Heavenly Treasure – August 11, 2022

Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it . . . your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 12:29-31

Heavenly Treasure

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Daily Devotion – August 11, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:29-31

See series: Devotions

She’s lost everything. Left to raise her three children on her own, she often doesn’t know how she will be able to afford even basic things like food and clothes. Chronic medical conditions and unexpected emergencies left her in debt with little or no money to pay the rent.

Maybe you’ve been in her position. Maybe, even with far more, you worry. You worry about the rising cost of food, clothes, housing, and gas. You worry about paying your bills and preserving your savings.

She used to worry like that, but now she sees things differently. Three years ago, she was in a homeless shelter, and someone told her about Jesus. She learned that he left heaven to live in her place, to walk in her shoes, to fight against the temptation to worry and every other temptation she faced, and to overcome. She learned that even his closest friends and his heavenly Father abandoned him when he needed them most. For her, for you and for me, he died, giving up everything to give us everything. And then he came back to life to assure her that her worry, lack of trust in God, fears, and failures were all forgiven. He came back to life to promise that this life is not the end. Those who trust in him will live with him forever in heaven, where there is nothing to fear and no temptation to worry.

That news changed her life. She still works hard to meet the challenges she faces every day. But now, she knows that she has an eternal home waiting for her. She has a loving God caring for her. She doesn’t need to worry. Whether things are tough or life is good, she has learned to focus on God’s Word, God’s promises, and the treasure God won for her in heaven. Her focus on heavenly treasure drives out worry.

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for worrying. Focus my heart on the heavenly treasure your Son Jesus won for me. Help me to trust you to meet all my needs. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Bulletin – August 14, 2022

ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCHES

10th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AUGUST 14, 2022

 HARD TRUTH #1: WE WANT PEACE, BUT GOD’S WORD DIVIDES

WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!   

We pray that you find comfort, peace and motivation

through God’s Word today.

At St. John’s, the restrooms are located in the link way, out

the church entry way, to the left and down the stairs. At

Emmanuel, they are  located in the lower level, out the church

entry way and to the right. You may also find a nursery

changing station in the lower level of St. John’s.

In our worship bulletin, you will find an outline of today’s order of worship. The entire service can be found in the hymnal, up on the screen on Sunday at St. John’s and livestreamed www.stjohnsmontello.org.

TODAY’S THEME

We Want Peace, But God’s Word Divides

We often divide humanity into groupings that are not really significant: this ethnic group versus that one, men versus women, wealthy versus the poor. Yet, every ethnic group is under God’s law. That law convicts both men and women of sin. Because of sin, the wealthy and the poor will both die. Only through faith in Christ is sin forgiven and the sting of death removed. God’s Word creates that saving faith, but not in everyone who hears it. Fallen man retains the awful power to resist the working of the Spirit inside him… to reject the gift of faith. Therefore, God’s Word produces the only people grouping that ultimately matters: believers and unbelievers. We want to overcome division and live in peace with other people. Here is a hard truth: total peace is impossible for the believer to achieve. Those who embrace the gospel in faith will inevitably face hostility and opposition. Following Jesus will come at a price. Yet he promises us our perseverance will be rewarded.

ORDER OF SERVICE The Service Setting 2  – pg. 172

HYMNS 870, 590, 838, 876

PSALM 4A “Answer Me When I Call”

SERMON Luke 12:49-53 “The Other Baptism Is the One That Hurts”

LESSONS

Jeremiah 23:23-29

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? 24 Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. 25 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Hebrews 12:1-13

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a] Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Luke 12:49-53

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Setting One from Christian Worship – Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2022 Concordia Publishing House.

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS

– For the sick and others facing trials…Caryl Bassett, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Gene Crook, Florence Dahlke, Vicki Davis (Marilyn Riemer’s sister), Reinold Eckelberg, Ken Elmer (Sally’s husband), Earl Ewert, Judy Freitag, Donna Gatzke, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Hunter Habersat (Judy Fandrey’s grandson), Kim Hanko (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), John Kelm,  Ellie Kendall, Geri Kerl (Sue Brown’s mother), Bob & Sandy Klapper, Jeff Krueger (Diane Hintz’s son), Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Ella Ninneman (Brian & Kathy’s granddaughter), Karen Radke, Wayne Riemer, Sierra Schmidt (Linda Lou Wacholtz’s grand-daughter), Wanda Sellnow (Principal Larry Sellnow’s mother), Pat Sommerfeld, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Irvin Stuckey (prospective member), Betty & James Weber, Stacy Weisensel – (added this week: Kim Hanko)

NEW – For the family of our Emmanuel member, Sharon Crook, called home on 8/9

– For missions

Help us stay in touch!

Scan the code below using your smartphone camera and fill out the prompted information. Don’t have a smartphone? That’s ok! Fill out an attendance card located at the end of each pew and place it in the offering plate located at the entry of each church.

Welcome to our visitors!

Find & Like us on Facebook

Visit our website: www.stjohnsmontello.org

Pastor Pete Zietlow: 608-408-7830, Email: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com

Principal & 6-8 Grade Teacher: Larry Sellnow: 616-822-6689

Email: principal@christalonelutheranacademy.net

3-5 Grade Teacher: Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021

1-2 Grade Teacher: Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554

Kindergarten Teacher: Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816

Little Lambs Director: Barbara Stelter: 816-853-9029

Church/School Secretary/Office: Ciara Neuhauser: 608-297-2866

Church/School Address: 313 E Montello St. Montello, WI 53949

Church Email: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

School Email: secretary@christalonelutheranacademy.net

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH SECRETARY The St John, Montello and Emmanuel congregations are seeking a candidate to fill a full-time church secretary position. The primary duties would include:

* Answer phone, emails, and various correspondence

* Sort and send mail

* Control building security

* Generate various computer programs

* Financial management

* Prepare church bulletin and PowerPoint

* Manage church membership on Shepherd Staff program

* Manage calendar/scheduling and lower-level rental

* Manage Little Lambs preschool files

* Church Facebook management

* Holiday worship planning/advertising

* Payroll submission to treasurer (monthly)

* Manage various shared group forms

* Prepare for Voters meeting (quarterly)

* Prepare offering statements and envelopes (yearly)

The salary is negotiable and contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Additionally, the congregations are in urgent need of volunteers to assist with these duties until the position is filled.

If you are interested in this position or wish to assist on a temporary basis, please reach out to:

Phone: (608) 297-2866, E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org

HELPERS NEEDED & YOU’D BE GREAT!  The Everyone Outreach team will soon be sharing personal invitations with our Montello neighbors to the events of our St. John’s September 10-11 kickoff weekend.  Help us extend our hand of friendship around Montello and invite community members to this weekend of fun, faith, and fellowship.  The invitations and materials we will share include:

* FREE Saturday evening outdoor concert by Branches Band;

* Open doors for any child to a fresh Sunday school year with a Fruit of the Spirit emphasis;

* Open doors for anyone to One by One, a study & discussion series that will implore us to treat every soul as a precious treasure;

* A specially planned Kickoff Sunday service;

* A get-acquainted picnic for everyone!

The invitations will be delivered in the community between Saturday, August 20, and Saturday, August 27.  If you could help, please contact James (608-369-4006) or Linda (608-369-2635) Wachholz for more details!  Bring a friend, gather a team of friends, or make it a family affair!  All ages are welcome to help!  And keep watching for more information about the events of Kickoff Weekend!

WE NEED A SCHOOL SOCCER AND VOLLEYBALL COACH! If you are interested in coaching, please call Mr. Sellnow 616-822-6689.

TEACHER INSTALLATION FOR BARBARA STELTER, LITTLE LAMBS DIRECTOR SAVE THE DATE: August 21

Located in the link way at St. John’s and entry way of Emmanuel, you will find a gift box. If you would like to give a gift to Barbara, we will be collecting gas cards as she will be driving back and forth from Princeton.We will present these to her at her installation at St. John’s.

PLASTIC PILL BOTTLES FOR CENTRAL AFRICA MEDICAL MISSION ARE AGAIN BEING COLLECTED at both churches. by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS).   Collection containers can be found in the linkway at St. John’s and in the parish hall at Emmanuel.  Please hand in ONLY bottles which:  1) have the labels removed.  2) have been washed, and  3) have any sticky residue from the labels removed completely (Goo Gone suggested).

Gift of Faith – August 10, 2022

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Gift of Faith

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Daily Devotion – August 10, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 11:1

See series: Devotions

You have to see it to believe it. Maybe you’ve been on vacation and seen something like that. An ocean sunset or mountain sunrise. A majestic animal or awe-inspiring display of athletic or artistic skill. The descriptions, pictures, or videos just don’t do justice. Those we tell must take our word for it.

The Bible tells us some amazing and awe-inspiring things. It describes a God who transcends space and time, who came in time as a human being to rescue those who rebelled against him. It describes a love without limit, forgiveness without condition, and an eternal reward freely given to those who could never earn it.

I wasn’t there to witness Jesus’ birth or to watch his death. I didn’t see the empty tomb when he rose from the dead or stand on the mountain when he ascended into heaven. God hasn’t given me the visions of heaven that he gave the apostle John in the book of Revelation. And even if I had seen all those things, I wouldn’t have seen the full truth. I wouldn’t have understood the full significance.

But we don’t live based on what we see. Instead, God asks us to take him at his word. God made the universe and then put a plan in motion to save humanity from the death and destruction we brought on ourselves. God prepared for humanity a heavenly city for us to dwell in his presence. God promises that we enter that city through his Son, Jesus, who came to save us.

God reveals all of that to us in the Bible. And as we hear it and read it, the same God leads us to believe it is true. That’s faith. It is confidence about things I don’t see.

I don’t have to see it. I don’t have to fully understand it. God says it. I believe it. Someday, I’ll see it with my own eyes. Until then, I thank God for the confidence he gives me through his gift of faith.

Prayer:
Lord, through your Word, give me confidence in what I hope for and assurance about what I do not yet see. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Value the Treasure of Righteousness – August 9, 2022

Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Genesis 15:6

Value the Treasure of Righteousness

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Daily Devotion – August 9, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 15:6

See series: Devotions

The reward is what often makes the cost worth it. A diet and exercise regimen is rewarded with better health. Years of study and tens of thousands of dollars spent on education are rewarded with a satisfying and well-paying career. The struggle to bring young children to worship or have devotions at home is rewarded when those children show their childlike faith in Jesus in their words and actions.

Abram paid a high price to follow the Lord. He left home and traveled to an unknown land when God told him to. He lived in tents, never having a permanent home of his own. When God promised that he would have a son in his old age and that the Savior of the world would be one of his descendants, he set aside his reason, and he believed.

For the price he paid, he got nothing, at least from a human perspective. But there was a treasure that no one could see. “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

Righteousness is being right with God. It is a life that is in line with what God says is right. Without righteousness, we can’t go to heaven. We can’t even approach God because we aren’t right with him.

God credited Abram with righteousness. He gave it to him. He deposited righteousness—perfection—into Abram’s spiritual account. Not because he left his home and family behind. Not because he was willing to live in tents. But because God put faith in his heart to believe his promises—to believe that he would have a son, to believe that God would send a Savior through his descendants. Through faith Abram was counted as right with God.

Because God credited Abram with righteousness, Abram could see beyond what he was lacking in this life and live in hope of the heaven.

As God moves your heart to believe his promises—in particular the promise of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus—he credits you with righteousness too. He sees you as perfect and worthy of heaven. Now that’s a treasure, no matter what the cost!

Prayer:
God, strengthen my faith to believe your promises and receive and treasure your righteousness. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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A Heavenly Treasure – August 8, 2022

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless?”
Genesis 15:1,2

A Heavenly Treasure

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Daily Devotion – August 8, 2022

Devotion based on Genesis 15:1,2

See series: Devotions

What is it for you? What is that one thing you just have to have? That one thing that would make your life complete? That one thing that, if you only had it, would prove that God loves you?

Four thousand years ago, a man named Abram wanted nothing more than to have a son. He recognized that children are a blessing from the Lord. He may have felt forgotten by the Lord and shamed by society because he and his wife had no children. Worse than that, the Lord had promised Abram that the Savior of the world would be one of his descendants, but he still didn’t have any. And now he was over seventy-five years old.

So, when God came to Abram and promised to bless him, he had a hard time seeing past what was missing in his life. “What can you give me since I remain childless?” he said. “That’s all I want. Nothing else you give me will be enough.”

That day, God repeated his promise that Abram would have a son. God said his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But he gave him an even better gift. He said, “I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Even if Abram’s hopes and dreams for life in this world were never realized, he still had the Lord. The Lord was with Abram to bless him and protect him. The Lord was with Abram to hear and answer his prayers. The Lord was with Abram to bring him safely through his life on earth to the life he had prepared for him in heaven. And that was proof of the Lord’s love for him.

The Lord is your shield and your reward too. You may never have that one thing you think you can’t live without. But you have a God who loves, protects, and hears you. And he sent his Son to win for you the ultimate gift—life with him in heaven where nothing good is missing.

Prayer:
Lord, you are my shield and my great reward. May this promise make me content. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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The Presence of God – August 7, 2022

“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:24

The Presence of God

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Daily Devotion – August 7, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 23:24

See series: Devotions

When people do what they shouldn’t, they are careful not to get caught. Sneaky teenagers take note of when their parents will be away on business, believing the house will be free for them to throw a party they know mom and dad would disapprove of. A dishonest employee waits for the boss and everyone else to leave before taking company property and going home. Addicts feed their addiction in a dark room where they believe no one else will know their dark secret.

The sinful desires of our self-centered hearts blind us to the fact that the God who created the heavens and the earth fills his entire creation. We are so overwhelmed with feeding our sinful appetites that we fool ourselves into thinking that somehow God is too busy elsewhere in the world to take notice of us. But the one true God is omnipresent—is present everywhere. We can’t get away with murder, but we can’t get away with shoplifting a pack of gum either. The almighty God is present and watchful not only where major crimes take place, but also knows our inner thoughts as we plot our sins against others.

By our shameful thoughts, words, and actions we have forfeited our right to be in God’s glorious presence. By all rights we should be cut off from his blessings forever. But the One who fills all things came to be present with us in a special way. In the man Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s presence came to live among us sinners. He not only occupied our space, but also took our place under God’s law. Jesus fulfilled God’s righteous demands of perfect love and laid down his life as payment for our disobedience. Through faith in Jesus, our guilt has been removed. After his resurrection, Jesus promised to be with his followers always and keep us close to him. And at the end, he will take us to live in his glorious presence for all eternity.

Prayer:
Lord, when I am anxious or afraid, comfort me with the knowledge that you are with me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Do Not Surrender to a Deception – August 6, 2022

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Colossians 2:8

Do Not Surrender to a Deception

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Daily Devotion – August 6, 2022

Devotion based on Colossians 2:8

See series: Devotions

During the Civil War, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest encountered a fort under Union command. When the Union regiment refused to surrender, Forrest asked for a meeting with the Union commander. General Forrest took the Union commander on a tour of his Confederate troops. As they methodically made their way from one Confederate camp to the next, the Union commander counted the men he saw and finally concluded that his regiment could never hold out against such a large number of troops. He surrendered his fort without a fight.

But here’s what the Union commander didn’t know: Every time he and General Forrest had left a Confederate camp, the men in that camp had quickly packed up and raced to another position before he and Forrest arrived. The Union commander had been seeing the same men many times over. He had surrendered to a deception.

As you and I eat and sleep and work in this fallen world, the devil is constantly trying to get us to surrender. He wants us to give in to despair. He wants us to give in to temptations. He wants us to give in to our sinful pride. He wants us to conclude that Jesus and his promises are no match for the difficulties and dark pleasures of life.

What the devil hopes you won’t notice is that it’s all a deception. The reality is that nothing can match Jesus and his promises. Jesus’ blood has washed you clean and made you his own. He will carry you through this life and take you home. The best the devil can do is put up some fake scenery and hope you’ll fall for it.

Don’t surrender to a deception. Trust your Savior instead.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the devil works very hard to discourage me. Remind me that he is the deceiver, and you are the truth. Move me never to surrender. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Above – August 5, 2022

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1,2

Above

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Daily Devotion -August 5, 2022

Devotion based on Colossians 3:1,2

See series: Devotions

You would never watch the previews before a movie and then walk out before the main feature. You would never receive a love letter from your significant other and fall in love with the mailperson who delivered it. You would never have a builder construct you a home only to stay living in an apartment or hotel.

In the same way, God has given us wonderful gifts this side of heaven, previews of the joys that will be ours in heaven. But don’t miss the main feature. There is no joy here that will not be greater with Jesus in heaven. No gift that won’t be greater in the presence of Christ.

I am thankful for my Christian relationships, families and friends who share Jesus with me. I am thankful for the time and support I receive from them, but I should never forget to whom they are pointing me. To think of these relationships as only for this life fails to see the larger joy these relationships bring.

I don’t want to spend all my time dressing up this earthly and temporary home and fail to attain my heavenly home. A home filled with things and a life full of great experiences doesn’t mean much when their time is short compared to my perfect home with God.

Don’t miss the main feature for the preview. Don’t fall in love with the messengers instead of the one whom the message is from. Don’t give so much to your temporary home that you miss your heavenly home.

Instead, “set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things.”

Prayer:
God above, change my focus from what is below to the things in heaven. Lead me to be where Christ now is. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Warning – August 4, 2022

Then [Jesus] said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15

Warning

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Daily Devotion – August 4, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:15

See series: Devotions

There are all sorts of things that we get warned about in this life. When I get into my car, I am warned if I don’t put my seat belt on. My phone warns me if it thinks I have spent too much time on it. The medicine I take has warnings on it about the dangers of abusing it or taking it incorrectly.

Jesus has a big warning for us as he says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed…”

I can’t help but find myself doing some online shopping and thinking, “If I just had this new thing, my life would be so much better.” I spend my hard-earned money on a new possession only to realize it can’t fix my problems.

I buy tickets for trips and vacations and think that if I can accumulate enough experiences, I can give my life meaning. However, even after having all these experiences, my life still doesn’t seem any closer to finding real purpose.

I work hard to accumulate a home, cars, and a retirement account, hoping that these things will provide me some safety. In the end, I am just as worried about tomorrow as those who have little.

Jesus warns us that these things are all temporary and cannot satisfy. My life is not contained in any of these things. Greed may call out to me and tell me to accumulate more possessions and to find my joy and purpose in all that money can buy. Jesus calls to us and tells us to “watch out” as our life does not subsist in any earthly things but only in what Jesus can give. Only Jesus provides real hope to our problems, purpose in this life, and peace for tomorrow.

Prayer:
Merciful Lord, keep me from the trap of believing my life is valued by the things I have in this world and teach me to always find my value and purpose in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
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.
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Next – August 3, 2022

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:16-21

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Daily Devotion – August 3, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 12:16-21

See series: Devotions

We spend a lot of time thinking about what is next. What is the next thing I need in life? What is the next job or class? What will we do next year?

There is nothing wrong with planning for what’s next. Planning for what’s next is necessary, especially if you are someone God has blessed with an abundance of things or talents.

In our Bible reading for today, Jesus tells us this parable because he doesn’t want us to have too short of a view when it comes to what is next. In the parable, a man does lots of planning for what is next: Build. Store. Relax. None of his plans for what is next matter because he doesn’t live to see them. He spent a lot of time planning for a day that never arrived instead of planning for the day that did arrive.

There is nothing wrong with making plans for this life, but we should also not neglect plans for the life to come. The things that God has given us are tools and instruments not only for here but also for eternity. Our wealth and talents are not just to be used to serve ourselves but to serve God and our neighbors.

In this way, we are ready for what is next.

Prayer:
Almighty God, give me a heart of wisdom that I may number my days aright. Amen.

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