS Caledonia WI	St Jacobi LS Greenfield WI Teacher; Grade 5, Technology Director	12/7/2021
Mrs Jennifer Bovee	St Paul’s LS Saginaw MI	Beautiful Savior LS Grove City OH Teacher; Kindergarten	12/7/2021
Mrs Angela Charron	St Peter LS Appleton WI	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL Teacher; Grade 3	12/7/2021
Mrs Bonnie Scheibe	Mt Calvary LS Waukesha WI	Lord of Life LS Thornton CO Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/8/2021
Mrs Kelly Heldman	Immanuel LS Medford WI	Good Shepherd LS Sioux Falls SD Teacher; Kindergarten	12/8/2021
Mr Nicholas Bush	Salem LS Milwaukee WI Cornerstone Lutheran Network Milwaukee WI	Grace Christian Academy Falls Church VA Principal	12/9/2021
Miss Christine Wempner	Emmanuel LS Tempe AZ	Divine Savior Academy – Sienna Missouri City TX Teacher; Grade 1	12/9/2021
Mr Andrew Retzlaff	Immanuel LS Greenville WI	Divine Savior Academy – Sienna Missouri City TX Administrator; Dean of Students	12/9/2021
Mrs Jennifer Retzlaff	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI	Divine Savior Academy – Sienna Missouri City TX Teacher; Grade 10 Homeroom, Upper-Level Math	12/9/2021
Mrs Kelli Wallander		Luther Preparatory School Watertown WI Teacher; Dorm Supervisor, One-Year Call	12/9/2021
Miss Catherine St. John	MLC Early Childhood Learning Center New Ulm MN	Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Preschool Las Vegas NV ECM Director & Teacher	12/12/2021
Mrs Catherine Biedenbender	MLC Early Childhood Learning Center New Ulm MN	Trinity LS Nicollet MN Teacher; Grades 3-4, One-Year Call	12/12/2021
Mrs Melody Krouse	Trinity LS Kaukauna WI	St Mark LS Eau Claire WI Teacher; Grade 1	12/12/2021
Mrs Beth Weed	David’s Star LS Jackson WI	David’s Star LS Jackson WI Teacher; Grade 4, Technology Director	12/12/2021
Mr Timothy Hochmuth	Good Shepherd’s LS West Allis WI	Trinity-St Luke Clark St Campus Watertown WI Teacher; Upper Grades, Athletic Director	12/12/2021
Mrs Debra Bahlmann	Grace Lutheran Preschool Prairie du Chien WI	Holy Trinity Lutheran Academy – Child Care New Hope MN ECM Teacher; 2k Teacher	12/12/2021
Mr Levi Dunsmoor	St Marcus LS – Main Campus K4 – Gr 8 Milwaukee WI	Trinity LS West Bend WI Teacher; Grades 5-6	12/12/2021
Mr Bryan Schneck	Zion LS Monroe MI	Trinity LS Belle Plaine MN Principal; Grades 7-8	12/12/2021
Mrs Susan Ott	St John LS Lannon WI	Good Shepherd’s LS West Allis WI Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/12/2021
Miss Lindsay Ernst	Garden Homes LS Milwaukee WI	Emmaus LS Phoenix AZ Teacher; Lower Grades	12/12/2021
Mrs Karlie Habermann		St Matthew’s LS Oconomowoc WI Teacher; Grade 1	12/12/2021
Mr Jason Gibson	Holy Trinity LS Des Moines WA	St Paul LS Fort Atkinson WI Principal	12/12/2021
Mr George Kellermann	Good Shepherd LS Midland MI	St John LS Red Wing MN Principal; Grades 7-8	12/12/2021
Mrs Naomi Getka	Faith LS Tacoma WA	St Paul LS Appleton WI Teacher; Grade 1, Coaching	12/12/2021
Mr Todd Brassow	St John LS Redwood Falls MN	Peace LS Livonia MI Principal; Grades 7-8	12/12/2021
Mr Aaron Kjenstad	St Marcus LS – Main Campus K4 – Gr 8 Milwaukee WI	Our Savior’s LS Zion IL Principal; Grades 6-8	12/12/2021
Mr Zachary Cvikel	Morning Star LS Jackson WI	Crown of Life LS Hubertus WI Teacher; Grades 3-4, Technology Director	12/12/2021
Mr Justin Ninmann	St Peter LS Appleton WI	Garden Homes LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 7 Dept.	12/12/2021
Miss Hannah Cook	Zion LS Chesaning MI	Carlsbad Christian Academy Carlsbad CA Teacher; Grade 4	12/12/2021
Mrs Brittni Carran	Christ Our Savior Academy Columbia TN	Eastside LS Madison WI ECM Director & Teacher	12/13/2021
Mrs Tracy Rank	Eastside LS Madison WI	St John LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 4	12/13/2021
Mr Benjamin Rank	Eastside LS Madison WI	St John LS Milwaukee WI Principal	12/13/2021
Mr Steven Vasold	Luther Preparatory School Watertown WI	Michigan Lutheran Seminary Saginaw MI Administrator; Vice-President	12/13/2021
Mr Kevin Proeber Jr	Peace LS Sun Prairie WI	Christ LS Big Bend WI Teacher; Grades 5-6, Athletic Director	12/14/2021
Mrs Christine Mastrocola	Christ LS Big Bend WI	Christ LS Big Bend WI Teacher; Grades 3-4, Director of Special Education	12/14/2021
Mrs Lisa Sorum		Christ LS Big Bend WI Teacher; Grades 1-2, Limited-Duration (Jan-June 2022)	12/14/2021
Miss Tabitha Mays	Samuel LS Marshall MN	Mt Olive LS Delano MN Teacher; Kindergarten	12/14/2021
Mr Jesse Rider	St Paul LS South Haven MI	Grace LS Saint Joseph MI Teacher; Athletic Director & PE, Subjects TBD	12/14/2021
Mrs Lynn Proeber	Peace LS Sun Prairie WI	Christ LS Big Bend WI Teacher; Grades 1-2, Music	12/14/2021
Miss Kathy Werre	Luther High School Onalaska WI	The Divine Savior School K-8 Doral FL Teacher; Upper Elementary – Special Needs	12/15/2021
Miss Janelle Glodowski	Divine Peace LS Largo MD	Immanuel LS Greenville WI Teacher; Lower Grades	12/15/2021
Mrs Melissa Berg	St Paul LS Rapid City SD	MLC Early Childhood Learning Center New Ulm MN ECM Director	12/16/2021
Miss Tessa Heiling		St Croix Lutheran Academy West Saint Paul MN Teacher; Dorm Supervisor, Coaching	12/16/2021
Mr Timothy Weddle	St Paul LS Tomah WI	St Croix Lutheran Academy West Saint Paul MN Teacher; Dorm Supervisor, English	12/16/2021
Mr Nathan Gurgel	Manitowoc Lutheran High School Manitowoc WI	St Croix Lutheran Academy West Saint Paul MN Teacher; Dorm Supervisor, Physical Education	12/16/2021
Mrs Sarah Lofsness	St John LS Libertyville IL	Holy Word Christian Academy Austin TX Teacher; Kindergarten	12/16/2021
Mr Matthew Bauer	Great Plains Lutheran High School Watertown SD	Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee WI Administrator; Athletic Director	12/16/2021
Miss Miriam Schliewe	St John LS Redwood Falls MN	Kids Crossing Early Learning Center Madison WI ECM Teacher; 4K	12/16/2021
Miss Annaliese Endorf	Prairie LS Upper Site Fairfax MN	Huron Valley Lutheran High School Westland MI Teacher; English	12/16/2021
Miss Melissa Koenig	St Mark LS Bemidji MN	Trinity LS Aberdeen SD Teacher; Grades 2-3	12/19/2021
Mr Patrick Loroff	St Lucas LS Kewaskum WI	Riverview LS Appleton WI Teacher; Grade 4, Athletic Director	12/19/2021
Mrs Kristal Fillner	Star of Bethlehem LS New Berlin WI	Crown of Life LS West Saint Paul MN Teacher; Grade 5	12/19/2021
Mr Eric Fillner	Star of Bethlehem LS New Berlin WI	Crown of Life LS West Saint Paul MN Teacher; Grade 7, Science	12/19/2021
Mr Christopher Mundstock	Peridot-Our Savior’s LS Peridot AZ	Good Shepherd LS Burton MI Principal; Grades 6-8, Athletic Director	12/19/2021
Mrs Ashley Phillips	St Matthew LS Janesville WI	St John LS Montello WI Teacher; Kindergarten	12/19/2021
Miss Nicole Glodowski	St Paul LS Muskego WI	Crown of Life Christian Academy Fort Myers FL Teacher; Grades 2-3	12/19/2021
Miss Amy Biedenbender	Prince of Peace LS Taylorsville UT	Life LS Friendswood TX Teacher; Grades K-1	12/19/2021
Staff Ministers	Current call	New call	Date issued
Mrs Rachel Lemke	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI	Immanuel LC Greenville WI Staff Minister; Family/Outreach	12/1/2021

CALLS ACCEPTED

Pastors	Current call	New call	Date accepted
Rev Daniel Herold	Glory to God LC Tinley Park IL	Christ LC Marshall MN Pastor	12/18/2021
Rev Daniel Schroeder	St Peter LC Modesto CA	Christ the King LC Palm Coast FL Pastor	12/19/2021
Teachers	Current call	New call	Date accepted
Mrs Elizabeth Wilde	Trinity LS Marshfield WI	Trinity LS Marshfield WI Teacher; Kindergarten, Permanent Call	11/21/2021
Mr Steven Springborn	Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School Waco NE	Lakeside Lutheran High School Lake Mills WI Teacher; Choral	12/14/2021
Mrs Julia Leyrer		Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL Teacher; Grade 1	12/16/2021
Miss Catharyn Waggoner	Our Savior’s LS Zion IL	Little Lambs Childcare Beloit WI ECM Director	12/16/2021
Mrs Linda Baumann	Trinity LS Jenera OH	FVL Schools Inc Appleton WI Director of Instruction	12/17/2021
Miss Kathryn Gut	Shepherd of the Valley LS Westminster CO	Martin Luther College New Ulm MN Professor of early childhood education	12/17/2021
Mr Glenn Metzger	St Lucas LS Milwaukee WI	St Matthew LS Spokane WA Teacher; Grades 5-6	12/18/2021

ASSIGNMENT

Teachers		Assignment	Date assigned
Miss Elena Mueller		Michigan Lutheran Seminary Saginaw MI Teacher; Permanent Assignment	10/28/2021

CALLS DECLINED

Pastors	Current call	New call	Date declined
Rev Joseph Johnson	Amazing Grace LC Portland OR	Timothy LC Saint Louis Park MN Pastor	12/14/2021
Rev Larry Schwanke	St John LC Milton WI	St John LC Kendall WI St Matthew LC Ontario WI Pastor	12/15/2021
Rev James Backus	St Mark’s LC Watertown WI	Immanuel LC Medford WI Associate Pastor	12/16/2021
Rev Mathew Pfeifer	Lincoln Heights LC Des Moines IA	St Paul LC Mauston WI Associate Pastor	12/16/2021
Rev Zachary Pudlo	Crown of Life LC West Saint Paul MN	St Paul LC Muskego WI Associate Pastor	12/17/2021
Rev Michael Ewart	St Peter LC – North Campus Appleton WI	Ministry of Christian Giving Christian Giving Counselor; MI & NA Districts	12/18/2021
Rev Harmon Lewis	Messiah LC Johns Creek GA	Salem LC Woodbury MN Pastor	12/18/2021
Rev Peter Sulzle	St John LC Redwood Falls MN	Immanuel LC Manitowoc WI Associate Pastor	12/18/2021
Rev David Wietzke	Crown of Life LC Pueblo West CO	Trinity LC Kaukauna WI Pastor	12/18/2021
Rev Aaron Dolan	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI	Manitowoc Lutheran High School Manitowoc WI Teacher	12/19/2021
Rev John Stelljes	Mt Olive LC Shakopee MN	Hope LC Indian River MI Our Savior LC Gaylord MI Pastor	12/19/2021
Rev Eric Schroeder	St John LC Wauwatosa WI	Grace LC Crivitz WI Pastor	12/19/2021
Teachers	Current call	New call	Date declined
Mrs Katie Coudron	St John LS Milwaukee WI	St John LS Lannon WI Teacher; Kindergarten	12/4/2021
Mr Joshua Lepke	St Paul LS Muskego WI	New Hope Lutheran Academy West Melbourne FL Teacher; Grades 7-8	12/13/2021
Mrs Alyssa Wascher	Risen Savior LS – Main Campus LES Milwaukee WI	Risen Savior Christian Academy Pooler GA Teacher; Kindergarten	12/13/2021
Mr Nathan Bitter	St Mark LS Bemidji MN	Good Shepherd LS Wisconsin Rapids WI Principal; Grades 1-8	12/14/2021
Mrs April Schaefer	Mount Olive LS Appleton WI	St Mark LS Citrus Heights CA ECM Teacher; Jr Kindergarten	12/14/2021
Mrs Jennifer Trimmer	St Lucas LS Kewaskum WI	St John LS Watertown WI Director; Director & Teacher of Special Education	12/14/2021
Mrs Jill Russow		Mount Lebanon LS – Hampton Ave Campus Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 2	12/14/2021
Mr David Tess	St Croix Lutheran Academy West Saint Paul MN	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI Teacher; Network Administrator	12/14/2021
Mr Matthew Oppermann	Crown of Life Christian Academy Fort Atkinson WI	St Paul LS Green Bay WI Principal	12/14/2021
Mr Jeremiah Schmiege	Sola Fide Academy Lawrenceville GA	Arizona Lutheran Academy Phoenix AZ Teacher; Grades 10-12, Science/STEM	12/14/2021
Miss Monica Zimmermann	Mount Lebanon LS – Hampton Ave Campus Milwaukee WI	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Delray Beach FL Teacher; Grade 3	12/15/2021
Mr Aaron Trimmer	Our Savior LS Grafton WI	St John LS Watertown WI Teacher; Grade 5	12/15/2021
Mr Adam Igl	St John’s LS Newburg WI	Beautiful Savior LS Grove City OH Teacher; Grade 2	12/15/2021
Mrs Jillian Igl	Peace LS Hartford WI	Beautiful Savior LS Grove City OH ECM Director & Lead Teacher	12/15/2021
Miss Marie Laich	Eastside LS Madison WI	Beautiful Savior LS Grove City OH Teacher; Grade 1	12/16/2021
Ms Katrina Bartsch	Mount Lebanon LS – Hampton Ave Campus Milwaukee WI	Risen Savior LS Mankato MN Teacher; Grades 3-4, Music	12/16/2021
Miss Margaret Rasmussen	Wisconsin LS-Elementary School (3-5) Racine WI	Atonement LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 4	12/16/2021
Mr Scott Georgson	Good Shepherd LS Sioux Falls SD	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Delray Beach FL Teacher; Grades 5-6	12/16/2021
Mr Paul Hoffman	St Paul LS Appleton WI	Illinois Lutheran High School Crete IL Teacher; Grades 7-10, Science, Technology Director	12/17/2021
Mr Jason Schultz	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 10 Homeroom, Theology	12/17/2021
Miss Amanda Treder	St John LS Wauwatosa WI	Ascension LS and Preschool Sarasota FL Teacher; Grades 1-2	12/17/2021
Mrs Sarah Greil	Redeemer Learning Center Tomahawk WI	Grace Lutheran Child Care Charlotte NC ECM Teacher	12/17/2021
Mr Aaron Hartwig	St Paul LS North Fond du Lac WI	Risen Savior LS Mankato MN Principal; Grades 7-8	12/17/2021
Miss Deborah Doletzky	Grace LS Saint Joseph MI	St Paul LS Beverly Hills FL Teacher; Grade 2	12/18/2021
Mr Erik Landwehr	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	1 Latin America Team Missionary; 1LA Dean of Students	12/18/2021
Mr Daryl Johnson	Trinity LS Brillion WI	Christ-St Peter LS-West Campus Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grades 6-8, English Language Arts	12/18/2021
Mrs Amanda Johnson	Trinity LS Brillion WI	Christ-St Peter LS-East Campus Milwaukee WI Teacher; Grade 1	12/18/2021
Mr Peter Mathwig	Divine Savior Lutheran Academy Doral FL	St Paul LS Saint James MN Teacher; Grades 2-4, Coaching	12/18/2021
Mrs Heidi Groth	Christ-St John’s LS West Salem WI	Bethlehem LS Hortonville WI Teacher; Grades 1-2, Athletics	12/18/2021
Mrs Karla Leitz	Memorial LS Williamston MI	St Paul LS Onalaska WI Teacher; Kindergarten	12/18/2021
Mrs Megan Allard	St John LS Neillsville WI	Mt Calvary LS Redding CA Teacher; Grades 1-3	12/18/2021
Mr Mark Hesse	St Lucas LS Kewaskum WI	St Paul LS Bangor WI Principal; Grades 7-8	12/18/2021
Mr Michael Allard	St John LS Neillsville WI	Mt Calvary LS Redding CA Principal; Grades 6-8	12/18/2021
Mr Nathan Hablewitz	New Hope Lutheran Academy West Melbourne FL	Atonement LS Milwaukee WI Teacher; Physical Education, Athletic Director	12/18/2021
Miss Rachel Nemitz	St John LS Manitowoc WI	Fox Valley Lutheran High School Appleton WI Teacher; Special Ed. Instructor	12/19/2021
Mr Zachary Seeger	Abiding Peace Academy Simpsonville SC	Cross of Glory LS Washington MI Principal; Grades 5-8	12/19/2021
Staff Ministers	Current call	New call	Date declined
Mr Philip Stuebs	St John-St James LS Reedsville WI	Redeemer LC Tucson AZ Staff Minister & Music	12/17/2021

RESIGNED

Teachers	Current call	Date resigned
Mr Tyler Weinrich	Neenah LS (3-8) Neenah WI	12/18/2021
Mrs Wendy Winterstein	Pilgrim LS Mesa AZ	12/31/2021
Mrs Carol Janke	St Martin’s LS Watertown SD	6/30/2022
Mrs Lora Thompson	David’s Star LS Jackson WI	6/30/2022
Mrs Jane Mose	St Mark LS Green Bay WI	6/30/2022

CALLED TO ETERNAL GLORY

Pastors	Home church	Death date
Rev Donald Thompson	St John LC Mukwonago WI	12/16/2021

RETIREMENT

Pastors	Current call	Date retired
Rev Paul Janke	St Martin’s LC Watertown SD	7/31/2022
Teachers	Current call	Date retired
Mrs Jean Jahnke	St John LS Maribel WI	6/30/2022
Mrs Kimberly Edgington	St John’s LS Burlington WI	6/30/2022

VIEW CALL REPORT PDF

View a downloadable pdf version of the call report.

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Advent Devotion – Day 20

WELS — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 12:00:20 GMT

Don’t Miss Jesus

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied.
Matthew 2:2-4

Most of us have a list of missed opportunities we can easily recall. Years ago, my husband and I looked into buying a 5-acre lot a few houses from ours. We ultimately decided to pass on the investment. A year later a contractor bought it and put five houses on it, two of which, after he cut out all the brush, have a beautiful view of the city. It would have been a gorgeous site to build one house and have a large yard, but we missed out because we didn’t have the vision.

The wise men followed the star as far as Jerusalem before stopping for directions. Unfortunately, Herod wasn’t one to share his glory or his kingdom. His distress at the news of a new king sent the whole city into a panic. He called for the Jewish leaders to identify where this king, who Herod, prompted by the wise men, identified as the Messiah, was to be born. They reported the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, a mere five and a half miles away.

Had the chief priests and teachers of the law heard the rumors from Bethlehem a year or two earlier? How far did the shepherds’ report travel? Did these leaders leave Herod that day wondering anew if the long-awaited Christ child had arrived? Did they humble themselves in prayer, pleading for open eyes to see God’s plan? Or did they let knowledge of the birth of the Savior slip through their hands?

If I’m honest, too often I am just like those Jewish leaders. I miss out on opportunities to spend time with Jesus as I fall for distraction. An hour or two slips away on social media or watching news and gathering facts rather than going to the source of truth. Too often I fall into senseless and divisive quarrels instead of being consumed with God’s love. God’s abundant grace should motivate me to unyielding love. More often than not, grace goes unheeded and, consequently I fail to follow through with a life of worship.

We have unprecedented access to God’s Word. Bibles are easily available. Apps provide the Word at our fingertips. Sermons and studies have never been easier to access. Even in a pandemic that made getting together in person difficult at times, God prepared technology for such a time as this.

How tragic to miss the opportunity to know our Creator and Redeemer by letting time with him slip through our hands! Jesus was not just the baby in the manger, but the Son of God who carried our sins and paid our debt. And while we too often neglect our relationship with him, he is never too busy or unconcerned to meet with us. Jesus said, “…whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).

I don’t want to miss the chance to know what God willingly reveals about himself in his Word. And I certainly don’t want to miss all he would give me if I only took the time to meet with him in prayer. Kindle in us a desire to seek you, Lord!

Prayer:

Father use your Spirit to draw us to you. Help us to see and avoid distractions that keep us from the relationship you want with us. Bless us with the closeness of walking with our Savior God, that we bring others to know and love you, too. Amen.

Written by Amber Albee Swenson
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

True Joy – December 20, 2021

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:00:45 GMT

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:42-44

True Joy

Daily Devotion – December 20, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 1:42-44
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211220dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

What are you excited about this Christmas season? What brings you joy this time of year? Maybe it’s watching your grandkids open their gifts. Perhaps, you are eager to celebrate with family and friends. Maybe, you enjoy curling up with some hot chocolate as you watch your favorite classic Christmas movies.

Then again, maybe you cannot wait for Christmas to be over. Perhaps some hurt or hardship is making all the Christmas cheer sound like nails on a chalkboard for you. Maybe a profound loss in your life has turned this time of year into a terrible reminder of what is no longer in your life. It could be that you would just as soon avoid the whole holiday season.

Whether you are ready to celebrate or just want the season to be over, there is one reason for true joy as we prepare to celebrate Christmas. The baby who was born to Mary was no ordinary baby. John leaped for joy because of what that baby would bring. Our Savior has come into this world and achieved for us what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus brings forgiveness and eternal salvation to all who believe in him. Jesus brings peace with God now and forever. Jesus being born into this world is proof that God keeps his promises. It is proof that God cares. Because Jesus came down to earth for you and me, we have a sure and certain future in a place without pain or sin, or loss of any kind.

God bless your celebration of our Savior’s birth this Christmas. May this time of year bring you true joy: the joy of knowing your sins are forgiven, and you are God’s child. And if you don’t feel much like celebrating, know that in Christ, you will be part of an eternal celebration in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming here to be my Savior. Help me always to find true joy in the blessings you bring. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

True Joy – December 20, 2021

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:00:45 GMT

In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:42-44

True Joy

Daily Devotion – December 20, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 1:42-44
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211220dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming here to be my Savior. Help me always to find true joy in the blessings you bring. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Matthew 24:42

Sarah Proeber — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:00:37 GMT

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 20

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 07:00:06 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 20

Isaiah 14:24-16:14 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 20

Bible reading based on Isaiah 14:24-16:14 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1220db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

A Prophecy Against Assyria

²⁴ The LORD Almighty has sworn,
“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,
and as I have purposed, so it will stand.

²⁵ I will crush the Assyrian in my land;
on my mountains I will trample him down.
His yoke will be taken from my people,
and his burden removed from their shoulders.”

²⁶ This is the plan determined for the whole world;
this is the hand stretched out over all nations.

²⁷ For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

A Prophecy Against the Philistines

²⁸This oracle came in the year King Ahaz died:

²⁹ Do not rejoice, all you Philistines,
that the rod that struck you is broken;
from the root of that snake will spring up a viper,
its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent.

³⁰ The poorest of the poor will find pasture,
and the needy will lie down in safety.
But your root I will destroy by famine;
it will slay your survivors.

³¹ Wail, O gate! Howl, O city!
Melt away, all you Philistines!
A cloud of smoke comes from the north,
and there is not a straggler in its ranks.

³² What answer shall be given
to the envoys of that nation?
“The LORD has established Zion,
and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.”

Isaiah 15

A Prophecy Against Moab

¹ An oracle concerning Moab:
Ar in Moab is ruined,
destroyed in a night!
Kir in Moab is ruined,
destroyed in a night!

² Dibon goes up to its temple,
to its high places to weep;
Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba.
Every head is shaved
and every beard cut off.

³ In the streets they wear sackcloth;
on the roofs and in the public squares
they all wail,
prostrate with weeping.

⁴ Heshbon and Elealeh cry out,
their voices are heard all the way to Jahaz.
Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out,
and their hearts are faint.

⁵ My heart cries out over Moab;
her fugitives flee as far as Zoar,
as far as Eglath Shelishiyah.
They go up the way to Luhith,
weeping as they go;
on the road to Horonaim
they lament their destruction.

⁶ The waters of Nimrim are dried up
and the grass is withered;
the vegetation is gone
and nothing green is left.

⁷ So the wealth they have acquired and stored up
they carry away over the Ravine of the Poplars.

⁸ Their outcry echoes along the border of Moab;
their wailing reaches as far as Eglaim,
their lamentation as far as Beer Elim.

⁹ Dimon’s ^[a] waters are full of blood,
but I will bring still more upon Dimon ^[b]—
a lion upon the fugitives of Moab
and upon those who remain in the land.

Isaiah 16

¹ Send lambs as tribute
to the ruler of the land,
from Sela, across the desert,
to the mount of the Daughter of Zion.

² Like fluttering birds
pushed from the nest,
so are the women of Moab
at the fords of the Arnon.

³ “Give us counsel,
render a decision.
Make your shadow like night—
at high noon.
Hide the fugitives,
do not betray the refugees.

⁴ Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you;
be their shelter from the destroyer.”
The oppressor will come to an end,
and destruction will cease;
the aggressor will vanish from the land.

⁵ In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
one from the house ^[c] of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness.

⁶ We have heard of Moab’s pride—
her overweening pride and conceit,
her pride and her insolence—
but her boasts are empty.

⁷ Therefore the Moabites wail,
they wail together for Moab.
Lament and grieve
for the men ^[d]of Kir Hareseth.

⁸ The fields of Heshbon wither,
the vines of Sibmah also.
The rulers of the nations
have trampled down the choicest vines,
which once reached Jazer
and spread toward the desert.
Their shoots spread out
and went as far as the sea.

⁹ So I weep, as Jazer weeps,
for the vines of Sibmah.
O Heshbon, O Elealeh,
I drench you with tears!
The shouts of joy over your ripened fruit
and over your harvests have been stilled.

¹⁰ Joy and gladness are taken away from the orchards;
no one sings or shouts in the vineyards;
no one treads out wine at the presses,
for I have put an end to the shouting.

¹¹ My heart laments for Moab like a harp,
my inmost being for Kir Hareseth.

¹² When Moab appears at her high place,
she only wears herself out;
when she goes to her shrine to pray,
it is to no avail.

¹³ This is the word the LORD has already spoken concerning Moab. ¹⁴ But now the LORD says: “Within three years, as a servant bound by contract would count them, Moab’s splendor and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 15:9 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate Dibon
Isaiah 15:9 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate Dibon
Isaiah 16:5 Hebrew tent
Isaiah 16:7 Or “raisin cakes,” a wordplay

Advent Devotion – Day 19

WELS — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:00:29 GMT

The King Is and Always Will Be on the Throne

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:1-3

The Magi did not know what they were doing when they approached King Herod. They did not understand the depths of pride and hatred that resided in Herod’s heart. They had simply come to the king in search of the King of kings, and their goal was to worship the Savior. How were they to know that Herod intended to use them for evil? The situation could have been a disaster!

Herod’s goal was death to an apparent usurper rather than worship. This savior, this “king,” was a threat that needed to be destroyed. Herod summoned the Jewish leaders to find out where the prophets said the Messiah would be born. Bethlehem was the answer. Herod sent the Magi to Bethlehem, not because he supported their mission to worship the Lord, but because he wanted Jesus dead.

Herod’s goals were of no consequence to God. God was in control then, as he always is now. God’s goal was to give the Magi the opportunity to worship. He warned the Magi in a dream not to go back to Herod after they had found and worshiped Jesus. Then he warned Joseph in a dream to take Jesus to safety in Egypt. In the end, God used a proud, tyrannical king to bring praise to himself through the wise men.

Throughout history, God has used governments and individuals, both good and bad, to accomplish his will. This year will be no exception. 2021 will go down in history as another extremely difficult year, for our country, and indeed for the world. A deadly virus and civil unrest could spell disaster. More personally, there may be individuals who seek to stand between us and God. We may be filled with anxiety about the future. We may worry our leaders will take away our religious freedom or that evil people will keep us from our Lord. Yet, even when times are at their most distressing, God is still in control. This Advent season, we remember that God’s goal is to bring us peace with him through Jesus. He gives us opportunities for worship and relief from our fears. He will always accomplish his goals. There is no Herod who can stop him.

Prayer:

Dear Father, we praise and adore you for your power, your plans, and your amazing love for us. Help us, this Advent season, to remember that you are always in control and that you are able to use the most unlikely sources to accomplish your goals. Thank you that, through your Holy Spirit, you have brought us to faith and enabled us to worship Jesus, our Savior and King of kings. Amen.

Written by DeLyn Wagenknecht
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Philippians 2:10

Sarah Proeber — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:00:52 GMT

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth

Leaping for Joy – December 19, 2021

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:00:50 GMT

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:41-44

Leaping for Joy

Daily Devotion – DATE

Devotion based on Luke 1:41-44
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211219dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

The pressure of the holiday season can sometimes suck the joy out of us. Will everything get done on time—shopping, baking, decorating, and more? Will Uncle Ralph lose his temper at the family party? Will Cousin Betty’s nasty words bite deep? Will my kids embarrass me? And what if the unexpected happens? What if there’s an accident, sickness, or problems at work or school? What if those I’m counting on fall short? What if my hopes and expectations end with disappointment and misery?

Take a breath and remember whom we are meeting at the manger. Even before his birth, Jesus brought joy to those who knew him.

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that even though she was a virgin, she would give birth to a child, the Son of the Most High. His name would be Jesus. After the angel left her, Mary hurried from Nazareth to Judea to visit her relative Elizabeth. As Mary greeted her, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She knew the one who Mary carried in her womb, and Elizabeth’s unborn child also knew him. He leaped for joy.

Mary’s child is our Lord. Everything that distracts us from him accentuates how much we need him. Why do we feel empty? Because we’ve tried to fill our hearts with other things. And anything except Jesus leaves our hearts empty in the end.

But remember whom you are meeting. The one born of Mary and laid in the manger is your Savior, your Redeemer, your Lord. He lifts you up out of the depths of your guilt. He fills your empty, hungering heart with the good news of his forgiveness. Leap for joy, for you get to meet Jesus.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 19)
O Lord, how shall I meet you,
How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Leaping for Joy – December 19, 2021

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:00:50 GMT

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”
Luke 1:41-44

Leaping for Joy

Daily Devotion – DATE

Devotion based on Luke 1:41-44
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211219dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Take a breath and remember whom we are meeting at the manger. Even before his birth, Jesus brought joy to those who knew him.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – 19)
O Lord, how shall I meet you,
How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 19

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:00:23 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 19

Isaiah 13-14:23 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 19

Bible reading based on Isaiah 13-14:23 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1219db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 13

A Prophecy Against Babylon

¹An oracle concerning Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw:

² Raise a banner on a bare hilltop,
shout to them;
beckon to them
to enter the gates of the nobles.

³ I have commanded my holy ones;
I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath—
those who rejoice in my triumph.

⁴ Listen, a noise on the mountains,
like that of a great multitude!
Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms,
like nations massing together!
The LORD Almighty is mustering
an army for war.

⁵ They come from faraway lands,
from the ends of the heavens—
the LORD and the weapons of his wrath—
to destroy the whole country.

⁶ Wail, for the day of the LORD is near;
it will come like destruction from the Almighty. ^[a]

⁷ Because of this, all hands will go limp,
every man’s heart will melt.

⁸ Terror will seize them,
pain and anguish will grip them;
they will writhe like a woman in labor.
They will look aghast at each other,
their faces aflame.

⁹ See, the day of the LORD is coming
—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—
to make the land desolate
and destroy the sinners within it.

¹⁰ The stars of heaven and their constellations
will not show their light.
The rising sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light.

¹¹ I will punish the world for its evil,
the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty
and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

¹² I will make man scarcer than pure gold,
more rare than the gold of Ophir.

¹³ Therefore I will make the heavens tremble;
and the earth will shake from its place
at the wrath of the LORD Almighty,
in the day of his burning anger.

¹⁴ Like a hunted gazelle,
like sheep without a shepherd,
each will return to his own people,
each will flee to his native land.

¹⁵ Whoever is captured will be thrust through;
all who are caught will fall by the sword.

¹⁶ Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes;
their houses will be looted and their wives ravished.

¹⁷ See, I will stir up against them the Medes,
who do not care for silver
and have no delight in gold.

¹⁸ Their bows will strike down the young men;
they will have no mercy on infants
nor will they look with compassion on children.

¹⁹ Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms,
the glory of the Babylonians’ ^[b] pride,
will be overthrown by God
like Sodom and Gomorrah.

²⁰ She will never be inhabited
or lived in through all generations;
no Arab will pitch his tent there,
no shepherd will rest his flocks there.

²¹ But desert creatures will lie there,
jackals will fill her houses;
there the owls will dwell,
and there the wild goats will leap about.

²² Hyenas will howl in her strongholds,
jackals in her luxurious palaces.
Her time is at hand,
and her days will not be prolonged.

Isaiah 14

¹ The LORD will have compassion on Jacob;
once again he will choose Israel
and will settle them in their own land.
Aliens will join them
and unite with the house of Jacob.

² Nations will take them
and bring them to their own place.
And the house of Israel will possess the nations
as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land.
They will make captives of their captors
and rule over their oppressors.

³ On the day the LORD gives you relief from suffering and turmoil and cruel bondage,
⁴ you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon:
How the oppressor has come to an end!
How his fury ^[c]has ended!

⁵ The LORD has broken the rod of the wicked,
the scepter of the rulers,

⁶ which in anger struck down peoples
with unceasing blows,
and in fury subdued nations
with relentless aggression.

⁷ All the lands are at rest and at peace;
they break into singing.

⁸ Even the pine trees and the cedars of Lebanon
exult over you and say,
“Now that you have been laid low,
no woodsman comes to cut us down.”

⁹ The grave ^[d] below is all astir
to meet you at your coming;
it rouses the spirits of the departed to greet you—
all those who were leaders in the world;
it makes them rise from their thrones—
all those who were kings over the nations.

¹⁰ They will all respond,
they will say to you,
“You also have become weak, as we are;
you have become like us.”

¹¹ All your pomp has been brought down to the grave,
along with the noise of your harps;
maggots are spread out beneath you
and worms cover you.

¹² How you have fallen from heaven,
O morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations!

¹³ You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. ^[e]

¹⁴ I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.”

¹⁵ But you are brought down to the grave,
to the depths of the pit.

¹⁶ Those who see you stare at you,
they ponder your fate:
“Is this the man who shook the earth
and made kingdoms tremble,

¹⁷ the man who made the world a desert,
who overthrew its cities
and would not let his captives go home?”

¹⁸ All the kings of the nations lie in state,
each in his own tomb.

¹⁹ But you are cast out of your tomb
like a rejected branch;
you are covered with the slain,
with those pierced by the sword,
those who descend to the stones of the pit.
Like a corpse trampled underfoot,

²⁰ you will not join them in burial,
for you have destroyed your land
and killed your people.
The offspring of the wicked
will never be mentioned again.

²¹ Prepare a place to slaughter his sons
for the sins of their forefathers;
they are not to rise to inherit the land
and cover the earth with their cities.

²² “I will rise up against them,”
declares the LORD Almighty.
“I will cut off from Babylon her name and survivors,
her offspring and descendants,”
declares the LORD.

²³ “I will turn her into a place for owls
and into swampland;
I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,”
declares the LORD Almighty.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 13:6 Hebrew Shaddai
Isaiah 13:19 Or Chaldeans’
Isaiah 14:4 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the word in the Masoretic Text is uncertain.
Isaiah 14:9 Hebrew Sheol ; also in verses 11 and 15
Isaiah 14:13 Or the north ; Hebrew Zaphon

Advent Devotion – Day 18

WELS — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 12:00:22 GMT

Keep Planting Seeds

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:1-3

When we arrange our manger scene, we typically place the wise men with the shepherds worshiping Jesus in the stable. Although this serene scene serves as a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ early life, it is not historically accurate. Angels appeared to the shepherds in the field the night of Jesus’ birth. The Magi or wise men visited Jesus much later. We can’t be sure exactly how much later, but we know the young family was no longer in the stable but living in a house. And we know that after the wise men returned to their country without reporting back to Herod, he ordered the death of all children two years-old and younger living in Bethlehem. So, it seems likely the wise men arrived sometime within two years after Jesus’ birth. Scripture mentions three gifts, so we often picture three Magi, but like the manger scene, that’s more for our convenience than Biblical accuracy.

Where did these Magi come from? Many scholars believe they came from Babylon. In the Old Testament, Daniel served as chief of the wise men, astrologers, magicians, and enchanters during Israel’s captivity in Babylon. Might he have told of the coming Messiah? Could that be how these men living in a foreign land hundreds of years later would follow a special star they were led to believe signaled the birth of the Messiah? Had the seeds faithful Daniel planted produced fruit centuries later?

Fast forward to when Scripture allows us to witness the Magi going to a large foreign town and boldly asking for help locating the Messiah. Word spread quickly until it reached a very jealous, insecure, violent King Herod. Have you considered how foolish these men may have looked following a star to distant lands and inquiring about a new king? They could have changed their story for fear of incurring Herod’s wrath. But they didn’t. They were bold and eager to share without fear what they knew to be true about Jesus. They were, like Daniel, unabashedly planting seeds, even on the hardest of hearts.

Can we do the same? Can we follow the example of these wise men by faithfully searching for Jesus each day, and never being ashamed or afraid to share what we know to be true?

God could have guided the Magi away from Jerusalem and directly to Bethlehem, but instead he allowed them to go right into a potentially perilous situation. Herod’s jealous rage and violent anger could have snuffed out not only the Messiah, but these wise men as well. When we plan our life, we want the path of least resistance. We’d prefer to hang out with friends and people who believe as we do. But the Lord’s ways are different than our ways. He often takes his people on paths that call on us to trust his wisdom and purpose. He often puts unbelievers in our path. Don’t shrink back, and don’t avoid them! Like Daniel and the wise men, use it as an opportunity to tell them what you know about Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord, please give us the desire and the strength to be wise. Help us to seek you constantly, that every moment of every day we are praising you and thanking you. And make us bold. Give us the courage and the words to proclaim what we know to be true. Do not allow us to cower in doubt or fear when we have the chance to plant a seed for you. Please use us like you used the Magi to accomplish your perfect and beautiful will. In Jesus’ name we pray and know you hear us. Amen.

Written by Rhoda Wolle
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Christmas Joy Always – December 18, 2021

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:00:54 GMT

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5

Christmas Joy Always

Daily Devotion – December 18, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4,5
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211218dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

What a wonderful time of the year it truly is: bright, blinking Christmas lights, frosted Christmas cookies, Christmas parties, Christmas presents under the decorated Christmas trees! People seem to be much happier and joyful at Christmas time. Christmas shoppers at crowded shopping malls will smile at one another and say, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy holidays!”

But will this Christmas joy and happiness last beyond the holiday season? For most people, no, it won’t. When the Christmas lights are taken down, when the Christmas tree is hauled out to the curb, when the stale Christmas cookies are thrown away, happiness and joy will come to an end. The rat race of life will continue—same old, same old.

Friend, rejoice! Rejoice, always. The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. No matter what your circumstance in life is, rejoice. Why? How? Because Jesus Christ is your Savior from sin and eternal condemnation in hell. Rejoice because the Christmas gospel is for you, and it is all about you! The herald angel said on that first frosty Christmas Eve, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Rejoice because the Lord is near. With each tick of the clock, we are one step closer to Jesus’ second and final coming to this earth. When Jesus comes again in all his glory and accompanied by his mighty angels, he will make all things new and put an end to all our troubles and sorrows.

May God grant you true Christmas joy; today and always!

Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the salvation you came to provide. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Christmas Joy Always – December 18, 2021

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:00:54 GMT

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5

Christmas Joy Always

Daily Devotion – December 18, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4,5
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211218dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

May God grant you true Christmas joy; today and always!

Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the salvation you came to provide. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 18

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:00:09 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 18

Isaiah 11-12 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 18

Bible reading based on Isaiah 11-12 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1218db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 11

The Branch From Jesse

¹ A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

² The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD –

³ and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;

⁴ but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

⁵ Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

⁶ The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling ^[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.

⁷ The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

⁸ The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,
and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest.

⁹ They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD
as the waters cover the sea.

¹⁰ In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. ¹¹ In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, ^[b] from Cush, ^[c] from Elam, from Babylonia, ^[d]from Hamath and from the islands of the sea.

¹² He will raise a banner for the nations
and gather the exiles of Israel;
he will assemble the scattered people of Judah
from the four quarters of the earth.

¹³ Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish,
and Judah’s enemies ^[e] will be cut off;
Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah,
nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim.

¹⁴ They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west;
together they will plunder the people to the east.
They will lay hands on Edom and Moab,
and the Ammonites will be subject to them.

¹⁵ The LORD will dry up
the gulf of the Egyptian sea;
with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand
over the Euphrates River. ^[f]
He will break it up into seven streams
so that men can cross over in sandals.

¹⁶ There will be a highway for the remnant of his people
that is left from Assyria,
as there was for Israel
when they came up from Egypt.

Isaiah 12

Songs of Praise

¹ In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

² Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.”

³ With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

⁴ In that day you will say:
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.

⁵ Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

⁶ Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 11:6 Hebrew; Septuagint lion will feed
Isaiah 11:11 Hebrew from Pathros
Isaiah 11:11 That is, the upper Nile region
Isaiah 11:11 Hebrew Shinar
Isaiah 11:13 Or hostility
Isaiah 11:15 Hebrew the River

Psalms 98:3

Sarah Proeber — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:00:06 GMT

He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Advent Devotion – Day 17

WELS — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:00:19 GMT

Seek Christ Where He Promises You Will Find Him

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied,

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Matthew 2:1-2,4-5,9-10

The wise men, or Magi, were unlike any others who rejoiced at the birth of Jesus. They were foreigners whose people spoke a different language and worshiped other gods. They traveled roads for weeks or months to meet this king. And in spite of their earnest seeking, when they arrived in Jerusalem, they discovered they were lost. There was no knowledge of a new king to be found in the royal city.

These wise men knew that the rising of a star meant the birth of a faraway king, but they did not know where to find him. Surely the city of Jewish kings would be a likely place.

Their eventual discovery of where Jesus was came from the Word of God. It was the inspired prophecy of Micah in the fifth chapter of his book that led the Magi to Bethlehem. And so these faithful men trusted the Word of God, left the gleaming palaces of Jerusalem, and went to Bethlehem. There, in the absence of all the impressive marks of earthly royalty, they rejoiced exceedingly (KJV)—because they finally arrived at the home of the Messiah. Their diligent efforts resulted in the remarkable opportunity to pay homage and present their gifts to the child king.

We should seek Jesus, and we know he is worthy of our worship, but how will we find him? What if he isn’t where we expected or hoped he would be? The wise men could not find Jesus in their homeland, the wilderness, or Jerusalem. He was only found in the place where God led them: Bethlehem. In the same way, we are tempted to look for the comfort of Christ in the warm feelings of the perfect Christmas experience, the solitary retreats from our household duties, or the unpredictable affections of family and friends. But Jesus never promised he would reveal himself to us there. Instead, he has blessed us with the promise of his continual presence in his Word, Holy Communion, and the fellowship of believers united by the Holy Spirit. He remains here even when our experience of Christmas falls far short of our expectations. This is his comforting and forgiving presence that can never be taken away from us.

You, too, can rejoice exceedingly, because you know exactly where to find your Savior. Seek him in your worship, and don’t be disappointed that he uses such ordinary means to bless you with his saving presence. Rather, rejoice that God has shown you the way to your Savior, and is glad to meet your humble faith with his gracious love.

“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I do not seek you as earnestly as I ought. You are my source of life, my Savior from sin and death, and my hope of eternal joy. Open my eyes to see the treasure of your Holy Scriptures, the sacraments which give and sustain my faith, and the Church which is my true family both now and in eternity. Bring your Word into our homes and hearts, that you may always be with us through your Son and Spirit. Amen.

Written by Leah Alair
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 17

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:33 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 17

Isaiah 10:5-34 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 17

Bible reading based on Isaiah 10:5-34 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1217db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

God’s Judgment on Assyria

⁵ “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger,
in whose hand is the club of my wrath!

⁶ I send him against a godless nation,
I dispatch him against a people who anger me,
to seize loot and snatch plunder,
and to trample them down like mud in the streets.

⁷ But this is not what he intends,
this is not what he has in mind;
his purpose is to destroy,
to put an end to many nations.

⁸‘Are not my commanders all kings?’ he says.

⁹ ‘Has not Calno fared like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad,
and Samaria like Damascus?

¹⁰ As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols,
kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria-

¹¹ shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images
as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?’ ”

¹² When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. ¹³ For he says:
” ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,
and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
I plundered their treasures;
like a mighty one I subdued ^[a]their kings.

¹⁴ As one reaches into a nest,
so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations;
as men gather abandoned eggs,
so I gathered all the countries;
not one flapped a wing,
or opened its mouth to chirp.’ ”

¹⁵ Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it,
or the saw boast against him who uses it?
As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up,
or a club brandish him who is not wood!

¹⁶ Therefore, the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors;
under his pomp a fire will be kindled
like a blazing flame.

¹⁷ The Light of Israel will become a fire,
their Holy One a flame;
in a single day it will burn and consume
his thorns and his briers.

¹⁸ The splendor of his forests and fertile fields
it will completely destroy,
as when a sick man wastes away.

¹⁹ And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few
that a child could write them down.

The Remnant of Israel

²⁰ In that day the remnant of Israel,
the survivors of the house of Jacob,
will no longer rely on him
who struck them down
but will truly rely on the LORD,
the Holy One of Israel.

²¹ A remnant will return, ^[b] a remnant of Jacob
will return to the Mighty God.

²² Though your people, O Israel, be like the sand by the sea,
only a remnant will return.
Destruction has been decreed,
overwhelming and righteous.

²³ The Lord, the LORD Almighty, will carry out
the destruction decreed upon the whole land.

²⁴ Therefore, this is what the Lord, the LORD Almighty, says:
“O my people who live in Zion,
do not be afraid of the Assyrians,
who beat you with a rod
and lift up a club against you, as Egypt did.

²⁵ Very soon my anger against you will end
and my wrath will be directed to their destruction.”

²⁶ The LORD Almighty will lash them with a whip,
as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb;
and he will raise his staff over the waters,
as he did in Egypt.

²⁷ In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders,
their yoke from your neck;
the yoke will be broken
because you have grown so fat. ^[c]

²⁸ They enter Aiath;
they pass through Migron;
they store supplies at Micmash.

²⁹ They go over the pass, and say,
“We will camp overnight at Geba.”
Ramah trembles;
Gibeah of Saul flees.

³⁰ Cry out, O Daughter of Gallim!
Listen, O Laishah!
Poor Anathoth!

³¹ Madmenah is in flight;
the people of Gebim take cover.

³² This day they will halt at Nob;
they will shake their fist
at the mount of the Daughter of Zion,
at the hill of Jerusalem.

³³ See, the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
will lop off the boughs with great power.
The lofty trees will be felled,
the tall ones will be brought low.

³⁴ He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;
Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 10:13 Or / I subdued the mighty ,
Isaiah 10:21 Hebrew shear-jashub ; also in verse 22
Isaiah 10:27 Hebrew; Septuagint broken / from your shoulders

Colossians 3:15

Sarah Proeber — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:18 GMT

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

False Security – December 17, 2021

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:10 GMT

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’”
Luke 3:8

False Security

Daily Devotion – December 17, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 3:8
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211217dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Between World War I and World War II, France created a sophisticated line of defense between itself and Germany. The Maginot Line was 280 miles long. It was an unbroken network of concrete bunkers, gun emplacements, and artillery forts. Everything about it was state-of-the-art. There was a telephone and wireless communications system. There was an underground railroad to transport troops. It contained comfortable barracks, mess halls, hospitals and even recreation areas.

One and a half million cubic meters of concrete went into the making of the Maginot Line. That, and 150 thousand tons of steel. Five hundred thousand personnel occupied the line at all times. This miracle of technology became the pride of France—so much so that her citizens saw little need for further vigilance.

Then came World War II. And to her shock, France watched as a modernized, fast-moving German army invaded her borders by finding a way to go around the Maginot Line. The sense of security France had possessed was false.

In Luke chapter 3, the purpose for John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare hearts for the arrival of the Messiah, the Savior from sin. As he spoke, many of John’s listeners had a comfortable, Maginot Line sense of security. Many presumed that, because they were descendants of Abraham, the great Old Testament believer—they presumed they somehow had an automatic pass when it came to their own, personal sins. After all, why worry about your sin when your family connections already identify you as a good person?

You and I can fall into the same trap. Maybe I have fond memories of taking part in the church Christmas program as a child. Maybe I can tell funny stories about the pastor who taught me in catechism class. Maybe I can swap inside jokes about my church body with the best of them. But the moment I presume that somehow gives me a pass regarding the personal guilt of my sin—that’s the day my soul is lost.

No false security. Only Jesus. Only his perfect life on my behalf. Only his blood. Only in him will all be well.

Prayer:
No more false security, Lord Jesus. Give me a repentant heart. Move me to cling to you alone. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

False Security – December 17, 2021

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:10 GMT

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’”
Luke 3:8

False Security

Daily Devotion – December 17, 2021

Devotion based on Luke 3:8
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211217dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

No false security. Only Jesus. Only his perfect life on my behalf. Only his blood. Only in him will all be well.

Prayer:
No more false security, Lord Jesus. Give me a repentant heart. Move me to cling to you alone. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Comfort food of the gospel

Mara Rugen — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:31:02 GMT

Most people think of barbecue as comfort food. For me, it’s always been more. It could be that I was born in Texas, but I think it’s more than that. At my baptism, we had brisket. At my confirmation, we had brisket. At my graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, we had pork shoulder. (Student loans put brisket just outside our budget.) Barbecue has always marked spiritual milestones in my life.

There is something about the smell of barbecue that gets people’s attention. Men and women, young and old, just about everyone can appreciate a good piece of barbecue. A number of men in our congregation enjoy the process of barbecuing, too. So it was natural to include that in our fall outreach effort. Now each year, early in November, our congregation hosts a community barbecue meal. We call it “Holy Smoq” and it has become a fan favorite.

We have many of the same things that most of our sister congregations have for a fall festival Sunday—a bounce house, games, piñatas, and a photo opportunity for the whole family. Each of these is fun and brings something meaningful to the day. But the brisket is what brings people together.

A plate full of smoked meat and sides is food you can’t hurry. It creates the space for conversation. Brisket gives strangers the moments they need to become fast friends. Each year, I marvel at the conversations I have had and I get to see at our annual “Holy Smoq” event.

And that is our first goal, to give God’s people a chance to connect with our community. So many folks in our congregation get intimidated by knocking on a stranger’s door. But sitting down and enjoying someone’s company over a plate of brisket? That isn’t intimidating. It’s delicious. It’s delightful. The backyard barbecue feel gives people a chance to chew the fat together. And when Christians do that, they can’t stop themselves from letting their light shine. They can’t help themselves but introduce people to the Jesus who loves the world.

That is our real goal. Yes, we want lots of people to enjoy the slow-smoked goodness. That’s why we make the best brisket in town and give it away. But more than that, we want to give them the food that money cannot buy. The kind of food that lasts unto eternity. Someday, we want this barbecue to mark a spiritual milestone in their life. People need more than a plate of comfort food. We want them to enjoy the comforts of the gospel—knowing that Christ has paid for their sins in full.

Many come to our “Holy Smoq” event looking for a plate full of comfort food. For me, it’s always been more. And God willing, it will continue to be, to many more souls.

Written by Pastor Lincoln Albrecht, home missionary at River of Life in Goodyear, Ariz.

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Advent Devotion – Day 16

WELS — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:00:52 GMT

Treasuring Whatever God Sends

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19

The pounding on the front door shatters your sleep. Flood waters are rising—you need to get out NOW! Besides your loved ones, what will you grab before leaving? Photographs? Heirlooms? Important documents? What treasures are worth saving?

Mary, throughout a flood of unexpected circumstances, collected, treasured, and pondered everything surrounding the life of her baby boy. Perhaps “all these things” included:

A life-altering visit by an angel, a mighty messenger of God.
His amazing proclamation: 1) Mary will become pregnant; 2) God will be the baby’s Father, not her fiancé, Joseph; 3) God’s already named the baby Jesus; 4) Jesus will inherit David’s throne and an eternal kingdom.
Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, decides to quietly “divorce” his apparently unfaithful bride-to-be. Instead, after his own angelic visit in a dream, Joseph risks his reputation by marrying his virgin bride.
A forced trip to Bethlehem for a census and taxation. Mary goes into labor, finds no room in the inn, and must tuck her baby into a feeding trough. (A “rustic nursery” before farm chic was a thing!)
Mary’s barely done laboring, when shepherds rush in with a wild story of a night sky filled with an angel choir and the joyous news that the Savior has been born.

“All these things” were part of Mary’s treasure. More would follow: Simeon and Anna prophesied in the temple. Wise men brought expensive gifts. The family fled in the night, bound for Egypt to escape a murderous king. Fast forward to when Jesus was 12 and stayed behind at the temple in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph returned, searched frantically, and found him calmly sitting with the religious teachers who were amazed with his insight. Again, we hear, “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51).

The Greek word for “treasured” includes the idea of intentionally, faithfully, persistently preserving something—keeping it safe—through all circumstances. Mary couldn’t post on Facebook or Instagram, relying on electronic memories to pop up yearly. She worked to remember and preserve all the details of her life with Jesus. “Pondered” in the text involves putting the incidents all together, comparing them and weighing out the facts. Mary intentionally reviewed everything she’d heard and seen, tucked those memories deeply into her heart, and considered them. She focused on what God had promised in the Scriptures and was revealing in the life of this baby, her son… our Savior.

Life can be hard. It often was for Mary! Rather than complain and long for a different plan, Mary humbly and purposefully weighed out what God had placed before her. She had discomfort and joy, heartache, and peace. And all were tucked safely away, pondered, and treasured, as gifts from her loving Father.

What will we choose to focus on, to ponder this Christmas season? The uneasy dread of a possible illness? The sad reality of fractured traditions and missing family members? Or will we humbly pray, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Please focus on Jesus, the ultimate Servant, who intentionally came to seek your good through his life of love, death on the cross, and triumphant resurrection. May God help us cling to and ponder the treasure of our salvation today and always.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, this Christmas, when I’m tempted to focus on fear and then escape into the numbing rabbit holes of social media or binge-watching, gently nudge my heart to stop and follow Mary’s example. Help me intentionally examine and ponder “all these things” revealed in your Word and the many blessings in my life. Remind me to treasure the laughter of a child, the comfort found in a friend’s text, the miracle of a snowflake, and, most of all, the priceless gift of salvation found warm and real, lying in a manger. Then move me to boldly share this amazing treasure with the world around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Gina Grove
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 16

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:00:40 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 16

Isaiah 8:16-10:4 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 16

Bible reading based on Isaiah 8:16-10:4 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1216db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

¹⁶ Bind up the testimony
and seal up the law among my disciples.

¹⁷ I will wait for the LORD,
who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob.
I will put my trust in him.

¹⁸Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.

¹⁹ When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? ²⁰ To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. ²¹ Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. ²²Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.

Isaiah 9

To Us a Child Is Born

¹Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

² The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death ^[a]
a light has dawned.

³ You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

⁴ For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

⁵ Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

⁶ For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, ^[b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

The Lord ‘s Anger Against Israel

⁸ The Lord has sent a message against Jacob;
it will fall on Israel.

⁹ All the people will know it—
Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria—
who say with pride
and arrogance of heart,

¹⁰ “The bricks have fallen down,
but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled,
but we will replace them with cedars.”

¹¹ But the LORD has strengthened Rezin’s foes against them
and has spurred their enemies on.

¹² Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west
have devoured Israel with open mouth.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

¹³ But the people have not returned to him who struck them,
nor have they sought the LORD Almighty.

¹⁴ So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail,
both palm branch and reed in a single day;

¹⁵ the elders and prominent men are the head,
the prophets who teach lies are the tail.

¹⁶ Those who guide this people mislead them,
and those who are guided are led astray.

¹⁷ Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men,
nor will he pity the fatherless and widows,
for everyone is ungodly and wicked,
every mouth speaks vileness.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

¹⁸ Surely wickedness burns like a fire;
it consumes briers and thorns,
it sets the forest thickets ablaze,
so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke.

¹⁹ By the wrath of the LORD Almighty
the land will be scorched
and the people will be fuel for the fire;
no one will spare his brother.

²⁰ On the right they will devour,
but still be hungry;
on the left they will eat,
but not be satisfied.
Each will feed on the flesh of his own offspring ^[c]:

²¹ Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh;
together they will turn against Judah.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

Isaiah 10

¹ Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,

² to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.

³ What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?

⁴ Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 9:2 Or land of darkness
Isaiah 9:6 Or Wonderful, Counselor
Isaiah 9:20 Or arm

The Guard – December 16, 2021

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:00:35 GMT

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

The Guard

Daily Devotion – December 16, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 4:7
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211216dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Just outside Washington, DC, a guard is marching back and forth in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. To serve as a guard demands superb focus, discipline, and devotion to duty. A soldier first receives special training that is long, exacting, and difficult. The first phase of the training has a 60 percent fail rate. The second phase has 90 percent.

In addition, no one should ever make the mistake of presuming the guard on duty is not serious about protecting the dignity of the tomb. YouTube has several examples of what happens when an immature tourist decides to challenge the guard in some way. Every time, the results for the tourist are not pleasant.

Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, a guard is there. That elite sentinel is always watching, vigilant, and prepared to protect.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi, he was writing to people who knew about military life. Many retired soldiers called Philippi home. Anyone who had served as a Roman soldier knew the profound seriousness of serving as a guard. Failure in such duty could mean your execution.

Paul, therefore, meant something when he promised the Philippian Christians that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace, of which Paul spoke, was not some sentimental wish. Rather, it was a specific peace that Christ Jesus had conquered for them on their behalf. He had conquered it for them through the sinless life he had lived in their place. He had conquered it for them through his suffering and death for their every sin. And now, because Jesus lived, the peace of God they possessed would guard their hearts and minds. Through the troubles and griefs of a broken world, the peace of God would be on duty, always watching, always vigilant, always prepared to protect.

In those moments in our lives when the storms are fierce, when the stress is great, when our weakness is clear, the peace of God is on duty. It’s right by our side, just as Jesus is.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your peace stands guard over me always. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

The Guard – December 16, 2021

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 07:00:35 GMT

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

The Guard

Daily Devotion – December 16, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 4:7
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211216dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, a guard is there. That elite sentinel is always watching, vigilant, and prepared to protect.

In those moments in our lives when the storms are fierce, when the stress is great, when our weakness is clear, the peace of God is on duty. It’s right by our side, just as Jesus is.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your peace stands guard over me always. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Advent Devotion – Day 15

WELS — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:00:26 GMT

Star Witnesses

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:15-18

The account of Jesus’ birth mentions many people who were either directly involved with the blessed event or witnesses to it. God wanted us to know how Jesus came into the world to learn from the actions and reactions of those involved.

The shepherds were star witnesses. (Not to be confused with the Wise Men who were witnesses because of a star.) They dropped everything and spread the word. As witnessing goes, they set the standard high—so high that I often find myself repenting for my lack of conviction as a witnessing Christian.

Seek my Savior? Maybe I after I get one more thing done.

Tell others about Jesus? It’s uncomfortable to be that direct.

Glorify and praise God? It just won’t feel like Christmas this year.

With a repentant heart, I turn back to the word, looking for some comfort and joy in this Luke 2 account. And then I see it. A gem.

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).

The key to being a good witness is not found in what the shepherds did but focusing on what God did.
Consider this:

God provided clarity: God sent the angels to tell the shepherds what had happened, what they would see, what they could expect as a result. With simple curiosity and faith, the shepherds went to see.
God spoke truth: The shepherds saw that everything God did was just as they had been told. Wherever they went, the shepherds explained that what they saw was exactly what God said they would see.
God provided a moving experience: God’s words had power to move the hearts of the shepherds to seek Jesus. They were so amazed by what they saw that they talked about it with others. (“You’ll never guess what happened at work today!”) It was all so remarkable that they could not help but praise God.
God kept a promise: Anyone who dug into the scriptures afterward would plainly see that all of these events were indeed the fulfillment of God’s promises: The long-awaited Savior.

The witnessing lesson here is beautifully simple: What do you see God doing in your life? What does God say in his Word that relates to your circumstances? Talk about that.

“Feel-Felt-Found” is a common witnessing technique. The shepherds used this method long before it became popular in witnessing workshops.

Do you feel afraid? I know what you mean. One night at work, a bunch of angels appeared out of nowhere and lit up the sky. We felt terrified, just like you are now! But God told us not to be afraid. He told us what we could expect to see. And you know what? We found his words to be true!

In 2020 and 2021, my shepherd-like witnessing might go something like this:

I understand how you feel. I’ve felt lonely, too, with so many events cancelled. I’ve found great comfort in Jesus’ words, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” That’s the truth I celebrate at Christmas time—God is with us!

God made the shepherds his witnesses way back then, and he makes us his witnesses now, amid the unique events of our lifetime. Witness wherever he has placed you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for all your promises kept at Christmas. Please work in my heart, so that I may be moved to tell others about the work you are doing in my life. Make me an effective witness to the comfort and joy you bring to all people through your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Written by Angie Molkentin
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 15

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 07:00:25 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 15

Isaiah 7-8:15 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 15

Bible reading based on Isaiah 7-8:15 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1215db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 7

The Sign of Immanuel

¹When Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem, but they could not overpower it.

² Now the house of David was told, “Aram has allied itself with ^[a]Ephraim”; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.

³ Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, ^[b] to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman’s Field. ⁴ Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. ⁵ Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah’s son have plotted your ruin, saying, ⁶ “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” ⁷ Yet this is what the Sovereign LORD says:
” ‘It will not take place,
it will not happen,

⁸ for the head of Aram is Damascus,
and the head of Damascus is only Rezin.
Within sixty-five years
Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people.

⁹ The head of Ephraim is Samaria,
and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son.
If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.’ ”

¹⁰ Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, ¹¹“Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”

¹²But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”

¹³ Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? ¹⁴ Therefore the Lord himself will give you ^[c] a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and ^[d] will call him Immanuel. ^[e] ¹⁵ He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. ¹⁶ But before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste. ¹⁷The LORD will bring on you and on your people and on the house of your father a time unlike any since Ephraim broke away from Judah—he will bring the king of Assyria.”

¹⁸ In that day the LORD will whistle for flies from the distant streams of Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. ¹⁹ They will all come and settle in the steep ravines and in the crevices in the rocks, on all the thornbushes and at all the water holes. ²⁰ In that day the Lord will use a razor hired from beyond the River ^[f] —the king of Assyria—to shave your head and the hair of your legs, and to take off your beards also. ²¹ In that day, a man will keep alive a young cow and two goats. ²² And because of the abundance of the milk they give, he will have curds to eat. All who remain in the land will eat curds and honey. ²³ In that day, in every place where there were a thousand vines worth a thousand silver shekels, ^[g] there will be only briers and thorns. ²⁴ Men will go there with bow and arrow, for the land will be covered with briers and thorns. ²⁵As for all the hills once cultivated by the hoe, you will no longer go there for fear of the briers and thorns; they will become places where cattle are turned loose and where sheep run.

Isaiah 8

Assyria, the LORD’s Instrument

¹ The LORD said to me, “Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. ^[h] ²And I will call in Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah as reliable witnesses for me.”

³ Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the LORD said to me, “Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. ⁴Before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

⁵The LORD spoke to me again:

⁶ “Because this people has rejected
the gently flowing waters of Shiloah
and rejoices over Rezin
and the son of Remaliah,

⁷ therefore the Lord is about to bring against them
the mighty floodwaters of the River ^[i]—
the king of Assyria with all his pomp.
It will overflow all its channels,
run over all its banks

⁸ and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it,
passing through it and reaching up to the neck.
Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land,
O Immanuel ^[j]!”

⁹ Raise the war cry, ^[k] you nations, and be shattered!
Listen, all you distant lands.
Prepare for battle, and be shattered!
Prepare for battle, and be shattered!

¹⁰ Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted;
propose your plan, but it will not stand,
for God is with us. ^[l]

Fear God

¹¹The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:

¹² “Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy ^[m] ;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.

¹³ The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,

¹⁴ and he will be a sanctuary;
but for both houses of Israel he will be
a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem he will be
a trap and a snare.

¹⁵ Many of them will stumble;
they will fall and be broken,
they will be snared and captured.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 7:2 Or has set up camp in
Isaiah 7:3 Shear-Jashub means a remnant will return .
Isaiah 7:14 The Hebrew is plural.
Isaiah 7:14 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls and he or and they
Isaiah 7:14 Immanuel means God with us .
Isaiah 7:20 That is, the Euphrates
Isaiah 7:23 That is, about 25 pounds (about 11.5 kilograms)
Isaiah 8:1 Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz means quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil ; also in verse 3.
Isaiah 8:7 That is, the Euphrates
Isaiah 8:8 Immanuel means God with us .
Isaiah 8:9 Or Do your worst
Isaiah 8:10 Hebrew Immanuel
Isaiah 8:12 Or Do not call for a treaty / every time these people call for a treaty

The Enemy of Grief – December 15, 2021

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 07:00:06 GMT

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10

The Enemy of Grief

Daily Devotion – December 15, 2021

Devotion based on Nehemiah 8:10
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211215dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Not long ago, a journalist by the name of Amy Paturel was driving to see her father. He was dying and did not have long to live. She stopped to gas up her car. She then promptly got back into her car and drove off—only to discover, too late, she had left the nozzle in her tank.

A neurologist by the name of Lisa Schulman describes a similar experience. Several months after her husband’s death, Lisa was running a simple errand but somehow got lost. In that moment, she could not remember where she was or how she got there. She had to use the GPS on her phone to find her way home.

Such is the power of grief.

Researchers have discovered that grief can have the same impact on the brain as blunt force trauma. Signals between your left and right hemisphere take unexpected routes. Your body releases a cocktail of chemicals that affects how you process information. In addition, the journey of grief has no shortcuts. As someone has said, “Grief is a desert that must be crossed on foot.”

Profound grief is, perhaps, one of the strongest reminders we have that you and I live in a shattered world; a world shattered by sin—yours and mine.

When God the Son entered our time and space, he experienced our grief first-hand. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows,” Isaiah chapter 53 proclaims. But his whole purpose for stepping into our grief-stricken world was to see to it that grief would not have the last word. In our place, he lived a life of perfect holiness. As our substitute, he marched to the cross and paid our debt of sin in full. Then, to demonstrate his victory, he rose from death.

Does this mean that you and I will never experience grief? No, it does not. However, it does mean that as bitter as our tears of grief may be, such tears are temporary. We will taste them in this life alone. But the tears of joy are eternal. Because Jesus lives, the tears of joy we will taste forever.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me that my tears of grief are temporary, and my tears of joy are eternal. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

The Enemy of Grief – December 15, 2021

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 07:00:06 GMT

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10

The Enemy of Grief

Daily Devotion – December 15, 2021

Devotion based on Nehemiah 8:10
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211215dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Such is the power of grief.

Profound grief is, perhaps, one of the strongest reminders we have that you and I live in a shattered world; a world shattered by sin—yours and mine.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, remind me that my tears of grief are temporary, and my tears of joy are eternal. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Believe the Christmas miracles

Michael Woldt — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 22:18:05 GMT

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:20,21,24)

Can you imagine the reaction as people from Nazareth listened to Joseph tell his story? No, he wasn’t going to divorce Mary. Yes, he remained committed to her. She hadn’t been unfaithful after all! Her pregnancy was a miracle! The child in her womb had been conceived by the Holy Spirit! An angel told him!

Believing in the virgin birth

Were there looks of pity in the eyes of Joseph’s friends as they walked away? Did they shake their heads in disbelief? Did they think to themselves, “Joseph might be a good carpenter, but how can he be such a fool? Everyone knows how a woman gets pregnant. Mary must have cheated on him.”

Despite what others may have thought, Joseph believed. He believed, not because he was delusional or a romantic fool. Joseph believed, not because the angel’s message made logical sense. Joseph believed because the same Holy Spirit who caused Mary to conceive had created faith in his heart.

People today still shake their heads in disbelief at Christians who confess that a virgin gave birth to a son in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night. The proud human mind sits in judgment over God’s message and declares, “It just doesn’t make sense. You’d have to be a fool to believe that ancient myth.”

Yet, contrary to all logic, we continue to proclaim each Christmas that a virgin gave birth. We believe, not because it makes sense. We believe because God has spoken to us through the pages of Holy Scripture. We believe because the Holy Spirit has worked the miracle of faith in our hearts too.

Believing in our Savior

We also believe the most astonishing part of the angel’s message. The real mystery is not the virgin birth itself. The truly incredible revelation in the angel’s message is found in the child himself, the son who was to be given the name Jesus.

Why should the holy God care about a world of sinful people who rebel against him? Why would Jesus, true God, humble himself and be born into a world that despises and rejects him? Why would Jesus willingly live under the law knowing that his whole life on earth was leading to the agony of the cross? Would God really do all that to save people from sin? It just doesn’t make sense! But it’s true! Jesus did come to save people from sin! Jesus came to save you and me from sin. Our Christmas hope and joy is wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.

Let the rest of the world scoff at our celebration of Christmas. Let people shake their heads and call us fools. We acknowledge that the Christmas story is incredible, but we also know that it’s true. We have God’s word on it. A virgin did give birth to a son. His name is Jesus. Jesus is our Joy. Jesus is our Peace. Jesus is the One who came from the Father, full of grace and truth!

Author: Michael A. Woldt
Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

Advent Devotion – Day 14

WELS — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:00:53 GMT

Called to Be God’s Unlikely Witness

When they had seen [Jesus], they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:17,18

I like to imagine the shepherds spreading the news of Jesus’ birth that first Christmas. After seeing for themselves that the Messiah had indeed come, they served as God’s first human witnesses that he had fulfilled his promise. Was it still the middle of the night? Did they rouse friends and acquaintances from their beds? Were they singing in the dark streets of Bethlehem? Whatever the circumstances of their telling, the results were the same: all who heard the message were amazed.

Shepherds were an unlikely choice for such a mission. They are not the group that first-century Jews would have chosen for any type of announcement, let alone news that was truly earth-shattering.

In Jewish society, shepherds were low men on the totem pole. They had a reputation for dishonesty and thievery. Rabbis instructed their fellow Jews not to buy wool or milk from shepherds, but rather assume these were stolen property. Shepherds were also barred from testifying in court.¹

Think about it. That first Christmas, God chose men with so little social standing that their testimony was inadmissible in court!

It reminds me of another unlikely choice for witnesses. This group also lacked social clout and also were not permitted to testify in court. Thirty-three years after the shepherds heralded Jesus’ birth, a small band of women rushed to Jerusalem with another amazing message from angels: the crucified Jesus had risen from the dead!

God bookended Jesus’ saving work with witnesses that no human would have chosen.

But God’s ways are not our ways. God calls witnesses independent of their social standing, perceived speaking ability (Exodus 4:10,11), education level (Acts 4:13), checkered past (John 4:17-30), terrible reputation (Luke 5:27-30, Luke 19:1-7) or any other reason that human reason would use to disqualify such choices.

And, in his wisdom, God calls you. You are God’s witnesses, whom he has thoughtfully situated in your own unique sphere of influence.

Perhaps, though, you are thinking to yourself that you really are like the shepherds… not very influential at all.

Are you a college student wondering what you possibly could say to the professor with a string of letters after his name? Are you the “low person on the totem pole” at work, thinking that no one would listen anyway if you spoke up? Do you say to yourself, “I’m just a layperson.” Or “I’m just a grandparent.” Or “I’m just [fill in the blank].”

You are not the reason people receive the message with amazement. Neither am I. Isn’t that one of the truths God seeks to highlight with his unlikely choices? It’s not about the witnesses; it’s about the Word.

This Word is a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It slices through the pretensions that sinners have constructed, cutting to the heart and judging it with authority. This Word is dynamite (Romans 1:16). Its explosive power blasts away the hard rock of unbelief and fills the heart with awe. All God calls us to do is simply unleash that awesome, authoritative power.

This Christmas embrace your mission as God’s own witnesses. Take the angels’ message into your Bethlehem with renewed confidence. Wake the spiritually asleep with joyful news. Sing in the streets, or your workplace, or the grocery store, or wherever your daily tasks take you. The Messiah has come! The Savior has been born!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, this Christmas we thank and praise you for choosing us to be your witnesses. Forgive us for the times we have focused on ourselves rather than the power of the Word. Reawaken in us the joy of sharing the angels’ good news. Send the Holy Spirit to kindle faith in every heart. In our Savior’s name we pray, Amen.

¹ https://israelmyglory.org/article/a-night-in-the-fields/

Written by Mollie Schairer
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Body Language – December 14, 2021

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 07:00:43 GMT

“Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.”
Zephaniah 3:16,17

Body Language

Daily Devotion – December 14, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:16,17
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211214dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

One of the greatest speeches in all of Shakespeare is the “Band of Brothers” speech from Henry V. The play is based on actual events.

Here’s the scene. It is the night before the English must wage a great battle with the French. The English Army is exhausted, hungry, and sick. The French Army is healthy, well-rested, and well-fed. In addition, the French outnumber the English by four-to-one. The body language in the English forces is clear. Their heads are down. Their shoulders slouch. Their hands are limp in despair.

But then along comes their mighty warrior-king, Henry V. To his men, he delivers such a rousing speech that, by the end, their body language has changed. Their heads are up. And their hands are no longer limp in despair. Rather, they raise their hands high. They are ready to fight the good fight. The next day, victory is theirs.

In Zephaniah chapter 3, the Word of God is speaking to the Lord’s people to a moment when their hands are hanging limp in despair. Do you ever feel that way—so haunted by your regrets that your hands feel limp, so troubled by things you cannot take back that you are dazed and paralyzed about the future?

“Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp,” God’s Word says. Then he tells us why. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.” God has come. God the Son has arrived in the person of Jesus Christ. He has defeated the forces of evil on our behalf. He has lived a life of perfect goodness in our place. He has canceled the guilt of our sin through his suffering and death on the cross.

And now he lives. Through faith in him, you and I stand forgiven. We are his, and he is our King. He stands by our side. He is mighty to save. For this reason, we can move forward. We can fight the good fight of the faith. For in Jesus, the King, all is well.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my King. You are by my side. Move me to march forward with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Body Language – December 14, 2021

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 07:00:43 GMT

“Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.”
Zephaniah 3:16,17

Body Language

Daily Devotion – December 14, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:16,17
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211214dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

One of the greatest speeches in all of Shakespeare is the “Band of Brothers” speech from Henry V. The play is based on actual events.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my King. You are by my side. Move me to march forward with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 14

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 07:00:01 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 14

Isaiah 6 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 14

Bible reading based on Isaiah 6 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1214db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 6

Isaiah’s Commission

¹ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. ² Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³ And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.”

⁴At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

⁵“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”

⁶ Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ⁷With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

⁹ He said, “Go and tell this people:
” ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

¹⁰ Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes. ^[a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.”

¹¹ Then I said, “For how long, O Lord?”
And he answered:
“Until the cities lie ruined
and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
and the fields ruined and ravaged,

¹² until the LORD has sent everyone far away
and the land is utterly forsaken.

¹³ And though a tenth remains in the land,
it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
leave stumps when they are cut down,
so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 6:10 Hebrew; Septuagint ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; / you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / 10 This people’s heart has become calloused; / they hardly hear with their ears, / and they have closed their eyes

Advent Devotion – Day 13

WELS — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:00:37 GMT

Bring Joy to the World

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:9-11

An angel. A message. Joy.

Simple ingredients for a holiday menu. One angel. One message and joy for billions!

Angels are God’s messengers. They were created and entrusted by God for exceptional service and extraordinary tasks. They were sent to announce world-changing events, to confront and destroy, to encourage, to protect and comfort, to gather the elect, and to sing God’s praises. Not the least of their tasks was to bring joy to the world!

We would agree with those who record such things that it’s an amazing event to be visited by angels, no matter the number. The mere presence of one angel along with God’s brilliant glory out in a dark field gripped these shepherds with terror. Nothing prepared them for such a sight of blinding wonder as it ripped through their senses. In that glorious but frightening light, they heard divine, angelic words: “Do not be afraid,” words only possible because of the breaking news that followed. The long-awaited Savior had come! The Messiah, the LORD, was now on earth, here to save his people! Release and freedom from bondage to sin was theirs. Their relationship with the God of free and faithful love was restored. Great joy, indeed! “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10,11).

News affects people in different ways. Out in the field that first Christmas night the effect of the angel message was immediate. “They spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Martin Luther took note of the fact that “simple shepherds are now apostles and prophets!” * The joy from hearing the message was too much for them to contain. It couldn’t be kept—it was for all people!

How does the angel message affect us? At times we might feel like a lowly shepherd isolated out in a dark field. Or we might experience the grip of fear by what’s revealed in broad daylight—our failings and sins, misunderstandings, heavy responsibilities, painful illnesses and losses, endless demands and decisions, and the sheer weariness of it all. We go back to the message. The message will probably not change our challenging circumstances, but it sheds light on them; the light of God’s joy that brightens the night and banishes fear. Wrap each troubling thought or circumstance in the angel message and tuck it in with the Christ Child. Then go bring the marvelous message of joy to others. Send a text, make a call, or deliver a card. Just get it out… to your college/apartment roommate, your neighbor, your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents, your extended family, your classmate or instructor, your package/food deliverer, your frontline worker, your homebound church member, your caregiver, your co-worker, your congregational leaders.

It’s quite a privilege to be God’s messenger given the task of bringing joy to the world!

Prayer:

Holy Christ Child, may the power of your Word turn our darkness to light and our terror to great joy. May we too be your messengers, that we not contain it but proclaim it! Amen.

* Martin Luther Christmas Book, Roland H. Bainton, 1948

Written by Sally Valleskey
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Liberation – December 13, 2021

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:54 GMT

The LORD . . . has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
Zephaniah 3:15

Liberation

Daily Devotion – December 13, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:15
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211213dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

It is August 25, 1944. An AP correspondent by the name of Don Whitehead has been traveling with Allied forces as they slowly drive the Nazis out of France. Now the Allies are on the outskirts of Paris. For four terrible years, the residents of Paris have been under the boot of Hitler’s tyranny. Today, however, the tyranny is over. The enemy has fled. Paris is free.

Later that day, Whitehead reports what he saw. “[W]hen the last enemy resistance crumbled…[Paris] went mad—wildly, violently mad—with happiness. All the emotions suppressed by four years of [Nazi] domination surged through the people. The streets of the city, as we entered, were like a combined Mardi Gras, Fourth of July celebration, American Legion convention and New Year’s Eve in Times Square all packed into one.”

Another reporter, who is there later writes, “[We] drove into Paris with eyes that would not stay dry, and we were no more ashamed of it than were the people who wept as they embraced us.”

That day in Paris came to be known as Liberation Day. Throughout Paris that day, there was a titanic explosion of tears, laughter, relief, and joy. Those who were there would remember it for the rest of their lives.

By nature, you and I were under the boot of an enemy as well. It was the tyranny of our own sin. There we were trapped, enslaved, imprisoned, chained hand and foot to the curse of our own impulses and rebellious desires. Left to ourselves, we would have died alone, lost, forever separated from God.

But Jesus came. The Son of God became one of us. On our behalf, he lived a life of perfect goodness. In our place, he suffered and died for our every sin. Then he rose. Through his work in our place, Jesus has turned our enemy away. Instead of fear, there is now joy. Instead of anxiety, there is now thankfulness and relief. Instead of despair, there is now a sure and living hope.

But unlike Liberation Day in Paris, our joy does not fade. In Christ, the joy of our Liberation Day lasts forever.

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus. You have set me free. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Liberation – December 13, 2021

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:54 GMT

The LORD . . . has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
Zephaniah 3:15

Liberation

Daily Devotion – December 13, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:15
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211213dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Another reporter, who is there later writes, “[We] drove into Paris with eyes that would not stay dry, and we were no more ashamed of it than were the people who wept as they embraced us.”

But unlike Liberation Day in Paris, our joy does not fade. In Christ, the joy of our Liberation Day lasts forever.

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus. You have set me free. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 13

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:42 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 13

Isaiah 5 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 13

Bible reading based on Isaiah 5 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1213db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 5

The Song of the Vineyard

¹ I will sing for the one I love
a song about his vineyard:
My loved one had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside.

² He dug it up and cleared it of stones
and planted it with the choicest vines.
He built a watchtower in it
and cut out a winepress as well.
Then he looked for a crop of good grapes,
but it yielded only bad fruit.

³ “Now you dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard.

⁴ What more could have been done for my vineyard
than I have done for it?
When I looked for good grapes,
why did it yield only bad?

⁵ Now I will tell you
what I am going to do to my vineyard:
I will take away its hedge,
and it will be destroyed;
I will break down its wall,
and it will be trampled.

⁶ I will make it a wasteland,
neither pruned nor cultivated,
and briers and thorns will grow there.
I will command the clouds
not to rain on it.”

⁷ The vineyard of the LORD Almighty
is the house of Israel,
and the men of Judah
are the garden of his delight.
And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed;
for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

Woes and Judgments

⁸ Woe to you who add house to house
and join field to field
till no space is left
and you live alone in the land.

⁹ The LORD Almighty has declared in my hearing:
“Surely the great houses will become desolate,
the fine mansions left without occupants.

¹⁰ A ten-acre ^[a] vineyard will produce only a bath ^[b] of wine,
a homer ^[c] of seed only an ephah ^[d]of grain.”

¹¹ Woe to those who rise early in the morning
to run after their drinks,
who stay up late at night
till they are inflamed with wine.

¹² They have harps and lyres at their banquets,
tambourines and flutes and wine,
but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD,
no respect for the work of his hands.

¹³ Therefore my people will go into exile
for lack of understanding;
their men of rank will die of hunger
and their masses will be parched with thirst.

¹⁴ Therefore the grave ^[e] enlarges its appetite
and opens its mouth without limit;
into it will descend their nobles and masses
with all their brawlers and revelers.

¹⁵ So man will be brought low
and mankind humbled,
the eyes of the arrogant humbled.

¹⁶ But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice,
and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness.

¹⁷ Then sheep will graze as in their own pasture;
lambs will feed ^[f]among the ruins of the rich.

¹⁸ Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit,
and wickedness as with cart ropes,

¹⁹ to those who say, “Let God hurry,
let him hasten his work
so we may see it.
Let it approach,
let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come,
so we may know it.”

²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.

²¹ Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.

²² Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,

²³ who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.

²⁴ Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw
and as dry grass sinks down in the flames,
so their roots will decay
and their flowers blow away like dust;
for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty
and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.

²⁵ Therefore the LORD’s anger burns against his people;
his hand is raised and he strikes them down.
The mountains shake,
and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

²⁶ He lifts up a banner for the distant nations,
he whistles for those at the ends of the earth.
Here they come,
swiftly and speedily!

²⁷ Not one of them grows tired or stumbles,
not one slumbers or sleeps;
not a belt is loosened at the waist,
not a sandal thong is broken.

²⁸ Their arrows are sharp,
all their bows are strung;
their horses’ hoofs seem like flint,
their chariot wheels like a whirlwind.

²⁹ Their roar is like that of the lion,
they roar like young lions;
they growl as they seize their prey
and carry it off with no one to rescue.

³⁰ In that day they will roar over it
like the roaring of the sea.
And if one looks at the land,
he will see darkness and distress;
even the light will be darkened by the clouds.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 5:10 Hebrew ten-yoke , that is, the land plowed by 10 yoke of oxen in one day
Isaiah 5:10 That is, probably about 6 gallons (about 22 liters)
Isaiah 5:10 That is, probably about 6 bushels (about 220 liters)
Isaiah 5:10 That is, probably about 3/5 bushel (about 22 liters)
Isaiah 5:14 Hebrew Sheol
Isaiah 5:17 Septuagint; Hebrew / strangers will eat

Advent Devotion – Day 12

WELS — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 12:00:21 GMT

Unstoppable Praise

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13,14

Some Christmas Eve services go like this: You and your fellow members start preparing for the biggest service of the church year in November. The choir puts in extra hours of practice. Sunday School kids, or the congregation’s grade-schoolers, first mangle and finally memorize their passages. The sanctuary gets a Christmas makeover. Invites are designed and printed. Doors are knocked, pavement pounded. So much effort is invested in this one service, because it is an event that draws the unchurched, the drifting, and the doubting back through the church doors.

Christmas Eve finally arrives. The service goes flawlessly. The kids were cute, but not too cute. The tiny choir sounded angelic. But, oh the disappointment! Whole pews were empty. You wonder, was it really worth all the effort?

Well, let’s ask the angels, shall we? On that first Christmas Eve, God didn’t send a barbershop quartet to the shepherds. He sent thousands of messengers—an angel army! An army to announce peace. An army to erupt in praise. Their glorias shook the sky. But now check out the angels’ audience. They weren’t much to look at. There was just a handful of them. They weren’t strategic members of society who would bolster the angels’ outreach efforts. They were shepherds—smelly, scruffy, sidelined. But the size and social connections of their audience did not dismay the angels. That’s because their praise had nothing to do with their audience and everything to do with their God of grace. He had gifted earth with his Son, and the angels simply couldn’t contain their praise.

This Christmas, as you prepare to share the awesome story of Jesus’ birth with your community, don’t think about who or how many will be in your pews. Chances are many seats will stand empty in the continued pandemic. But God’s peace was won for that guy in the stained coat, sitting by himself with his head down. The end of fear was won for that small but faithful row of widows in the back. Heavenly joy was won for that neighborhood kid who wandered in because he saw the pretty lights. God’s grace was won for you.

So, prepare to share the wonderful message of a Savior with whoever comes to hear. Keep your heart fixed on God’s amazing gift—and you simply won’t be able to contain your praise.

Prayer:

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. Amen.

Written by Sarah Habben
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Singing Over You – December 12, 2021

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 07:00:43 GMT

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Singing Over You

Daily Devotion – December 12, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:17
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211212dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

When my family brought home our Christmas tree this year, something spontaneous and special happened. As our three oldest children began to decorate, each child also began to sing their own Christmas song to themselves. One was humming, “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed…” Another was singing, “Red is the color of the blood that flowed down the face of someone who loved us…” The little one was making up her own tune about ornaments and Jesus and lights. Each precious heart was lost in its own little world, singing quietly, decorating joyfully. For once, there was actually no arguing or fighting!

And two smiling parents were drinking it all in.

Little Christians singing joyfully to themselves is a precious picture. Did you know that the Bible paints a similar picture of God’s thoughts towards you? The prophet Zephaniah records, “The LORD your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

It’s true! The Lord has taken great delight in you. Don’t be mistaken—this Lord is no pushover. He is mighty, and he held every right to come to earth as a pulverizing conqueror. But instead, he came as a baby. He came not to conquer but to rescue! He came not to punish but for peace! He will quiet your conscience with his full and free forgiveness, even for the sins you’re ashamed to remember. He will rejoice over you with his singing. The Savior’s heart is lost in his deep concern for you, gazing at you, beaming inside, singing because of you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking great delight in me, so much that you were willing to lay down your very own life for me. Quiet my soul as I drink in your promises and give me courage as I picture you singing over me and remember that you are with me always. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Singing Over You – December 12, 2021

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 07:00:43 GMT

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Singing Over You

Daily Devotion – December 12, 2021

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:17
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211212dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

And two smiling parents were drinking it all in.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking great delight in me, so much that you were willing to lay down your very own life for me. Quiet my soul as I drink in your promises and give me courage as I picture you singing over me and remember that you are with me always. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 12

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 07:00:13 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 12

Isaiah 2-4 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 12

Bible reading based on Isaiah 2-4 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1212db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 2

The Mountain of the Lord

¹This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:

² In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as chief among the mountains;
it will be raised above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.

³ Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

⁴ He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.

⁵ Come, O house of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the LORD.

The Day of the Lord

⁶ You have abandoned your people,
the house of Jacob.
They are full of superstitions from the East;
they practice divination like the Philistines
and clasp hands with pagans.

⁷ Their land is full of silver and gold;
there is no end to their treasures.
Their land is full of horses;
there is no end to their chariots.

⁸ Their land is full of idols;
they bow down to the work of their hands,
to what their fingers have made.

⁹ So man will be brought low
and mankind humbled—
do not forgive them. ^[a]

¹⁰ Go into the rocks,
hide in the ground
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty!

¹¹ The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled
and the pride of men brought low;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

¹² The LORD Almighty has a day in store
for all the proud and lofty,
for all that is exalted
(and they will be humbled),

¹³ for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty,
and all the oaks of Bashan,

¹⁴ for all the towering mountains
and all the high hills,

¹⁵ for every lofty tower
and every fortified wall,

¹⁶ for every trading ship ^[b]
and every stately vessel.

¹⁷ The arrogance of man will be brought low
and the pride of men humbled;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

¹⁸and the idols will totally disappear.

¹⁹ Men will flee to caves in the rocks
and to holes in the ground
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

²⁰ In that day men will throw away
to the rodents and bats
their idols of silver and idols of gold,
which they made to worship.

²¹ They will flee to caverns in the rocks
and to the overhanging crags
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

²² Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?

Isaiah 3

Judgment on Jerusalem and Judah

¹ See now, the Lord,
the LORD Almighty,
is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah
both supply and support:
all supplies of food and all supplies of water,

² the hero and warrior,
the judge and prophet,
the soothsayer and elder,

³ the captain of fifty and man of rank,
the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter.

⁴ I will make boys their officials;
mere children will govern them.

⁵ People will oppress each other—
man against man, neighbor against neighbor.
The young will rise up against the old,
the base against the honorable.

⁶ A man will seize one of his brothers
at his father’s home, and say,
“You have a cloak, you be our leader;
take charge of this heap of ruins!”

⁷ But in that day he will cry out,
“I have no remedy.
I have no food or clothing in my house;
do not make me the leader of the people.”

⁸ Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the LORD,
defying his glorious presence.

⁹ The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.

¹⁰ Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

¹¹ Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!
They will be paid back for what their hands have done.

¹² Youths oppress my people,
women rule over them.
O my people, your guides lead you astray;
they turn you from the path.

¹³ The LORD takes his place in court;
he rises to judge the people.

¹⁴ The LORD enters into judgment
against the elders and leaders of his people:
“It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
the plunder from the poor is in your houses.

¹⁵ What do you mean by crushing my people
and grinding the faces of the poor?”
declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

¹⁶ The LORD says,
“The women of Zion are haughty,
walking along with outstretched necks,
flirting with their eyes,
tripping along with mincing steps,
with ornaments jingling on their ankles.

¹⁷ Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;
the LORD will make their scalps bald.”

¹⁸ In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, ¹⁹ the earrings and bracelets and veils, ²⁰ the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, ²¹ the signet rings and nose rings, ²² the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses ²³and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

²⁴ Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
instead of a sash, a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
instead of beauty, branding.

²⁵ Your men will fall by the sword,
your warriors in battle.

²⁶ The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
destitute, she will sit on the ground.

Isaiah 4

¹ In that day seven women
will take hold of one man
and say, “We will eat our own food
and provide our own clothes;
only let us be called by your name.
Take away our disgrace!”

The Branch of the Lord

² In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. ³ Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. ⁴ The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit ^[c] of judgment and a spirit ^[d] of fire. ⁵ Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. ⁶ It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 2:9 Or not raise them up
Isaiah 2:16 Hebrew every ship of Tarshish
Isaiah 4:4 Or the Spirit
Isaiah 4:4 Or the Spirit

Advent Devotion – Day 11

WELS — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 12:00:29 GMT

Life Interrupted

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about his child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:8-20

On the fields near Bethlehem, it was the shepherd’s responsibility to keep the sheep safe from predators or thieves. It was definitely a lowly task and not what one would necessarily aspire to be. But it had to be done. These particular sheep were most likely needed for temple sacrifices. Sins must be atoned for. Blood must be shed.

It was in the middle of this work that their night was suddenly interrupted in a most spectacular way. An angel of the Lord came to the lowliest of mankind and announced the good news of Jesus’ birth! He told them exactly what to look for. And then to proclaim in a most spectacular way the Lord’s eternal glory and faithful love, the sky filled with an army of angels full of praise in response to this message of eternal significance!

They immediately went to see for themselves that which the angels had told them about. They didn’t hesitate! It wasn’t as if what they were doing before wasn’t important. It was! This news, however, took priority in that moment. After all, God himself stepped off his throne and into a lowly manger, for us!

They took this interruption seriously! They could not keep quiet! They had to tell everyone what they had seen and heard. They were no longer only shepherds but were now joyful witnesses and heralds!

Notice though that they were still shepherds. They went back to the sheep that needed them. It was within their vocations that they continued to serve God and praise him for all he had done for them!

Oh, that we would find ourselves so pliable when our lives get interrupted! We might not have hosts of angels calling us to attention in the middle of a diaper change or a meeting at work, but we have plenty of interruptions in our daily lives that call our attention back to him. Our mundane tasks are still important for it is there that we serve God and our neighbor. But sometimes these interruptions are more than an inconvenience. They can rock our world, bring us to our knees, and make us look to him for help! If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that some of the biggest interruptions in life can offer some of the greatest gifts.

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, forgive me when I look at my life’s interruptions as something to avoid or even detest. Help me to see them as opportunities to prioritize and draw me closer to you. Thank you for the gift of faith and the privilege of being able to share the Gospel message with those around me. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Written by Rachel Halldorson
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Filled With Fruit – December 11, 2021

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:00:45 GMT

Be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11

Filled With Fruit

Daily Devotion – December 11, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:11
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211211dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

When I was in college, one of my roommates liked to eat at an all-you-can-eat buffet. One night he took that all-you-can-eat part as a challenge. He loaded up on mashed potatoes and gravy to the point of being so uncomfortable that someone else had driven home.

God tells us to stuff ourselves, but not with food for our stomachs nor with all kinds of things to satisfy our heart’s desires. We are to be filled with the fruit of righteousness.

Righteousness is the reason for which Jesus, the Son of God, was born and lived here on earth. For us to live with God forever, we need to be absolutely perfect. God requires us to be righteous. But none of us, no matter how good we try to be, can live up to God’s perfect standard. That’s why the birth of Jesus that we celebrate at Christmas is so important. In love for you, Jesus took on our human nature and lived a perfect, sinless life. The peace that Christmas brings us is the assurance that our relationship with God is restored. By grace, God credits us with the perfection of Jesus! We are righteous in God’s eyes through Jesus.

God’s Word says, “Be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” Fill your life with words and actions that demonstrate how thankful you are to Jesus for all he has done for you. Just like those thank-you notes that will soon be written for the Christmas gifts you receive, your life is a living thank-you to the Savior for the greatest gift you could ever receive. Demonstrate your love for Jesus with many acts of kindness and generosity towards people and with words overflowing with care and encouragement for others.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that this day I am filled with fruits of righteousness that bring glory to your name. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Filled With Fruit – December 11, 2021

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:00:45 GMT

Be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11

Filled With Fruit

Daily Devotion – December 11, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:11
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211211dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

God tells us to stuff ourselves, but not with food for our stomachs nor with all kinds of things to satisfy our heart’s desires. We are to be filled with the fruit of righteousness.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that this day I am filled with fruits of righteousness that bring glory to your name. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 11

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 07:00:26 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 11

Isaiah 1 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 11

Bible reading based on Isaiah 1 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1211db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Isaiah 1

¹The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

A Rebellious Nation

² Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth!
For the LORD has spoken:
“I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.

³ The ox knows his master,
the donkey his owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”

⁴ Ah, sinful nation,
a people loaded with guilt,
a brood of evildoers,
children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the LORD;
they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.

⁵ Why should you be beaten anymore?
Why do you persist in rebellion?
Your whole head is injured,
your whole heart afflicted.

⁶ From the sole of your foot to the top of your head
there is no soundness—
only wounds and welts
and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with oil.

⁷ Your country is desolate,
your cities burned with fire;
your fields are being stripped by foreigners
right before you,
laid waste as when overthrown by strangers.

⁸ The Daughter of Zion is left
like a shelter in a vineyard,
like a hut in a field of melons,
like a city under siege.

⁹ Unless the LORD Almighty
had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.

¹⁰ Hear the word of the LORD,
you rulers of Sodom;
listen to the law of our God,
you people of Gomorrah!

¹¹ “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the LORD.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

¹² When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?

¹³ Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

¹⁴ Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.

¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;

¹⁶ wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,

¹⁷ learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. ^[a]
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us reason together,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;

²⁰ but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

²¹ See how the faithful city
has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!

²² Your silver has become dross,
your choice wine is diluted with water.

²³ Your rulers are rebels,
companions of thieves;
they all love bribes
and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
the widow’s case does not come before them.

²⁴ Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
“Ah, I will get relief from my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.

²⁵ I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.

²⁶ I will restore your judges as in days of old,
your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City.”

²⁷ Zion will be redeemed with justice,
her penitent ones with righteousness.

²⁸ But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

²⁹ “You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks
in which you have delighted;
you will be disgraced because of the gardens
that you have chosen.

³⁰ You will be like an oak with fading leaves,
like a garden without water.

³¹ The mighty man will become tinder
and his work a spark;
both will burn together,
with no one to quench the fire.”

Footnotes:

Isaiah 1:17 Or / rebuke the oppressor

Advent Devotion – Day 10

WELS — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:00:49 GMT

Peace in Troubled Times

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13,14

Angels appear several times in Luke’s account of the Christmas story, and each time they are greeted by the opposite of peace. Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear, Mary was greatly troubled, and the shepherds were terrified—or “sore afraid” if you prefer the King James Version. These emotions are completely understandable. Angels are holy messengers of a holy God, and sinful human beings have no right to stand in the presence of these heavenly beings or hear the tidings they came to proclaim.

But the first words of assurance spoken by the angels powerfully convey the emotion they sought to instill in Zechariah and Mary and the shepherds: “Do not be afraid.” The message the angels brought that first Christmas was a message of peace, not fear. On the surface, the circumstances surrounding that first Christmas night were anything but peaceful. Mary gave birth to her baby far from home and in unfamiliar surroundings. The Roman government controlled Israel and was not always supportive of Jewish customs and practices. In the near future, Herod would murder the baby boys of Bethlehem to eliminate a perceived challenger to his throne. According to the world’s definition, these were not peaceful times.

Although the world did not recognize it, the birth of this child did bring peace. Ever since the fall into sin, God’s creatures had rebelled against him. By their thoughts, words, actions, and their very existence, they stood in opposition to a just and holy God. The animal sacrifices prescribed by the law could not restore the broken relationship between God and his people. A perfect sacrifice was needed, and that perfect sacrifice was born that night in Bethlehem. Through his death on the cross—the ultimate act of violence—he brought peace and reconciled God and man once more.

Today our world is full of conflict and devoid of peace. From quarrels with those we love to large-scale acts of violence, from worry and strife about the small everyday things to global illness and disease that have turned our lives upside down, peace is sometimes the farthest thing from our minds. We don’t have an angel telling us “don’t be afraid,” but we do have a peace that comes from the Spirit-worked faith in our hearts. We are no longer enemies of God but now are his dearly loved children. No matter what struggle and turmoil we encounter on this earth, we know that the day is coming when we will be at peace forever in heaven. And until that day, we can take comfort in God’s promise that he will work everything for our good—a promise that brings peace even in the midst of conflict and strife.

This peace is not just the absence of trouble and anxiety. It is a way of life, a peace that permeates every fiber of our being, a peace that passes all understanding. It is a peace that reminds us God is in control of every aspect of our lives, even during the most difficult circumstances. It is a peace that a lost and despairing world around us desperately needs. It is a peace too marvelous to keep to ourselves—a peace we are compelled to share with others.

Prayer:

Lord God, peace can be difficult to find these days. The news just keeps getting worse, and peace sometimes seems like a quaint memory from the distant past. Remind us that the angels’ message for the shepherds is a message meant for us too: the baby born in Bethlehem came to bring a different kind of peace; a peace that passes all understanding, an eternal peace that will outlast any conflict and strife in this world. Be with us this Christmas as we seek that peace—not in the things of this world, but in the One who descended to this world and became one of us. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 10

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:59 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 10

John 21:15-25 (NIV84)

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Through My Bible – December 10

Bible reading based on John 21:15-25 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1210db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

Jesus Reinstates Peter

¹⁵When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

¹⁶Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

¹⁷The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

¹⁸Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

²⁰Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) ²¹When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

²²Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” ²³Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

²⁴This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

²⁵Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

In With the New – December 10, 2021

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:49 GMT

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

In With the New

Daily Devotion – December 10, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:9-11
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211210dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Some educators have said that the key to adult learning is “unlearning.” All too often, learning a new skill is made more difficult later in life because of one’s previous experience. Then it becomes necessary to first unlearn earlier habits and practices in order to make room for the new.

When the Lord calls us sinners to repentance, he demands that we turn away from the sinful attitudes and behaviors that had separated us from him. His law shows us the disastrous end of our disobedience and convinces us that the path we were on only leads to death. The Lord’s goal is not our eternal humiliation but that in humble faith, we might turn to him and live. He points us to Christ Jesus, his Son, whose sacrifice canceled our debt and whose righteousness is credited as our own.

Where once there was nothing but barren, unfertile ground, now a bountiful garden grows. Our hearts have been nourished by the love of God, in Christ. They have been watered by his promises of free forgiveness, and a new and holy life has begun in us as a result. The Holy Spirit continues to cultivate these new attitudes through the Word so that they might produce “the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Prayer:
Lord, you have come to me with your Word to bring me to repentance. Turn my heart away from sin and everything that would turn me away from you. Replace my selfish habits with new attitudes of selflessness, love, and compassion for others. Let Christ’s love for all inspire me to live for him and others, so that my whole life may bring glory to your name. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

In With the New – December 10, 2021

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 07:00:49 GMT

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11

In With the New

Daily Devotion – December 10, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:9-11
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211210dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Prayer:
Lord, you have come to me with your Word to bring me to repentance. Turn my heart away from sin and everything that would turn me away from you. Replace my selfish habits with new attitudes of selflessness, love, and compassion for others. Let Christ’s love for all inspire me to live for him and others, so that my whole life may bring glory to your name. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Advent Devotion – Day 9

WELS — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:00:49 GMT

Hope in the Hardship

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
Luke 1:30

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
Matthew 1:19

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:4-7

Have you ever paused to contemplate the difficulty Mary faced in becoming the mother of Jesus? The stability of her marriage was at risk; there was likely gossip; there was a physical and mental toll traveling to Bethlehem, giving birth in a stable, and fleeing from Herod.

We want it to be easier than it is sometimes. We want the miracle of Jesus in our lives to be packaged neatly in the routine of Sunday mornings, tidy tithing, responsible stewardship, discipled children, cute Christian decor, and uplifting music and devotions.

True faith doesn’t always fit in neat packages.
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice…” (Romans 12:1).
“In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33).

The difficulty Mary faced isn’t so far from the difficulties we can expect to face. Do your relationships reflect the worry, hurt, or uncertainty Mary and Joseph may have felt before the angel appeared to Joseph? Have you faced ridicule because of your beliefs? Are you facing challenges and enduring circumstances that are far from your ideal? Have you spoken the words “it wasn’t supposed to be this way” this year?

We don’t know much of what Mary thought or felt because Scripture doesn’t reveal it, but we have incredible moments to provide an example of faith in the midst of uncertainty in our lives. When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, Scripture shares Mary’s song: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48).

God doesn’t expect us to prove ourselves in the struggle. God allows the struggle as a means of drawing us nearer to him, building our character, and aligning our perspective to his. Hardship is inevitable in this sinful world. But God willingly meets us to provide incomprehensible peace and joy right now. Then, with God’s help, we can let our faith permeate beyond the neat boxes we’ve made space for, into every aspect of our lives.

When your thoughts wander towards the difficulties you are facing, fixate on the God whose hand is as present and powerful in your life as it was in Mary’s. Dwell in the peace and joy and privilege of knowing Christ Jesus who cares for you deeply and has a plan for your life. Seek him to find purpose and comfort in a terribly uncomfortable world.

And when that peace and joy seem far away and incomprehensible, go back to prayer, and to that great cloud of witnesses who endured in Scripture. Seek teachers and encouragers of the faith as Mary sought Elizabeth. Eventually all of this hardship will fade beyond memory and we will stand in God’s eternal glory with Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and all the saints who overcame.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you never promised an easy road. Help us cling to the hope of heaven and trust in your presence when we face challenges. Let our love for you permeate into all areas of our lives. We praise you regardless of our circumstances. Amen.

Written by Jes Woller
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 9

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:25 GMT

Through My Bible Yr 1 – December 9

John 21:1-14 (NIV84)

LISTEN HERE

Through My Bible – December 9

Bible reading based on John 21:1-14 (NIV84)
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/through-my-bible/01-1209db.mp3
See series: Through My Bible

John 21

Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

¹Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias.^[a] It happened this way: ²Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ³“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

⁴Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

⁵He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.

⁶He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

⁷Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ⁸The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.^[b] ⁹When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

¹⁰Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

¹¹Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. ¹²Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. ¹³Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. ¹⁴This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Footnotes:

John 21:1 That is, Sea of Galilee
John 21:8 Greek about two hundred cubits (about 90 meters)

Seeing It Through to the End – December 9, 2021

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:15 GMT

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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 1:3-6

Seeing It Through to the End

Daily Devotion – December 9, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:3-6
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211209dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Pastor Ron was blessed to serve all 46 years of his ministry in one congregation. He had walked alongside at least two generations of believers during the various stages of their lives. For several members of the church, Pastor Ron was the only pastor they had had from their baptism to their burial. As sad as those funerals were, they also gave the pastor a source of joy. Another soul bought by the blood of Christ had been led safely to their heavenly home.

It doesn’t always happen that a Christian is served by the same pastor their entire lives. More often, the Lord provides a series of spiritual shepherds to accompany you through the ups and downs of your walk with Christ. The most important thing, of course, is to recognize that it is God himself who is guiding you through his messengers. He is the one who called you to repentance and worked the miracle of faith in your heart through baptism. He is the one who blew on the sputtering embers of your faith and caused it to grow as you learned about him in Sunday School and catechism classes. He is the one who continues to send people into your life to bring you back to him when you start to stray. And God is also the one who will give you the strength to remain in that humble yet confident faith until the end.

Prayer:
Lord God, I thank you for all the pastors, teachers, and others you have sent into my life to bring me to faith and to keep me close to you. Above all, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. He saw my salvation through to completion, coming to this world as a servant, dying on the cross as my substitute, and rising to life as my Savior. I trust that you will keep me close to him in faith until the day that I see him with my own eyes. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

Seeing It Through to the End – December 9, 2021

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:15 GMT

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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 1:3-6

Seeing It Through to the End

Daily Devotion – December 9, 2021

Devotion based on Philippians 1:3-6
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20211209dev.mp3
See series: Devotions

Prayer:
Lord God, I thank you for all the pastors, teachers, and others you have sent into my life to bring me to faith and to keep me close to you. Above all, I thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. He saw my salvation through to completion, coming to this world as a servant, dying on the cross as my substitute, and rising to life as my Savior. I trust that you will keep me close to him in faith until the day that I see him with my own eyes. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

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

The path of Academia Cristo

FIC — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 15:03:38 GMT

WELS’ Latin America missions team created a Spanish website in 2015, which launched Academia Cristo. Since its launch, 47 students from 12 countries have become confessional Lutherans—41 in 2021 alone. Most of them have gathered and now lead groups of believers.

Academia Cristo’s goal is to reach many with the gospel to train the few who will reach many more on the ground throughout Latin America. Here’s how it works, using Dr. Eduardo Milanesi, a surgeon in Cochabamba, Bolivia, as an example:

Learn more about mission work in Latin America at wels.net/latinamerica.

Volume 109, Number 01
Issue: January 2022

He’s coming—really!

Peter Prange — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:18:05 GMT

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Weather radar is amazing.

I have a weather app on my cell phone, and it can tell me exactly how far away the nearest snowstorm is. And is it accurate! When storms are approaching my neighborhood, it calculates within minutes when the snowfall will be the heaviest. And sure enough, it’s not long before my sidewalks are covered with snow. It came.

It’s also helpful when I’m heading out. That app tells me whether or not I need to grab my boots and shovel to clear my driveway before leaving for the day. It’s about the closest I’ll ever get to knowing what the future holds.

An absent gift-giver

In recent years, it has become customary for TV weather experts to add a short, silly segment to their daily forecast around Christmastime—the “Santa radar.” I was surprised to discover that the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has provided a simulated tracking of Old St. Nick’s toy-laden sleigh in the days leading up to Christmas since 1955. Maybe I missed it as a kid, but this “forecast” seems to have risen in popularity over the past decade or two. For children, it’s exciting to imagine what gifts Santa Claus might be delivering to their homes in the not-too-distant future. But we all learn that Santa never actually shows up. He’s not coming.

We wait in daily repentance and share his gospel with others so they too will repent. Jesus will come!

But once upon a time he did. Back in the fourth century A.D., he was known as St. Nicholas of Myra, a faithful bishop of the early Christian church. Legend has it that Nicholas was a generous giver of gifts to the poor. So it became popular in the Middle Ages to give gifts on Dec. 6, the day on which many Christians still remember his pastoral ministry. When Dutch Christians said his name, it apparently sounded like Santa Claus, and the name stuck.

Martin Luther is said to have been the one who suggested that credit for gift-giving should be transferred from St. Nick to the giver of all gifts, the Christ Child, Jesus. He also apparently instructed people to exchange gifts on Dec. 25, the church’s celebration of the Savior’s birth.

These days, the Christ Child sadly takes a back seat to a commercially secularized Santa, who is nothing more than a running gag passed along from one generation to the next. Eventually everyone comes to understand that Santa’s not really coming. If he is, then where is he?

A Gift-giver who is coming

Do we have the same impression of Jesus? Is talk of his coming again in judgment and salvation nothing more than a running joke, a silly myth that we pass along from one generation to the next?

Already in the first years after Jesus’ ascension, people were suggesting that very thing. In his second letter, St. Peter warned about those “scoffers” who ask, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised?” (2 Peter 3:3,4). And then he reminds us that Jesus is “not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness” (3:9).

So what’s the holdup? He’s being patient, waiting to gather those who need to get their spiritual act together before his return. Us too. Peter wrote, Jesus is being “patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). No joke. It’s real.

So we wait in daily repentance and share his gospel with others so they too will repent. Jesus will come!

Author: Peter Prange
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

A heart captured by the gospel: Article 2

Earle D. Treptow — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:01:06 GMT

When we know God has declared us righteous because of Jesus, we are consumed by a desire to share that truth.

On April 17, 1521, Martin Luther stood before the Diet of Worms, a gathering of the most powerful people in the Holy Roman Empire. Since he had spent the previous 15 years of his life as a monk, he was unaccustomed to appearing before princes and lords. It showed. He failed to follow courtly etiquette. He spoke softly. When asked if he wished to retract anything in his writings, he seemed unprepared, requesting additional time to think.

What a difference a day makes! On April 18, Luther boldly took a stand. Encouraged by brothers in Christ the night before, the professor from Wittenberg clearly confessed his faith. If someone could demonstrate from the Scriptures where he had erred, he would immediately recant what he had written and would, as he said, “be the first to cast my books into the fire.” Otherwise, he could not and would not recant, because God’s Word had the final word in every debate. “I cannot do otherwise,” he said. “Here I stand. God help me” (Luther’s Works Vol. 32, pp. 111,113).

Love for the gospel

The trembling of the previous day was gone. Yet Luther continued to tremble. The trembling, however, was not because he feared being burned at the stake as a heretic. The Holy Spirit had worked in the reformer’s heart a different kind of trembling—a trembling before the Word of God. In Isaiah, the Lord says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at my word” (66:2).

The Spirit had trained Luther to handle God’s Word with fear and trembling. He approached the Bible as a servant, not a master. Sitting in judgment on the Scriptures was not an option. What his Savior-God said, he would believe. What the Lord taught, he would teach.

What we want to concern ourselves with, above all, is preaching Christ crucified.

Luther reverenced every verse of the Scriptures because through the Word about Christ the Holy Spirit had broken through his darkness. The Spirit had convinced him that the gospel revealed the righteousness God gives to sinners through faith in Christ (Romans 1:17). Because Luther loved the gospel that had opened heaven to him, he opposed those who placed their ideas above what God said in his Word. Love for the gospel compelled the reformer to speak and write against the teachings of the Roman Church that contradicted the Scriptures.

Because Luther was by nature sinful —a fact he readily confessed—he no doubt harbored some inappropriate motives in his rejection of false teachings. Yet his intention in speaking against false teachings was not to prove that he knew the Scriptures better than others. His goal was not even to preserve pure doctrine for pure doctrine’s sake. Above all else, he was consumed with proclaiming the righteousness of Christ, which is received through faith.

Please don’t misunderstand that. Luther was no fundamentalist. He considered every teaching of God’s Word important. If God said it, then Luther would teach it, even if the teaching flew in the face of popular opinion. But all he did and said was in service to the gospel, by which the Spirit forms faith, forgives sins, and grants everlasting life. From painful, personal experience Luther knew that the only thing that speaks peace to a burdened conscience is the good news of forgiveness in Christ. He did not find peace in possessing pure doctrine but in the righteousness of Christ his Savior. The reformer recognized that his life with God depended not on his ability to express every doctrine of the Scriptures with perfect precision but on Christ’s perfect life and death for sinners.

Proclamation of Christ

Luther’s desire was that others would experience the peace that comes from knowing Christ as their righteousness before God. That’s why he spoke and wrote against false doctrine—he was consumed with proclaiming the righteousness of Christ.

That’s what we want driving us as well. It’s easy to become so consumed with ensuring that everyone confesses pure doctrine that we act as if life with God comes through purity of teaching rather than faith in Christ. What we want to concern ourselves with, above all, is preaching Christ crucified, the sinner’s righteousness, holiness, and redemption. We teach and preach everything God says in the Bible, without apology, because we tremble at his Word. We do so in service of a far greater goal than being doctrinally correct. We strive for pure doctrine because we are consumed with proclaiming the gospel of Christ’s righteousness, by which the Spirit grants life.

Maybe an example would help. A friend tells you that the Bible has mistakes in it because it was written by humans. You’re convinced she’s wrong because you know what the Scriptures teach. You even have passages ready to show her the error of her thinking: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) or “Prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Since God gave the writers the words they were to write, there cannot be any errors.

What should be your goal in that conversation? I can tell you the goal I’ve adopted more than once: Prove her wrong (and demonstrate that I’m right). But there’s a better way to approach such a conversation. After all, there’s only one reason we believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It’s not because we are smarter or godlier. It’s only because the Lord graciously chose to reveal that to us and moved us to accept it. Think about how he did that. He led you to believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world—and your Savior too. Because you believe that Jesus is your Savior, you believe that the Bible is inspired by God and inerrant.

When we lose sight of the goal of pure doctrine—the salvation of sinners—we end up acting like the Pharisees Jesus had to rebuke. Pride in their purity of doctrine led them to be consumed with compelling people to conform, rather than pointing them to Christ. They lost sight of the heart of God’s Word and missed seeing Christ.

When the Lord enables us to see ourselves as he sees us, righteous through faith in Christ, then we no longer need to find our righteousness in the fact that we have pure doctrine. We won’t have to prove ourselves right and others wrong. Instead, astounded by the Lord’s grace to us, we will be consumed with proclaiming Christ’s righteousness to others. The righteousness we desperately need to stand before God on the Last Day, they need too.

This is the second article in a three-part series based on the 2021 synod convention essay.

Author: Earle Treptow
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

Purposeful discussions

Mark Schroeder — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:12:11 GMT

Sixty years ago, our synod was faced with the most difficult decision in its history. For more than 20 years, WELS and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) had been working to convince their sister church body, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), that it had departed from the biblical doctrine it had previously held. When the LCMS made it clear that it would not heed those loving admonitions, WELS’ 1961 synod convention was compelled to suspend the fellowship that had existed for nearly a century.

The resolution included the noteworthy phrase “suspend fellowship,” rather than “terminate fellowship.” A footnote explained, “The word suspend used in the resolution has all the finality of termination . . . but contains the hope that conditions might some day warrant the reestablishment of fellowship.” In keeping with that understanding, it was then resolved that “under conditions which do not imply a denial of our previous testimony, we stand ready to resume discussions with the LCMS with the aim of reestablishing unity in doctrine and practice.” Even as our synod acknowledged that fellowship no longer existed, it expressed the hope that at some point unity could be restored. WELS was willing to hold discussions for that purpose, but for the next 50 years, those discussions did not materialize.

Ten years ago, WELS and the ELS determined that the time was right to begin discussions with the LCMS. Even though there was no indication that full agreement in doctrine could be established, the meetings would enable the two sides to understand clearly the doctrinal positions of the other and to remove any misunderstandings or caricatures that had developed over the years. The tenth annual meeting will take place this December.

While WELS is not at the point where it can say that unity in doctrine and practice exists or will happen in the foreseeable future, there have been some clear benefits to these meetings:

These meetings have helped the three synods clarify beliefs and doctrinal positions, enabling the three synods to identify where real differences remain.
The meetings have permitted the leaders to get to know their counterparts firsthand, allowing them to develop an appreciation and respect for one another as well as offer encouragement in their efforts to be faithful to the Word of God.
These meetings have opened up lines of communication that enable the synods to consult with each other in matters of mutual concern and interest. For example, leaders in WELS World Missions are able to consult with their counterparts in the LCMS to discuss mutual challenges. In areas that do not involve church fellowship, WELS has been able to work with the LCMS, including participating as a “friend of the court” in legal proceedings dealing with religion freedom issues.
These meetings give WELS leaders the opportunity to answer and confess when LCMS representatives sincerely ask what WELS believes and practices and why. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15).

Like the delegates to the 1961 convention, we pray for the day when fellowship between our synods can be restored on the basis of the Scriptures. That day is not yet here, and it’s not likely near. But we can—and should—continue to work toward that God-pleasing goal.

Author: Mark Schroeder
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

Confessions of faith: Allen and Rosalind Braun

Ann Jahns — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:00:44 GMT

Neighborly kindness—and blueberry pancakes—forge a relationship that leads a couple on a path to Jesus.

For Allen and Rosalind Braun, the journey to becoming members at Cross of Christ, WELS’ home mission congregation in Liverpool, N.Y., has spanned decades. “Our story from the beginning is a culmination of many things,” says Allen. “It covers our families, people we’ve met, and different church denominations.”

That journey led to an unexpected meeting in the laundry room of their apartment building—a meeting that God used to change their lives.

Allen and Rosalind on their wedding day.

Religious struggles

The Brauns come from very diverse backgrounds, growing up on opposite sides of the country. Allen was born in Sleepy Hollow and grew up in Westchester County, N.Y., and Rosalind grew up in Houston, Texas. While Rosalind was raised Baptist, Allen was raised a Jehovah’s Witness. When he was 8 years old, his family moved to Texas. Allen recalls being ridiculed in school because of his faith. Even his relatives mocked his family for their religion.

Throughout his childhood and young adult years, Allen struggled with being a Jehovah’s Witness and questioned many religious topics, including the Trinity, additions to Scripture, and how only certain people are allowed to take the Lord’s Supper. He also struggled to measure up to the religion’s manmade standards and was keenly aware of Jehovah’s Witness elders keeping a tally of his “mistakes.” So he started asking questions about what he had been taught. Those questions and his actions eventually led to his removal from church membership.

In 2000, Allen met Rosalind from the same apartment building. On one occasion he mentioned that he was going to attend a concert. Since she also loved music, she handed him a disposable camera and asked him to snap some pictures. Those concert pictures didn’t turn out very well, yet their budding relationship did. The two went on their first date on July 22, Rosalind’s birthday, and by Aug. 22 they were married.

Allen and Rosalind began attending a local Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall together, where Allen was hoping to be reinstated into the faith. But it still didn’t seem right to either of them. The “hoops” Allen would need to jump through to be reinstat-ed caused them both to walk out and never return. “I was mentally torn for a long time,” admits Allen.

Neighborly kindness

Needing a fresh start, the Brauns talked about moving out of Texas. Allen felt his home state of New York calling to him, so in 2017 they settled in Rome, N.Y. It was there Rosalind met someone who made an impression on her—a kind man named Jim Bruland.

Jim lived in their apartment complex, and one day he held open the laundry room door for Rosalind, politely asking if she needed help. “Our first encounter was cordial, but not much was said—just an exchange of pleasantries,” remembers Jim.

(Left and right) Allen and Rosalind early in their marriage and today. (Center) Allen and Rosalind at their confirmation with Jim Bruland.

Some time later, Jim ran across both Rosalind and Allen in the laundry room. They started a conversation, with Allen commenting on a t-shirt that Jim was folding, which displayed 1 John 4:9, “God sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” Jim said that the t-shirt was from his church, Cross of Christ. The seed was planted.

As the conversation continued, Rosalind mentioned that she makes delicious blueberry pancakes. “When Jim said that he loves blueberry pancakes, I invited him over and offered to make him some,” says Rosalind.

But it was a full year before Rosalind met Jim in the laundry room again. She had just lost her father, and Jim provided an empathetic ear, sharing his experience with losing his own father. Rosalind says: “We connected over losing our fathers.” Jim recalled her gracious invitation for pancakes, and he accepted it. The subsequent get-together cemented the friendship between the Brauns and Jim.

A shared faith

Even before meeting Jim, the Brauns had been searching for a church to call home. They had attended one Christian church with dear friends and visited a Baptist church as well, “but nothing ever fit,” says Allen. “It just didn’t feel right. So we did a lot of praying.” Because he remembered Jim talking about his church, Cross of Christ, Allen asked if they could attend church with Jim. “The Holy Spirit made me ask him,” says Allen. “It wasn’t me. It was the Spirit.”

Allen’s baptism. It’s displayed in a frame given to him by Pastor Birner.

Allen and Rosalind started visiting Cross of Christ regularly and began taking Bible information classes online due to COVID-19. Jim, a member of Cross of Christ since 2016, would join them in their apartment to help work through the lessons. The Brauns were guided through the membership process by their pastor, Ben Birner. “He was so gentle and reassuring with us,” remembers Rosalind.

Allen was joyfully baptized into God’s family at Cross of Christ on Oct. 18, 2020, Birner’s first adult baptism. Six months later, Allen, Rosalind, and another friend Susan were confirmed on April 18, 2021—Allen’s birthday. Their friend Jim was by their side, sharing in their joy. Allen recalls, “Our confirmation day was a culmination of learning the difference between the doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the truths of Scripture. To be able to say in front of everyone that I believe the words that came from Jesus and not from an organization meant a lot to me.”

Gospel joy

The Brauns will be the first to tell you that being a follower of Christ isn’t easy, nor does it remove troubles from our lives. Both of them struggle with health issues. Right before the pandemic hit, Allen became gravely ill and was hospitalized. One of the nurses caring for him was a Jehovah’s Witness, and the encounter stirred up some of the hurt from his past. As Allen was wrestling with his feelings, he went to God in prayer, asking if he truly needed to forgive the people who had hurt him. “But then I knew that Jesus was saying to me, ‘My son, have you forgiven them? Because I have forgiven them all.’ And that was the answer,” Allen recalls.

Allen and Rosalind have certainly made sacrifices as followers of Christ, including enduring the pain of being estranged from Allen’s family, who remain Jehovah’s Witnesses. “My father no longer speaks to me,” says Allen. “My family never even told me when my grandparents and uncle died. My brother-in-law told me that he doesn’t owe me anything.”

Allen is now making up for experiences he wasn’t allowed to have as a child in a religion that doesn’t celebrate Jesus’ birth. Since early October, the Brauns have been joyfully displaying a Christmas tree in their home. “Christ is the center of Christmas,” Allen simply says. “The Christmas tree is up already because of all of the Christmases I’ve missed.”

Some may call it fate or coincidence, but we know that God arranged for Jim Bruland to meet Rosalind and Allen in that laundry room. “Our triune God, the only God, is amazing!” says Jim. “He works in mysterious ways. His ways are higher than our ways. My path on this pilgrimage was meant to cross Allen and Rosalind’s path. There was nothing I could do to keep those paths from crossing.”

The friendship that started with a bond over blueberry pancakes is now a bond of shared faith in Jesus Christ. “That’s all it took,” says Allen. “A friendly gesture, the simplest thing, led my wife and me down a path to God that we never knew we would take.” He is grateful every day for Jesus’ full and free grace: “I don’t have to consider works as my salvation. I have the freedom to now serve God, instead of serving men. Jesus by grace has forgiven our sins. Our ultimate reward is to someday be in heaven with him.”

Learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses and how to share the gospel with them in Speaking the Truth in Love to Jehovah’s Witnesses by Roland Cap Ehlke. It’s available at Northwestern Publishing House, nph.net.

Author: Ann Jahns
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

What makes Christmas Christmas?

Melissa Anne Kreuser — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:54:12 GMT

Christmas isn’t about what we do. It’s about Christ coming to earth to do what we were unable to do.

I have a secret. And it’s about Christmas.

It might be something you don’t want to hear: Christmas doesn’t depend on you.

If you don’t do another thing between now and Dec. 25, Christmas will still be Christmas. Honestly.

The idea that what we do is what makes Christmas Christmas is a lie. The truth of what makes Christmas what it is remains true regardless of how ready we feel or what we’ve done to prepare. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus, our God, Savior and King, came to earth as a baby. But we often neglect to remember the entire reason he had to come in the first place: Because we could not do what needed to be done.

Read this from Galatians: “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (4:4,5, emphasis added).

The Bible tells us that the time had fully come for Jesus to be born. But it surely wasn’t because Mary and Joseph were ready. It surely wasn’t because the most amazing inn had its best room available. And it surely wasn’t because the world was a safe place for Jesus. But still, the time had fully come according to God’s plan.

This Advent season, I’m using the letters in the word manger to help remind me that it’s not about what I’ve accomplished in my preparations that makes or breaks the holiday.

M—Motive

The Christmas cards are fun. The decorations are beautiful to look at. The cookies are oh-so delicious. But what’s the why behind your actions? Is it helping to prepare your heart for his coming or is it distracting your focus? Is it enriching the season for your family or is it stressing you and the others in your home out, causing arguments and exhaustion? Are you enjoying your preparations, or do you look at them with a feeling of obligation or dread?

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

A—Ability

Not everyone is Martha Stewart or Joanna Gaines. One of my friends has incredible patience to have her kids help her hand make every Christmas card they send. Another makes the most delicious cookies with unbelievably intricate frosting decorations. Yet another has the financial means to purchase great gifts for everyone and anyone. I am none of the above. But I’m learning to accept that. God made you with your own set of talents and abilities. It’s only an exercise in frustration if you try to magically become someone that you’re not. It’s okay to buy—and not make—the cookies. It’s okay to say no to sending cards. And it’s okay to spend ten meaningful dollars on a gift for someone who you know will spend way more than that on you.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6).

N—Need

Consider your needs this year. Has it been a rough one financially? Your family members don’t need grandiose gifts to know that you love them. Has work been more stressful than usual? You don’t need to put up thousands of outdoor Christmas lights simply because it’s what you always do. What about your spiritual needs? Do you need to connect with God and dig deeper into the Word before Christmas arrives? Let that be at the top of your to-do list.

“ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’ ” (Luke 10:41,42).

G—Grace

Oh, those troubled relationships, and things only get harder at the holidays. The questions of who will host, when will we eat, what will we eat, when will we go to church, whose Christmas program will the grandparents attend this year. The list goes on and on. Not to mention the idle chit-chat at the get-togethers themselves. It can be exhausting. Even the healthiest, friendliest relationships can be strained under the weight of the season.

Let grace be your guide in these situations. Jesus came to graciously forgive you for all your faults, and he asks you to extend that forgiveness to others for their faults at Christmas and the new year.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

E—Expectations

I remember my first Christmas after becoming a mother. I offered to host Christmas Eve, thinking it would be easier. I had this picture-perfect first Christmas with my babies in my mind. I got them adorable outfits with matching tights, and I decked out the table like something in a Pottery Barn catalog. The day came, and one of the girls needed to be changed before anyone even arrived. I spent what felt like half of the evening in my bedroom nursing and barely sat at the table that I had so carefully decorated to eat. I went to bed crying that night. It didn’t even feel like Christmas because life got in the way. I was expecting a magical day full of lighthearted laughter, great conversation, and babies who followed their schedule perfectly. The celebration of the Savior’s birth, which doesn’t change, was happening right before my eyes, and I could not join in the way I expected.

Evaluate your expectations: Are they realistic? Are you focused on the things of this world that disappoint us time and time again?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! . . . Do not be anxious about anything. . . . And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4,6,7).

R—Rest

Find time to rest during this Advent and Christmas season. Schedule it if you have to. Say no to working overtime or to that one last commitment that is going to put you over the edge. Instead sit in a chair, eyes closed, and reflect on what Christmas means to you as a child of God. Soak up just how much the Creator of the world loves you.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Don’t let the devil’s lies replace the truth about Christmas: The King of the world came as a tiny babe at just the right time to do what we were unable to do for ourselves.

No, Christmas doesn’t depend on us. And for that we can be eternally grateful.

Reprinted with permission of Holy Hen House.

Author: Melissa Anne Kreuser
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

Q&A: Is our time of grace really unchangeable?

David Scharf — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:47:46 GMT

Our “time of grace” refers to the time we are alive to come to know Jesus. Is that fixed date really unchangeable? Or do our actions impact it?

The answer to your questions is yes. Yes, God controls when my life ends. Yes, my choices can impact when my life ends. This is a paradox (i.e., a seeming contradiction) of Scripture. We need to let both statements stand because the Bible teaches both.

Avoiding the ditches

Throughout history, many have fallen into the ditch by holding to one of those statements and denying the other.

On one side, Stoics believed that everything is predetermined and that we are merely actors on the stage playing our part according to the script. Many today believe that everything is inevitable because it’s been predetermined. This side denies human accountability in their choices.

On the other side, the Epicureans embraced the idea that everything happens by chance. Deists believe that God set the world in motion with the laws of nature and then withdrew after creation to let the world run its course. These ideas deny God’s loving care for his creation.

The perspective of God’s providence

Job 14:5 says, “A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” From God’s perspective, everything must happen as it does.

God’s care for creation extends to the smallest detail. Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29,30). If God were to remove his care and blessing, we would cease to exist “for in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

What a comfort to know, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). What a comfort to confess, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15). What a comfort to know that the One who holds our time in his hands also held the nails that showed his infinite love for us!

The perspective of human accountability

The previous point may leave us asking, “If everything has to happen as it does, then why try to eat healthy, seek medical treatment, or be concerned about how much sleep we get?”

Scripture’s answer shows that from our perspective, we can impact the length of our lives. Consider King Saul, Ahithophel, and Judas, all of whom committed suicide. Their actions shortened their lives, though God knew the actions they would take. From our perspective, all of us have seen those who abuse their bodies and health in various ways and shorten their lives. Yet their choices were not outside of God’s foreknowledge.

On the side of lengthening life, the Bible records that God revealed to Hezekiah that he would die. However, Hezekiah prayed and God extended his life by 15 years! God tells us that prayer changes things: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Certainly, God takes into consideration the prayers and choices of people and weaves them into his providence and care. He can say, “It all happens just as I knew it would.”

So, where does that leave us? We will care for our bodies as gifts from God to glorify him, while understanding that our times are in the hands of our loving God.

Have a question, ask it here!

Author: David Scharf
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

Bible study: The comfort of God’s providence

David Scharf — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 16:44:05 GMT

God’s providence means that everything happens according to God’s design (even permitting evil to work for the good of his people). It also refers to what God actually does in time. Most often we think of this last item when considering God’s providence over creation. This is where some run into questions when it comes to the evil that exists in the world.

What two questions would you ask God about the presence of evil in the world?

Read Genesis 50:20; Exodus 14:19,20; Psalm 5:4-6; Matthew 10:29-31; Acts 17:28; and 2 Thessalonians 1:6.

How do these passages help answer the questions you developed above? In general, the Genesis passage tells us that God can work through even the evil intent of others to bring about good. Exodus reminds us that God provides protection for his people. That care is detailed and complete as the Matthew passage reminds us. Everything depends on God’s care. But while the Lord continues to preserve this world, the Psalm passage tells us he does not participate in the evil that humanity inflicts on others. In the midst of suffering the message of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ sometimes finds fertile ground and brings joy.

God’s preservation

There are three points of great comfort when considering God’s care for his creation: God’s preservation, God’s cooperation, and God’s governance.

God’s preservation is the fact that God daily cares for and sustains his creation.

One Lutheran church father prayed, “We live not, Lord, on bread alone; Without your blessing, bread is stone.” This is similar to the thought we express in the table prayer, “Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed.” Nothing blesses us except what God provides.

At times God’s preservation is referred to as “continuous creation.” Psalm 104 depicts creation and God’s continual preservation.

Read Psalm 104:10-30.

Pick out three things that God continues to do in order to bless you today.

God’s cooperation

God also cooperates with his creation, that is, he enables creation to function. The apostle Paul says, “In [Jesus] all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Without God’s cooperation everything would fall apart. Molecules wouldn’t form, cells wouldn’t bond, and life would cease to exist.

God cooperates with his creation according to the laws of nature he established. It is important to note that God cooperates with every action materially, that is, he does not generally suspend the laws of nature if a person is doing something evil. However, God does not cooperate with evil morally, that is, he is not responsible for someone’s evil intentions.

Considering the passages from the first section, what comforting truths can you share with the victim of an evil act?

God’s governance

Finally, God governs his creation. He directs the affairs of creation to carry out his will. God governs everything so that in the end, his people will be resurrected to live with him forever in a new heaven and a new earth. Since the fall into sin, our world is subject to corruption, but our world—and everything in it—still serves God’s purpose!

Read Genesis 1:26; Psalm 24:1; and Romans 8:18-21.

In a balanced way, answer someone who says, “Mankind is ruining the earth.” The Lord gave humanity a world in which to live and thrive. All that is under his control, but he asks us to be good stewards of our planet and all the blessings he gives us, including our health, family, friends, and all that he has allows us to manage. We manage it to the extent we can control things, but there are things we cannot control either individually or together. Sadly, the record of humanity’s care of earth, and even our own bodies and lives, is marred by greed, selfishness, and thoughtlessness.

Author: David Scharf
Volume 108, Number 12
Issue: December 2021

My question deals with the consumption of alcohol. I believe drinking is ok if done responsibly, but my friend believes any alcohol consumption is a sin. The friend believes that the word "wine" in the Bible has different meanings such as to be happy or joyful. The friend always uses the example that God would never say a little viewing of pornography is fine, just don't overdo it. He takes the case that the over- consumption of alcohol can lead to sinful acts. He also believes that Jesus wouldn't had wine at the Lord's Supper only juice. How do you address this train of thought?

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:14:08 GMT

I would encourage your friend to focus on clear passages of Scripture. The Bible does not condemn the use of alcohol (Psalm 104:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:23). It condemns the abuse of alcohol (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 5:18). If wine itself were sinful, Jesus would certainly not have miraculously changed water into wine at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). Under the Old Testament ceremonial laws, God even commanded the use of wine with offerings (Exodus 29:40; Number 28:7). Think of the implications of that. In biblical days in Palestine, people regularly mixed wine with water to purify the water. We know from history that wine was part of the celebration of the Passover meal. Since the institution of the Lord’s Supper took place during the celebration of the Passover meal, the “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29) was a part of it. Any grapes that had been harvested in the previous fall and pressed into juice would most likely have been going through the fermentation process in the following spring (when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper). What your friend says about pornography is true: God does not approve of that in large or small amounts. Equating the moderate consumption of alcohol to pornography is where your friend’s argument collapses. Nowhere does the Bible say that any alcohol consumption is a sin. Christians are free not to consume alcohol or to consume it in moderation. They are not free to bind the consciences of others with their opinions. Ref. Conquerors through Christ website serves those affected by porn use. You may subscribe to the CtC e-Newsletter and visit CtC on Facebook.

I often give in to the sin of watching porn and feel bad and pray to God apologizing and get Communion, then end up falling into temptation again and repeating. I know if you ask for forgiveness but repeat it then it's not being truly repentant. I want to stop and feel super bad if I don't take Communion, but know I will sooner or later fall back into my old ways. What should I do? I don't feel right talking to my pastor about it either.

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:13:02 GMT

If you do not feel that you can talk to your pastor about this, I would encourage you to check out the resources, including counselors, available through Conquerors Through Christ, an agency within WELS. Conquerors through Christ website serves those affected by porn use. You may subscribe to the CtC e-Newsletter and visit CtC on Facebook. As with any sin, we confess our sins to God, we receive in faith God’s forgiveness of our sins and we resolve to fight all the more against sin and temptation. Your words indicate you recognize this. Your words also reflect the ongoing battle that goes on within Christians (Romans 7:15-25). The website can provide you with practical resources to assist you in your battle against temptation. What follows is one of their FAQs: “OK – so maybe I am addicted. Now what do I do? 1.Pray. Tell God about what you have been doing. It shouldn’t be all that hard, after all, He already knows. He’s just waiting for you to come to him so he can tell you that he loves you and has forgiven you. 2.Watch our videos and explore the web site— they summarize the steps to follow to get porn out of your life. 3.Take the hardest step—tell someone—your pastor, a trusted friend, your spouse, or a Christian counselor. This is a sin we can almost guarantee you will not be able to ‘fix’ on your own. You will need help. But the good news is there IS help available. But you must seek it out. Satan will seek to keep you isolated and weak. Don’t let him. 4.Seek ongoing support in the form of counseling and accountability. This is a battle and Satan will not let his grip on you go without a tremendous struggle. 5.Thank God for the victories and cry for mercy for any failures along the way.” God bless all your efforts in saying “No” to sin and “Yes” to godly living (Titus 2:12).

Hello. My question might be confusing but please bear with me. I have been a believer in Christ for some time now. I’m also a fan and avid watcher of Japanese anime. Yet I struggle with addiction to pornography, including lusting after the girls in anime, or I should say the sexually explicit form of the medium known as hentai. I strive to break free from the addiction and treat the girls in anime with love as I would girls in the real world. Further complicating matters, I suffer from OCD, which is a mental disorder that causes doubt and unwanted thoughts. The OCD has caused me bad ideas that anime girls will be cursed by God due to all of the time I lusted after them. So my question is: would God curse anime girls by changing them in any negative way for me as punishment for my sin? Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to this question.

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:12:29 GMT

You do not need to be concerned about God cursing animated characters because of your actions. The characters are not real. The real concern is your addiction to pornography. I would encourage you to check out the helpful resources that are available from Conquerors Through Christ. Conquerors through Christ website serves those affected by porn use. You may subscribe to the CtC e-Newsletter and visit CtC on Facebook. If you are interested in speaking with a Christian counselor, Christian Family Solutions offers in-person and video counseling. Both organizations are WELS-affiliated ministries. God’s blessings to you as you seek to do what Scripture says: “ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Pastor, I have a question that has made me very confused and unworthy of being loved by God. I have long tried to get rid of the feelings towards the same gender, but they do not go away. I have prayed to God, but the feelings remain. I have not acted on these feelings and will never do so, but they never go away. They are a part of me, but that doesn’t mean I am not a follower of God. What should I do? I feel alone. I’m scared that I am not enough and will be left when he comes.

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:11:42 GMT

Facing temptation has been the human experience since the Garden of Eden. Jesus himself “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). The sources of Jesus’ temptations were Satan and the world. In addition to those sources, there is a third source of temptation for every person but Jesus; people possess a sinful nature, an ally of Satan. Being exposed to temptation does not make a person guilty of sin; giving in to temptation is sinful (James 1:14-15). By not acting on the feelings you have, I understand that you recognize these truths. The sad reality is that these sources of temptation are lifelong; they do not go away. That means the person who struggles with the temptation to abuse alcohol or the person who fights against the temptation to use pornography or the person who combats the temptation to lust after another person of the opposite sex or the same sex may have to do so for a lifetime. This is not a hopeless reality by any means. After the apostle Paul described his struggles in fighting temptation (Romans 7:15-24), he exclaimed, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25) There is forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. There is power through the gospel of Jesus Christ to live godly lives. What I can suggest is that you speak with your pastor or other trusted Christian counselor to develop strategies in combating the temptations you face. If you are not able to speak with your pastor about this, you might consider the resources of Christian Family Solutions, a WELS-affiliated ministry. The organization offers in-person and video counseling. Conquerors through Christ website serves those affected by porn use. You may subscribe to the CtC e-Newsletter and visit CtC on Facebook. You understand your situation correctly: facing the temptations you do does not mean that you are not a follower of God. Christians enjoy the forgiveness of sins, yet they struggle against temptation. Thanks be to God that Jesus Christ lived perfectly in our place and that he took on himself the punishment our sins deserved. Thanks be to God for a Savior who “empathizes with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) and “gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). God’s blessings to you.

If I'm reading the Athanasian Creed correctly, it says a belief in the Trinity is necessary for salvation. Could you please elaborate on this a little bit? How could a person be lost if they don't believe in the Trinity, which is a difficult concept for people to comprehend. I believe in the Trinity, but I've always found the Athanasian Creed a bit troubling because I do not fully understand how a belief in the Trinity relates to the Gospel. Maybe it is simply because the Athanasian Creed was written to combat heresies that said Jesus was only a man?

Fri, 14 May 2021 20:13:56 GMT

You are reading and understanding the Athanasian Creed correctly. The Bible teaches that there is salvation only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). As you suggested, the Athanasian Creed was written to combat heresies that Jesus is inferior to God the Father. If Jesus is not God, then God is not triune; a denial of Jesus is a denial of the Father (John 5:22-23). The doctrine of the Trinity certainly “is a difficult concept for people to comprehend.” Thankfully, saving faith does not mean that people need to understand all the complexities of biblical doctrines. Saving faith is trust, acceptance and reliance on what God declares about himself and his works (Hebrews 11:1). Saving faith is trust in the God the Bible, who reveals himself in Scripture as a triune God. The Athanasian Creed does not condemn Christians who struggle to understand a God who is far superior to them in every way. The Athanasian Creed does condemn those who deny the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Does an adult have to be confirmed before they can be baptized?

Fri, 14 May 2021 19:44:23 GMT

Recognizing that the Bible does not command Confirmation, the answer is “no.” Because there is Christian freedom in this area, practices will vary. Some adults might want to wait until their course of Bible instruction is completed before they are baptized. Others might desire to be baptized as they learn about God’s love for them and the blessings of Baptism. Our pastors will work with adults and treat each situation individually.

My granddaughter is 11 years old and is just going to be baptized. How do I explain to her what she all needs to know? She has had no religious teaching. Her parents are separated and so far has had a hard life. The only reason she is getting baptized now is because I said I would like to see her baptized before I pass away. Help.

Fri, 14 May 2021 19:34:54 GMT

You can count on your pastor to explain to your granddaughter what Baptism is all about. You can tell her that God works through Baptism to guarantee the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. You can share Bible passages like the following with her: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27; Titus 3:5-7; and, 1 Peter 3:21. God’s blessings to you both!

I was talking to someone who told me that the Bible says that people can put a curse on me. He also said that in the Bible there is a prayer that will remove a curse. How do I answer that? I have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation a number of times but never read this about curses. Can you give me some information about curses in the Bible?

Thu, 13 May 2021 20:15:08 GMT

According to the Bible, cursing is using God’s name to wish evil on someone or something. God’s Second Commandment forbids such speech and actions (Romans 12:14; James 3:10). A curse spoken against you, a child of God, amounts to idle words. God is not bound to carry out the whims and wishes of people who act contrary to his will (Psalm 109:28). Romans 8:31-39 describes God’s strong, enduring love for his children. I am not aware of the prayer that was mentioned to you.

I recently heard of something called the Euthyphro Dilemma in Plato's Dialogue, which paraphrased, asks the question, "Are morally good acts good because God commands them or does God command them because they are good?" The dilemma is designed to somehow separate God and "religion" from morality, and basically suggests that morality is independent of religion. I know this is wrong, as I understand that everything God commands is perfect and holy. I am just wondering what a good counter argument to this dilemma is.

Thu, 13 May 2021 19:38:44 GMT

Any discussion of “good” starts and ends with God. Jesus explained, “There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17). “Good” does not exist because God says so. There is good in the world because God is good. The “counter argument” would focus not on the words of God but the essence of God. Our Great Heritage addresses your question this way: “The question has been asked: Does God decree the good because it is good? Or is the good good because God decreed it? The answer must be: Neither. God is not subject to any standard or idea of good over and above himself; nor does he arbitrarily decree that anything should be good, while he might perhaps just as well declare the very opposite to be good. Rather, God, who is, is perfection in every respect.” (Volume 1, page 498)

After Satan's fall from heaven, why did God put Satan on earth in Paradise with Adam and Eve instead of another part of the universe without life?

Wed, 12 May 2021 20:35:03 GMT

God banished Satan and all the evil angels to hell after they rebelled against him (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). In his wisdom, God allows the fallen angels and their leader to roam the earth (Job 1:7; 2:2; 1 Peter 5:8). In his wisdom, God allowed Satan to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden—as you noted. In the Bible, God does not explain his actions, nor does he need to (Romans 11:33-36). What the Bible does teach is that God controls Satan’s activities (Revelation 20:3), and the day is coming when Satan and all the evil angels will be confined to hell forever (Revelation 20:10). That ultimate confinement will take place because Jesus successfully carried out his mission of destroying the devil’s work (1 John 3:8).

I am curious about the WELS stance on use of the enneagram, which has become popularized in many churches. Thanks.

Wed, 12 May 2021 19:54:29 GMT

There is no official position or stance of our church body regarding the use of the enneagram. While I am not in a position to endorse fully this assessment of that practice, the information illustrates how a confessional Lutheran church body approaches the subject.

This is a comment, don't know where else to put it. Whoever wrote today's Daily Devotion (5/6/21), I want to express my gratitude to that person. It was one of the best I have seen posted! Thank you and may God bless you all richly. Google News has posted several of your articles! Accidentally saw them as I don't go there often.

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:05:53 GMT

Thank you for your kind words. I will pass along your words of appreciation to the author of the devotion.

What is our (WELS) official position on Critical Race Theory?

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:00:51 GMT

You will find “official position” statements of our church body here. Those statements do not address the subject of your inquiry.

What does the Bible say about necromancy?

Mon, 10 May 2021 18:52:57 GMT

The Bible clearly condemns the practice of trying to communicate with those who have died. Consider the following sections of Scripture. “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so” (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn” (Isaiah 8:19-20).

One of my closest friends told me that Satan can be redeemed and still have some good inside him even though he's pure evil. I had some conflicts because of her explanation and I wanted to be sure: is this true?

Thu, 06 May 2021 19:42:39 GMT

There is no possibility of redemption for Satan and all the evil angels. Jude 6 explains: “And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” Revelation 20:10 describes that judgment: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Jesus also spoke of that judgment in Matthew 25:41.

If a Christian is cremated and their ashes are, say, sprinkled all over the place (e.g. little in WI, MI, SD, MN) etc...where will our body come out when we hear Jesus? Should a Christian's ashes not be sprinkled around, but rather kept together in one burial place?

Thu, 06 May 2021 19:24:27 GMT

The Bible describes the resurrection—and transformation of the bodies of all Christians—as being instantaneous (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The God who made all things from nothing (Genesis 1) will raise the bodies of all who have died and reunite bodies and souls (John 5:28-29). Nothing is impossible for our all-powerful God (Jeremiah 32:27). Followers of the Lord enjoy Christian freedom to choose between cremation or traditional burial. The Bible does not address the subject of dividing the cremains.

What can you tell me about Todd Friel [Wretched Radio], John MacArthur, or Colin A. Miller? I have watch several of their YouTube videos and they seem sound, but I would like a WELS opinion. Thank you.

Tue, 04 May 2021 19:25:12 GMT

Like the apostle Paul (Philippians 1:18), we can rejoice whenever—and by whomever—the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. At the same time, Scripture instructs us to “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” (Romans 16:17) A brief look at the websites of the ministries of the first two individuals reveals errors regarding the Bible’s teaching of the End Times. There is also the denial of the sacraments as means of grace. I was not able to find doctrinal statements for the third individual you mentioned.

Why doesn’t WELS promote The Chosen series on the life and ministry of Jesus?

Tue, 04 May 2021 18:37:25 GMT

Not promoting that series is consistent with our church body’s policy of not taking an official position on books, movies or television shows. Occasionally, Forward in Christ offers reviews of books published by Northwestern Publishing House.

How do I respond to a family member’s gay wedding invite?

Sat, 01 May 2021 00:28:46 GMT

Romans 14:14, 23 teaches us not to act contrary to our conscience. If you are convinced that it would be wrong for you even to attend the ceremony, then it would be wrong for you. On the other hand, you might be convinced that you can, in good conscience, attend the ceremony. Your attendance or absence from the ceremony is not the most important matter here. More important is what you communicate to your family member about your presence or absence. If you choose to attend, you can explain that you came because you love your family member, not because you agree with same-sex marriages. On the other hand, if you choose not to attend, you can explain to your family member that you thought through how best to show love to him or her and also stand up for the truths of Scripture, and you settled on not attending. The decision on what to do with the wedding invitation is entirely yours. Most important is what you communicate to your family member regarding your decision. Speak the truth in love to your family member (Ephesians 4:15), provide Christian witness and example, and keep your relative in your prayers. God bless you.

Why did God make the world belong to the devil when He was able to defeat the devil?

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 23:56:28 GMT

Because God is all-powerful, he certainly could have prevented the fall of the angels and the subsequent fall of Adam and Eve. God does not explain why he did not prevent those falls—nor is he obligated to do so (Romans 11:33-36). After the devil led Adam and Eve into sin, God promised a Savior (Genesis 3:15). That Savior would crush Satan one day. By his holy life, sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus did crush Satan. The devil’s final defeat will take place on the Last Day, when he will be confined to hell forever (Revelation 20:10). Until the Last Day, Satan retains power and influence as allowed by God (Job 1:12; 2:6). Because of his power and influence, the devil has the title “the prince of this world.” (John 12:31). As mentioned previously, the day will come when that “prince” will be crushed completely and be unable to bother God’s people anymore. Until that time, God’s people recognize the power and evil intent of Satan (1 Peter 5:8), and they use the spiritual weapons God has given them to be successful in warding off the old evil foe (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7).

If I get cremated, will my soul go to heaven and on Judgment Day my ashes be made back into my body even though I have no skeleton? If I choose cremation, is that OK with God?

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 00:09:47 GMT

When a Christian dies, the soul immediately goes to heaven (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:43; Hebrews 9:27). Burial or cremation take place after that. Choosing cremation over traditional burial will not affect your eternal relationship with God. After sin entered the world, God announced to Adam, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19). As the wages of sin (Romans 6:23), death would be the common experience for people, and the body would begin the process of decomposition at death. In the end, cremation essentially speeds up the process that occurs with burial. Regardless of cremation or burial, “…a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his [Jesus’] voice and come out” (John 5:28-29). Since the Bible is silent on the subject of cremation, Christians are free to choose burial or cremation.

What does WELS teach about Melchizedek's birth, death and his priesthood?

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:45:47 GMT

Hebrews 7:3 explains that we do not know anything about the beginning or end of Melchizedek’s life. He appears and disappears on the pages of Scripture. Melchizedek served as “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). As priest, he served the only true God, the God of the Bible. More than that, Melchizedek served as king (Genesis 14:18). That was unusual because a person served as a priest or a king but not both. By serving in those offices, Melchizedek pointed ahead to Jesus, who is Prophet, Priest and King.

Does a person have to be baptized to go to heaven?

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:45:56 GMT

No. Think of all the Old Testament believers who were not baptized—as Baptism had not yet been instituted. Jesus stated that it is the lack of faith, not Baptism, that condemns (Mark 16:16). We speak of Baptism being necessary in the sense that the Lord commands us to administer it. However, Baptism not absolutely necessary for salvation because the Holy Spirit can bring people to saving faith in Jesus through the gospel in Word alone. In situations like that, people will still want to be baptized—to do what Jesus says and to receive, in addition to the message of the Bible, another guarantee of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ.

With the gaining popularity of people obtaining concealed carry permits, I would like to ask WELS' stance on potential lethal use of a weapon. My thoughts are that in Exodus 22:1-3 lethal force can be used if yours or your family's lives are in danger, but not if it is clear the threat is non-life-threatening. In either case, it should only be used as a last resort.

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:39:35 GMT

The Hebrew word in the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17) prohibits murder—the illegal and inappropriate ending of human life—and does not forbid all taking of life. So, for example, governments can rightly implement capital punishment (Romans 13:4) if they so choose. What about individuals who want to protect themselves and their families, you wonder? Some Christians look to Matthew 5:39 and Romans 12:17 as absolute directives not to resist physical threats. In their context though the verses advocate love toward others instead of seeking revenge. Others look to sections of Scripture like Proverbs 24:11-12 and Luke 22:35-38 as the basis for defending oneself and one’s family from physical threats. Protecting our own life (self-defense) could result in the death of another person. That is not murder. Exodus 22:2-3 illustrates the law God gave his people of Israel regarding defending oneself from a thief.

Someone told me that in the original Greek, the Bible didn’t say to a man: do not lie with another man but that it says don’t lie with a boy (to prevent abuse). Please help.

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:30:51 GMT

It looks like your request is addressing Leviticus 20:13. The 1984 NIV rendered that verse this way: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.” The 2011 NIV puts that verse this way: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.” The Hebrew language, the primary language of the Old Testament, has several words that can be translated “man.” The Hebrew word that is translated “with a man” in the verse above refers to a “man” or a “male.” Context will determine the particular shading of words. So, for example, the Hebrew word referenced can mean “boy” in some contexts. That is what we find in Jeremiah 20:15: “Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, who made him very glad, saying, ‘A child is born to you—a son!’” The context of that verse makes it clear that the Hebrew word is not speaking of a man but a male child. The context of Leviticus 20 makes it clear that there is a contrast with “woman.” “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.” God designed sexual relations to take place between a man and a woman in marriage. Leviticus 20:13 condemns the practice of a man having sexual relations with another man as he would with a woman (in marriage). People who support same-sex activity and same-sex marriage look for the Bible to differentiate between abusive same-sex relationships and consenting same-sex relationships: condemning the former but approving the latter. The Bible makes no distinction like that; it forbids and condemns all sexual relations that take place between men only and between women only. While Leviticus 20:13 (and Leviticus 18:22) were part of the Mosaic code that governed Old Testament Israel, we find the same condemnation of same-sex activity in Romans 1:24-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. With that last passage in mind, it is important to note that it is not particular sins that keep people out of the kingdom of God; it is impenitence and unbelief. God wants all to come to repentance and believe in him to enjoy salvation (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

My husband died about 16 months ago at the age of 82. He had a twin sister who only lived two days. She was baptized. When his soul got to heaven, could he meet the soul of his twin sister? Would she still be a baby? At the time of the resurrection, will she be resurrected as a two-day-old baby? In answer to a similar question a number of years ago in a Bible class, the WELS pastor indicated the possibility of a baby who dies being in heaven as a healthy young adult and a person who dies at an advanced age being in heaven as in their prime of life years. Thank you.

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:17:58 GMT

Such a reunion that you asked about will certainly take place. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the Lord gathering together those Christians who died and those Christians who are alive on the earth at the time of his visible return on the Last Day. When the Lord gathers together his Church, this truth remains: “And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The Bible does not address the subject of resurrected bodies of Christians as to their appearance in earthly age. The Bible does teach this: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). What was said in that Bible class is certainly possible with a God who can do all things. While we may presently lack answers to some of our specific questions about heaven, the Bible gives us enough information that we can “encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). And so, receive my encouragement to continue looking forward to the time when God’s people will enjoy a perfect and glorious life with God—forever.

Can a person be saved if they believe Satan is their scapegoat? Seventh Day Adventists teach this. They are careful to say that Satan is in no way a sin-bearer, but their prophet Ellen White wrote about this in The Great Controversy (Chapter 18, The Sanctuary). If a person reads Ellen White and believes Satan bears the final penalty for their sin, are they believing in a false Jesus who didn't complete their atonement?

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 01:06:52 GMT

That is a conclusion one might make, but that is a conclusion Seventh-day Adventists reject. They state: “Satan makes no atonement for our sins. But Satan will ultimately have to bear the retributive punishment for his responsibility in the sins of all men, both righteous and wicked. Seventh-day Adventists, therefore, repudiate in toto [their emphasis] any idea, suggestion, or implication that Satan is in any sense or degree our sin bearer. That thought is abhorrent to us, and appallingly sacrilegious. Such a concept is a dreadful disparagement of the efficacy of Christ and His salvation, and vitiates the whole glorious provision of salvation solely through our Savior.” (Questions on Doctrine, page 400). Without question, Seventh-day Adventist teaching fails to see the scapegoat on the great Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) typifying the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. The larger problem is that Seventh-day Adventism fails to distinguish clearly between law and gospel. Ellen White, one of that church’s early leaders that you cited, wrote: “In the Law is embodied the same principle as in the Gospel.” The message of the law and the message of the gospel are in fact opposites. The law reveals our sin and our need for a Savior; the gospel shows us our Savior, Jesus. Jesus’ loud cry on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), reveals that the Lord successfully completed his soul-saving mission. His triumphant resurrection from the dead guarantees it (Romans 4:25).

Are we to literally take the account of Eve eating a piece of fruit as the reason mankind deserves to die and suffer in hell? Thanks.

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 01:05:20 GMT

The genre of Genesis 3 is narrative. The content of the chapter records historical events. There is nothing in the chapter that suggests any content is to be understood symbolically or figuratively. When it comes to Adam and Eve’s sin, what is more important than the content of God’s command is the command itself. What I mean is this: God could have commanded Adam and Eve not to do something else, and their violation of that other command would have amounted to sin. “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Transgression, another word for sin, means to step across a forbidden line. Martin Luther addressed your question with these words: “To reason it seems very ridiculous that any one fruit should be so deadly as to destroy the whole human race in infinite succession, and destroy it, moreover, with eternal death. But this power of destruction did not lie in the fruit. To be sure, Adam sank his teeth into the fruit; but in reality he sank them into a thorn, which was the prohibition of God and disobedience to God. This is the real cause of the evil, to wit, that Adam sins against God, whose command he ignores. He follows Satan. The tree of knowledge of good and evil was a good tree, bearing the choicest fruits, but because the prohibition of God is joined to it and man does not heed the prohibition, it turns into the deadliest of all poisons.” (What Luther Says, Volume III, Page 1290)

Can the devil still use somebody who has already proclaimed Christ?

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:46:03 GMT

Can the devil tempt a Christian? Certainly (1 Peter 5:8). Can the devil use a Christian to tempt someone else? Certainly. There is an ally of Satan inside each Christian; it is the sinful nature (Romans 7:15-25). These are reasons why the Bible instructs us to “resist the devil” (James 4:7). Thanks be to God that Jesus Christ successfully completed his mission of conquering the devil (1 John 3:8) and that he equips us to be successful in our daily skirmishes with the devil (Ephesians 6:10-17).

I'm wondering if WELS is fine with having acupuncture done. I understand that hypnosis is not something that a person should do but I'm also wondering about acupuncture. I can't find it in the question section. Thank you.

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:06:09 GMT

You are correct. There have been no previous questions on the subject of acupuncture. But thank you for checking first. It looks like little has been written on the subject in our circles. That literature contains cautions about New Age thinking that the practitioner could try to share with the person receiving treatment. While I am not in a position to endorse fully this assessment of acupuncture, the information illustrates how a confessional Lutheran church body views the practice.

I have always had this question and have grown up WELS and taught in the educational system. Why did the first man and woman God make sin?

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 23:59:51 GMT

God made Adam and Eve with the ability and freedom not to sin or to sin. Being all-knowing, God certainly knew that Satan and other angels would rebel against him, and that Adam and Eve would disobey his command. Being all-powerful, God certainly could have prevented both those falls into sin. The Bible does not provide an answer as to why God allowed sin to enter the world. What we do know from the Bible is this: not only did God know that sin was going to enter his creation, but he formulated a plan to rescue sinners. That plan involved the sacrifice of his Son (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8). In eternity, God also graciously chose people to be members of his family (Ephesians 1:11-14). The Bible makes it clear that people are responsible for sin (James 1:13-15). God is not guilty of any wrongdoing (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 6:3). The Bible teaches that Eve was “deceived” by Satan (1 Timothy 2:14). Adam followed the actions of Eve (Genesis 3:6). When it comes to the “why” questions of life and the Bible, I turn to Romans 11:33-36: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?’ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” Those words tell me that while I live on this earth, I cannot expect to understand God’s ways and thoughts fully. Like you, I look forward to the time when my knowledge of God and his ways and thoughts is much different than it is now (1 Corinthians 13:12).

I was a WELS Lutheran. (Now, I attend a Missouri Synod church.) One thing that I still feel I need a better understanding, and was part of the reason I felt called to leave the synod, is praying with family. Why does WELS feel it is incorrect for me to say a table prayer or the Lord's prayer with my Christian brothers and sisters? Thanks in advance for helping me understand your perspective.

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:50:44 GMT

It would be beneficial for you to read a thorough explanation of what the Bible teaches regarding fellowship, including prayer fellowship. Church Fellowship, available from Northwestern Publishing House, provides such an explanation. Here is an excerpt: “The New Testament does not treat prayer fellowship separately from other forms of fellowship. Prayer as an act of fellowship is simply treated as one element among many others. The early Christians ‘devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer’ (Acts 2:42). There is, therefore, nothing in Scripture to suggest that prayer should be treated any differently from any other expression of fellowship. Since God-pleasing prayer always flows from faith, every prayer is an expression of faith and therefore an act of worship” (pages 48 and 49).

I’m a little confused as to where Jesus went when he died. In the Apostles' Creed it says he “descended into hell. The third day he rose again....” Where in the Bible do I find that Jesus descended into hell? On the cross Jesus said to the thief that day he would be with him in paradise, which seems like Jesus would be in heaven right away. Thanks so much for helping clear this up for me.

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 19:17:53 GMT

When death takes place, a person’s body and soul separate (Ecclesiastes 12:7). When Jesus died on Good Friday, his body remained on earth, while his soul went to heaven (Luke 23:46). The same was true for the repentant thief on the cross (Luke 23:43). Resurrection is the reuniting of body and soul. Early on Easter Sunday morning, Jesus’ body and soul were reunited in the tomb. Jesus descended into hell to proclaim victory over sin, Satan and death. Then, he appeared to his followers on earth as their risen Savior. 1 Peter 3:18-20 teaches Jesus’ descent into hell. Many see Colossians 2:15 as describing the triumphant nature of Jesus’ descent into hell.

God didn't think too much of man to make him out of a pile of dirt. Eve must not have had much of a brain; she didn't know snakes cannot talk.

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 23:19:35 GMT

There is no question here for me to answer, but your statements need a response. The creation of Adam shows God’s special care for human beings. Rather than focusing on the material God used to create Adam, keep in mind how unique Adam’s creation was compared to everything else. Rather than speaking a word to bring about Adam’s existence (as God did in creating everything else), God “formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). That special action speaks volumes about what God thought of man. God made Adam and Eve to manage his creation (Genesis 1:28). God made Adam and Eve in his image (Genesis 1:27). That meant they were holy, they had perfect knowledge of God’s will, and their wills were entirely in line with God’s will. God’s desire was that Adam and Eve enjoy his love forever. When sin threatened to separate them from his love forever, God promised a Savior (Genesis 3:15). In time, he sent his Son to be their Savior. All this says that God cared deeply for the people he made—the crown of his creation. Created in the image of God, Eve, like Adam, was highly intelligent. When it comes to Eve listening to a serpent (Satan), the Bible simply says that Eve was “deceived” (1 Timothy 2:13). The Bible is God’s message to people. It is inspired and inerrant. God’s desire is that we regard his word as “holy and gladly hear and learn it” (Martin Luther’s Explanation to the Third Commandment). I encourage you to read Psalm 119 to be reminded about that attitude toward God’s word.

When a father dies suddenly, leaving behind a wife and three daughters, all with college education and a long history of participation within the church and being confirmed in the church, is it common for the pastor and then the rest of the church to completely abandon them? Is it because as women they don't have any power/vote in the church that they are basically useless?

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:14:15 GMT

One can see pain and hurt in your words. I extend my sympathy to you in your loss. More than that, I want to remind you of the daily meaning Easter has for Christians like you. Because Jesus lives, those who believe in him have life eternal, even though they experience physical death (John 11:25-26; 14:19). May God always be a refuge and strength for you and your family. I, of course, do not have any information that might explain the reaction of others to your loss. Unfortunately, when death takes place, sometimes people—even Christians—do not know what to say. And so, rather than risk saying something wrong, they say nothing. That is not helpful, as your words indicate. Sometimes the best and the most Christians can do initially for a fellow Christian who has experienced the death of a loved one is simply to listen. In addition, they can point grieving Christians to the comfort of God’s word. The reaction of others to your loss certainly does not change your status with God. As a child of God, God’s love for you began in eternity (Ephesians 1:4). His love brought you into his family (1 John 3:1). His love means you will enjoy a perfect and glorious eternity (Psalm 23:6). God bless you and your family.

What is the WELS position on decision theology?

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:58:58 GMT

In This We Believe, a statement of belief of our church body, you will find this confession: “We believe that people cannot produce this justifying faith, or trust, in their own hearts, because ‘the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him’ (1 Corinthians 2:14). In fact, ‘the sinful mind is hostile to God’ (Romans 8:7). It is the Holy Spirit who gives people faith to recognize that ‘Jesus is Lord’ (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit works this faith by means of the gospel (Romans 10:17). We believe, therefore, that a person’s conversion is entirely the work of God’s grace. Rejection of the gospel is, however, entirely the unbeliever’s own fault (Matthew 23:37).” Decision theology is not a teaching of the Bible.

How do I explain the dangers of smoking and God’s plan for us to a friend in a godly way? I’m a WELS Lutheran, and have a Christian (Methodist) friend who smokes. After seeing what a relative of mine who smoked went through (gangrene, multiple amputations, necrotizing fasciitis, and eventually death), I’ve tried to explain to her the dangers of smoking. She tried cutting back, and for a while was doing well, but eventually fell back into the habit. A year after my relative passed away, we got talking about the issue once, and by then, I could tell that she couldn’t help but give up on quitting, as she asked me something to the tune of, “If God knows when we’re all going to die, anyway, what’s the point in quitting?” I couldn’t even answer that, as inside, my heart broke for her. I saw someone who would rather just give in and suffer any possible effects, than tough it out. I’ll always be a friend to her, even if she’s a smoker until her dying day, but I’d just hate to see her possibly suffer the same horrible effects that my relative and millions of others have gone through.

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:48:48 GMT

I commend you for your loving care and concern for your friend. You want what is best your friend and that includes her physical well-being. You could point your friend to the Fifth Commandment. That commandment has the purpose of protecting life. The application of that commandment to our lives means that we take care of our bodies as best we can. This care addresses subjects such as diet, exercise and anything that can be harmful to our bodies. There is more than God’s law that addresses the care we give our bodies. The Bible’s teaching of stewardship covers every area of our lives. Everything that we have and are belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Faithful stewardship, management, of God’s blessings includes our very bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19). This means that we will not want to do anything that could shorten our lives. We live with that mindset because we entrust ourselves to the loving care of God (Psalm 31:15). God’s blessings to you—and your friend—as you seek to work for the good of her body and soul.

I'm currently learning more about the WELS. And I like everything they believe and teach so far. My everyday question is this: what's the purpose of 1000 year reign of Christ?

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:00:30 GMT

It is good to read about your study of God’s word. Your question addresses content from Revelation 20. We will want to keep in mind that Revelation 20 does not speak of a one-thousand-year reign of Christ. The chapter speaks of Christians reigning with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4, 6). In the book of Revelation, numbers have symbolic meaning. That means that “a thousand years” in Revelation 20 means anything but one thousand years. The number ten and its multiples (for example, 100 and 1,000) represent “completeness.” Many biblical scholars understand the one-thousand-year period in Revelation 20 as representing the New Testament age. This means that Revelation 20 speaks of Christians reigning with Christ during the New Testament age. Consider what meaning this had for the first recipients of the book of Revelation (the Christians who belonged to the seven churches in Asia Minor listed in Revelation 2 and 3). Christians in the late first century A.D. were facing extreme persecution. Christians were being killed for their faith. Did that mean that those people had lost everything? Were they to be pitied? Not at all. Their deaths meant that their souls were in the presence of God in heaven. Their deaths seated them on symbolic thrones and they reigned during the New Testament age with Christ—the King whose reign is eternal (Psalm 146:10). There are individuals and churches that teach Jesus will set up an earthly kingdom and reign over it for a period of 1,000 years. They seek to find support for this idea in Revelation 20. That chapter of the Bible does not teach that. No chapter of the Bible does. Revelation 20 describes martyred Christians reigning with the King of kings, Jesus Christ. God bless your continued study of God’s word!

Is it God’s will for some people to go to hell? If I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in God, and the only reason I have faith is because the Holy Spirit gave it to me, did God choose me over other sinners? God loves all people, and Jesus died for all sinners, so why do some go to hell? I know that sometimes God makes bad things happen for good reasons, but how do I know that it’s not his will for me (or anyone else) to go to hell? How does free will fit into all of this? Thank you.

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:02:39 GMT

The Bible teaches that the antecedent will of God is that he wants all people to be saved (Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4). The Bible teaches that the consequent will of God is that he will condemn those who reject him (Mark 16:16). While God desires the salvation of all people (2 Peter 3:9) and has provided a Savior for all people (John 3:16), the Bible also teaches that God has elected some to salvation (Ephesians 1:11-14). Those are teachings of the Bible that we human beings cannot harmonize. We entrust them to the counsel of God (Romans 11:33). When it comes to free will, our free will by nature is limited to making decisions about our earthly lives. Regarding spiritual matters, our free will by nature consists only of sinning and rejecting God. That natural condition underscores the truth of what you wrote: “I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in God.” Saving faith is God’s gift (Ephesians 2:8). Saving faith is the result of God’s election to grace (Acts 13:48). The doctrine of election can create questions in our minds. That is understandable. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). What we want to keep in mind is that the doctrine of election was intended for our comfort. The comfort is that our salvation is in God’s hand—from beginning to end. He chose us in eternity. He sent a Savior. He gives us saving faith and he preserves us in that faith to the end of life. If salvation were up to us in any way, there would be reason for doubt and uncertainty. Because salvation is entirely God’s work, it is a sure thing.

I've been disturbed about one of the 10 Commandments, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Luther's Small Catechism, #45, explains God does not require us to observe the Sabbath and other holy days of the OT. I thought it peculiar that this commandment would be the only one omitted. Matt.12:8 and Col. 2:16,17 are the stated supporting Scripture. Reading the complete context of these verses, I understand it to be in reference to the Pharisees' (man's) laws added on to God's commandments in both Matthew and Colossians. Weren't Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit present with the Father when Moses received the 10 Commandments? Furthermore, the construction of the days of the week were named by the Romans after their pagan gods and there isn't clarity as to which day/days God designates as the 6 days of work and which is the 7th day of rest (which is first, and which is last). Different people have different work days. Since it isn't stated which days, wouldn't it mean after one works 6 days (whichever days one labors), labor ceases and rest in body and mind is to solely focus on God?

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 01:06:29 GMT

It is important to note that the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5) are part of the Mosaic Law that God gave to his Old Testament people of Israel. The Mosaic Law had limited purpose and duration. Its obligations ended when Jesus Christ came into our world as the fulfilment of all the prophecies of the Messiah. We can see from the Mosaic Law wording of the third commandment (“Sabbath day”) and the fourth commandment (reference to the Promised Land) that not all the content of the Ten Commandments applies to New Testament followers of the Lord. So, how do Christians view the Ten Commandments? We rightly regard them as a summary of God’s moral law: his will for all people of all time. We do see Jesus (Luke 18:20) and the apostle Paul (Romans 13:9) restating some of the commandments in a different order from the Old Testament listing. Presenting the commandments in that way illustrates how we, as New Testament Christians, are free from the Mosaic Law wording of the Ten Commandments and yet look to the Ten Commandments as a summary of God’s will for our lives. The language of Scripture is clear in pointing to the seventh day of the week (no matter what name we give it) as the Old Testament Sabbath Day. God set the pattern by working on the first six days and then resting on the seventh (Exodus 20:11). There is something else to keep in mind as time went on: if God’s people were going to find spiritual rest through their corporate worship of the one true God, they would need a common “seventh day” for their assembly. Saturday, the seventh day, was that day. The Sabbath Day pointed ahead to Jesus. He has “rest” for our souls through the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 11:28).

Is it ok to have a raffle promoted by a WELS church/school as a fund raiser for a youth field trip?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:03:40 GMT

This is a decision the church/school will need to make after they study the matter. I can pass along the following information from answers to similar questions that contained some concern and caution. Congregational fundraising in the community can reinforce what many wrongly think in the first place—that “all the church is concerned about is money.” Congregational fundraising in the community can reinforce work-righteous thinking in some of the unchurched, leading them to think that “I’ve given to God, so I’ve done my duty.” Congregational fundraising in the community can undermine a church’s efforts to encourage its members to grow in their management of God’s blessings if they grow instead in their reliance on community revenue. There certainly is a danger that fundraisers can fuel the idea that giving involves the possibility of getting or receiving something in return. It is important to keep in mind the motive for giving. It is love for God and gratitude for his love that provides the motivation for giving back to God what is his in the first place (2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 John 4:19). If the church/school is looking for financial support from its own constituency and not the community in any way, free will offerings can go a long way in funding a youth field trip. Congregational members can be presented with the special opportunity to give towards this cause, and God’s people will respond as they are moved. An approach like this eliminates difficulties associated with raffles and fundraising in general.

I'm having a hard time with this. I see so many verses in the Old Testament where God says not to practice human sacrifice of sons and daughters to other nations' gods. Why would God sacrifice His son? Thanks.

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 23:24:26 GMT

God’s Fifth Commandment forbids murder (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 32:39; Psalm 31:15). God wants to protect human life because it is a time of grace; it is the only time people have to be brought to a confession of their sins and a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 9:27). Because of the importance of human life, the sacrificial system for God’s Old Testament people of Israel involved food or animals. You are correct in noting that God forbad human sacrifices. Scripture explains that people cannot save themselves or others. “No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—so that they should live on forever and not see decay” (Psalm 49:7-9). Human sacrifices are sinful and accomplish nothing when it comes to the forgiveness of sins. Because forgiveness of sins is God’s work, he determined how he would display justice by punishing sin and also display love by forgiving sinners. The giving of his Son in life and in death is at the heart and center of God’s plan of salvation. God gave of himself to save people who could not save themselves, no matter what they did (1 John 4:9-10). That is love—amazing love.

What are the beliefs of the Elevation Church of Steven Furtick?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:16:20 GMT

Their website offers this statement of belief. One would be interested to see statements regarding the work of the Holy Spirit and saving faith, as well as the sacraments.

The WELS has a practice that a non-WELS member cannot sing or accompany during a service. Why do you then allow non-WELS members who write hymns for the WELS hymnal? In my eyes there is not much difference between the words of a hymn on the page or from the mouths and fingers of a musician. Thank you for this ability to ask this question.

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 23:26:22 GMT

I am understanding your first sentence to intend to say that a non-WELS member cannot sing “in a way in which the person would be leading worship” – for example, as a soloist. With that understanding in mind, allow me to pass along the following thoughts that addressed previous questions like yours. “Our hymnody would be very limited if we sang hymns composed only by Lutherans. For instance, we would be without ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Holy God, We Praise Your Name,’ both written by Roman Catholics. We would be without ‘Glory Be to God the Father’and ‘Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ,’ both written by a Presbyterian. We would lose ‘In the Cross of Christ I Glory,’ written by a man most people think was an agnostic. The test of a good hymn is not the denominational background of its author, but the confessional character of its text. “The stanzas from ‘Amazing Grace’ that are included in Christian Worship speak correctly about the grace of God. If the text of any hymn (even one written by a Lutheran!) would contain doctrines that disagreed with the doctrines of the Bible, that hymn would not have been included in our book. “We are not in fellowship with the Baptist Church because it teaches many things that disagree with the teachings of the Bible. But we do not consider the Baptist Church to be a non-Christian denomination. It should not surprise us, therefore, that a Baptist is able to write a hymn text that speaks correctly about grace, even though he may not be able to write a hymn text that speaks correctly about original sin, infant Baptism, or Holy Communion. “The Lutheran Church has tended to consider or judge forms used for worship on the basis of their content rather than their source.” A way of understanding this is that authors and composers present their works for use by Christians around the world. It is not as though the people who then use those hymns are stepping into the churches of the authors and composers and worshiping along with them. The same can be said about many of the musical pieces that our choirs use in our worship services.

I am currently finishing a graduate degree, and I am looking into new employment opportunities. I have seen several jobs which I'd like to apply to, but many are at Catholic and other non-WELS/ELS colleges/universities. What is the viewpoint on me as a WELS Lutheran potentially working at these types of institutions? Does that go against fellowship guidelines?

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:33:40 GMT

If the job description for your position is standard, religious fellowship issues would not be involved. Our churches and schools sometimes employ non-members in a variety of positions. Like so many areas of life, conscience is something to be considered. If you were to think that working in that position is wrong, then it would be wrong for you (Romans 14:14). Scripture directs us to act in faith not doubt (Romans 14:23). To have a fuller conversation on this, consider speaking to your pastor. God’s blessings to you.

I understand that the Eastern Orthodox church rejects the filioque in the Nicene's Creed on the basis that it is never explicitly said in Scripture. How come we Lutherans do accept the filioque?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:49:18 GMT

For the benefit of other readers of this question, “filioque” is Latin for “and the Son.” The point of reference is the phrase in the Nicene Creed that speaks of the Holy Spirit proceeding “from the Father and the Son.” “Filioque” was an addition to the Nicene Creed some 250 years after that confession was first adopted. We accept the “filioque” because that is a scriptural truth. The following passages shed light on the subject: John 14:16-17; John 15:26; John 16:7; John 20:22; and, Galatians 4:6. If you are interested in reading more about this topic, this brief paper will give you good information.

Given that the Word and sacraments are the means of grace in the New Testament period, was there an equivalent for the Old Testament period? How do circumcision and the Passover relate to this? Also, if Paul in Galatians describes circumcision as a work of the law, and condemns adding it to faith, how does he also directly tie circumcision to baptism in Romans? If Paul consistently presents baptism as gospel, why does he tie it to the Old Testament work of circumcision? Or was circumcision a work at all, or was that the view the Jews had taken on at the time? And I've recently found the idea of God's presence confusing. In the Old Testament, God's presence could be found in the Most Holy Place, which was accessed once per year by the High Priest. Does this mean God wasn't present in His Word throughout the Old Testament, at least when it had been recorded and written for the people? And no doubt Old Testament believers are saved the same as we are, through faith alone. All their sins were pardoned by Christ. If this is true, how does the idea of God's presence shift from the Old Testament to the New Testament? And lastly, from my understanding, there's seems to be a distinction between God's more general presence (omnipresence) and His special presence in the means of grace. Is this a correct way of thinking about His presence? Thank you for all the help!

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:09:50 GMT

God the Holy Spirit has always used the Word of God to bring people to saving faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah (Romans 10:17). For the male population of God’s Old Testament people of Israel, circumcision was a seal of the righteousness that was theirs by God-given faith in the promised Messiah (Romans 4:11). As the rite of circumcision no longer applies to followers of God in New Testament times, the apostle Paul rightly condemned the requirement to be circumcised, along with believing in Jesus Christ as Savior, to enjoy salvation. The book of Galatians addresses this. What that same apostle did in another inspired letter was to speak of a parallel between circumcision and Baptism: “ In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12). The original Passover gave the Israelites deliverance from their enemies. The ongoing Passover observance pointed ahead to the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus, who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). When it comes to the presence of God, the Bible teaches that God has many different modes of presence. He is omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-10). He is present in the Lord’s Supper, as we receive the Lord’s body and blood, together with the bread and wine (1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:27). He is present with his church—when two or three come together in his name, as you referenced. He is present with each believer, as our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). He is present with each believer because he lives in them (John 17:20-23). Jesus was visibly present among people when he came to this world as true man (1 John 1:1-2). Your numerous questions could certainly receive fuller treatment, but this is about the best I could do with limited response space.

Did it rain before the flood?

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 23:52:12 GMT

The Bible does not answer that question specifically. We have this information in Genesis 2:5-6 – “Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground.” In Genesis 2:10-14 we read of a river from Eden that “separated into four headwaters.” The Bible first mentions rain in connection with Noah (Genesis 7:4, 12).

Can the enemy hear our conversation ?

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 20:58:24 GMT

In addressing Satan’s abilities, let’s start with his inabilities. As an angel, the devil is not omnipresent. Only God the Creator is (Psalm 139:7-10). Much as the human soul, housed in a body, can occupy only one space at one time, so the devil, a spirit being, can occupy only one space at one time. Yet, as a spirit being without a body, the devil is able to move from one space to another faster than human beings can. And move he does. Job 1:7 and Job 2:2 describe the devil “roaming throughout the earth.” 1 Peter 5:8 states that the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Roaming and prowling describe the devil’s non-stop activity as he moves from person to person, seeking to destroy them. With this kind of activity, Satan and his helpers could hear our conversations. Then, again, keep in mind that Satan is not all-knowing as God is. Satan cannot read hearts and minds. Only God can do that (1 Kings 8:39). Satan operates by what he observes and hears. It is good to be aware of Satan’s power and limitations. Here is something else to keep in mind: we want to recognize that the devil has an accomplice inside each person. The sinful nature, passed on from generation to generation, is hostile toward God (Romans 8:7). The sinful nature hates anything good and godly and desires to do the devil’s bidding (Galatians 5:19-21). So while the devil is not personally present in the life of a Christian 24/7, his ally, the sinful nature, is. With spiritual enemies like these, what is a Christian to do? “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13) and launch a counter-offensive. That is not a foolhardy course of action. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7) is God’s instruction and promise. More than that, we combat our sinful nature through daily contrition and repentance, and we build up the new self through God’s gospel in Word and sacrament (Ephesians 4:22-24).

What is the New Testament reference to the commandment related to “keeping holy the Sabbath” (Sunday)?

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 19:06:15 GMT

For God’s Old Testament people of Israel, the Third Commandment involved a day of the week: Saturday. It was a day that emphasized physical and spiritual rest. The Sabbath day pointed ahead to the perfect rest that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would provide through the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 11:28-29). Like other parts of the ceremonial law, instructions regarding the Sabbath day are no longer in effect for God’s followers in New Testament times (Colossians 2:16-17). In Christian freedom, followers of the Lord chose Sunday as their primary day for corporate worship; they did so with Jesus’ resurrection in mind. Sunday is not the New Testament Sabbath. Christians are free to worship on any day of the week. For New Testament followers of the Lord, then, the meaning of the Third Commandment is more about the Word of God than a day of the week. The explanation of the commandment in Luther’s Catechism reflects that: “We should fear and love God that we do not despise preaching and his Word, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.” Gathering with fellow Christians for worship services is still important. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16). Rather than mandating Saturday (or Sunday) as a day of corporate worship, God lets us decide which day of the week to come together for worship. And when there are opportunities for worship, the new self in us responds: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).

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Merry Christmas from WELS Missions!

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