Month: November 2023

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

Lit Lamps

Daily Devotion – November 13, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 25:7-12


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Endless Blessings

Daily Devotion – November 12, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11


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

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

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

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

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

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

Boldness

Daily Devotion – November 11, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 2:1,2


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

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

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

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

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

[Jesus said] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Matthew 5:11,12

Rewards of Grace

Daily Devotion – November 10, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 5:11,12


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Jesus knows how ferocious and cruel life is in this sin-filled world. He knows that as you and I live and work, eat and sleep as children of light through faith in him, the forces of darkness will be pushing back. Satan, his demons, and all their allies will seize every chance to pull down, trip up, intimidate, distract, demoralize, and humiliate—anything at all to discourage us from our walk with the only Savior there is.

With all that in mind, Jesus has chosen to tell us something for the moments he knows will come. The moments when everything is too hard, the mountains of difficulty are too high, the darkness of despair is too thick, and the cackling voices of cynicism are too loud. It is for those moments he tells us, “I see you. I see what you are enduring. I will not forget you. I will acknowledge what you have suffered for my sake.”

Yes, the Lord promises to reward us. However, his reward has nothing to do with our merit or worthiness. It has everything to do with his merciful encouragement. It has everything to do with grace. It has everything to do with his undeserved love for you and me.

Out of grace he lived a perfect life on our behalf. Out of grace he suffered and died for our every sin. Out of grace he encourages us along the way, and he will lead us home.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the road is long, but you know this. Thank you for your rewards of grace to encourage me along the way. And thank you for the home that awaits. 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.

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.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

Adopted

Daily Devotion – November 9, 2023

Devotion based on 1 John 3:1


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Twenty-four-year-old Jaime Cone had long known that she was an adopted child. Because the adoption had taken place so early in her life, she had no recollection of the world she’d left behind. She took her present life for granted. Her adoptive parents had given her a stable home. She did well in school. She had lots of friends. Hers was a secure, middle-class lifestyle with the usual little dramas of growing up. This world was normal to her because this was the only world she had ever known.

Her presumptions began to change when her adoptive parents decided it was time to give Jaime access to the files pertaining to her adoption. Much of what she read was sobering, chilling. The conditions in which she lived as a baby were dangerous and dark. The one steady light through all the files was her adoptive parents’ relentless determination to pursue her adoption, soldier through the many legal setbacks and disappointments, and to do whatever had to be done to make Jaime their own.

After digesting the files, Jaime came to realize how drastically different her life might have been. She also began to understand how much her adoptive parents loved her.

The apostle John wrote, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

The conditions of your former life and mine were deadly and dark. We were toxic, you and I—toxic through and through. We were addicted to sin, lost, adrift, angry, afraid, and determined not to have anything to do with God.

But he came for us anyway. God the Son came here in the person of Jesus. He did what had to be done to wash us clean at the cross, blanket us in his perfection, bring us to faith, and take us home.

All this makes us realize how drastically different our lives might have been. We also begin to understand how much our adoptive Father loves us.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, through faith in Jesus I am your child. Your love for me is beyond words. 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.

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.

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:17

Temporary

Daily Devotion – November 8, 2023

Devotion based on Revelation 7:17


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Human beings appear to be the only creatures who cry. Sure, there are animals that shed tears from time to time for functional reasons. Humans, however, seem to be the only ones who genuinely weep in moments of high emotion.

Based on the current scientific research, there is still a great mystery behind the whole subject of our tendency to weep. Some have speculated that it helps purge toxins from the body. Others have proposed that it helps produce hormones to stabilize a person’s mood. Others consider it a safety valve for moments of extreme stress. Still, others say it signals to others close to you that there’s a problem and you need help.

All that aside, you and I know from hard experience what kinds of things can bring us to tears: A close friend abandons you. A family member breaks your heart. Someone you love receives a ghastly diagnosis. Your child or grandchild is seriously injured. Financial catastrophe leaves you feeling helpless. A critical mass of regret is smothering you. Your burden of life responsibilities overwhelms you. A death surrounds you in the darkness of grief.

Virtually all of us have known such tears. We have felt them on our cheeks. We’ve tasted their saltiness. We’ve struggled with the lump in the throat. We have choked on our own stifled sobs.

Such weeping comes from sin—your sin and mine. For the brokenness of this broken world, the tears fall. For the pain that sin breeds, the tears fall. For the mournful mess that sin has left, the tears fall.

But as they do, the Lord speaks. In Revelation chapter 7, his Word reminds us that our hot, salty tears of grief, pain, disappointment, and loss—these tears are temporary. These tears will not last. For the One who has “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” has seen to it that these tears will come to an end. Our Savior has come. His life and death in our place have destroyed the cause of our tears. Very soon, our only tears will be tears of joy. Forever.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know what it is to weep in this fallen world. Remind me that the tears of grief are temporary, but the tears of joy are forever. 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.

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.

“These are the ones who are coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (EHV)
Revelation 7:14

Tribulation

Daily Devotion – November 7, 2023

Devotion based on Revelation 7:14

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From time to time, archaeologists unearth an item that tells a story. Some years ago, archaeologists were hard at work within the ruins of ancient Rome. They happened to be digging in the remains of a school for imperial pages. As they did, they found a picture dating back to the Third Century A.D. It shows a boy standing, his hand raised, worshiping a figure on a cross. The figure on the cross is a man with the head of a donkey. Scrawled in the handwriting of a child are the words: “Alex worships his God.”

In one old picture, the story emerges. Alex is a Christian. The God he worships is the one who came to this earth to die on a cross to wash his sins away. Others in his class find his Christian faith ridiculous. Someone decides to draw a picture of Alex to make fun of him and his Savior.

History tells us that the persecution of Christians went beyond the passing of pictures in class. Christians experienced contempt from the surrounding culture. Christians lost their jobs. They were arrested, tortured, and put to death. On top of all that, the devil used every hardship in their lives as an opportunity to discourage them from trusting in Jesus Christ.

Today, the tribulation continues, as the Lord said it would. Christians around the world face mockery and hostility, torture and death. In addition, Satan does all he can to use the griefs and disappointments of this life to convince Jesus’ followers to give up, to quit.

But in the book of Revelation, the Lord gives us a look ahead. On the Last Day, there are Jesus’ followers, coming out of the great tribulation. There they are, washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. There they are, basking in their Savior’s presence forever.

One more thing. The picture mocking Alex has an additional piece of writing. It says, “Alex is faithful.” The Lord sustained Alex. He remained faithful. He will sustain his followers today, too.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in this broken world, tribulations are part of my calling as a Christian. Sustain me and be my strength. 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.

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.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9

Multitude

Daily Devotion – November 6, 2023

Devotion based on Revelation 7:9

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Author Willow Liana begins a recent article by telling a story about a close friend. Her friend has just graduated from college and has entered the workforce. The transition has been difficult, but not because of the work. Rather, the problem has been her sense of isolation. In college, she had a close circle of friends she saw every day. Now, however, she feels constantly alone. “I keep asking myself, ‘Where is everyone? Where are all the people?’ I have this persistent feeling there are supposed to be people around, but they are missing.”

The article goes on. It describes current cultural factors isolating individuals from larger groups—from the loss of community in neighborhoods to technology that often makes it easy to work and eat and live with no person-to-person contact.

With that, however, let’s look at something very different. In the last book of the Bible, the apostle John describes a massive gathering of individuals who are not lonely at all. What he sees is a great multitude . . . from every nation, tribe, people and language. They could not be happier or have a greater sense of belonging. And the reason for their perfect happiness and sense of belonging is right before them—the Lamb, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. On the basis of what he has done on their behalf, on the basis of the blood he has shed at the cross to wash their sins away—they now belong to him, and he belongs to them. They are the multitude of blood-bought souls who will never know loneliness again.

This present world is broken, broken by sin—your sin and mine. As you and I walk through this broken world, we will taste many bitter things. We’ll taste grief. We’ll taste cruelty. We’ll taste frustration, anxiety, and fear. And we will taste loneliness.

Enter Jesus. He carries us through each lonely moment. And remember what’s coming. The multitude awaits.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, carry me through each lonely moment. And remind me that, one day, the lonely moments will be gone forever. 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.

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.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16

What Is Love

Daily Devotion – November 5, 2023

Devotion based on 1 John 3:16

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If you ask ten different people what love is, you may very well receive ten different answers. Ask a three-year-old, and the answer may be a simple “mom.” Ask a psychologist and you may have to settle in for a long and complicated response. The answer given by a fifteen-year-old girl will likely be very different than the one given by a sixty-year-old man who has been married to the same woman for 42 years.

Even though these answers may all be different, they likely all revolve around the same thing—emotion. Describing what love is usually involves how a person makes you feel or the committed feelings you have about a certain person.

God doesn’t talk about emotion when he describes love in the Bible. He talks about action. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

Love is defined by the greatest act of self-sacrifice ever made. God’s own Son, Jesus, gave up his life for you because he knew it was the only way for you to live with him forever. He shed his blood not because he saw some great potential within you. He shed his blood because the sin within you needed to be washed away.

Jesus laid down his life for you because his desire to save you eternally was far greater than any desire to preserve his own life. That selfless, self-sacrificing action is the very definition of love.

Now that you know what love is, go and love others.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my Savior, thank you for loving me by dying in my place. Forgive me for the many times love has been all about me and how I feel. Help me to love others the way that you have loved me—through actions that put their needs first. In your holy name I ask it. 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.

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.

[Jesus said] “Freely you have received; freely give.”
Matthew 10:8

Freely Give

Daily Devotion – November 4, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 10:8

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This command was among the many instructions given by Jesus to his twelve disciples before sending them out on a mission trip. The disciples had received God’s love and forgiveness, mercy and compassion, call and commission. Now Jesus said to them, “Freely you have received, freely give.” The work they were called to do was not fee-based. They weren’t to profit from sharing the gospel of Jesus. From the heart of God, they freely received his gifts of forgiveness, new life, and salvation. God opened for them the floodgates of his grace. As they had received his blessings, they also were to give them away to others.

This message applies not only to sharing the gospel—our greatest treasure—but also to the many other gifts our Lord has graciously given us: our money, our time, and all those various skills and abilities that God has bestowed on us. As he has freely blessed us with all that we have, we will want to thankfully respond to God’s love by freely giving him some of our blessings for the benefit of his work to spread the gospel.

If our gifts are given under compulsion or only out of a sense of duty, then our offerings of money, time and skill are not gifts at all, and God is not pleased with them. If our offerings are not motivated by what we have freely and firstly received from God, then they sink into a mere go-through-the-motions activity.

Reflect on God’s generosity for you. All that you have for soul and body is a gift of God’s wonderful grace. Through Jesus, you have received the free gift of salvation! With a heart moved by God’s many free blessings, freely give to him.

Prayer:
Dear God, forgive your selfish servant and move me by your generous nature to love and serve you and others freely, for I am richly blessed and privileged to give through Jesus Christ, my Savior. 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.

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.