WELS Family Devotion: Recent Episodes
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Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7
Excel at GivingLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 13, 2024Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:7
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241113fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What does it mean to excel? It means to have success, to be good at something. For example, what helps someone excel at being a piano player? A good teacher, practice, goals, a love for music, devotion to the task, and talent all help. What does someone need to be a good soccer player? Practice, ball skills, speed, dedication, and love for the sport are all important.
In our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul urges us to excel in giving to others. Why would we want to be good at giving to others? Isn’t the best part of birthdays and Christmas that we receive gifts? Actually, there’s something better. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
That is what Paul means by the “grace of giving.” God has given us the grace and gift of giving back to others. And to excel at something means you have a good reason to do it. Paul gave the Corinthians that reason: Jesus.
Jesus is incredibly rich. All the heavenly glories are his. Yet, he became poor for us. He was born in a barn, didn’t have much for an earthly home, and gave up everything, even his life on the cross, to give us forgiveness and heaven. What a gift! When you receive a great gift from someone, what’s the first thing you want to do? Thank them, possibly by giving back a gift of your own!
A group in Mizoram, India, started doing that very thing. Back in 1910, the women of Mizoram would save a handful of rice from every meal and give it to the church, which helped the church grow. Today, this tradition continues. The generosity extends beyond the rice. They give fruits, vegetables, and other items that further the mission. Today, in Mizoram, over 95% of the people are Christians, and the churches are growing and self-supporting. Their generosity leads others to Jesus!
Jesus’ act of love on the cross is why Christians excel in generosity. In Jesus, we are so blessed that giving back to others becomes second nature. It’s what we naturally want to do to thank God for his great gift of grace.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me. Help me to live for you each and every day. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is one way that Jesus has shown love to you?
- We show love for Jesus by loving others. What is something that you can do for someone else today?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name three spiritual gifts that God has given you. Give one way you might use each.
- How does knowing God’s grace motivate us to be generous?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In your own words, explain what Paul meant when he says that God has given you the “grace of giving?”
- What are some things that make it difficult to follow Paul’s instructions in today’s devotion
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Kings 17:8-16
She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
1 Kings 17:15,16
God Provides, So Be GenerousLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 11, 2024Devotion based on 1 Kings 17:15,16
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241111fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you didn’t have enough food? When the shelves in your house were bare, and your family didn’t have money to buy anything? Has that ever happened to you? For most of us, we always have enough. We have never had to ask the question, “What are we going to eat today?”
But that was a question in Elijah’s day. Elijah lived in Israel about 2,800 years ago. At that time, the Israelites, led by the wicked King Ahab, were worshiping false gods. So, God sent a drought to show them who the true God was.
Since there was no food in the land, God provided for Elijah in another way. He sent him to a town called Zarephath, “I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”
There was one problem: this widow didn’t have any food either, just a little flour and oil. It must have been hard for that widow to be generous with Elijah and share her food. But she had faith in God to provide, so “She went away and did as Elijah had told her,” And “The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.”
When you hear a story like this, it makes you think, “Wouldn’t it be cool if our jar of flour never ran out?” But if you think about it, it doesn’t! There’s always more food to fill our cupboards, and our refrigerators are full. Why? God provides. Sometimes, he uses miracles. But usually, he uses parents. You know that your parents will provide you with what you need.
The widow knew she had a Father in heaven who would provide for her so she could be generous with Elijah. This can be our attitude, too! We know we have a loving Father because he gave us his only Son, Jesus, to forgive our sins and make us his own.
When we see God’s love for us in Jesus, it changes everything. If God was willing to do the biggest thing for you, do you think he’ll do the small things, too? Of course! When we know those truths, it sets us free from worrying about ourselves, so we can use the gifts that God gives us to be generous with others.
Closing Prayer:Dear Father, lead us to trust in you to provide for all our needs in this life. In Jesus name, Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who provides everything we have (food, clothes, house, etc.)?
- Why does God give us all these things?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why does God want us to give offerings to him? Is that true even for children?
- Come up with some ways that you can be generous with the gifts that God has given you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree/Disagree: God is going to provide for me anyway, so it doesn’t matter where and how I spend my money.
- Why do you think Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our DAILY bread?”
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 11:32-44
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:32
Jesus, Where Were You?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 8, 2024Devotion based on John 11:32
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241108fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jeff was going through going through a really difficult time in life. His grandmother was so sick. He could see how worried his parents were. They said things like, “Grandma may be with us only a little bit longer.” Jeff felt a knot in his stomach. It hurt. He began to think, “Jesus, where are you? Why don’t you make my grandma feel better?”
In today’s devotion, some very good friends of Jesus were asking the same question. Lazarus was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent for Jesus. But Jesus didn’t come right away. Lazarus died. Four days later, Jesus showed up. But it was too late. “Jesus, where were you? If you had been here, our brother would not have died.” Like Jeff, they were hurting.
But Jesus has something amazing to show us to help us when we are hurting. “Lazarus, come out!” And with those words, Jesus brought life to Lazarus, who came right out of his tomb. Had Jesus abandoned them in their time of need? No. He had not ignored their cries for help. He had given that appearance, but only so he could bring a greater blessing. He showed them that he is the Lord of life and death. He showed his power over death.
Just a short while later, he’d do it in a final and triumphant way. After laying down his own life to pay for the world’s sin, he took it back up again three days later to declare that sin and death no longer have the final say. He did it so that you and Jeff can repeat his beautiful, powerful, and comforting words any time we face death. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
Jesus, where were you? Jesus answers, “I am with you always.”
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, help us to always trust in you, even when it seems you aren’t around. Remind us that you have given us eternal life and will bless us in your own way and time. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What made Jeff, Mary, and Martha sad in today’s devotion?
- What words does Jesus say that made them happy?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why didn’t Jesus come right away and heal Lazarus of his sickness?
- TRUE or FALSE. Lazarus eventually died again. But why could he face his death with joy and confidence?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree/Disagree. Jesus’ followers will never die.
- Agree/Disagree. Jesus will always hear and answer our prayers.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Read Revelation 20:4-6
Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:6
You Will Live and Reign with ChristLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 6, 2024Devotion based on Revelation 20:6
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241106fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Where am I STARTING?
That is an important question if you want to get to your destination. If you are heading to Topeka, Kansas you might know that you need to take Interstate 70. But it makes a difference where you are starting from as to whether you’ll drive east or west on I-70. If you are in Denver, you’d go east. If you are in St. Louis, you’d head west.
It’s an important question to ask as we hear today’s word of God. If we have the wrong starting place, we might end up with some confusion about what is being told to us here. So, where are we starting?
The Bible teaches us that at the start of life, we are born alive but spiritually dead in sin. The Bible says that when a person hears the good news of Jesus and believes in him as their Savior, the Spirit of God has raised that person to a new life. That’s faith. This is what John refers to as the first resurrection. It means YOU are part of the first resurrection! It also means you get to live and rule with Christ for a “1,000 years.” Wow, that sounds like a really long time! Doesn’t it? And it’s true, the time between Jesus’ ascension into heaven and when he finally returns to take his people home to heaven has already been a long time—that’s about 2,020 years and counting.
That’s why it’s important to ask, “Where am I starting?” Each of us has already started our lives on earth. Every start of life has an end to life. We will all die physically. Nobody likes to talk about death, but the Bible talks a lot about it because God doesn’t want you to be afraid of it. We’ll cease to breathe, and our souls will separate from our bodies. We could call that the first death. But don’t be afraid because Jesus will raise our bodies in the second resurrection. And we need not ever fear the second death either. We’ll never be separated from God because we’ve been made fully and eternally alive in Jesus, over whom death no longer has any power.
But now, “Where are we going?” Here’s the cool thing—believer in Jesus. By faith, you are part of what’s called the “communion of saints”—those who get to go and live and reign with Jesus in the palace of heaven, in a life that knows only joy, peace, and no end.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for making me alive in you. Help me take great comfort and joy in knowing that I live and reign with you, now and forever. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Describe what you think heaven will be like.
- True or False. The Bible doesn’t want us to be afraid of dying.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Today’s devotion talked about the first resurrection. What is it?
- How does a person take part in the first resurrection?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What does the number 1,000 represent in Revelation? What does it not mean?
- Read John 5:24-29. How do those words of Jesus help us understand these words of Jesus?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9
Eat An Amazing Meal on a MountaintopLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 4, 2024Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241104fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Mountains are amazing to look at. Especially if you live in a place that doesn’t have mountains and visit Colorado or Glacier National Park—just their size can be breathtaking. People love climbing mountains. They do it for the thrill, exercise, or accomplishment of it. But what do they find when they get to the top? It has an amazing view and a different type of clean, cool air. But little else. Maybe a bench, a book to sign, or a flag. But not much more.
Can you imagine climbing a high mountain and finding a huge, delicious meal waiting for you at the top? Can you imagine that it’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Imagine being told, “Eat and drink all you want it’s free!” What if the same person who said that also promised that he could take away all your problems, fears, and anxieties with a wave of his hand? Not only would your belly be full, but your heart would be calm and trouble-free. Would that be a mountain worth climbing?
Isaiah talks about a mountain where the LORD Almighty offers exactly that—a splendid feast and a scattering of fear. Where is it? How do we get there? It is a mountain that Jesus climbed. He climbed Mount Calvary with a cross on his back. He was nailed to it. He died on the top of that mountain. By his death, he gave us the rich food of forgiveness and took care of our greatest fear, the fear of death. Very near that same mountain, he came back to life. He tells us that he has provided food for our souls and rest for our hearts. But we don’t need to climb a mountain. It’s all there for us in God’s Word. It is made ours in baptism and given to us in the Lord’s Supper.
One day, Jesus will take us to his heavenly mountain and care for us forever. We’ll never want for anything or experience fear or sorrow again. We’ll never suffer or feel shame. Nothing will make us frown. Total happiness! In heaven, we’ll join all of God’s people on the mountain of the LORD to rejoice in his love and salvation forever.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for providing me with my every need. Help me to treasure all you give me and to look forward to the day when we’ll feast in the joy and peace of heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does the Lord tell us we’ll find on his mountain?
- What does it mean to trust in the LORD’s salvation?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What is Isaiah trying to tell you when he says Jesus “swallowed up” death?
- Why is that such a comforting thing for us to remember?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In what way is going to church like going to this mountain of the LORD?
- In what way is going to heaven the full experience of this mountain of the LORD?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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 to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 13:5-11
What Should We Make of Our Messed-Up World?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 1, 2024Devotion based on Mark 13:5-11
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241101fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There are lots of great things about life in this world. Beautiful weather. Amazing technology. Singing and music. Fun vacations. Good friends. Loving families. But we don’t have to live here too long to see that things are pretty messed up. We hear people arguing about which religion is best. We see news stories about wars that are happening. We read about tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and fires that wreck things and injure people. We experience accidents. We suffer loss. Sometimes, we get made fun of for our faith or at least fear that we will. Sometimes, those who stand up for Jesus and his Word get abused. What should we make of all of it? What should we do? When things get bad, Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid.”
Really! Can we trust Jesus?
Jesus says and proves that we can. He did everything he said he would do. He came to our world because he loves it. He laid down his life to save it. He took his life back up in his resurrection from the dead. He fulfilled all his Word out of love for us. He rescued and made us his own in baptism. That loving Savior lives and reigns. He controls and rules the world for the good of his people. So, when all the bad things happen, he simply says, “Don’t be afraid.” Those things are proof and signs that I’m coming back as promised. And then he gives us something to do while we wait. He gives us the good news of Jesus to tell others who need to hear his gospel.
Not everybody wants to hear it, so they sometimes try to stop God’s people from speaking his gospel. Jesus’ words to his people who suffer for speaking his gospel. “Don’t worry.” He tells us to focus on him and his promises, and he’ll give us the strength and words to speak in his name.
So, what should we make of our messed-up world? It should make us look for Jesus and welcome his arrival to take us out of it.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, help me to take your words to heart. Help me to be unafraid when bad things happen. Help me to always look for your coming with joy. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes you afraid when you think of life in this world?
- What does Jesus tell us we can think about when we’re afraid?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name as many disturbing things that Jesus said we can expect to see and experience in this world before his return.
- What promise does Jesus give us when we’re afraid to speak his truth? (hint: verse 11)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- True or False. Based on today’s devotion, there will be a spiritual revival around the world before Jesus returns.
- Discuss with your family whether today’s devotion gives you a sense of urgency. If so, to do what and why? Then pray about it.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14:6,7
Can You Be Someone’s Angel?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – October 30, 2024Devotion based on Revelation 14:6,7
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241030fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
People think and say many things about angels. Some of them aren’t what the Bible says about angels. We don’t become angels when we die. Angels don’t get wings when a bell rings. But angels are important and powerful. They are special spirit beings who have only one purpose: to serve and glorify the Lord, their creator. God promises to send them to serve and protect his people.
But angels have another very important purpose that we sometimes forget about. They are messengers. That’s what the word angel means. The Lord has used his angels throughout history to speak his Word to people. They announced Jesus’ birth. They told the disciples of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. They spoke of Jesus’ return. In a vision that Jesus’ apostle John was given, he saw an angel flying in the air. And that angel had an important message to share. He had the eternal gospel to proclaim. He had the good news of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection to share with everybody in this world. He had a message that would save them from sin’s judgment and grant eternal life.
Sometimes, we read this little section of Revelation the day we celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. We remember the way God used a messenger named Martin Luther to proclaim the eternal gospel to all who would hear. After living in fear of his failure to live as God wanted him to, he read about the love that God showed to our sinful world by sending his Son as the Savior of sinners. He was captured by that good news. He preached and taught it. He wrote about it in papers, pamphlets, letters, and books. The eternal gospel he proclaimed brought people back to focus on God’s Word and promises instead of things that weren’t true.
Can you be someone’s angel? We sometimes use that kind of speaking to talk about doing something nice for somebody else. But through this revelation, God reminds us of the nicest thing we could ever do for somebody else. We can speak of God’s love to them in the good news of Jesus. It is the thing that can free them from guilt and shame, from anxiety and fear. Many live in confusion and delusion because they don’t yet know and believe God’s eternal gospel. So, can you be someone’s angel today?
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your eternal gospel. Help us to speak it to others that they might know your love and forgiveness. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does the word angel mean?
- What did John see an angel doing in his revelation?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does the word gospel mean?
- Can you think of a person you know that you could speak the good news to?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do we sometimes read this section of the Bible for the Lutheran Reformation?
- Agree/Disagree. You can be like the angels.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Daniel 3:16-28
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18
Our God Is AbleLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – October 28, 2024Devotion based on Daniel 3:16-18
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241028fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you heard the Bible story entitled “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace?” It’s amazing! Three men were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The Lord delivered them from certain death. He kept their bodies and clothes from being destroyed by fire (you couldn’t even smell any smoke on them!). It was a complete and total and physics-defying deliverance from certain death. The three men didn’t know it would turn out that way. But they didn’t care. So, they made a very bold confession from which we can learn a lot. They stated clearly that their God had the power to save them from dying. But then they said, “Even if he doesn’t save us from this fire, we will trust in him and obey him.”
What an amazing thing for them to say! They had everything to lose. They were important officials in the government. The king liked, admired, and respected them. They probably enjoyed a good living because of their high positions. But they were willing to give it all up if they did one small thing: Just bow down to an idol! Everybody is doing it. It’s just a way to show respect to your king.
But they stood their ground. Why? Because God was the only one, they would bow down to. Why were they willing to give up everything? Because their trust was in the God who had given them everything. Their position, possessions, and even their lives in this world were all from the Lord, but those were nothing compared to the eternal blessings that the Lord had given them. They knew they belonged to him forever because of the promise he made to them in his Word. They knew of their true King who would come to wipe out sin and conquer death. They knew of the One who would stand up to the lies of Satan, the imposter king of this world. They knew the One who would give his life, that they might lose everything in this world and gain eternal life in his death and resurrection. They trusted him. He was worth everything to them, and they showed it.
What words for God’s children to live by today: “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we’ll trust in him and live for him.”
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, you are the true King of our hearts and lives. Give us boldness to always live for you. Amen
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What were the names of the three men of God in today’s Bible reading?
- What did the three men refuse to do that got them into trouble?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why was it a big deal for the three men to bow down to an idol?
- An idol is something/someone you follow and give your love and loyalty to other than God. Identify an “idol” in your life that you need to say NO to.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Have you ever been tempted to “bow down to an idol” instead of trusting Jesus?
- Why were the men willing to give up their lives in this world rather than commit sin? Where can we find strength to do the same?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Mark 10:32-45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45
Selfless ServiceLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – DATEDevotion based on Mark 10:45
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20241025fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Did you know a presidential election is right around the corner? During this time of year, politicians and businesses often reach out to the leaders of political parties to make deals with them to help that potential president’s cause. They might offer to help promote their campaign or fund a portion of it. They may offer to support or vote in favor of an act or a bill.
When they make such deals, do you think they do so out of the goodness of their hearts? Maybe or maybe not. Sometimes, the agreement or arrangement they propose includes something favorable for them in return. They might request a special position or title. Or they ask for a favor in return or a special tax break for their company. It’s a very human thing to want what’s best for ourselves.
Jesus is so different! Even though he could have easily used his power and authority as God to get whatever he wanted when he came down to earth, he didn’t. Instead, he did the exact opposite—he came to selflessly serve everyone else. That selfless sacrifice would have been amazing on its own, but it’s even more amazing when we consider that he came to serve sinners.
He came for those who would disobey him and reject him. He came for those who sin against him again and again and too often think only what’s best for themselves. But not Jesus! Because of his selfless sacrifice, he forgives all the times we think only of ourselves. He does it without anything in it for him, except his incredible desire to spend eternity with us.
What a great deal! May Jesus inspire our selfless service to others!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you came to serve sinners—that means you came to serve me! Since through your saving service, I have forgiveness and eternal life, help me to follow in your selfless footsteps and delight in serving others. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Think of one or two ways that Jesus served others during his life on earth.
- What is the most important way Jesus served you (and all people)?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share a recent time that you were more interested in making sure others served you than you were in serving them.
- Jesus gave his life “as a ransom for many.” Discuss how he did this and what it means for you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Jesus’ disciples were hoping for positions of importance and recognition. In what area of your life has the Lord blessed you with success for which you crave recognition?
- Jesus put himself beneath you in service to you. What conclusion can you draw about how highly he must think of you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
1 Corinthians 9:11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Two pastors each conducted weddings over the summer. After the service, each pastor was offered a gift of money as a thank-you for performing the wedding. One of the pastors gratefully accepted the gift as an expression of appreciation. The other pastor graciously declined, pointing out that his congregation provided for his needs, and conducting weddings was included in his call as a pastor.
Which pastor did the right thing? Should such a gift be accepted or declined?
Both could be correct, couldn’t they? As we look at the words of the apostle Paul in our Bible reading today, he points out that it is perfectly normal for church workers to expect something in return for their church work. When a pastor serves a congregation full-time, it is the responsibility of the church to support those whom God sends to share the gospel. That’s what Paul encouraged in today’s verse when asked, “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?”
However, Paul declined such aid (“material harvest”) because he didn’t want anyone to think that money or receiving payment were the only reasons he was preaching and teaching about Jesus. He didn’t want people to think he became a pastor because of the money. In his specific situation, he was making a sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.
God doesn’t call every Christian to make that kind of sacrifice. But he does tell us that sacrifices will be a normal part of following him. Rather than avoid such sacrifices, we make them joyfully in support of the gospel, for our minimal sacrifices remind us of the greatest sacrifice ever made: the sacrifice Jesus made for us when he gave up his life and died so that we might live forever.
Now that we have that promise, how are we to live? Sacrificially. We can do without certain things because we know God, who has taken care of our greatest need, will provide for all our other needs as well.
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, you richly and daily provide all we need for life and then some. Thank you! Thank you for our pastor who brings God’s Word to us. Help us support the gospel work and workers of our church with our prayers and offerings. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How do you think churches take care of their pastors for their service?
- What is one way you can show your pastor (and Savior!) that you appreciate him?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What are some sacrifices you have had to make because of your faith?
- Agree or disagree. Since pastors carry out the most important work of saving souls, they should make lots of money.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the greatest sacrifice you have seen another Christian make because Jesus was their priority? What impact did it have on you?
- If you were in the position of the pastor having performed the wedding, what would you do with the gift of money and why?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10,12
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If you do not like going to the doctor to get your shots, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t enjoy getting stuck with sharp objects!
Have you ever watched a parent or grandparent donate blood? Here’s what happens: the donor is given a bag with a long tube and sent to a reclining seat where a nurse waits. The nurse then connects a needle to the tube and gently inserts the needle into the patient’s arm to collect blood. Once the bag is full, the patient is done and allowed to leave after resting and having water and a snack.
If needles hurt, why would anyone willingly put up with getting stuck with one to donate blood? They do it because they know their blood can help save other people’s lives. They endure the prick of a needle because they want to help other people. Their blood may be used for someone who has been injured in an accident, has gone through surgery, or is very sick.
Why did Jesus willingly endure pain and punishment when he died on the cross? Because he knew his blood would help save other people’s lives. He endured the beatings, the whipping, the piercing and the pain of the cross because he knew that by his suffering, he would save others from having to suffer in hell. Isaiah said it like this: “It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
People don’t enjoy suffering, but we’re often willing to endure it for others, just as Jesus did for us. Because Jesus suffered for us while here on earth, we know that we’ll never have to suffer again when we finally leave this earth for heaven!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you suffered for us in a way we could never fully understand. But we can be grateful, nonetheless. Help us show our thanks by willingly suffering for others whenever the need arises. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Getting shots at the doctor’s office can be painful, so why do people get them?
- True or false? Jesus died on the cross to pay for his sins.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share something that you don’t like because you find it very painful.
- Why did Jesus willingly experience the pain of the cross?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Explain the following statement. No one ever suffered more than Jesus, and no one ever suffered for more than Jesus.
- Jesus willingly suffered for us. How does his suffering affect us and impact our willingness to suffer for others?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Mark 10:17-27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Mark 10:27
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? If you do, you know how difficult it is to see without them. But you also know how important it is for them to be the right prescription. If you don’t have the right prescription, wearing your glasses won’t matter—everything will still be fuzzy or blurry.
The man who approached Jesus thought he could see quite well, spiritually speaking. He was pretty sure the key to eternal life was being a good person and living a good life. So, when he asked Jesus what he had to do to earn eternal life, he did so because he was confident that he had lived a pretty good life.
But Jesus helped him see things differently. It was like the man had the wrong prescription, and Jesus gave him the right one so he could see he wasn’t as good as he thought. Jesus helped him see that his heart was too focused on his money and possessions. And then, Jesus invited him to, “Come, follow me.” Sadly, the man refused and walked away. The price was too high. His eyes couldn’t see the prize—Jesus, treasure of heaven.
Maybe you’re thinking, “If it’s possible for me to walk away from and lose sight of Jesus, how can I keep my eyes on him all the way to heaven? You can’t. But here is the good news: Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
No matter how good a job we think we may be doing, it’s impossible for us to follow Jesus on our own to heaven. God has a better prescription for us to see him. It’s called the gospel. The power of the gospel is its ability for us to see Jesus, believe in him, and never lose sight of him! Through the prescription of faith, we can clearly see that our salvation only comes through Jesus, our Savior.
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord, our lives are so busy and filled with so many activities. Thank you for helping me see that none of them are greater than you. Help me always to see you with eyes of faith. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why is it impossible for anyone to save themself?
- What did God do that makes it possible for all people to be saved?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- The man in today’s devotion felt he was doing a pretty good job keeping God’s commands? What areas of life do you feel you’re doing pretty good in?
- The man went away sad because it was hard for him to imagine giving away his wealth. What is something that you would find hard to give up if it meant keeping Jesus as number one in your life?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Read Mark 10:24-27. What words prove that we aren’t good enough to earn eternal life?
- Agree or disagree? Good people don’t get into heaven.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Hebrews 4:12,13
For the word of God is alive and active.
Hebrews 4:12
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.‘
Some say that Latin is a dead language. What they mean by calling it a dead language is that it isn’t spoken as the official language of any country anymore. So, while a small number of people still learn the language and can read and write it, no one really speaks to each other in it. That’s why it is considered “dead.”
Some would say the same thing about the Bible. They argue that it is an old, outdated book filled with “fairy tales” that only a few believe. “It is “dead,” they say.
Not so fast! In Hebrews 4:12, we are told, “The word of God is alive and active.” The Bible is not dead! It’s very much alive and actively at work!
The Bible continues to do important work. First, it shows us that we are much worse off than we could ever have imagined. We are sinners who don’t come close to living the perfect life that God requires of us to get into heaven. That means we deserve the worst fate imaginable: being dismissed by God forever in hell!
That’s why the second thing the Bible shows us is even more important—it shows us how much God cares about us by making sure that we would never have to experience hell. God made the promise to send a Savior to die and even suffer hell for us in our place so that we would never have to!
Latin may be a dead language, but the Bible will never be a dead book. It highlights our Savior, Jesus, who lived, died, and rose for us so that we would never die!
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for your living and active Word! May I hear, read, and study it, so that it can be active in my life and heart. Use it to grow my faith. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean when someone calls Latin a “dead” language?
- Someone says, “The Bible is just a bunch of fairy tales.” What do you say?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- We don’t need to know Latin to be saved, but we do need to know the Bible. Why?
- What does it mean that the Bible is alive?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What proof could you point someone to that the Bible is “living and active”?
- List at least two reasons the Bible is unlike any other book.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 2 Kings 5:14-27
Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” “So please accept a gift from your servant.” The prophet answered, “As surely as the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
2 Kings 5:15-16,19-20
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
She was excited to be old enough to babysit and eager to jump at any chance to do so. It wasn’t just for the money, although that was nice. She was very good with little kids and genuinely enjoyed babysitting. When the neighboring family, who struggled financially, was caught in a bind and needed someone to watch their toddler, she offered to do so free of charge.
Later in the week, when she wasn’t home, the neighbors stopped by. They wanted to pay her a small amount of money for babysitting. Her brother answered the door. After explaining that his sister wasn’t home, he offered to take the money and said he would give it to her.
He never did. Instead, he kept the money and never told his sister about it.
The brother acted like Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, dishonestly taking something that wasn’t his. Even if he never got caught, it doesn’t change that what he did was wrong. Stealing, whether it is done openly or secretly, is always sinful. Not only does it reveal greed and a lack of contentment, but it also shows an unhealthy desire for earthly possessions that can easily bump God out of the number one spot in our lives.
Thankfully, Jesus showed that God the Father was always his number one. How? Instead of giving in to any sinful desires, he chose to carry out his Father’s will perfectly. He never took what wasn’t his. He was always content and grateful for what he had. And he was even willing to die for every sin, including stealing! If he loves his Father—and us! —that much, to prioritize us over everything, let’s return that love by keeping him as our number one priority!
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord, keep us from getting distracted and tempted by worldly things that mix up our priorities. We have all that we need in you; please grant us contentment with that. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What happened to Naaman in the Bible story that made him want to give a gift to Elisha?
- In the babysitting story, what did the brother do that was wrong?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How was the brother like the servant Gehazi?
- Share a time when you have been tempted to act like the brother.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How might you handle the situation if you found out what the brother did?
- How might you assure someone who has stolen that Jesus has forgiven that specific sin? (Hint: remember who was crucified with Jesus.)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. . . . You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.
Ezekiel 2:1-7
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Cody was 17. He didn’t want to live with his parents anymore. He was tired of their rules. He didn’t like to depend on them and their care. So he left home.
Cody’s mom still loved him. She called him. She wanted him to come back home where she could take care of him and keep him safe. But Cody wouldn’t answer the phone.
Mom had an idea. “I’ll bake his favorite zucchini bread,” she said. “It is healthy for him and tastes sweet. It will remind him that I want him to come back home. I will have his sister, Evelyn, take it to him.”
Evelyn worried. “What if he won’t accept the zucchini bread?”
Mom answered, “Just take it to him. I know he is stubborn. If you take the bread to him, you have done what I want.”
Today’s Bible reading tells a similar story. God’s children, the Israelites, were stubborn. They didn’t want to live under God’s rules, and they didn’t want to trust that God would take care of them. So God sent the prophet Ezekiel to them with the message, “Come back home. Come back to me and believe in me. Be my children.”
Would the Israelites listen?
Like Cody’s mom, God told Ezekiel, “Just take the message to them. I know my people are stubborn. If you tell them my message, you have done what I want.”
What about us? Are we sometimes stubborn?
Do we wish we didn’t have to follow the guidelines in God’s Word? Maybe we would rather talk badly about people who bug us instead of thinking kindly of them. Maybe we wish we could do whatever we want instead of listening to parents and teachers.
Even worse, is there a part of us that thinks we’re good enough to get into heaven and really don’t need Jesus? Maybe it would be cooler if we were the ones who “found” Jesus instead of him finding us when we were lost in sin.
What does our heavenly Father do with us—his stubborn children? He sends messengers—like Evelyn taking Mom’s zucchini bread to Cody. God uses parents, teachers, pastors, and friends to remind us how stubbornness separates us from God, and he doesn’t like it. Rather, he wants to welcome us back in forgiveness.
Thank God that he always calls us home to him!
Closing Prayer:Loving Father, thank you for seeing me in my stubborn sin and sending someone to call me back home to you. Use me to call others to your forgiving arms, too. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is it called when we do things God doesn’t want us to do?
- How did Jesus fix those sins?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being really stubborn and 5 being very obedient)—how stubborn are you?
- When you’re stubborn, whom has God sent into your life to tell you? If that person also tells you that Jesus forgives you, give him/her a hug!
Questions for Middle School and Above
- The Word of God is like Cody’s mom’s zucchini bread. It is healthy for us and tastes sweet. What from the Word of God is healthy for us? What from the Word of God is “sweet”?
- Sometimes, it’s hard to tell people about their sins because they might get mad. Why is it important to remember in that moment that only the Holy Spirit can change hearts? How does that encourage you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. . . While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Mark 5:21-24,35-43
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what your parents are most afraid of? Could you try to guess? For most parents, their greatest fear is this: it’s you dying. They don’t like to think about that. You don’t want to think about that!
But that’s what happened to a mom and dad in the Bible. A man named Jairus was the leader of a synagogue. That means he was a little like a pastor for us today. He loved God, and he loved sharing God’s Word. Jairus and his wife had a 12-year-old daughter. They loved her!
One day, that daughter got very sick. Jairus was scared! He ran to find Jesus and asked him to come to his house. Jesus did, but he didn’t make it there in time. By the time they got to the house, Jairus’ daughter had already died. Everyone was so sad, especially Jairus and his wife.
But Jesus told them something strange. He said to them, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36). That sounded strange. Don’t be afraid? Even after their worst fear had happened? Their daughter had died. How could they not be afraid? You know the answer: Because of Jesus! Jesus took the little girl by the hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41). Something amazing happened. The girl got up! Jesus has power even over death.
Can you imagine how happy that mom and dad must have been? Jairus and his wife had their dear daughter back from the dead. Wouldn’t it be cool if God would do the same thing for us?
He does! This is God’s promise to you, your parents, and everyone who believes in Jesus. Because of our sins, every single one of us is going to die. But because Jesus rose from the dead for us, God promises that everyone who has faith in Jesus will rise from the dead. Maybe God won’t raise us back to life here on earth, but he will raise us to eternal life in heaven.
Even if your worst fears happen, don’t be afraid. Just believe!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, death makes us so afraid. We don’t want the people we love to die. Yet, you have power over death. Help us to not be afraid but to always believe in you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What are your parents most afraid of?
- When Jairus’ daughter was sick, whom did he run to find? Why?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do people die?
- Why didn’t Jairus and his wife need to be afraid, even after their daughter died?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think death makes us so afraid?
- How many people did Jesus raise from the dead in the Bible? Can you name them?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.
2 Corinthians 4:7-14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There was once a Christian lady who became sick with a serious illness. Her doctor told her she would die soon. The woman met with her pastor to discuss plans for her funeral. She had one special request for her pastor: I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.
The pastor didn’t know what to say. He had never heard that request before! The woman explained, “At the best meals, when the main course is cleared away, someone says, ‘Keep your fork.’ That’s my favorite part because I know something better is coming. Dessert! So, when people see me in the casket with a fork in my hand, I want them to wonder, ‘What’s with the fork?’ And then, pastor, I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork. The best is yet to come.’”
That’s God’s promise to us: The best is yet to come! “The one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). When you die, God is going to raise you back to life, just like he raised Jesus back to life. Isn’t that great?
It doesn’t always look that way. Listen to how Paul talked about his life, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). Can you hear how hard Paul’s life was? He was hard-pressed, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down.
But he knew this: The best is yet to come! The worst thing that people could do to Paul was put him to death, but if people put him to death, what would happen? God would raise him back to life to live forever in heaven with Jesus. Would that be a bad thing? No way! So keep your fork. Even when you face death, the best is yet to come.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, death looks like the end. When people die, it looks like it’s all over. But it’s not! You promise that the best is yet to come, because you will raise us to live with you in heaven, just like you rose from the dead. Help us to keep our forks and trust in you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does someone mean when they say, “Keep your fork?”
- When we die, where do we get to go and live forever?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why did the woman want to be buried with a fork in her hand?
- Describe how heaven is like a really good dessert.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Read Revelation 21:1-7. Why is it correct to say that, in heaven, the “best is yet to come”?
- Some people—even some Christians—deny that Jesus rose from the dead. Why is it so important to believe in Jesus’ resurrection?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22,23
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sometimes, it takes something bad to focus on what’s most important. Here are some examples:
• Sometimes, it takes getting a bad report card to focus on doing your homework to the best of your ability.
• Sometimes, it takes sitting on the bleachers to focus on practicing and listening to your coach.
• Sometimes, it takes bumping your head to learn the importance of wearing your helmet.
• Sometimes, it takes something bad to focus on what’s most important. Understand?
There’s something that focuses people on what’s most important more than anything else. Can you guess what it is? Death. It’s easy to get distracted in life. We think about all sorts of things. But when we or someone we love face death, death focuses us on how much we need God.
That’s what happened to the Israelites in the Bible. They were always too busy for God. They were always putting other things before God. They even worshiped idols instead of God. Was that okay? No way! So, God let something bad happen. God let another country attack them. There was an awful war. Many people died. It was sad and heartbreaking.
But something happened: Facing death focused the people on what’s most important. What is most important? God. God and his love. After he watched his country conquered and many of his people die, the prophet Jeremiah wrote this: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Even in the face of death, God’s compassions never fail. In fact, he uses death to show us his great love for us.
Chances are, someone you know and love is facing death today. If you can’t think of someone now, someday you will. Remember this: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Even in the face of death, Jesus gives us the hope of eternal life. So focus today on what’s most important: God! His compassions never fail.
Closing Prayer:Dear Father in heaven, you are always thinking about us, but we aren’t always thinking about you. Forgive us for all the times we get distracted. When we and the people we love face death, remind us that your compassions never fail. Use the thought of death to focus us on you and your promises of eternal life with you in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you know anyone who has died? Who was it?
- When we’re sad about death, how does Jesus make us happy?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think death makes us think of what’s most important in life?
- Name something that never fails. Is it like God’s compassion? Why or why not?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- List at least three things that distract us from what’s most important in life.
- Think of someone you know who is facing death. What could you say or write to them to comfort them today?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A six-year-old girl stood on her back porch, yelling. Can you guess what she was yelling at? The rain! It was the day of her birthday party. She had big plans for playing outside with her friends. But rain poured down from dark clouds overhead. “Stop it!” she yelled. “Go away!” Do you think the rain listened? No way! If you’ve ever tried it, you know that storms don’t listen to people.
Except to Jesus. Storms listen to Jesus. In this week’s devotions, we’ve heard a lot about storms. Jesus faced storms, too! One day, Jesus was sailing across the Sea of Galilee with his disciples. While Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat, a huge storm came. The waves were so big that it almost sank. The disciples were terrified! They woke Jesus up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).
But what could Jesus do? Storms don’t listen to people; right? Wrong! Storms listen to Jesus. All Jesus had to do was say three words, “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. With just three words, Jesus calmed that terrible storm.
His disciples were amazed. They had never seen anything like this before! They asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41). You know the answer to their question, don’t you? Who is Jesus? He is God! Since he is God, Jesus can do anything and everything. Even storms have to listen to him! All it took was three words, “Quiet! Be still!”
Those words apply to you, too: “Quiet! Be still!” Since you know that Jesus can calm any storm, you don’t have to be afraid. Since you know that Jesus has taken away your sins, you don’t have to feel guilty. Since you know that Jesus is always with you no matter what, you don’t have to ever be worried. He tells our hearts the same thing he told that storm: “Quiet! Be still!”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you have power over everything, even storms! Forgive us for all the times we’ve been just as afraid as your disciples were on the Sea of Galilee. When we see your power and love for us, help our hearts be quiet and still. Lead us to always trust in you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Have you ever been in a bad storm? How did you feel?
- Since Jesus is with us, why don’t we ever have to be afraid?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What would be some “storms” that we face in our lives today?
- Finish this sentence: “If Jesus has power over storms, he also has power over ________________.”
Questions for Middle School and Above
- The next time Jesus’ disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, do you think they were afraid again? Explain your answer, then read Mark 6:45-52.
- What if Jesus doesn’t calm the “storms” we face in our lives? Should we still trust in him? Why or why not
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 27:13-26
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
Acts 27:20-25
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There was once a soldier who was known for being brave in battle. Even in the middle of a war, he wasn’t afraid. Someone asked him, “Why aren’t you scared? How can you fight as though you’re not worried?” He said, “I can’t die until the day God has decided for me. That gives me courage. No matter how fierce the fighting, I can’t die until the day God has decided for me.”
That soldier sounds a lot like Paul in the Bible. Paul wasn’t caught in the middle of a battle, but he was caught in the middle of a fierce hurricane. Can you imagine that? Paul was in the middle of the ocean with huge waves slamming against his boat. Doesn’t that sound terrifying?
As the winds raged, everyone on the ship panicked. It looked like there was no hope. It seemed like they were all going to die. But Paul wasn’t scared. Why? He knew that he couldn’t die until the day God had decided for him. He said, “Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me” (Acts 27:23-25).
God probably hasn’t told you how long you’re going to live. But God has planned out every day of your life, just like he did for Paul. No matter what scary thing you face, no matter how much the waves rage, you can be sure, “I can’t die until the day God has decided for me.”
Do you see how that makes you brave? Like that soldier, like Paul, keep your courage! Even in the middle of the storm, you can trust—I can’t die until the day God has decided for me.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, sometimes life makes us feel like we’re in the middle of a storm. We get worried and afraid. Forgive us for not trusting in you. Help us to believe your promise that you have planned out every day of our lives. In all the storms of life, give us faith to say, “We can’t die until the day God has decided for us.” Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why do you think the people on Paul’s ship were so scared?
- What are some things that make you scared?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What gave the soldier in the devotion the courage to fight in battles?
- What gave Paul in the Bible courage even in the middle of the hurricane?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why does it give us courage to know that we can’t die before the day God has decided for us?
- Describe someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How could you give them courage from God and his Word?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?
Job 38:1-11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
On April 8, 2024, an eclipse happened in much of the United States. Did someone in your family see it? An eclipse is when the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks its light. In some places, it got totally dark in the middle of the afternoon! Can you imagine that? When people saw it, they were amazed. They said, “Wow! We are so small. God is so big!”
We need to remember that because we all have a problem, we like to think we’re bigger than we really are. We like to think that even God himself should listen to us. We think, “God, why don’t you do this? God, why don’t you do things my way?” In the Bible, a man named Job started to ask questions like that. “Why, God, why? Wouldn’t it be better if you listened to me?”
Can you guess God’s reply? God appeared to Job and told him to think of how big and awesome the universe is because God is even bigger and more awesome. God asked Job things like, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4). Well, where was Job when God created the world? Nowhere, and he was not even born.
Did Job have a right to question God? No. Kind of like with that eclipse, Job simply needed to look up to God and say, “Wow!” Who measured out the earth’s dimensions and built it like a carpenter building a house? God did. Wow! Who set limits for the oceans and said to their waves, “You can’t go any further!”? God did. Wow! Who invented eclipses and placed the earth and the moon on their perfect paths around the sun? God did. Wow!
And here is the best part: That God loves you! The God who made the sun made you. The God who planned out the universe planned your salvation through faith in Jesus. Like Job learned, God is with us even in all the storms of life. What do we have to say? “Wow! Wow! God, wow!”
Closing Prayer:Dear God, you are awesome! Forgive us when we think we’re bigger than we really are. Forgive us for the times we try to tell you what to do. Use your creation around us to amaze us and lead us to say, “Wow!” when we think of your power and grace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Which is bigger: God or the sun?
- When we know how big God is, why don’t we have to be scared of anything?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do we sometimes think we can tell God what to do?
- Besides the examples used in this devotion, list three amazing things God has created.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Job was especially tempted to question God when troubles came into his life. Why do you think we’re tempted to question God when life is hard?
- Explain how scientists and their research can help us appreciate how amazing God is.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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] also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Mark 4:26-32
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Can you describe the miracle of how a seed works? No matter which way you place it in the ground, the roots will grow down, and the plant will grow up. All of the life, fruit, and flowers you find on any plant, no matter how big or small, all started from one little seed. Cut open an apple and examine the seed that is so tiny. Then, imagine all the goodness that will come from that one little seed when it becomes a tree. The most experienced farmer cannot completely explain how this can be. It is a miraculous cycle—the seed to the plant. It began in the Garden of Eden when God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it” (Genesis 1:11).
So it makes sense in Mark chapter 4 when God uses this miraculous cycle to explain the power of the gospel and the kingdom of heaven. Just as we cannot explain how all that goodness can come from one little seed, it’s amazing how the gates of heaven are opened to young and old, wise and simple, strong and weak, simply through the preaching of the gospel!
A three-year-old and a wise hero of faith understand this gospel truth the same—Jesus died for their sins, and heaven is theirs. This gospel, whether spoken by a gifted preacher, a stuttering teen, or from the mouth of a tiny child—its power remains the same. The power to crack open cold hearts of stone and give them life in Jesus. All of the gifts this life in Jesus has to offer—like peace that surpasses understanding, purpose in this life, a Savior-brother who gave his life for ours, and finally, a home with him in heaven—it all lies in the power of the gospel—the good news of Jesus, our Savior.
Each spring, the farmer plants the seeds, believing that, in the fall, there will be a harvest. Just as the farmer plants the seed, God tells us to ‘plant’ the gospel. And just as the farmer believes there will be a harvest, we believe the Word will do its work. Just as tiny seeds grow into amazing, beautiful, life-giving plants—when the gospel is preached, the kingdom of heaven grows. You can count on it!
Closing Prayer:Dear God, we thank you for the powerful message of the gospel. Help us spread this gospel to everyone with faith that the Word will do its work. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In ten seconds, name as many fruits as you can. Ready, set, go!
- In ten seconds, name as many good things that come from knowing Jesus. Ready, set, go!
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What gives a little seed the power to grow into a plant?
- What do you need to grow faith?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- True or False: A newly baptized baby and the pastor of your church have exactly the same faith.
- In Matthew 28:19, God tells us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. How do we ‘make disciples’?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Colossians 1:3-6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what a “goal” is? It’s not the one with a crossbar and a net attached to it that you kick a ball into. A goal is something maybe you want in your future. For example:
- If your goal in life was to make a lot of money, what job would you have?
- If your goal in life was to be powerful, who would you want to be?
- If your goal in life was to be on vacation, where would you go?
Was the answer to any of these questions: “I would be a Kindergarten teacher”? Ahhh, I don’t think so!
Well, maybe you should meet Miss Katie. The story of Miss Katie is not about how much money she had, how tall or small she was, or even if she liked to go on vacations.
The true story is about a daddy who was dying. His five-year-old son squeezed his hand and, through his tears, said, “You can go to heaven, Daddy. It doesn’t matter that you did not go to church. My teacher, Miss Katie, says Jesus died for your sins, and you only have to believe in him. And you can go to heaven.”
It might be neat to be a rich and powerful person who takes lots of vacations. But they are not the most important goals in life. Jesus is. That’s why the story of Miss Katie is so important. She knew what was most important. So she shared it with the students of her kindergarten class—including the little boy whose dad was dying.
That little boy was one of over 500 students to sit in Miss Katie’s classroom. How many others shared the gospel because Miss Katie shared it with them? That’s a good question to think about. Someday, we’ll find out in heaven.
In today’s Bible reading, Paul thanks God for the faith of people like Miss Katie—a kindergarten teacher who shares the gospel with her students. Because of her—they knew Jesus as their Savior.
Maybe you are a student, a sister, or a friend. May your goal be this: Who might be in heaven someday because YOU shared Jesus with them? Let’s find out someday in heaven!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, help us spread the good news of your gospel. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- God gives grown-ups to take care of us. How do your grown-ups take care of you?
- One of the most important ways grown-ups take care of us is by telling us about Jesus. Name three grown-ups who share the good news of Jesus with you. Then, thank God for them!
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- The gospel is the good news that Jesus saved us. Name as many places as you can where you hear the gospel.
- Like Miss Katie, with whom can you share the good news of Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- God says in Matthew 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” He is talking to us. How can we spread the gospel while we are still children?
- Make a plan on how to share the gospel with someone this week.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.
Ezekiel 17:23
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
After a long and harsh winter in Green Bay, WI, Lucas was tired of the gray sky and snow. He searched for signs that spring was coming. Sure enough, the snow finally began to melt. He felt the warmth of the sun on his neck. He started to see robins hopping along the greening grass of his lawn.
Then, it happened.
Late one March night, the temperature plummeted. Lucas woke up, looked out his window, and saw the sight of a couple inches of white snow. He saw something begin to move in a tree close to his window. There were the robins huddled between the branches of the evergreen, sheltering them from winter’s final cold blast.
Can you picture yourself as that little shivering robin in a great big world? Some days feel like spring sunshine—days when your family is getting along, days at the beach or in the forest, days of rest and wonder. But because of sin—your sin and the sin of the people around you—too often, this world feels like a wintry blast, and you feel small and feeble. Shivering. Cold. On your own. Unable to protect yourself from the blasts of the world, the devil, or from yourself and the bad you know you do.
That’s why today’s Bible passage is so comforting. God shows us that we do not have to weather the storm of this world on our own. Yes, we are weak like the little bird. But we have a solid and sure tree of shelter. The tree of shelter was promised to us in the Garden of Eden when God promised to rescue Adam and Eve and us from our sins. He sent that rescue when Jesus came to earth to live and die for us. The door to our shelter was opened when the tomb of a living Jesus was opened. When we find our shelter in Jesus, the storms of this world cannot harm us.
One day, the cold blast of this broken world will end. Until then, God provides us the perfect shelter in Jesus. Rest in him, and you are safe. The winter of this world will end, and we will awaken to the glorious spring that awaits us in heaven!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for being the perfect shelter for us. May we rest in you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes you feel safe in a storm?
- Who is with us in every storm, no matter where we are?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name the top three things that frighten you.
- How can Jesus help you with these things?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is one thing happening in your life that you would like shelter from?
- God gives us shelter in this world. What are ways and/or people God has given you that make you feel safe?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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] If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself it cannot stand.
Mark 3:24,25
On the Winning TeamLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – June 14, 2024Devotion based on Mark 3:24,25
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
They were brothers, but they did not have much in common. Landon was studious and loved music. Logan loved sports and being with his friends. When it came to neighborhood games, Logan was always the captain. Everyone wanted to be on his team. But as he chose his team, he did not pick the fastest or strongest. First, he chose his brother, for he did not want to see Landon left behind.
Like the brothers, you and your brother—Jesus, are very different. In the game of life, we mess up often. Our sins are many. It’s easier to love ourselves than others. We even betray each other when it is convenient.
Jesus was the complete opposite. In the game of life, he played the perfect game. He lived perfectly—never a selfish cry, never a lazy day, never an unkind word to a friend. Never a bad thought, word, or action—He chose you to be on his team. He did not choose you because you can help him win. He did not choose you because you can add value to his team. He chose you because he loves you. He didn’t want you left behind. So he put his name, Christian, on your jersey. To this day, Jesus still is our best big brother. On our best days and worst days, he loves us the same. His loyalty to us never wavers.
Most important is this: Jesus’ love to keep our team united and strong. Logan and Landon were on the same team—sometimes they won games, but sometimes they lost. When Jesus chose you for his team, he put you on the team that always wins. Sometimes, it may look like a nail-biter. With all the evil in the world, it may sometimes even look like Jesus’s team is way behind. Satan, the captain of the other team, looks powerful. But he is not winning. His evil team is not winning. Here’s why: today’s Bible passage tells us that Satan and his house cannot stand. Jesus was stronger than Satan! When Jesus lived and died perfectly, when he rose again, he defeated Satan’s team—all by himself!
Congratulations, because of Jesus, you’re on the winning team! Stand with Jesus and play on his team, the devil cannot beat us.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing us to be on your team. Forgive us for our many mistakes. Give us strength to bring honor to your name. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes for a good teammate?
- Jesus is our perfect teammate—how can we be good teammates to each other?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Our Bible reading tells us that a house divided cannot stand. What are the things that divide your house?
- What unites us because of Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Even the best athlete makes mistakes. Even the best Christian sins. What exactly qualifies you to be on the Jesus’ team?
- Give at least two reasons why being on Jesus’ team brings you comfort in this life.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:1,2
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Mia loved her uncle’s farm. She loved almost everything about it—the barns, animals, tractors, and fields. It was a land of adventure. She loved ALMOST everything about it…except the big dog chained to the porch. As she tried to reach the farmhouse door, the dog bared his teeth and barked ferociously. As Mia circled wide outside the leash’s reach, he lunged and snapped at her. He was terrifying.
The next time Mia approached the house, she was with her grandfather. As the dog growled and lunged at them, her grandfather grabbed the dog by the nose and said in a commanding voice, “No! No bark!” The dog immediately fell back with his tail between his legs. The girl and her grandfather entered the house safely. After that, the dog never seemed quite as scary to Mia because of her grandpa.
Like the farm was for Mia, there is much about this world we love. Jumping in waves, walking forest trails, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, hearing a good story, spending time as a family, there is so much to love. Yet, just like the farm had a scary dog , the devil is part of living in this world . He is powerful and evil and wants to destroy us—so much scarier than a ferocious dog.
But today, our Bible reading tells us why we don’t have to be afraid. The devil is on a chain, and holding the other end of this chain is Jesus! And just like the grandfather muzzled the scary dog with a strong hand, Jesus’ resurrection delivered a crushing blow on the devil’s nose. Now the devil knows that God is stronger than he is.
But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t stop barking and growling. Even though Jesus soundly defeated the devil at the cross, the devil still tries to scare us. He’s angry. He wants to hurt us. We would do well to stay out of the reach of his chain. When you find yourself afraid of him, remember this: Jesus has the devil on a leash. Every day, Jesus walks alongside of you to keep you safe. Every night, we can rest our heads in peace. Jesus promises a day is coming when we will never have to hear or see the snarling of Satan. God will make all things new. Then, because of Jesus, we will safely enter our heavenly home.
Closing Prayer:Until then we pray: Come, Lord Jesus. Take us home to be with you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- True or False. The devil is stronger than you or your mom or dad. Who do you know that is stronger than the devil?
- A mean dog can be scary. A mean dog on a leash is less scary. The devil is like a mean dog on a leash. Who is holding the leash?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What can you do when you are afraid of the bad things and people in this world?
- As we live in this world with the devil prowling about, having a strong faith is important. What does God give us to make our faith strong?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or Disagree: The devil focuses his attention more on adults than he does on children. Be prepared to explain your answer.
- Jesus once said that we live in the world but are not of this world (John 17:16). What did he mean by that and how does that connect with today’s devotion?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Genesis 3:8-15
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Genesis 3:8,9
Hide and SeekLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – June 10, 2024Devotion based on Genesis 3:8,9
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Emma did not finish her assignment on time. She saw a finished paper from a classmate sitting on the edge of the teacher’s desk. She quickly erased her classmate’s name and wrote her own on the paper. That afternoon, as the teacher corrected the papers, she knew. The handwriting and schoolwork did not match the name on the top. The teacher came to the young, guilty student, knelt by her side with the stolen paper, and gently asked, “Is this yours?”
Emma felt her heart beating like a drum. She did not want her teacher to know what she had done. She did not want her classmate to know she had stolen her work. All she wanted to do was run. Where could she hide?
A long time ago, in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve struggled with this same question. They had broken God’s commandment. They felt shame over their sin. Then they heard their loving, heavenly Father calling out to them in the garden. Where could they hide?
You and I have also struggled. We have sinned. What do we do? Should we run and hide in the dark? Or do we step out into the light and face the truth? In his Word, the Bible, God calls us out of the darkness of our sin and reminds us that there is nowhere we can go where he will not find us. (Psalm 139) And yet, we often struggle to bring our sin to the light, to confess what we have done.
The devil loves the dark. He loves it when we try to hide our sins from ourselves, each other, and God. Lie, hide, live in fear of being found out…the devil loves this plan.
But our Jesus loves the light. He fought the battle over darkness for Adam and Eve, for Emma, and for you. And with his light, love, and life, he calls us to stop hiding and tell the truth. And for all the times we do, he points to his cross where he crushed the devil and his darkness once and for all.
No more hide and seek! Because of Jesus, we can bring our sin to God and stand in the light as his forgiven child.
Closing Prayer:Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your loving plan to save us from our sins. Help us remember we never need to hide our sins from you. We are forgiven because of Jesus. Help us to walk in the light of that forgiveness. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Have you ever been scared to tell the truth? Why is it so scary?
- Let’s practice telling the truth: Take this time to tell Jesus something that you’ve been hiding. Afterwards, listen to these words: “You are forgiven.”
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What would you tell a friend who is afraid to tell the truth?
- Even though it can be scary to confess our sin, why does it feel so much better after we tell the truth?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- King David tried to hide his sin, and wrote how it made him feel, “When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long” (Psalm 32). What do you think he meant by ‘my bones wasted away’?
- Psalm 139:8 tells us we cannot hide from God. “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” How can knowing we cannot hide from God be scary and comforting at the same time?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Mark 2:23–3:6
One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” . . . Then [Jesus] said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.Mark 2:23–3:6 (selected verses)
The Right Tool Used for the Wrong JobLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – June 7, 2024Devotion based on Mark 2:23–3:6 (selected verses)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A hammer doesn’t inflate a balloon very well. A hammer can’t blow up a balloon at all! If you want the balloon inflated, you must use the right tool for the job, which would be your lips or an air compressor.
God gave his people the right tool, but they used it for the wrong job. The people of Israel had the beautiful command to do no work on Saturdays. This was to be a day of rest for their bodies, and their souls could enjoy rest in God’s Word.
Here’s another way to understand it. Have you ever worked super hard on a project? Maybe the school science project was due, and you stayed up all night to get it done. Maybe you spent hours cleaning up the living room or mowing the yard. What do you do after the project is done? You enjoy displaying your project. You enjoy the clean living room by playing a game with your family. You might sit down in the yard for a picnic or just enjoy the view of the green grass.
In the same way, God wanted the Sabbath to be a day for his people to just enjoy what he had done and what he would do for them. The Lord wanted to chase away believers’ fears and worries with the promise he would never leave them. He wanted hearts to be filled with joy and peace with the promise that he forgives every sin and loves them. God gave them the right tool, a day to focus on what he did, and many used the Sabbath day to focus on what they had to do for God. But that was the wrong job!
The religious leaders taught that people could make God love them by obeying the Lord’s commands. They were looking for rest in what they could do instead of enjoying the rest God freely gave. They were mad at Jesus for letting his disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, which wasn’t wrong to do according to God but wrong according to them. They got so mad at Jesus for loving a man by healing his shriveled hand that they made plans to kill Jesus! But Jesus used the Sabbath for what it was meant to be—an opportunity to love. It was the right tool for the right job.
Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, or to put it another way, Jesus gives us the rest and peace that we could never earn.
Closing Prayer:(CW 564:1 – My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you sometimes try to do things to make God love you?
- How does Jesus show that he loves you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Stubborn hearts upset Jesus. What kind of heart was he looking for?
- Jesus wants to give rest and joy to our hearts. What are your favorite promises from God’s Word that give you rest and joy?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Today’s devotion was about using the right tool for the right job. What’s the job of God’s law?
- TRUE or FALSE. God wants us to obey his laws to show that we love him.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
Colossians 2:13-17
Tag! Jesus is it!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – June 5, 2024Devotion based on Colossians 2:13-17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It was the day of the biggest tag game in the neighborhood. Kids came from every home in the area for a chance to be crowned the king or queen of tag! After 45 minutes of non-stop running around, a smiling third grader named Tina was the champion. When asked, “What is your secret to being crowned the queen of tag?” Tina replied, “Oh, that’s easy! I just hide around corners, and when I see a person’s shadow, I get ready to jump out because I know someone is coming. Then I yell, ‘Tag, you’re it!’”
In today’s Bible reading, God wasn’t interested in crowning his people as tag champions of the world. God was focused on crowning his people with salvation. Just as a shadow can show you that someone is coming, God commanded his people to worship on special days to teach and remind them that his Savior was right around the corner.
Every Sabbath day or every Saturday, Old Testament believers were to rest their bodies by doing no work. They also rested their hearts and minds in God’s promises. The Sabbath day was like a shadow—it was a way that God pointed to a special someone who was right around the corner.
It would have been silly if Tina, the tag champion, jumped out and tagged a shadow because a shadow isn’t a real person! The Sabbath day couldn’t give real and lasting rest, but the special worship day did point to Jesus, who could and did bring real rest from a problem no one was able to solve. Here’s the problem: Spiritually, all of us are born dead! That means we are born without believing in Jesus and with no love for God. Just like a dead frog can’t hop or ribbit, a spiritually dead person can’t hop into action and start believing in or loving God by himself.
God, however, is living and active! He decided Jesus would do all the work and obey all the rules and regulations for us. Not only did Jesus obey them perfectly for us, but he took all sins to the cross when he died for the world. You are not saved because of what you can do but because of what Jesus has done for you!
Do you want true peace and rest? Tag! Jesus is it!
Closing Prayer:(CW 560:1 – Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ)
Your works, not mine, O Christ,
speak gladness to this heart;
they tell me all is done,
they bid my fear depart. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why will you go to heaven someday?
- Why will you go to heaven someday?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What must you do to be saved?
- What does it mean that God gives you spiritual rest?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Go back to today’s Bible reading. What else did Jesus nail to the cross besides sins?
- Consider something that is casting a shadow over your heart. What did you hear from todays’ devotion that puts you at peace?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male or female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.”
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Do NothingLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – June 3, 2024Devotion based on Deuteronomy 5:12-15
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Brush your teeth. Do your homework and practice piano. Make your lunch. Pack your backpack and gym bag. Clean your room. Pick up your toys.
Ugh! There is so much work that needs to be done! Families are busy with sports, school, music, going to work, and doing chores. It never ends!
If your life is busy, it might be strange to hear God tell his Old Testament believers not to be busy at least one day a week. God commanded his people to keep the Sabbath, which means they were not to forget to take a day off to rest. But sometimes we forget to do things because we get busy doing other things.
God didn’t want his people to forget that the most important gift in their lives was having a relationship with him. Four times, he reminds them that he was the Lord their God. He didn’t want the busyness of life to get in the way of the relationship that he had with his people and his people had with him. The Lord commanded them not to do any work for one day of the week. That way, they could focus on him, his love for them, and his promises that give true rest for souls.
God knows that resting is good for our bodies and minds. In a world that can be so busy, it is good to hear and take to heart that God is pleased when we take time not to do much but to be quiet and rest. So put down your phone! Get away from that screen! Take time to smell a flower or look at the brilliant colors of a fly’s wing (especially on the backdrop of black paper!) Stop and marvel at the Creator’s creation and praise him for the gifts surrounding you. Take time to listen to the sounds that can be heard in your little corner of the world. Take time to listen to God’s Word that promises Jesus has forgiven you and loves you. Take time to do nothing but rest with God and others who believe.
Closing Prayer:Lord, teach us to be quiet so our thoughts can focus on you and the love you have for us. Help us to slow down so we can see the beauty of your creation and hear the message of forgiveness in your word. We praise you for being the God who gives us true rest. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What was the name for the day God wanted Old Testament believers to take as a day of rest?
- What do you like about worshiping with your family at church or at home?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Try to picture Jesus giving you rest. What comes to mind?
- What promise(s) does Jesus give to you that brings rest to your mind and heart?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why can it be unhealthy for individuals and families to be overly busy?
- As New Testament believers, we can worship any and every day. Why is Sunday usually the day on which most people worship?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 3:1-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16,17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There are many ways that others can love you. “I love you a billion!” can be blurted out loudly. A kind smile can share the warmth of friendly love. When a parent gives you a hug, they are loving you without saying words.
How do you know that God loves you? Has God ever given you a hug when you felt sad? What does Jesus’ smile even look like? It probably would be frightening to hear a loud voice blurt out, “I love you a billion!” when you are alone in your room.
Then there are the other things. You know. The S.I.N.S. that you have done. It wasn’t loving when you talked back to your parents. It wasn’t loving to sneak away after supper so you didn’t have to help clean up. Being unkind isn’t loving, but being loveless is a sin.
Why would God love anyone? Are you ready for the answer? God is LOVE. God loves the unlovable. God loved a man named Nicodemus, who feared what his friends might say if he talked to Jesus. Jesus loved Nicodemus even though the religious teacher didn’t know all the answers to Jesus’ questions. Nicodemus didn’t even know he was talking to God’s one and only Son! Yet, Jesus loved him. Jesus was patient with Nicodemus by taking the time to teach him about God’s love.
How does God love you? In this way— “God loved the world, he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” When Jesus was crucified, God the Father stopped loving his Son because the Father never wanted to stop loving you. Jesus came to forgive the world so that everyone who believes in him, so you who trust in him, could be loved by him forever!
God’s booming voice might not echo in your bedroom every night, but that doesn’t mean he fails to tell you he loves you. Through the waters of your baptism, the Holy Spirit promises he does! Every day, you can wake up knowing you are forgiven and saved and will live forever in heaven. How can you be so sure? In the way God loved you, he gave you his one and only Son who forgives you.
Closing Prayer:(CW 575:1 – By Grace I’m Saved)
By grace I’m saved, grace free and boundless;
my soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why waver at this word of promise?
Has Scripture ever falsehood taught?
So then this word must true remain:
by grace you, too, shall heav’n obtain. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name two ways your mom/dad or grandpa/grandma show love to you.
- How does Jesus show how much he loves you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is it comforting to know that God loved the world?
- How does God love you through other people in your life?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How does each person of the Triune God show they love you?
- What promises can you hold God to because you have been baptized?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 8:12-17
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:14-16
God Doesn’t Live in Tree HousesLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 29, 2024Devotion based on Romans 8:14-16
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Lego tree house fell from the shelf. Pieces flew everywhere! Tears rolled down cheeks, past frowning lips, and splashed onto the floor. “It’s ruined! I will never be able to fix this mess!” cried the boy.
There is a mess that sinners can’t fix, either. No, it isn’t repairing a Lego creation. It’s much worse. Sinners can’t fix themselves! Most likely, you have never fallen from a shelf and had your pieces fly everywhere, but you have fallen into sin by disobeying God. No one ever had to teach you to be naughty because as soon as you began to live, you had a sinful nature, which promised death. Every unkind word, every selfish thought, and every mean action shows that sin lives inside. Every sinner can say, “I’m ruined! I will never be able to fix this mess!” And they would be telling the truth.
God doesn’t want you to die but live!
God could have told us to build him a beautiful log cabin in the Rocky Mountains for him to live in, but he didn’t. He could have commanded us to build a temple of gold near the beach, but that isn’t what God wanted either. God didn’t even tell us to put together a monster Lego tree house for him! Why? Because the Spirit who gives life through the good news of Jesus’ forgiveness is pleased to live in you.
Every time you say no to being mean, it is the power of God in you. When you speak with polite words and share with others, that is the Holy Spirit at work in and through you!
God doesn’t want a lifeless plastic tree house; he wants living and breathing children. Through faith, you have become God’s child, and God has become your “Abba, Father!”
If you go over to a friend’s house, you probably don’t say, “Hey, Dad!” when you see your friend’s father, do you? Abba is a special name that only the children of the family would use.
If God is your Abba, then Jesus is your dear brother. Everything that Jesus has is yours! You are not ruined but saved! You don’t have to spend forever in an uncomfortable Lego tree house, but you will spend forever praising and serving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit perfectly.
Closing Prayer:Dear Father, thank you for watching over all your children and giving us the promise that you will always love us. Dear Jesus, we praise you for your forgiveness—now we will live with you in your heaven. Dear Holy Spirit, continue to rule our hearts through your Word. Teach us to say no to our sinful nature and yes to what you teach is good. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Describe what you think heaven is like.
- What are some things that we should say no to? What are things that we do that please God?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- As an heir of God (which means “next-in-line to inherit”), what are you looking forward to most in heaven?
- How can you show others that the Spirit of God lives in you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What does the word “Abba” mean? How does “Abba” indicate your relationship with God?
- What comfort do you have in knowing the Spirit of God lives in you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 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. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “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.” Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 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!”
Isaiah 6:1-8
Oh, no! Oh, yes!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 27, 2024Devotion based on Isaiah 6:1-8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever been afraid because something was bigger than you? Isaiah saw something bigger than a big brother, more powerful than a rodeo bull, and more unstoppable than a freight train. He saw the Almighty Lord sitting on a high throne.
Angels, called seraphs, were flying around God’s throne and let Isaiah know who he was seeing. They were calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Isaiah didn’t join in—he was terrified! The temple began to shake and filled with smoke. God was not only bigger than he was, but Isaiah experienced how holy God was and how not holy he was. In that moment he yelled out, “Oh, no!”
Have your lips proved that you aren’t holy? Talking back to an adult is a sin. Saying unkind words shows that you don’t love perfectly. The sassy tone in your voice reveals the disobedience in your heart. “Oh, no! I am ruined” is what we must say before our holy God, too!
Isaiah’s eyes must have opened wide when one of the seraphs flew toward him with a hot coal. Was God going to punish him by burning his lips? No! The coal that touched Isaiah’s lips came from the altar where sacrifices took place. The Holy Lord is also the loving Lord who delights in forgiving sinners.
Most likely, your church has an altar too. There is a good chance that your church has a cross above it as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. The Holy Son of God was punished for your unholiness so that you never will be punished. Through faith, Jesus’ holiness is now your holiness.
Not only did God forgive Isaiah, but the Lord had some special work for Isaiah. He heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah didn’t shout in fear, “Oh, no!” instead, in joyful confidence, he responded with, “Oh, yes!” “Here am I send me!”
Now, it’s your turn. You have been given Jesus’ love and know his forgiveness. “Who will go for God?” May you respond, “Oh, yes! Send me!”
Closing Prayer:Holy Lord, we deserve nothing from you, but in Jesus, you have given us everything. Thank you for forgiving our sins and washing away our guilt. Use us as your voices in this world to share the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with others. Here we are, Lord. Send us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What do you think an angel looks like? How does today’s devotion describe them?
- What does it mean to be holy?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think the angels said “holy” three times?
- How did the angel help Isaiah understand that his sins were taken away?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- The angels shouted, “The whole earth is full of God’s glory.” How is the whole earth full of God’s glory?
- What does it mean that our sins are atoned for?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 15:26,27; 6:4-11
[Jesus said] “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
You fell on the driveway and cut your knee pretty badly on a sharp edge. You limp into the house, and your mom grabs the first aid kit. As she gets ready to wash the cut and apply ointment, she says, “This might hurt a bit. But we have to do it for the healing to start.” She prepares you for the sting and encourages you to be strong.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus was preparing his disciples for the sting of his arrest and death on the cross. He wanted them to understand that something painful was about to happen. The disciples would feel hurt as they watched this happen. But Jesus going to the cross was the bad thing that had to happen for all people to be healed from sin. Jesus’ time on earth was almost over. Soon, he would return victoriously to his Father in heaven. And the disciples would continue the ministry for him.
Jesus’ words weren’t easy to hear for the disciples but were meant to prepare them. For three years, they had been together in ministry. They had experienced difficulties and opposition together. How could the disciples face future difficulties and opposition without Jesus?
Jesus said, “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you.” The Advocate is another word for the Holy Spirit. It means a person who comes to help you in time of difficulty. After Jesus returned to heaven, the Holy Spirit would be the one to talk the disciples through difficulty. The Holy Spirit would strengthen the disciples to live for Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is our powerful helper, too. Sometimes, we have to go through painful things. It can be difficult to live for Jesus when everything in the world seems against us. We may feel like Jesus is far away in heaven, and we are alone. But he is with us, and the Holy Spirit reminds us of this truth. Every time we hear God’s Word, the Spirit is working in our hearts, taking us through whatever situation we are in. We are so blessed to be healed from sin because of Jesus! And we are so helped every day by our Advocate, the Holy Spirit!
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to heal us from sin. Please send the Holy Spirit into our hearts to help us live for Jesus. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Tell about the last time you fell and scraped your arm or leg. Who helped clean you up and put on a band aid? Did it make you feel better?
- What does the Holy Spirit help you remember about Jesus when you hurt?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- If Jesus never promised the help of the Holy Spirit, how would that impact you and your faith?
- TRUE or FALSE: The Holy Spirit is the underrated person of the Triune God.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In moments when Jesus may feel far away from you, why is the special work of the Holy Spirit so important?
- What “tool” does the Holy Spirit use to “talk you through” life in this world?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 2:1-21
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:3,4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There are phone apps that allow you to translate a phrase from your language into another language. It’s pretty amazing technology. Maybe your parent can let you try it sometime!
The Holy Spirit knows something about translating languages, too. Jesus promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and help them spread the word about Jesus to all nations. They didn’t know how or when it would happen. Today’s Bible reading describes a festival called Pentecost. “Pentecost” was a festival that was being celebrated in Jerusalem that weekend. People from all over the world were in the city for this festival. That’s when something incredible happened. Imagine what looks like little tongues of fire landing on the heads of Jesus’ disciples! “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak” in different languages. It was an amazing miracle!
Why did God choose that miracle on that day and in that way? It has something to do with God’s end goal for all people—to hear the message about Jesus, come to faith, and be saved. People from all over the world heard the disciples share the message about Jesus. They were all in the right place at the right time.
How could people speaking different languages from all over the world understand each other? The Holy Spirit made sure they would hear and could understand the message about Jesus as their Savior. Those people, in turn, would carry that message back home to even more people, and the Gospel would spread.
What is the end goal of a phone app that takes words from one language and changes them into another? It’s to create understanding. That is why God gives the Holy Spirit. He wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). The Holy Spirit continues to create understanding for us whenever we speak with people about Jesus. He will bless any words we speak and work in the hearts of those who listen. God began building his family of believers at Pentecost, and he continues to do so today.
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace that wants all people in the world to hear and understand your saving message. Send your Holy Spirit to us so we can speak words that help people understand your saving grace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is God’s goal for all people?
- What do people need to believe in Jesus?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did God make it possible for so many people from all over the world to hear the message about Jesus at Pentecost?
- When you feel confused about something in God’s Word, what can you ask the Holy Spirit to do?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What comfort is it for you to know that the Holy Spirit can help you understand God’s Word?
- What comfort is it for you to know that the Holy Spirit is at work whenever you speak God’s Word to someone else?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.”
Ezekiel 37:1-3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
One of the first things a paramedic does when arriving at an emergency is to check and see whether a person is breathing. Breathing is a sign of life.
In our reading today, one of God’s prophets, named Ezekiel, was given a vision (a spiritual dream) from God. The vision was of a community of God’s people who had stopped breathing. More than that—all signs of life were gone. Lifeless. All that was left was a pile of dry bones: No muscles, skin, or breath of life.
Then Ezekiel saw something amazing. At God’s spoken word, the dry bones rattled and connected. Where once there was only a pile of bones, complete human beings appeared! But there was still something missing. They had no breath of life in them. Then, God provided that, too. What an amazing sight! What is God trying to tell us? Just this: he has the power to bring human bodies to life. We are his creation.
The startling image of lifeless bodies helps us understand how God brings human souls to life. Spiritually, we are like dry bones. Sin takes over us and leaves us lifeless. The apostle Paul describes us as spiritually dead in sin (Ephesians 2). But God doesn’t leave us that way. Paul goes on to say, “because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead.” God breathed life into us with the Holy Spirit. We live and breathe because God put the breath of life into us.
Have you ever felt short of breath? Like an elephant was sitting on your chest, making it hard for you to breathe? Maybe something is weighing on you inside, making you feel guilty, ashamed, or troubled. Don’t worry your breath is still there. Whenever we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s love for us and that we are saved by his grace. You are alive in Christ. Pray that God would lift the weight from you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you breathe easier. God has power over all things—your bones, breath, body, and soul. He will take care of your life—physically and spiritually.
Closing Prayer:Dear heavenly Father, thank you for making me alive in Jesus. Keep your Holy Spirit working in my heart, so I always remember how much you love me. I ask this in your holy name. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Take a big deep breath. How does it feel?
- How is forgiveness from Jesus like taking a big deep breath?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- When we were dead because of sin, how did God make us alive again?
- What does the Holy Spirit use to breathe spiritual life into us?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How does the vision of the dry bones illustrate the important work of the Holy Spirit?
- What would life as a Christian be like if the Holy Spirit wasn’t working inside you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 17:11-19
[Jesus said] “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. . . Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:15,17,18
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Wouldn’t it be easier if we were in heaven already? We wouldn’t have sicknesses or hurt feelings. We wouldn’t have to go to school. No one would tell us when to go to bed. In heaven, we will be free of all the “do’s and don’ts” we have in life now.
Jesus knows this world is tough. He lived here. He spent a lot of time with his disciples, pointing out the dangers of sin, showing them how to stand strong, and warning them that bigger challenges were coming. And he prayed for their protection and faith.
Why didn’t Jesus just take his disciples with him to heaven? Why did he leave them in the world to face all these battles? We find the answer right in Jesus’ prayer: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus came to this world to show sinful people the way to heaven. The disciples learned that the way to heaven is through faith in Jesus (John 14:6). Now Jesus was sending his disciples out into the world to share that news with others who needed to hear it. If Jesus had taken the disciples to heaven with him, many people would not have heard the message of salvation. Jesus gave them important, people-saving work to do.
Instead of taking them to heaven, Jesus prayed for his disciples. He asked the Father to protect them. Then he asked that his Father would help sanctify them for their important work. The word “sanctify” means to be dedicated. If you are dedicated to something, you believe in it so strongly that you give it your all. Jesus pointed to the one thing that would keep the disciples dedicated in the face of difficulty—the truth about himself and his saving work. We find that truth—the source of strength for all disciples of Jesus—in God’s Word.
Jesus’ disciples carried his message of salvation everywhere they went. That’s how God grew his family of believers. It was a big job for the disciples then, and it’s a big job for us now. It would absolutely be more fun to be in heaven with Jesus right now! We can look forward to it. Until then, he trusts us with the important work of speaking his truth to someone who really needs to hear it. And he gives us everything we need for the task.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, we can’t wait to be with you in heaven. Until then, give us the opportunities and courage to speak the truth about you so more people can join us in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name as many people as you can that you like to see in heaven with you someday.
- Pretend there’s a person who doesn’t know Jesus. Share at least two things you would want to share with them about Jesus.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What important work did Jesus give his followers to do?
- Do you feel you are ready and able to do this work? Why (or why not)?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the one thing we must always focus on if we are going to be “dedicated” to the work of making more disciples for Jesus?
- Think of the people who shared Jesus in your life. Name one thing they did that you would want to imitate.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 5:1-6
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. . . This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.
1 John 5:1,3,4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God has blessed our family members with many gifts and abilities. For some of us, math might be easy. For others, spelling. Some are good at sports, others music. We are all born with different abilities to use to God’s glory in this world.
What about the natural ability to obey everything God commands? Is that a thing? Actually, it’s not. In fact, we’re born into this world with just the opposite—with no ability to obey God. Of all the wonderful gifts and abilities you were born with, the ability to obey God is not one of them! God’s Word teaches us that we are born with sinful hearts (Psalm 51:5), spiritually dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1), and powerless to do what is right (Romans 5:6).
So, is it even possible for us—who are all born sinful—to obey God’s commands? Why would God ask us to do something we cannot do?
We can obey because we believe in Jesus. We learn from our reading that “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” When our faith is in Jesus, we are born all over again—in a spiritual way. We are born as children of God, gifted with forgiveness for all of our sins. In this way, God’s children are born with the ability to overcome sin and the desire to behave the way God wants his children to behave.
Yes, each one of us was born into this world with different abilities, and we celebrate those differences. Let’s also celebrate that we have something very important in common: Faith in Jesus. Because of that faith, we can live differently from the rest of the world. “Everyone born of God overcomes the world.” We have the ability to love God, love one another, and choose God-pleasing behaviors. We won’t get everything right all the time because we still live in this sinful world. Sin still creeps into our hearts and causes us to do things we shouldn’t do. But as children of God, we enjoy full forgiveness. And we can overcome bad choices with the strength Jesus provides.
Let’s celebrate that as family members, we share this precious gift of faith, and let’s encourage one another to live as children of God.
Closing Prayer:Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of faith we share as family members. Help us grow in our faith so we keep your commands and live as you want us to live. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes it hard for you to obey (parents, teachers, God)?
- Why is the gift of forgiveness so important when we do things we shouldn’t?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- When were you “born again” as a child of God?
- What does your baptism give you the power to do every day?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Explain how a sweet little baby can be sinful.
- How do we have the ability to overcome sin and obey God’s commands?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 6:1-9; 7:2,51-60
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
Acts 7:51
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Ask two family members to set up an arm wrestling match. Face each other, clasp hands, and get ready to battle.
What do you notice about the arms of the two wrestlers as they prepare for battle? Are they limp like noodles? Or stiff and ready to press against the opponent?
The battle-ready arms of these wrestlers are like our human hearts before the Holy Spirit does his work. The Bible tells us that the human heart is naturally hostile to God (Romans 8:7). That means our hearts are hardened, stiff, and always resisting what God says to us.
In today’s Bible reading, a godly man named Stephen, led by the Holy Spirit, addresses the people around him who were resisting God’s message. He calls them “stiff-necked” because that’s what an animal does when refusing a command. They were arguing with Stephen—so determined to fight that they completely missed God’s message that Stephen was trying to deliver.
Does this kind of stubbornness ever happen in your heart? Think about these examples:
• Your parents are trying to point out your wrong behavior, to guide you to admit your wrong, and you turn away in a huff.
• You know you should apologize for something you did to your sister, but instead, you point out all the reasons why she deserved what you did.
• You know you should willingly do the chores assigned to you, but you’d rather list all the reasons why your brother should do them instead.
In these situations, and perhaps others, you are battling against God’s will. You would rather be right than listen to what God is trying to tell you through your parents. You are stiff against the grace he gives you when you mess up. Just like the stiff-necked people in Stephen’s day.
We all—parents and kids alike—are stiff-necked when it comes to God. It’s the natural result of sin living in us. That’s why we need the Holy Spirit. Every time we hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit works to soften our hard hearts. He reminds us who the enemy is. It’s not God—he is on our side! He gives us forgiveness for our sins and arms us with the power to fight against sin.
Let’s pray for soft hearts.
Closing Prayer:Holy Spirit, forgive us when we fight against you. Please soften our hearts so we can hear your Word and understand what you are trying to tell us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean to be stubborn?
- What does your heart feel like when you know you are forgiven by Jesus?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Recount the last time your heart was hardened against your parents or another person in authority.
- What tool does the Holy Spirit use to soften our hearts?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Have you ever found yourself resisting God or his Word? What were you going through in your life when that happened?
- How does the Holy Spirit arm us for battle against the real enemy?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
When [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:50-53
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Has a best friend ever moved away from you? Or maybe you had to move away from your best friend? If so, you know what a sad thing it can be. You can talk to them online, but that’s not the same thing as actually being able to spend time with them.
Jesus’ first disciples got to spend lots of time with Jesus, their best friend, for three years. They traveled with him and ate meals with him. They listened to him teach. They got to ask him all their questions.
But then the time came, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, for Jesus to return to his heavenly home. He took his disciples to a hill outside of Jerusalem, blessed them, and ascended into the sky until they couldn’t see him anymore.
Jesus was their best friend. More than that, he was their Savior. How do you think they felt when he moved away? They must have felt some sadness. But our Bible reading tells us they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Great joy?! Why were the disciples filled with joy and happiness after Jesus ascended into heaven?
It’s because the disciples understood, at least a little bit, the great power of Jesus’ ascension.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, it showed that his mission was complete. There wasn’t anything else that Jesus had to do to save us from our sins. We can be absolutely sure that our salvation is a done deal.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, it showed that he had conquered all our enemies. Jesus’ ascension into heaven was his victory parade. We don’t have to be afraid of sin or death or the devil because Jesus has defeated them all. He showed that he had authority over the universe. Jesus went to heaven to rule over everything, everywhere, forever. And he promises to use his authority to work all things for our good.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, it showed that one day, we will ascend too. He promised that he was going to prepare a place for us. Once everything is ready for us, Jesus will come back to take us to be with him forever.
No wonder the disciples were filled with great joy! Now it is your turn. May Jesus’ ascension into heaven give you great joy!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, our ascended King, we praise you for accomplishing our salvation, defeating our enemies, ruling over all things for our good, and promising to return to be with us forever. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- After Jesus died and rose again, he returned home. Where was home?
- What is Jesus doing right now in heaven?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Even though Jesus ascended into heaven, how is he still with us all the time?
- When you feel scared or lonely, how can it be helpful to remember that Jesus has ascended into heaven?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or disagree: Jesus is “trapped” up in heaven and can’t come to be with us or bless us in this world.
- Jesus told his disciples that it was a good thing for them that he was going away (John 16:7). Can you think of more reasons why Jesus’ ascension was a good thing?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
John 15:9-17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In 2006, a man named Ross McGinnis was serving as a soldier in the Army. He was sent to participate in a war in the country of Iraq, even though he was the youngest and smallest soldier in the group of soldiers he went on missions with.
One day, Ross was riding on a mission with four other soldiers in a big, armored truck. His job was to stick his head out of an opening at the top of the truck, watching for enemies. Suddenly, an enemy soldier threw a grenade through the opening and into the truck.
Ross McGinnis saw it happen and could have quickly jumped out of the truck, but if he had done that, everyone else in the truck would have died. Instead, he jumped into the truck and covered the grenade with his own body. He was killed, but everyone else survived.
That true story helps us to understand what Jesus is talking about here in our Bible reading when he says there’s no greater love than when a man lays down his life to save his friends.
There are two very amazing things about what Jesus says here. The first amazing thing is that Jesus calls us his friends.
The Bible tells us that all people start as enemies of God. That means there was a time when we didn’t want anything to do with Jesus. We ignored and disobeyed him and rebelled against him. We definitely didn’t want to be friends with him.
And yet, Jesus wanted to be friends with us. That’s the whole reason he came to this world. Jesus came to forgive us for all we did to hurt him. He came to make peace between us and God so we could be friends instead of enemies.
How did Jesus make peace? That leads us to the second amazing thing here. Jesus made peace between us and God; he forgave all our sins by laying down his life for us. Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to die for us. He didn’t jump on a grenade; he hung from a cross.
Whenever we think of Jesus dying on the cross, we can remember the power of Jesus’ love for us. What a friend we have in Jesus!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you showed amazing love when you died on the cross to save us. Every day, remind us that you are our very best friend. In your name, we ask this. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How did Jesus show that he is your friend?
- Why did Jesus lay down his life and die on the cross?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- In what ways is Jesus an even better friend than any of our earthly friends?
- How can we thank Jesus for showing us such amazing love?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Would it be easier to sacrifice your life for a friend or an enemy? Why? What does that teach us about Jesus’ sacrifice?
- God wants us, in view of Jesus’ mercy, to lay down our lives as a living sacrifice. What does that mean? What does that look like in your life?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.
Acts 9:36-41
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tabitha was a wonderful lady. She was always doing good things for people and did her best to care for people in need. She even made clothes to give away to people. What a wonderful lady!
But then, sadly, Tabitha got sick and died. Her friends gathered around and wept. They heard the apostle Peter was in a nearby town, so they sent two messengers to him, asking him to come.
What was Peter supposed to do? He could weep with those who were weeping. He could share the good news of eternal life with Tabitha’s friends and family. But it seems like that was all Peter could do. Doesn’t it? After all, Peter was just a human being like you and me. He didn’t have the power to raise the dead.
But wait! Look at what he did. He went into the room with Tabitha’s body and got down on his knees and prayed, and then he said, “Tabitha, get up!” And she did. Tabitha came back to life. She was raised from the dead.
How is that possible? Did Peter have the power to raise the dead? No, but Jesus did. Even though Jesus had ascended into heaven, he could still hear Peter’s prayer and had the power to raise Tabitha from the dead.
And, he did! How? Through the words that Peter spoke. Peter is the one who said, “Tabitha, get up,” but it was Jesus who gave those words the power to raise the dead.
Jesus still gives his Word the power to raise the dead. All of us were dead—not our bodies, but our souls. When we were born, we were spiritually dead, but Jesus raised us from the dead. At our baptism, he said to us, “Get up! I give you spiritual life!”
But just like in the Bible reading, Jesus didn’t come and say those words himself. He sent his messengers to speak his powerful Word to us. Parents are messengers of God when they tell us God’s Word. Pastors are messengers from God when they preach and teach about Jesus.
If Jesus came and spoke directly to you, would you listen? Of course! Well, Jesus speaks to us through his messengers, so let’s be sure to listen to them as they share Jesus’ powerful Word with us.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for raising me from spiritual death to spiritual life through your powerful Word. Teach me to listen to your messengers when they tell me about you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What was the name of the woman in today’s devotion?
- What did Peter use to raise Tabitha from the dead?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did God make you alive to believe in him?
- Think of as many examples as you can of Jesus (or one of Jesus’ messengers) raising people from the dead.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- TRUE or FALSE: All people are spiritually dead by nature. How does that fact prove that we are saved by God’s grace alone?
- Discuss why God allows bad things (like sickness and death) to happen to good people like Tabitha.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 15:1-8
[Jesus said] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine eating a huge meal and then saying, “I’m so stuffed, I don’t need to eat ever again.” You probably wouldn’t feel too bad the next day, but how would you feel after three or four days without any food? Do you think you could make it a whole week without any food? Probably not. It’s important to stay connected to food in life.
Or imagine drinking a big glass of water and then saying, “I’m not thirsty at all anymore; I don’t think I’m going to drink anything ever again.” Even by the next day, you would probably start feeling pretty awful. It would be silly for someone to think they could stop drinking. It’s important to stay connected to water in life.
Do you know what a grapevine looks like? Imagine one thick vine with lots of little branches sticking out from it. Those branches get food and water through the vine they’re connected to. If a branch is connected to the vine, it gets lots of food and water, and it has the energy it needs to make lots of grapes.
But what happens if a branch falls off the vine? It doesn’t get the food and water it needs. It stops making grapes. It dries up and shrivels and isn’t good for anything.
It would be pretty silly for that sort of branch to say, “I used to be connected to the vine. I used to get food and water so I could still make good grapes!”
In our Bible reading today, Jesus tells us that he is like a grapevine, and we’re like the branches connected to the vine. When we remain connected to him, we get everything our faith needs to keep living, growing, and making good fruits.
Did you know that you make fruit? You don’t make grapes; you make good works. Obeying your parents, listening to your teachers, being kind to your siblings and friends—these are all good works, good fruits that we make when we’re connected to Jesus.
Wow, right! When we stay connected to Jesus by hearing his Word, Jesus gives us everything we need. He gives us the life, strength, and energy we need to serve him every day.
It would be silly for us to think that we can hear Jesus’ Word just once and then try to live without him. Let’s stay connected to Jesus and his Word for our entire lives!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you are the vine, and we are the branches. Help us stay connected to you so we can live lives full of good fruits for you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean that Jesus is like a vine, and we are like his branches?
- What does Jesus promise will happen when we stay connected to him?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What might cause someone to become disconnected from Jesus and his Word? Why is that so scary?
- List two ways that we can make sure to stay connected to Jesus.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In what ways are the good works done by believers different than the good things done by unbelievers?
- Evaluate: there are certain times in a person’s life when it is easy for them to become disconnected from God and his Word.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 3:18-24
This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
1 John 3:19-22
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Here’s a task for you: knock on the door of the White House and ask the President for one million dollars. If given the chance, would you do it? Do you think you could do it?
Most people would probably be too nervous to do something like that. Even if you were brave enough to start walking up to the door of the White House, your mind would start filling up with all sorts of doubts and questions: Am I wearing clothes that are fancy enough? What if a guard tackles me to the ground? If I get to the door, is there a doorbell, or should I knock? What if I forget what I was going to say? Why would someone so important ever listen to what I had to say? How did I get into this crazy situation in the first place?
There’s someone who is way, way, way more important and powerful than the President—God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the great King of kings and Lord of lords.
How would you feel about standing before and asking him for something? Would you be nervous? Would you have all sorts of doubts and questions: Why would God ever listen to me? What if he says no because he remembers the things I’ve done wrong?
Our Bible reading says that sometimes our own hearts condemn us. Sometimes, we feel guilty for our sins. We don’t feel worthy of being God’s children or going to him in prayer.
But do you know what God says when our hearts condemn us? He says, “What you feel isn’t always right. Besides, I’m greater than your heart! Truth is, my own Son, Jesus Christ, already was condemned and punished for all of your sins.”
Wow, right! Our guilt is gone. Our hearts can rest. We can knock on God’s door in prayer with confidence. We can ask for whatever we need or want. We can be sure that God will give us what we need the most, things that are worth way, way, way more than one million dollars—like forgiveness for all our sins. Like the mansion, he promises that he’s preparing for us to live forever with him. And he fills us with the confidence to pray to him anytime, for anything.
Closing Prayer:God, my heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the peace of knowing you’re not angry with me. Teach me to pray with confidence because you promise to hear and answer my prayers. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean to have confidence?
- What did God do for us to give us confidence when we pray?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- When is it a good thing to feel guilty? When is it a bad thing to feel guilty?
- What’s the difference between confidence and overconfidence in God’s presence?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- TRUE or FALSE: Your heart might be wrong about things. Discuss why that’s important to remember when today’s culture says, “Follow your heart.”
- Evaluate what the Bible means when it says that “we receive whatever we ask.” Does that mean I can expect God to say “yes” to all my prayers?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Read: Acts 4:32-37
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. . . And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Acts 4:32-35
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Did you know that most children say their first words right around their first birthday? Do you have any guesses about what words they learn to say first?
Sometimes, it’s Mama or Papa. Sometimes, it’s doggy or kitty. Sometimes, it’s yeah or no or even cookie. Your parents can probably tell you what your first word was.
Another word that kids learn to say very early is mine. If someone tries to grab their favorite toy or stuffed animal, they grab on tight to it with both arms and shout, “Mine!” just like those annoying seagulls in Finding Nemo.
Why do we learn to say mine way before we learn to say, here, yours, or share? Why do we care so much about getting more stuff for ourselves? Why is it so hard to share our stuff with other people?
It’s because we’re sinful. Sin is natural to us and makes us selfish. Sin makes us care about ourselves more than anyone else. Sin makes us grab onto whatever we can and shout, “Mine!”
Thankfully, Jesus cared more about us than himself. He came to our world and said, “Here, yours, and share.” He gave his own life to forgive our sins and set us free from selfishness. He rose from the dead to give us new lives—lives filled with generosity.
Generosity is a big word, but if you want to know what it means, read today’s Bible passage. The very first Christians shared everything they had. They even sold what they had so that they would have even more money to give to other people. They made sure that everyone had enough food to eat and clothes to wear.
Wow, right! Where did those first Christians learn to be so generous? Why were they so happy to share everything they had with others? It’s because they saw how much Jesus shared with them. They knew how generously Jesus gave everything he had, even his own life, for them.
The same thing is true for us. When we experience the amazing love of Jesus Christ—especially seen through our family and church family, it excites and models for us what sharing is. We’ll be happy to help the people around us. We’ll be glad to show generosity.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for giving me the amazing gift of forgiveness and salvation. Help me be generous with everyone around me. In your name, we pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- From today’s Bible reading, describe what the Christians were doing for each other.
- What does the word “generosity” mean?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why did the Christians in our Bible reading share so generously?
- What’s the difference between a selfish attitude and a generous attitude?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Give the top two things in your life you are least willing to share. Why is that?
- Now, create a list of the most important things (think of at least three) you would be able to share with someone else. Why is that?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me . . . and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:11-18 (selected verses)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In the musical, The Sound of Music, A nanny named Maria sings a soothing song to the frightened children of Captain Von Trapp. The children ran to her room and huddled in her bed, shaking with anxiety. She takes their minds off the terrifying thunder and lightning storm by asking them to list some of their favorite things.
Before long, the children named everything from bunnies to crisp apple strudel and brown paper packages wrapped up with string! Maria has them dancing and jumping on the bed while singing, “When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad!”
In today’s devotion, we have something far better than a song to sing if we’re feeling bad. We have a Good Shepherd. The words of John chapter 10 are kind of like Maria’s list of “Favorite Things” because they can combat any “dog bite” of depression or “bee sting” of sadness that life may throw at us.
So let’s try making our list of “Favorite Things!” How about when you find yourself saying: “I’m worthless. No one likes me.”
Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep because I love you.”
“I don’t have any friends, and I’m lonely.”
Jesus says, “I know you. I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
“People walk all over me. I don’t get any respect from anyone.”
Jesus says, “I’ll let people walk all over me instead of you. I have the authority to lay down my life and take it up again.”
When the dog bites or the bee stings, turn to John chapter 10 and read some of these favorite things from Jesus, our Good Shepherd!
Closing Prayer:Dear Good Shepherd, thank you for making us your little lambs and carrying us across your shoulder when the thunderstorms in life scare us! Help us to turn to you whenever life’s troubles rise to meet us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What are your favorite things? What are you scared of?
- Do you like singing? If you do, let’s sing, “I Am Jesus Little Lamb.”
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd? How do you know he’s the Good Shepherd?
- Describe how a shepherd carries his sheep. Describe how Jesus carries his people.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Discuss: It is an insult to call someone a “sheep.”
- In a world where everyone wants to be a lion, and the lion with the loudest roar is the King of the Jungle, why can we boast of being a lamb?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 4:1-6
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus, is not from God.
1 John 4:1-6 (selected verses)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight are identical twins. They are also YouTubers and social media personalities who go by the names “Mary & Martha.” The twin known as Martha has five young daughters ages 2–8. One time, Mary and Martha dressed the same—from their curly hair to their dangly earrings, belted dress, and black boots—they looked exactly alike! Then, starting with the youngest to the oldest, Martha’s husband separately brought each of the daughters into the room where the twins were and asked, “Which one is your mommy?” and “Which one is Auntie Mary?”
After closely examining the two ladies standing in front of them, each daughter would give her guess. The two and three-year-old daughters both guessed incorrectly—while the three older girls quickly surveyed the twins and then confidently and correctly picked their mom. When asked how they knew it was her, each gave a different answer. One said, “Auntie Mary has a beauty spot on her neck, and Mom doesn’t.” another said, “Mom is a little higher (taller) than Aunt Mary.” And the oldest daughter said, “Easy, Auntie Mary’s fingernails are manicured, and Mom’s are not.”
The older daughters had the benefit of spending more years with and studying their mom more closely. They picked up on the little differences their younger siblings had not yet learned.
In our reading for tonight, John counsels us to do a similar thing. “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). From outward appearances—false prophets in this world can look like the real deal. They smile and have a nice voice that says nice words, but they are “from the world and speak the viewpoint of the world.” We, on the other hand, are children of God. We want to be like those older daughters who were not fooled into believing their aunt was their mom. We want to study the Scriptures because when we do, we know more about Jesus and how to stay close to him.
Keep testing the spirits like someone who tests ice on a frozen lake! And take heart, because the “One who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4: 4).
Closing Prayer:Dear heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for giving us your Word to teach us about you! Please help us to gladly hear and learn the Scriptures to tell the difference between false voices and your loving voice. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you know any identical twins? What are some ways that you can tell them apart?
- Does your mom or grandma ever let you ‘taste-test’ what they are baking? Why do they do that?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Arrange the following things from least to most important:
a. Testing the buckle on an amusement ride,
b. Testing the ice on a frozen pond,
c. Testing the spirits to see whether they are from God. - Why is it the most important to test the spirits?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Verse 5 says, “[False prophets & spirit] are from the world and therefore speak from the view-point of the world and the world listens to them.” Name two or three view-points that the world has today that are different from our viewpoint.
- “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world!” (verse 4) Describe a situation and explain why this verse could be of great comfort to a Christian.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 20:28-38
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. . . So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. . . When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.
Acts 20:28-38 (selected verses)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
David is a wonderful Christian husband, father, and pastor. He faithfully serves his Lord in each area of his life. When David is happy, he smiles broadly and genuinely. When something is funny, he has a great chuckle to share. When he is angry or sad, the emotion shows on his face. However, for as long as people can remember—David never cried.
One day, David and his family were out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. Somehow, a tortilla chip went down the wrong way and got caught in his throat. Don’t worry; he was fine, but the coughing that followed caused a single tear to appear in the corner of his eye. His teenage daughter pulled out her phone and said, “I need to get a picture of this! Dad never cries!”
In Acts chapter twenty, the apostle Paul cried or wept three times (vv. 19,31,36). What in the world could cause a man like the apostle Paul to cry so much?
Like a parent giving a child advice before driving off to college, Paul warned his dearly loved friends about the dangers they would face without him. The parent knows what temptations and pitfalls their child might experience during those first years away from them. They are so concerned for their child—not just in a casual, “BTW” kind of way—but with a tear in their eye, a firm shoulder pat, perhaps with a shaky voice filled with emotion. Paul is feeling the same when he says, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock…so be on your guard” (Acts 20:29)!
A parent isn’t trying to frighten their child with scary pictures of life away from home. It comes from a loving heart that but that wants to guard and protect. It’s the kind of love expressed through teardrops. Jesus loves you so much that he expressed it through drops of blood he shed on the cross.
Dear child, love leads every parent, guardian, and supporter of you to say, “I commit you, [name of child], to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (vs. 32)!
Closing Prayer:Dear Father, thank you for my parents and everyone you use to warn me about the evils of life. Keep me connected to you so that someday, we will all be reunited in heaven, where there will be no more tears! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Have you ever seen your mom or dad cry?
- Why did the apostle Paul cry in our reading?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- When was the last time you cried? What did you cry about?
- What made you feel better after you cried?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Think of a time when you had to say, “Goodbye” to someone. How does Acts 20:32 give you something to say to someone who you won’t see in a long time?
- What advice might a parent give to a child going away to school? How does Paul’s advice parallel that?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 24:36-49
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:36-49
Making Sense of Salvation’s MathLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 19, 2024Devotion based on Luke 24:36-49
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The math teacher was nearing her wit’s end. She had done everything she could think of to explain the concept of subtracting with regrouping, but Joey was not getting it. She worked with Joey outside the classroom and at recess. She even showed him some videos on an educational website. Joey was still confused.
Then, she noticed his sci-fi shirt and had an idea. “Joey, how about you think of it like this—if you don’t have enough ones, you can go over to the tens column and then transport the tens to the ones.” “Transport?” said Joey slowly. “Oh! I see—I TRANSPORT the tens to the ones! I got it!” he ended enthusiastically.
The teacher opened Joey’s mind by using a word he could understand.
The disciples were confused, not by a tricky math problem but by the fact that the One whom they had followed for the last three years was killed, right before their eyes, on a cross. It just didn’t add up. What were they supposed to do? Confused and afraid, they hid together in a room.
Jesus appeared to his disciples and gazed at them with loving understanding. “Peace be with you,” he said as he watched their scared and bewildered faces. They wondered, “Is this really Jesus? What if it’s Jesus’ ghost?”
Then, like the teacher did for Joey, Jesus found ways to help them understand. “Here guys! Look! It’s me! See these scars on my hands and feet? Remember three days ago when you saw me nailed on the cross? Touch the nail marks, I’m real!” The teacher, Jesus, could see that his students were still not quite getting it, so he tried another approach. “Do you have anything to eat? Watch me eat this broiled fish. How many ghosts eat broiled fish?”
And then, “Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Like Joey, they finally got it. With their newfound understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection—he urged them to tell others about what they had learned.
Closing Prayer:Dear Teacher, sometimes things just don’t make sense. Thank you for opening our minds to the most important math lesson: 3 nails + 1 cross = 4 giveness because of Jesus, and heaven is ours! Please help us to tell others the same. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is something you have trouble understanding?
- What were the two things that Jesus did to show his scared disciples that it really was him and not a ghost?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- It’s easy to get angry or frustrated when you don’t get something. When that happens, how can this story help you deal with times of confusion in your life?
- Who is your favorite teacher? What makes that person a good teacher? Thank God for the good teachers in your life and the best teacher—Jesus!
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What are some math concepts that confuse you? How did you eventually figure them out?
- What are some biblical truths that might confuse you? What can you do to clear up the confusion ? (Spoiler alert: thank God for the Holy Spirit who works faith in our hearts despite our confusion!)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 1:5–2:2
God is light; . . . if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:5–2:2 (selected verses)
Walk Straight!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 17, 2024Devotion based on 1 John 1:5–2:2
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Before leaving their classroom, the first graders in Mrs. Robinson’s class would recite this poem: “When we’re lined up straight and tall, mouths shut—eyes forward, hands at our side; then we’re ready for the hall.” The students were well-trained by their teacher and tried to show their love for her by following those rules.
When Mrs. Robinson’s class waited patiently in the cafeteria line or quietly lined up after recess, a bystander would comment on their fine behavior. The students would smile, knowing that when they got back to their classroom, Mrs. Robinson would reward them with a tally mark—getting one tally closer to their goal of an “afternoon movie!”
From time to time, however, a student from Mrs. Robinson’s class would not be lined up straight or tall—their mouth would not be closed, and their hands not at their side. This was the opposite of their hallway motto. When that happened, the janitor or another bystander would remark, “Aren’t they in Mrs. Robinson’s class? They sure aren’t acting like it!”
Sometimes, it is easy and looks like fun to be like one of those students wiggling in line or talking when they’re not supposed to. How many times have we listened to the world’s classroom rules instead of our loving teacher, God’s rules?
For example, God’s rule: “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.” The world’s rule: “Remember your SELF today by sleeping in soundly.”
Here’s one more of God’s rules: “You should have no other gods.” The world’s rule: “You be you and have no other worries.”
When we break God’s classroom rules, what do we deserve? No afternoon movie! Instead a recess in hell that never ends. How horrible! But God is our loving teacher and wants us in his classroom. He sent someone who “walked straight and tall, mouth shut—eyes forward, hands at his side; ready for the hall.” Thanks to the perfect student, Jesus, who shed his blood that “purifies us from all sin,” we are getting closer and closer to the most beautiful place of heaven!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, sometimes it’s so hard to just sit still and listen when I want to wiggle around and say what I want. In that moment, help me follow you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Explain how to play the game, “Follow the Leader.” What happens if you don’t do exactly what the leader does?
- What makes a good leader? Who is the best leader?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share at least two rules at your school or at home.
- True or False? “Rules are a good thing.” Explain your answer.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Think of a time you got in trouble for breaking the rules in some way. What was the consequence for it? How did you feel about it?
- Think of a time your friend got in trouble for breaking a rule. What was the consequence for them? Would you have been willing to take the punishment for your friend? Why was Jesus willing to take our punishment?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read:Acts 3:11-20
While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them . . . When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? . . . The God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed. . . . You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. . . I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”
Acts 3:11-20
Sing a Little Ditty of Praise!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 15, 2024Devotion based on Acts 3:11-20
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Years ago, there was a cartoon character named Psalty the Singing Songbook. Psalty had a few hit songs , perhaps his biggest hit being, “Amen, Praise the Lord!” It is an action song sung with energy by many Sunday schoolers and teachers. If there is a lull in the lesson, or the students need a brain break, nothing gets the kids moving like getting out of their seats and following the directions to this little ditty; “I’m gonna jump down, turn around, touch the ground and praise the Lord!”
Right before our reading—a man unable to walk since birth was healed in Jesus’ name and performed a similar sequence of actions. “He went…walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8).
After witnessing the commotion of the crazy events when Peter healed the man, people composed an action verse of their own: “We were astonished, came running, showed surprise and stared at them!”
That’s when Peter began to do some finger-pointing at the surprised people. He walked them step by step through Jesus’ journey to Calvary. He said, “You handed him over, disowned him, released a murderer instead and killed the Lord.” That is not as catchy or happy as the fun Psalty song, but it had to be said. Peter knew the people “acted in ignorance”—he alerts them to what they had done without knowing they had done it.
God used those awful actions for his purpose. Like he often does, God twists, turns, and flips something bad into good for those who love him. Jesus, the author of life and composer of all, was killed. And if that was the end of the stanza, we would never feel like singing again. But there is more to the stanza of salvation, “God raised him from the dead” (Acts 3:15).
Thanks to the Holy Spirit who worked faith in our hearts, we are not ignorant of that stunning song of salvation! We know and believe that our sins have been wiped out because of Jesus, and that gives us reason to “Jump down, turn around, touch the ground, & Praise the Lord!”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, even when things aren’t going well in our lives, please help us remember what you have done for us, and by faith, we can join in singing this song, “Repent, turn to God, be refreshed, and praise the Lord!” Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name one thing you heard in today’s devotion that makes you want to “Jump down, turn around, touch the ground, & Praise the Lord!”
- After today’s devotion is done, have someone look up “Amen, Praise the Lord!” so you can you do all the actions!
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Discuss the following: Singing praises to God only counts as praise if it sounds pretty.
- Make a list of things you always wanted to talk to God about. Which do you want to talk to him about today?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Put yourself in the sandals of one of the people who didn’t know what they did to Jesus. How would you feel after hearing the laundry list of all those awful things you did wrong that ended with Jesus being killed?
- After Peter showed them their sins, he refreshed them with the sweet gospel message. Play the word association game. In 30 seconds, come up with all the words that you think of when you hear “refresh.” And that’s how we can feel knowing our sins are wiped away!
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 18:1-11
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Acts 18:1-11
Courage that comes from confidenceLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 12, 2024Devotion based on Acts 18:1-11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever been really sure of something? Like really, really sure of something?
Paul was so sure that Jesus was the Savior of the world that he told as many people as he could, no matter where he went. He was convinced that Jesus died not only for his sins, but for everyone. He knew for certain that Jesus rose from the dead, and that by believing in Jesus, a person could live with God forever.
But some people didn’t want to hear what Paul had to say. Others listened but didn’t believe him. Still others got angry at Paul because of what he was teaching people. They told Paul they were going to hurt him if he didn’t stop telling people about Jesus.
Paul was so sure of what he believed, he was so sure that Jesus was the Savior, he was so sure that everyone needed to hear about Jesus, that he kept telling people. He wasn’t going to stop simply because some people had told him to stop. Jesus even appeared to Paul and encouraged him in the work of telling people about all he had done. He promised that he would always be with him, so he didn’t need to be afraid.
You’ve heard in our devotions this week how you can be sure that Jesus died for you and now is alive. He has forgiven your sins and given you eternal life. But it is good news that isn’t just for you only! Jesus wants everyone to know that he is the Savior.
You can be just as sure that Jesus is your Savior and the Savior of everyone. Like Paul, you too can tell everyone about Jesus! Jesus even encourages you to talk about him—especially to someone who doesn’t know about him. He promised that he will be with you when you do. You don’t need to be afraid, especially when sharing Jesus with other people!
Closing Prayer:Dear God, you have convinced me that Jesus is my Savior and that he rose from the dead on Easter. Strengthen me and help me to share that good news with everyone I know and everyone I meet. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who is someone you want to tell about Jesus and what he has done?
- What is so good about Jesus and what he did that we will want to tell others?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did the Lord encourage Paul?
- What makes you afraid to tell people about Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think Paul needed the Lord’s encouragement about his mission work?
- How does the Lord encourage you in your work of telling people about Jesus?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
1 John 1:1-4
Tell Me All About It!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 10, 2024Devotion based on 1 John 1:1-4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Tell me all about it!”
Maybe a parent, grandparent, or a friend asked you that after you had gone somewhere. Maybe you had tried a new flavor of ice cream and they wanted to know all about it—what did it taste like? Maybe you just returned from an indoor water park, and they wanted to hear all about it—what did it look like? What slide was the fastest and most fun? What did it feel like? Tell me all about it!
Imagine being John for a moment. John was a follower of Jesus, one of his close friends. He had been close to Jesus for much of the time Jesus was healing people, preaching, and teaching. With his own eyes, he saw a crippled man get up and walk and a blind man see for the very first time. He listened as Jesus forgave sins and told people that the Messiah had come.
What a blessing, then, for you and me. We weren’t there, we haven’t seen Jesus with our eyes or heard him speak with our ears, but John did. It is as if we asked John, “Tell me all about it!” and John in his gospel and his letters tells us all about Jesus. He tells us about what he saw with his eyes, what he looked at, what he touched.
Because John told us what he had seen, heard, and touched, we can be sure of the same thing John was sure of—that Jesus is the Savior. By knowing and believing that Jesus is the Savior, Jesus gives us eternal life. We will live forever with our God because our sin has been paid for and washed away.
But that isn’t all! Jesus gives us “fellowship” with God. It’s a fancy way of saying that because of Jesus, we can be close with God. We are his and he is ours! We have this fellowship not only with God, but with our fellow believers as well. We are united with them in all that our God has done for us.
John was full of joy. He was happy to share what he had seen and heard so that we could be full of joy because of all that Jesus has done for us! Like John, we can share the joy as we share what John saw and heard—that Jesus is our Savior!
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord, thank you for telling me all about your Son, my Savior, Jesus, in your Word. Strengthen the fellowship I have with you and my fellow believers as I continue to grow in my faith. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is one thing you would like to tell everyone about at this moment?
- What is one thing you would like to tell everyone about Jesus at this moment?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How does John make it clear that Jesus was a real person?
- What do these verses teach us about Jesus Christ?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- If the things that John tells us are not true, how would that rob us of our joy as believers?
- What does it mean that Jesus is the Word of life?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 20:19-31
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:24-31
Prove it!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 8, 2024Devotion based on John 20:24-31
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“No! For real! It really happened!” insisted Santiago. “I kicked the ball from way over there… and it went in the goal! It was amazing!”
Despite Santiago’s claim, Maria didn’t quite believe Santiago’s story. It seemed a little too impressive to be true. Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms and said, “Well, prove it! Do it again so I can see you actually do it.”
When something seems a bit too far-fetched to be real or a bit too good to be true, we want proof. We want to see it happen with our own eyes. In today’s Bible story, Thomas is a little bit like Maria.
Thomas missed out on seeing Jesus alive on Easter evening. The disciples told Thomas that Jesus was alive. That they saw him. But it just seemed a bit too far-fetched to be real, a bit too good to be true. People don’t come back to life after they are dead. Thomas knew Jesus died. If he was going to believe that Jesus was now alive after being dead, Thomas wanted proof. He wasn’t going to believe what they said unless he could see it with his own eyes.
In his patient love for Thomas, Jesus appeared to the disciples again when Thomas was there. He touched Jesus with his own fingers. He saw Jesus with his own eyes. “My Lord and my God!” he exclaimed. A living Jesus made him so happy!
Does a Jesus who lives make you happy? Even though we weren’t there that first Easter evening, or a week later when Thomas saw his Savior with his own eyes, we know and believe that Jesus lives. Why? Because John and Thomas both saw it with their own eyes and have told us that Jesus rose. The Holy Spirit has convinced us through God’s Word that Jesus is the Savior and that he lives! The faith God has put in our hearts sees and believes that Jesus is our Savior.
Say with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you have risen from the dead and proven it by appearing to hundreds of people afterwards. Even though I didn’t see it with my own eyes, thank you for convincing me of this truth through your Word and giving me eternal life. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you think you would believe the disciples if they told you that Jesus was alive on Easter? Why?
- How do you know that Jesus is alive?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think Thomas doubted the news the other disciples shared with him that Jesus had risen?
- Why do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead and is your Savior?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What kinds of peace did Jesus bring to his disciples that evening? What kind of peace does Jesus bring you?
- What were Jesus’ miracles a “sign” of? How do they help us see that Jesus is the Savior?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:19-26
I win because Jesus wonLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 5, 2024Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There was a thing armies would do long ago. An agreement would be made between the two opposing forces. Each would send out their best soldier. These two soldiers would then fight each other. Whoever won, the army of the winning soldier would win the battle. Instead of hundreds or thousands of men being wounded or killed, it was just one soldier. While only one fought, the victory would go to the entire army.
The same thing happened about 2000 years ago on the cross. Jesus was fighting for you against some powerful enemies. He was going to battle against the devil who hates Jesus and those who follow him. He was fighting against sin, and against death, which comes because of our sin. They all seem so powerful—we all sin, we all fall for the devil’s temptations, and no one can escape death. If Jesus lost, all of us would lose too. If the devil would win, we would be separated from God forever. We would never get to heaven.
But we know what happened! Jesus didn’t lose. We heard it just a few days ago on Easter! Christ is risen! Jesus rose from the dead. He died to pay for our sin, and then on Easter, he rose from the dead. He was victorious. He had won! He has defeated sin, the devil, and death. And the best part: Jesus’ victory counts for you!
That is what Paul is saying when he talks about Jesus being the “firstfruits.” The “firstfruits” was a way of describing the very first fruit or grain that was gathered. It was given as a special offering to God. By giving the firstfruits, they were also trusting that God would bless the rest of the harvest. Jesus is the “firstfruits”—he died and rose again and won. His resurrection is the promise that God will raise us too! Jesus was the first to overcome death, and because he did it, we too will rise from the dead and overcome death. His victory is our victory.
Because Jesus did it first, we can be sure God will keep his promise to raise us from the dead and that we will live with him forever in heaven! When Jesus comes back on judgment day, our bodies will be raised to life and we will be alive again, just like Jesus, ready to live with him forever!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for defeating my enemies and giving your victory to me. Help me to remember that victory when I feel sad or scared. Fill me with joy in knowing I will be with you forever in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How did Jesus defeat our enemies?
- What do you think is the best blessing that comes from Jesus’ victory?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does Christ’s resurrection assure us of?
- True or false: Without the resurrection, our faith is useless.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why is Jesus’ victory so important for you and me?
- Paul describes death as “the last enemy.” How is death our “enemy”?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Job 19:23-27
I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27
Death is NOT the End!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 3, 2024Devotion based on Job 19:25-27
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“I am scared of dying,” Rodney told his mother.
Have you said that or felt the same way? Most people do at some point. Death is scary. We don’t know when it will happen to us, or how. We just know it will happen. No one likes to talk about their death. It makes us uncomfortable. It can make us afraid of death.
The words of our Scripture reading were written by a man named Job. He had experienced the pain and the uncertainty of death in his life. Tragically, almost his entire family died on one day. His own health wasn’t great. Job knew at some point, he would die.
Yet, Job didn’t seem afraid. In fact, he seems really confident about something. He says, “After my skin has been destroyed (after he dies), yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another.” Job was sure that even with all the uncertainty about when he would die, he would see his loving God with his own eyes!
How could Job be so sure? Job knew and trusted in God’s promises of a Savior. He was certain a Savior was coming who would overcome death. Job was convinced the Savior would come and save him from his sin and his death. He was positive his Savior (Job calls him his “redeemer”) would live!
Because of that Savior, Job knew that while he would one day die, death would not the end. In fact, Job says that after he dies, he will see God with his own eyes! If Job sees his Savior, it must mean he’s alive!
The same Savior Job trusted in is the same Savior you and I know and trust in—Jesus! Job’s Savior and our Savior lives! We were able to proclaim it and sing it on Easter! Christ is risen. Jesus is alive. We know that our Redeemer, our Savior, lives! He has defeated and overcome death.
Which means death is not the end! With Job, we too can be certain we will see Jesus. Even though we know one day we will die, we can be as confident as Job that Jesus will take us to be with him forever! We will be alive! Then you will see him—with your own eyes!
Closing Prayer:I know that my Redeemer lives!
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives who once was dead;
he lives, my ever-living head.
He lives to silence all my fears;
he lives to wipe away my tears,
he lives to calm my troubled heart,
he lives all blessings to impart. Amen.
(Christian Worship 441:1,5)
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Are you excited to see God? Why?
- Job was sure he was going to see his Savior when he died. What is one thing you know for sure about what Jesus has done for you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why don’t you need to be scared of death?
- How did the promise of a Savior help Job when things in his life were really hard?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Job uses the word “redeemer” in verse 25. That is one of the titles for Jesus. What aspect of our Savior’s work does the word “redeemer” describe?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection help you when you are afraid of dying?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Mark 16-1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Mark 16:1-6,8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Where would you look for a spoon in your house? You wouldn’t look for a spoon in your bedroom closet or on a shelf in the living room. That would be silly. Those aren’t places you would find a spoon.
Where would you look for a person you thought had died and been buried? On the first Easter Sunday, there was a group of women who thought they knew. After all, they knew Jesus had died. They knew where Jesus had been buried. They thought they would find him where you would normally find a dead person—in a grave. In a cemetery.
But were they shocked! Instead of a dead Jesus, they found an angel with the most amazing news. “He is risen!” Jesus wasn’t in the grave anymore because Jesus wasn’t dead anymore. He was alive! And you wouldn’t look for living person in a grave!
That was really good news. The women didn’t quite understand it all that first Easter morning. After all, dead people normally don’t come back to life. But Jesus did! And because Jesus was alive, God had good news for all people. God has good news for you!
Jesus died on the cross because he had to take all of our sins from us. And God said that the punishment for sin was death. But he didn’t stay dead. God raised Jesus from the dead so that he was alive again. Here’s what it means for us: Because Jesus is alive, we can be sure that all of our sins, all the times we messed up, all the times we did the wrong thing—ALL of them have been forgiven. Our enemy, the devil, has been defeated. Death has been robbed of its power. Jesus is alive, and because he is alive, you too will live with him forever!
That is all really good news! All because Jesus isn’t dead, but alive. He is risen!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for rising from the dead. Thank you for defeating the devil. Thank you for paying for my sins. Thank you for giving me eternal life in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- The women went to the Jesus’ grave because they thought he was dead. But what did they find?
- Name one good thing that happened because Jesus rose from the dead. Then name another good thing that will happen.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why were the women going to the tomb? What were they expecting?
- Why was it so hard for the women to believe what the angel told them?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why were the women concerned about the stone that sealed the tomb? What does this tell us about their expectations on that morning?
- Jesus died as the punishment for our sin. Why is his rising from the dead so important to us as Christians?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 19:17-30
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30
FinishedLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 29, 2024Devotion based on John 19:30
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What’s the difference between stopping and finishing? If you don’t see any difference, here are a couple of examples. You might stop cleaning your room when you get called to eat supper, but that doesn’t mean you’ve finished cleaning your room. Or you might stop doing your homework when it’s time to go to bed, but that doesn’t mean you’ve finished doing your homework. It’s easy to stop doing something. It’s much harder to finish doing it.
Jesus had been doing something for his entire life: living in perfect obedience to God. Everything that Jesus said, did, and even thought was perfect from the very moment his life began. He never once sinned during his whole life. And then on the cross, just before his life ended, Jesus didn’t say, “I’m stopping,” or “It’s over.” No, he said something much harder, much more powerful: “It is finished.” So what did it take for Jesus to finish?
Think about everything that had just happened to Jesus, and imagine what God the Father was seeing and saying to his Son. Jesus let himself be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and God the Father said, “That’s a start, but it’s not near enough.” Jesus was put on trial and made fun of and beaten, and God the Father said, “It must continue.” Jesus was sentenced to die and forced to carry his cross to Calvary, and God the Father said, “It’s getting close, but it’s not quite there.”
And then as Jesus was on the cross, he suffered in a way that no one had ever suffered before. God the Father didn’t say anything to his Son, because he didn’t see his Son there on the cross. Instead, he saw your sin, and my sin, and the sin of the whole world. He punished Jesus for every single sin ever committed. Until all those sins were paid for, and God the Father was satisfied, and he saw his Son again. A Son whose father had one more thing to say to him: “Yes, it is finished. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Jesus didn’t just stop living. He finished his life—perfectly. Because he finished, one day your life will be finished too. One day you’ll get to see Jesus and live with him forever in heaven. And one day you’ll get to hear those same beautiful words from God the Father: “Yes, it is finished. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for doing everything that was necessary to perfectly finish your life. Keep my faith strong during my life and always remind me of your perfect sacrifice for me. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s something that would be easy for you to stop doing but hard to finish doing?
- What did Jesus say on the cross just before he died?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What’s the difference between stopping and finishing?
- Why is it so important that Jesus said, “It is finished,” rather than “I’m stopping”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Think back over the events of Jesus’ life. What times can you think of when it would have been particularly hard for him to live perfectly?
- How can you live during your time on this earth so that your life will truly be finished at its end?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Exodus 12:21-30
Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.”
Exodus 12:21-23
The Perfect LambLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 27, 2024Devotion based on Exodus 12:21-23
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine living in Egypt during the time of Moses. Your parents are tired from making bricks every single day. They’re confused because of all the crazy things that have been happening: the Nile River turning to blood, the outbreaks of frogs and bugs and hail and darkness. They aren’t sure how they can possibly be rescued from their slavery to the Egyptians. And they especially don’t know what to expect from this strange new festival called Passover.
But they do know what God said to Moses and Aaron. They know that he commanded them to take a lamb and kill it at sunset. They know that God promised to pass through Egypt and put to death the firstborn son in every family—except the families who took the blood of this lamb and put it around the doorframe of their house.
So you watch as your parents kill the lamb and paint its blood on your house. You wonder why your parents picked the best lamb, a perfect lamb. You ask your father why this perfect lamb had to die. His answer is simple: “God promised us that we are going to leave Egypt and be free again. But before we can go free, someone has to die. And this perfect lamb died so that you don’t have to.” No blood of the lamb, no freedom.
This isn’t just an “imaginary” story that happened a very long time ago. The Passover looked ahead to another type of freedom that was needed. Every single person born into this world needed to be set free from sin. And so God the Father made a way for that to happen. He sent Jesus to be the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. It was simple: Jesus died so that all of us won’t have to. No blood of the Lamb of God, no freedom.
It’s the middle of Holy Week, the time of year when we get to hear about Jesus’ last days and hours before he died. Tomorrow, on Holy Thursday, we’ll hear about Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Don’t miss the reason that Jesus and his disciples were eating together that Thursday night. They were celebrating the Passover, just as God commanded the Israelites to do so many years ago. They were sacrificing a perfect lamb—and watching as the perfect Lamb of God prepared to sacrifice himself.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for offering yourself as the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Thank you for shedding your blood to earn my freedom. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What kind of lamb were the Israelites told to pick?
- What had to happen before the Israelites could leave Egypt and be free?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What would have happened if the Israelites hadn’t painted the blood of a lamb on their doorframes?
- Why do you need to be set free from sin?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- During his life on earth, Jesus was called the Lamb of God by just one person. Who? (Hint: John 1:29,36)
- If Jesus’ sacrifice set you free from sin, why do you still sin and do bad things?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
If you were put in charge of how many rules there would be at home, what number would you choose?...
Read: Romans 10:5-13
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:8,9
Can You Really Be Sure?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – August 30, 2023Devotion based on Romans 10:8,9
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“How can we be sure what we believe is true?” Jason asked his parents after church.
“That’s a great question Jason! What made you think of that?” replied his mom.
“Well, I seem to get along better with some of my friends who don’t go to church than I do with the kids at church. I’m wondering, why would God send nice people to hell just because they don’t believe in him?”
Have you ever thought the same question as Jason?
In Romans chapter 10 God deals with the question, “How can a person know if they are saved?” The apostle Paul gives this answer, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:8,9).
Paul doesn’t say, “If you have enough faith, you can do it.” His idea of faith starts in your heart and works up to your mouth. At times the faith in our heart is strong and firm and what comes out of our mouth is bold and confident. But sometimes the faith in our heart is weak and afraid, and what comes out of our mouth is timid and quiet.
“It doesn’t matter,” Paul says. Weak faith and timid words aren’t any less pleasing to God than strong faith and bold words. There’s nothing about strong and weak here. Big faith, little faith, my faith, your faith, his faith, her faith. There is no difference! Only this: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (v. 13).
A person can’t be saved by simply being nice or trying to be good all the time. Being right with God is a matter of receiving something from God, not doing something for God. It is admitting the truth that Jesus is Lord. It is believing the truth that God raised him from the dead as our Savior and substitute.
In other words, it’s what you place your faith in that matters. No one can be sure they’re saved by trusting in themselves and their own goodness. God’s Word tells us to simply look to the cross and empty tomb of Jesus! Here is the proof that the one true God who promised to pay for sin has completed his work and provided a receipt!
So how could we encourage Jason who has nice friends who don’t know Jesus? Remind him that Jesus loves his friends too. Jesus wants Jason to share that good news with them. Then they too can believe the truth that Jesus is their Lord and Savior!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, help us to call upon you in the day of trouble and deliver us as you have promised. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did Jesus do to prove your sins are forgiven?
- Name a friend whom you would like invite to church or Sunday school because they don’t know about Jesus.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How would you feel if someone tells you they don’t believe in God?
- Recall from today’s devotion what you would like to say to them that might help.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- It’s not uncommon for someone your age to experience doubts about what you believe. Go ahead and share one that may be bothering you.
- How does the truth of Jesus’ resurrection ease your doubts and make your faith certain?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Exodus 34:5-9
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
Exodus 34:6,7a
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sarah Kate was excited but also scared. She was finally picked for the select volleyball team. Her excitement turned to nervousness after her teammate Ella called and said, “My dad heard we may be getting that new coach.” The girls were not sure they wanted to play anymore. Coach Wilson was very tall and had a scary voice. He was not the kind of coach they were hoping for.
The team was invited to the park for a cookout and a team meeting so everyone could get to know each other and meet their new coach. As they arrived, Coach Wilson was even taller than they expected. He greeted every player by name, handing them a gift bag as he welcomed the whole team. This was going way better than they imagined. After the meeting, the girls were no longer afraid. Coach Wilson was going to be a great coach. They would all work hard together, not because they were afraid of the coach, but because they respected him.
Moses was called by the LORD to lead his people to the promised land where the Savior was to be born. Moses was very nervous because he knew he couldn’t accomplish this huge task by himself. The LORD promised to go with him. Moses then asked the LORD to show him his glory so Moses could know him better.
So God described himself. There was some scary bad news and there was some exciting good news. The bad news is that God scares us because he threatens to punish children when they misuse his name, disrespect their parents, and disobey him. He promises there is hell to pay. Yikes! That’s scarier than Coach Wilson!
Now listen to the good news: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” This is the best news anyone could ever hear! The LORD is awesomely powerful and holy, but who could imagine that he is also equally loving and compassionate! God decided to forgive us of all our sins because he is amazingly compassionate and gracious!
All those times you misused God’s name without even thinking about what you were saying, Jesus paid for all those sins with his blood. Now, he asks you to keep God’s name holy and to love, honor, and respect him more than anything.
It’s true! The LORD’s love for you is way better than you could have ever expected!
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord, thank you for loving us unconditionally and giving us the faith to trust in your loving care. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Have you ever felt afraid of God? Tell us why.
- What did Jesus do so you wouldn’t have to be afraid of God?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does God mean when he describes himself as compassionate and gracious?
- How can you be certain that God is compassionate and gracious to you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can God at the same time punish all sin yet promise to forgive us?
- Describe how different you might be if your parents never shared the good news of Jesus with you.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:21-28
Table Crumbs and PromisesLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – August 25, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 15:21-28
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“But you said…”
Kids, have you ever said that to your parents when they promised something and didn’t follow through? Moms and Dads, have you ever said that to each other when one of you said you’d do something for the other but then the task went uncompleted? The older we get, the more we deal with broken promises (and the more we find ourselves being the ones who promise and don’t come through).
Jesus is God. He never lies. He never breaks his promises. Ever. When he says something, he always means it and he always does it. The promise of God to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden was to send a Savior… for the world. When God chose Abraham to be great-great-(and a whole bunch more greats)-grandfather of the Messiah, he said that his coming would bring blessing… to the whole world. When God sent prophets to his people, they reminded the people that the coming Christ (Anointed One = God’s special chosen one) would be the Christ… of all nations. But that’s sometimes hard to remember. Did Jesus come even for me?
The woman in Jesus’ story helps us see that the answer is yes. She was not a child of Israel. She was born a Canaanite—a Gentile who was not from God’s special people. Many told her she was just a dirty street dog when it came to God’s family. Even Jesus challenged her request for help! He told her that you shouldn’t give the children’s food to dogs! But she answered boldly and held Jesus to the promise. “Yes,” she said, “you should.” Why? Because even the dogs get at least the crumbs from the table. She yearned for the smallest scrap Jesus might give her. She held Jesus to his promise, and he told her that she had great faith. Not because her faith was so big, but because it trusted in the promise of God’s mercy. She was holding God to his promises.
“Lord, help me!” she cried. And he did: “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. May Jesus richly bless you with the breadcrumbs of his mercy—not because we are worthy, but because he promised you his tender mercy!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for your wonderful promises. Thank you for making me part of your Father’s family and for giving me all the blessings that come from his table. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What was wrong with the Canaanite woman’s daughter?
- What did she ask Jesus to do for her?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why did Jesus answer the way he did, saying it isn’t right to give the food of children to the dogs?
- How did the woman show her great faith in Jesus’ promises?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Can you think about times when it is hard to hold onto Jesus’ promises and to remember that all he did was for us too?
- When you have down days and need help, think of something to help you hold Jesus to his promises the way the Canaanite woman did.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Ephesians 2:13-22
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:13-22
Who Are Members of God’s Family?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – August 23, 2023Devotion based on Ephesians 2:13-22
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let’s start with a warning: Today’s reading is hard to understand. Like this part which says, “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” What is the apostle Paul talking about?
To answer that, we need to do a real quick history lesson. From the Bible’s view of things, the whole world is divided into two types of people, Jews and Gentiles. Have you heard that before? It especially is a feature when you read the Old Testament of the Bible.
The Jews were God’s special people. They were descendants of a man named Abraham. His grandson was Jacob. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, and he had 12 sons that we often call—you guessed it—the children of Israel. One of Israel’s sons was Judah, and after a while his was the only group left intact and in the Promised Land. After a time away from their land, they returned. The people of Judah became known as the Jews. God told these people that the Messiah (the name for God’s “special chosen one”) would come from their family! He gave the Jews his Word, his commands, and his promises. These promises were always meant for them. But not just for them. Remember the two types of people in the Bible? Jews and those who were not Jews. They were called Gentiles. God’s promises were meant for both types of people.
At Jesus’ time, the Jewish people had forgotten their purpose—to be a light and hope for the Gentiles. At Paul’s time, the thought was that if you were a Jew you were God’s child, but if you were a Gentile you were outside the family. But then… Jesus arrived! He came from the family of Judah, but he came for both types of people. In Jesus, there is no more Jew or Gentile. God has reconciled (made peace with) the whole world. He has won forgiveness and, life, and peace for all. In Jesus, Paul says, you are no longer strangers or foreigners, you are actual members of his household! You are no longer outsiders or even second-class citizens. You are members of God’s own family, his forgiven, dearly loved children! With all the benefits. Inheritance. Eternal life. A Father who promises to give you whatever you ask for as you ask in line with his will. Wow.
Are you a Jew or a Gentile? It doesn’t matter. Jesus announces peace to both. No one is excluded. You can be at peace in him. That makes a huge difference in the way we live our lives. It makes a huge difference in the way we deal with people who are way different than we are. Let’s invite them into God’s house too, that we all might live at peace with God and at peace with each other too.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into our world to bring peace. Help us to live in peace, with God and with one another. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who were the two different types of people in today’s devotion? Which one are you?
- Which people did God bring into his family?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What’s the difference between a Jew and a Gentile?
- How did God bring Jews and Gentiles together into one family?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Discuss the different types of people in your church family and why that’s actually a good thing.
- What does it mean that God has reconciled the world to himself in Jesus? How will that show itself in our lives?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
You often see it tucked in the corner of the window right next to the entrance to the business...
While we share the gift of faith, the Holy Spirit also gives each of us all kinds of different gifts and abilities....
Read: Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Speaking BravelyLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 29, 2023Devotion based on Acts 2:1-4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Back in 2006, Google launched a service called Google Translate. This service allows you to type or speak words in one language and then translates them into a language of your choice. Today, they have over 130 languages available, and up to 100 billion words are translated each day!
Two thousand years before there was an internet, God gave his followers the special ability to speak in languages they had never learned. This happened on the day we call Pentecost. The events of Pentecost took place 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after he ascended into heaven. The disciples had been waiting for Jesus to keep his promise to send them the Holy Spirit. God revealed the Holy Spirit in a remarkable way. First, they heard a strong wind that filled the room they were in. Next, little flames of fire came and rested on them. Finally, they were able to speak in new languages. People from Asia, Africa, and Europe were amazed they could understand the preaching of the disciples in their own language as they taught them about their risen Savior, Jesus.
The sights and sounds of Pentecost were truly amazing. What was more unbelievable was the change in Jesus’ disciples. Ever since Jesus died, they were fearful and hiding. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, they spoke bravely about all Jesus had done to save them. The Holy Spirit didn’t only work in the hearts of those disciples, he also worked in the hearts of those who heard their message. On that day over 3,000 people were added to what we call the Christian church.
God continues to send his Holy Spirit to believers today. Each time we gather at church we might not hear a strong wind, or have little flames over our head, or listen to our pastor speaking in different languages, but we can be sure the Holy Spirit is there. The Spirit is working to create and strengthen faith through the Word of God that is being proclaimed. Even though at times we might be afraid or hesitant to tell others about Jesus, he gives us the courage. Be brave, be bold, and be excited to share the news that Jesus is risen!
Closing Prayer:Dear Risen Savior, we thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost. Help us to be brave and courageous like your apostles as we have opportunity to tell others about you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name two special things people saw and heard on Pentecost.
- Name two special people who teach you about Jesus.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What makes you afraid to talk to someone about Jesus?
- Who are the three persons of the Trinity? Which one wants to help you overcome your fear of talking about Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Pentecost is called the third great festival of the Church, along with Christmas and Easter. Why is Pentecost so important?
- Try this: Type a favorite Bible passage into Google Translate and listen to it in different languages you have never heard before.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 17:1-11a
Now this is eternal life: that they know, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
John 17:3-5
First the Cross, Then the CrownLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 26, 2023Devotion based on John 17:3-5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jesus’ suffering and death must have been so confusing for the disciples. For years they learned from his teaching and watched him perform miracles. They believed he was the Savior sent from God. Never once had he done anything wrong. Yet, he was beaten, whipped, hung on a cross, and put to death. They must have been terrified as they asked one another the simple question: Why did this happen? It just didn’t make sense.
It all made sense to Jesus. “This is eternal life,” he began. He understood that God’s plan to save us meant he would experience horrible pain and suffering on the cross, but it would last only a short time. Soon he would rise from the dead victoriously and would ascend to heaven and rule over all things once again. First Jesus must suffer, then comes his glory. First the cross, then the crown.
This unselfish sacrifice by Jesus was not only for his own glory but for our glory as well. Jesus didn’t die on the cross for his own benefit, but for our good—to win forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all people. Although he died for all people, only those who believe and trust in him as their Savior will receive these blessings and the glory of eternal life in heaven.
That’s why Jesus prayed for his disciples. He knew he would soon be leaving them in the world. So he prayed to his Father in heaven to protect them and keep them firm in their faith.
Jesus continues to pray for his believers today. He understands our sinfulness, weaknesses, and the doubts we experience as we face the challenges of living in this sinful world. He reminds the Father again and again that he did the time even though we did the crime. Jesus’ prayer assures us that we have pardon. Because Jesus suffered, our glory is coming in heaven.
First the cross, then the crown.
Closing Prayer:Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your one and only Son to win for us the forgiveness of sins. Protect and guide us as we navigate the challenges of living as sinners in a sinful world. May we find joy and comfort knowing that because Jesus suffered and died for us, we as your children will one day live with you forever in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In today’s devotion, which comes first: the cross or the crown?
- Jesus promised to someday place a crown on your head. How did he make sure that would happen?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- “First the cross, then the crown.” What does that mean?
- Why is it important for every person to know God and his plan for salvation?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Jesus tells us in the Bible that only those who believe will be saved and live forever in heaven. How does that truth motivate you to tell others about Jesus?
- Look up John 3:16. How does that verse tell everything you need to know about God’s plan of salvation?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 4:12-17;5:6-11
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you… And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7,10,11
Why Worry When You Can Pray?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 24, 2023Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:7,10,11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A familiar sight on weekends this time of year is baseball and softball fields full of kids. Imagine you have a game this Saturday morning. Things couldn’t have started any worse. First, you forgot your glove and had to borrow one that was too small. In the first inning you had two errors and struck out. Then everything changed. You ended up hitting four home runs, made five catches in center field, struck out all six batters in your two innings of pitching, and your team won the game 26-1. Would you say that was a bad game or a good game?
The apostle Peter tells us throughout our life on earth we will suffer because of our faith in Jesus and our desire to live for him. Peter saw and experienced the terrible suffering of Christians in the early church. They were persecuted by the Roman Empire.
That may make you pray, “Dear Jesus, don’t let bad things happen to me!” But the truth is, you will face challenges in your life. What might that look like for a 5-, 9-, or 13-year-old? Maybe it is being made fun of by others because you don’t watch certain shows or take part in behavior that God says is wrong. What if you missed a ballgame or overnight at a friend’s house because you went to church with your family? Are you afraid you might be looked at differently?
These challenges often cause us to worry or be anxious. Peter provides helpful advice to handle worry. He encourages us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” It means this: Everything that makes you wrinkle up your forehead with worry lines… hurl it like a baseball in the Lord’s direction. God will catch it. Why? “Because [God] cares for you.” When another round of “Oh, no” leaves your lips… it’s so nice to know that those are the very moments God feels concern for each one of us. You are not just a “spot” in the universe. He knows and he cares!
A line in the hymn “Amazing Grace” says that when we’ve been in heaven for 10,000 years it will feel like we just arrived. We may suffer for a little while now, but it’s not going to last! May God give us strength to face challenges here on earth until that day when he calls us to our real home in heaven.
Closing Prayer:Dear Risen Savior, help us to cast all our anxieties on you. We thank you for doing everything needed for us to be saved, and may we find comfort knowing one day we will live with you forever in our real home, heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is something that makes you sad/scared?
- What did today’s devotion tell you to do with anything that makes you sad/scared?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Have you ever faced challenges because you are a Christian? What did it look like? How did it make you feel?
- If Jesus was able to take care of our biggest problem called sin, what does that mean for the problems where we ask for his help?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being “not well” and 5 being “very well”), assess how you handle problems that come your way. Based on today’s devotion, identify one thing you want to do to better handle them (i.e., prayer, etc.).
- How does knowing our time here on earth is so short compared to the eternity we will spend in heaven help you deal with challenges you face?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 1:12-26
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 1:12-14
He Lives… and We WaitLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 22, 2023Devotion based on Acts 1:12-14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Danny and Gabby couldn’t believe their eyes when they opened the box. Inside were two MagicBands for a surprise trip to Disney World. They screamed with excitement and asked their parents, “When are we going?” They would have to wait seven whole days. Grabbing a pen and paper they made a checklist to help them prepare while they waited.
In our reading we get a glimpse of Jesus’ followers… waiting. Forty days before, Jesus rose from the dead. Just days ago, they witnessed him ascending into heaven through the clouds. Before Jesus left, he promised to give his apostles the power of the Holy Spirit. For ten days they eagerly waited until Jesus kept his promise at Pentecost.
There is much we can learn from Jesus’ disciples as they waited. Over 120 of them gathered together. We can assume they talked about the seriousness of sin and how Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead to save them from their sins. They knew this was true because they saw it with their own eyes. Not only did they talk with one another, they talked to Jesus through their prayers. During their time together a new apostle, Matthias, was selected help bring the good news of Jesus to many people.
But the promise of the Holy Spirit wasn’t the only one made on the day Jesus ascended to heaven. Two angels told the disciples that one day Jesus would return to earth. When Jesus comes back, he will take all believers to live with him forever in heaven. Two thousand years later we are still waiting for that special day to come.
What should we do while we wait? Like the disciples, we can gather at church to hear and learn God’s Word—both the law, which shows us our sin, and the gospel, which shows us our Savior. We can pray to Jesus at home by ourselves or with our family. Then we can share the good news of Jesus with others.
How excited Danny and Gabby must have been for their trip to Disney Word, what many people call the greatest place on earth. How much better for us that because of Jesus, through faith, we will one day live in heaven which is the most wonderful place for eternity!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you always keep your promises. As we wait for you to return, help us to be active in worship, studying your Word, and telling others about you. In your name we pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Does Jesus always keep his promises?
- Where does Jesus promise we will live with him one day?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share something you have been waiting for so much that it’s hard to wait.
- Waiting for Jesus to return is exciting. Give at least one way you can spend your time as you wait for Jesus to return.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How do you think the disciples felt as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven?
- Name a couple of the blessings of being a part of a church family on earth.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 24:44-53
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem… When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:45-47,50-53
Jesus and the Many CrownsLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 19, 2023Devotion based on Luke 24:45-47,50-53
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
On September 8, Queen Elizabeth of England died. After her death, her son Charles became the king of England. However, his coronation as king didn’t happen until May 6—nine months later.
In a coronation ceremony, a crown is placed on the new king’s head. Even though Charles became king last September, May 6 was an important day. That day the world saw the crown placed on his head to show him as king.
Jesus was the King of heaven from eternity. When he became human that first Christmas, he took off his kingly crown and left it in heaven. You could say he “stored” or “set aside” the use of his powers as King so he could come do his job as our Savior.
Jesus wore two other crowns here on earth.
First, he wore the “crown” of God the Father’s approval. The Father said it at Jesus’ baptism and at his transfiguration. “This is my Son. In him I am well-pleased” (Luke 3:22, Matthew 17:5). Jesus wore the crown of pleasing God. What pleases God? Matthew 5:48 tells us. “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus wore the crown of God’s approval because he lived perfectly. He wore that crown for you, because you didn’t earn that crown by living perfectly.
Jesus wore a second crown here on earth—the crown of God’s fair punishment. It included thorns on his head, and it was part of his suffering when he died on the cross. It was what we deserved because we didn’t earn God’s approval with our lives. He wore the crown and all the suffering until the all-important words: “It is finished.”
Fast forward 43 days. Jesus has risen from the dead and spent 40 days teaching and encouraging believers. He is at the top of a mountain. He is going back to heaven to take back his crown as King. It is, in some ways, his coronation day.
His disciples watch in joy. They are seeing the coronation of their King. We watch through God’s Word. Our King is crowned. He has accomplished our salvation by wearing the crowns of God’s approval and God’s fair punishment for sin. Now he reigns in heaven, where he waits with a crown for each of us.
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you ascended to your rightful place as king of heaven. I can’t wait to someday join you there and have you place a crown of victory on my head. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why did Jesus have to leave heaven and come to earth?
- Jesus left some of his power in heaven when he came to earth. When did he get all that power back?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What were the two earthly crowns Jesus wore on earth to save us?
- How was Jesus’ ascension like a coronation?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why was God the Father pleased with Jesus?
- How was God’s approval of Jesus transferred to you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 14:15-21
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.
John 14:15-17
Power SourceLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 17, 2023Devotion based on John 14:15-17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jaxon was 3 years old. He liked to help his mom to show her how much he loved her. He liked to help push the grocery cart and match the socks from the laundry. He liked to count out five forks and take them to the family dinner table.
One day, Jaxon decided he was old enough to help vacuum too. He pushed the vacuum around the living room, but it didn’t seem to be picking up any cheerios. “Maybe it should be faster,” he thought. He tried going faster. Nope. No cheerios. “When Mom vacuums, it’s loud. Maybe I need noise.” He hummed and growled while he pushed the vacuum around. All the cheerios remained untouched.
Mom entered the room and knew right away what the problem was. The vacuum cleaner wasn’t plugged in! As soon as she plugged the cord into the outlet, the vacuum hummed and cleaned.
Jesus told his disciples how they could show love for him—by obeying his commands. That means doing everything God tells us to—like listening to your parents and hearing God’s Word. It also includes not doing what God doesn’t want—like lying, stealing, or using his name thoughtlessly.
Believers know Jesus’ love. We see how he has taken away all our failures to obey God’s commands. And we want to show how thankful we are by living for him.
Like Jaxon’s vacuum cleaner, we need a power source. And we have it. When we plug into God’s Word, the power of the Holy Spirit runs through us. He makes us confident in our salvation because of Jesus, and he gives us power to obey God’s commands in our lives. Stay plugged in! It gives your heart peace and your life power.
Closing Prayer:Holy Spirit, power divine, dwell within this heart of mine (Christian Worship 593:4).
Give me power to live for you,
Show you my love in all I do. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Give one reason we want to do good things.
- Name one way you can show love for God today.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- True or false. What we do helps to get us to heaven.
- How would you feel if you had to do good works to get into heaven?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Some people do things that look good, but they aren’t actually good works that please God. Explain.
- How would disconnecting yourself from God’s Word affect your faith and power to do good works?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 17:22-31
Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.
Acts 17:29-31
Nature and NurtureLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 15, 2023Devotion based on Acts 17:29-31
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It can be fun to look at yourself and think about everything God uses to make you who you are. Sometimes it’s called “nature and nurture.” Nature is the way I am because of the parents I was born to, my biological parents. Nurture is the way I am because of the parents I live with. For some kids, their “nature parents” and their “nurture parents” are the same people. For kids who live with different parents than the ones they were born to, this discovery can be even more interesting.
Let’s try some together. Following is a list describing things about you. After you hear each one, determine if it is nature or nurture. Or, maybe both. Ready? Here we go:
- My eye color
- How tall I am
- I like to throw my empty soda can across the kitchen to the recycling bin
- Math feels easy for me
- I love to hike in the mountains
It is beautiful how God uses both your physical traits and what you experience to make you who you are.
The Bible calls people who believe in Jesus, “children of God.” What do God’s children look like, spiritually?
Our text says that God’s children repent. To repent means:
- Knowing when you have sinned and wishing you hadn’t done it
- Trusting that Jesus took your sin away and it isn’t a problem between you and your heavenly Father
Like people might know who your mom is because of how you look, God’s children look a certain way too. They don’t like to sin. And they know their sin is gone from God’s memory, so they aren’t afraid.
And like people might know who your dad is because you both are great helpers, people who spend time with God act a certain way. People who spend time with God in his Word know how much their Father loves them. That love pours out in lives that thank him. You look like your heavenly Father when his love inspires you to treat others kindly. You resemble him when you speak truthfully and act lovingly.
We are God’s creations, his amazing combinations of who we are and who we spend time with. Love who God made you to be.
Love even more who God made you in Jesus. You are God’s child, and it shows in your understanding of your sin and Jesus’ forgiveness. You live with God in his Word, and it shows in the life of love you offer to God and those around you.
Closing Prayer:God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! (Christian Worship 679:1)
Thank you for making me your dear child. Help me to live as your child—being sorry for my sins, trusting that you forgive me, and living a thankful life. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name one thing you do the same as your mom or dad.
- Name one thing you try to do the same as Jesus.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Tell your parent(s) at least one way you want to be just like them.
- The Bible says: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” What are two ways you can let your light shine today?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the difference between being God’s creation and God’s child?
- You are both! What is something you appreciate about being each?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 14:1-11
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
The Story of the BridgesLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 12, 2023Devotion based on John 14:6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There was a bridge. It reached from Human Mountain to God’s Mountain. People who walked on this bridge could be with God.
Two hikers walked part of the way and then chopped the bridge down. It swung back to Human Mountain. Now it hangs there, attached to the top of the mountain but dangling down the side toward the canyon. All the hikers of the world still want to cross to the other mountain to be with God, but they can’t build another bridge. They can’t secure it to God’s Mountain from where they are.
A builder came and strung a second bridge starting at God’s Mountain and reaching all the way to Human Mountain. Everyone who crosses that bridge is with God.
But some hikers still want to use the old bridge. They climb it, but it only leads down Human Mountain to the canyon. Other hikers want to build their own bridges. They begin the bridges on their mountain. They try many materials, but always have the same problem. They have a starting place, but everything they build goes down the side of the mountain toward the canyon and hangs next to the broken bridge.
But everyone who walks across the second bridge get to be with God forever.
Now let’s read this story another way:
The two hikers were Adam and Eve. When God created them, they were going to live perfectly and be with God forever.
When they sinned, they broke that plan for all humans. It is impossible to live without sinning, so it is impossible to get to God by being perfect.
Along came Jesus. He made a new way. He lived the perfect life that had been broken and paid for all the destruction of our sins. Now there is a new bridge to God—trusting in Jesus.
Some people still try to get to God by doing good things, but they can’t do it perfectly, so it doesn’t work. It just leads them down to the canyon of hell. Some try to build their own ways. These are called false religions and false gods. Those religions start with humans and don’t reach to the true God. Like the broken bridge, they just take people down to hell.
But everyone who trusts the bridge Jesus built—Jesus’ perfect life and death-payment on the cross—will be with God forever in heaven. They cross right over death into eternal life.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you built a bridge to God the Father when you lived perfectly and died instead of me. Keep my feet securely fixed on that bridge and take me by that bridge to heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Can anyone be perfect enough to please God?
- What (or Who) is the only way we can get to God?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Get a clean piece of paper and draw a picture that illustrates today’s devotion.
- How did Jesus build the bridge between us and God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why does our human nature like to believe we are the ones who earn heaven?
- How do people sometimes try to cross with one foot on the bridge Jesus built and one foot on another bridge? How safe is that?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 2:7,8
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
1 Peter 2:7,8
Would You Rather?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 10, 2023Devotion based on 1 Peter 2:7,8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Let’s play a game called “Would You Rather.” Teachers use it at the beginning of a school year. Or families play it on road trips. There are two ways to play this game.
In one version, someone asks, “Would you rather vacation at the beach or in the mountains?” It’s a fun way to get to know each other. And there are no wrong answers.
The other version involves giving two options, both of which would be unpleasant. For example: “Would you rather find a rat in your kitchen or a roach in your bed?” You find yourself thinking, “Yuck! I wouldn’t want either of those. They both make me miserable.”
Here’s another “would you rather” situation all people find themselves in by nature: Would you rather be punished for the bad things you do that displease God or spend all your time trying to do enough good things to make up for all the bad things? Everyone has the natural idea that they should do something to please God and be punished for the bad things they do. This is called a conscience. By nature, people are afraid because they can’t ever do enough to deserve heaven.
And today’s text tells us another sad truth: It bothers people to think that Jesus earned heaven for them and just handed it to them for free. That seems foolish, and they trip on it like it’s a problem in the way.
Yes, by nature we are all playing a terrifying game of “would you rather.” It comes down to: Would you rather be afraid because you can’t keep God’s commands perfectly or admit that Jesus did it for you? Sinful, natural hearts don’t want either of those.
But along comes the Holy Spirit. He uses the Word of God and baptism to make us know, trust, and love the fact that Jesus lived perfectly and died for us. For us, the question has a clear answer.
Let’s try some:
- Would you rather eat _______ (your favorite food) whenever you want or have to eat ______ (your least favorite food) at every meal? Obvious, right?
- Would you rather know you are going to heaven because Jesus loves you so much that he saved you or be afraid of hell because you sin?
Thank God the Holy Spirit makes it crystal clear. Heaven is ours and we are sure of it!
Closing Prayer:Dear Holy Spirit, you were stronger than my unbelieving heart! You used your Word to show me Jesus as my Savior. Thank you! Thank you! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why don’t we have to be afraid of hell?
- How did Jesus save us?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does God use to give us faith in Jesus?
- Describe how you feel knowing you are going to heaven because Jesus loves and saved you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do some people “stumble” in believing the idea that Jesus did everything needed for our salvation?
- What could you say to someone who thinks the idea of salvation through faith in Jesus is foolishness?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 4:8-12
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”
Acts 4:8-10
You Don’t Know Who You Are Dealing WithLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 8, 2023Devotion based on Acts 4:8-10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”
You hear that line in movies. There is a person who holds power but whose power is hidden. Maybe she is an undercover spy. Or a superhero disguised as a normal human. Or the owner of the company, but the employees don’t recognize her. Someone says something threatening or intimidating and the response is, “You don’t know who you are dealing with.” The person is saying, “I may look like you, but if you knew who I really am, you would be afraid of my power.”
God came to earth as a little baby. He looked and lived like everyone else. Jesus was on an undercover mission. He tucked his power and glory away to live and die in a way no one would expect God to live and die. He used his power to say “no” to sin. He used his strength to bear the punishment of the world’s sin.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter spoke to the Jews who had called for Jesus to be crucified. He told them that God raised Jesus from the dead, which proves that Jesus is really God. Basically Peter said, “You didn’t know who you were dealing with.” Those words can be terrifying. You didn’t know you were dealing with God Almighty, who has the power to punish you!
There is another movie situation that involves hidden identity. Someone is in danger, but a person with them reveals that he is able to help. For example, there’s a car accident and someone is badly hurt. But a passerby runs up and says, “I’m a doctor. I can help.” What a relief! Here’s another example: Hikers find themselves lost in the mountains. But then, a fellow hiker appears and says, “I’m a park ranger. I know the way out.” Here’s one more: A group of terrified people have been taken hostage. But one of them whispers, “I’m a police officer. I know exactly what to do.”
The point is this: While Jesus lived on earth, he revealed his identity. He said, “I’m the Messiah. I’ve come to save you.” What a relief! What peace! Many believed him. When they learned his true identity, it gave them peace. How different from Jewish leaders who were disturbed and fearful when Jesus’ identity was revealed!
Praise the Holy Spirit for showing us Jesus as our loving Savior. Through the Bible, we know his true identity. We are secure because he has taken back all his power as God. We know that he uses that power to care for us, forgive us, and bring us to heaven.
Closing Prayer:Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing us Jesus as our Savior. Help us to trust in him always. Help us to share Jesus with our friends and family so they, too, can know his identity and be saved. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who’s your favorite superhero and for what does he/she use their superpower?
- How does Jesus use his power to take care of you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name a story from the Bible where Jesus used his power as God. What was his purpose in using his power?
- How does knowing who Jesus is cause different feelings in believers and unbelievers? (Hint: Believers feel safe and at peace, unbelievers don’t.)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How do a person’s feelings about death and judgment day show you what they believe about Jesus?
- What can you say to someone to explain why they are afraid of judgment day and why they don’t have to be afraid?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 10:1-10
[The shepherd] calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:3b,4
The Sheep in the DitchLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 5, 2023Devotion based on John 10:3b,4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Recently, there was a popular video clip online of a sheep stuck in a narrow ditch. A man struggled to pull the sheep out. He was practically laying on the ground, yanking and tugging at the sheep’s legs. He gave a final tug, and the sheep was free! The sheep bounded off, but seconds later, took a flying leap and… got stuck again. Ugh! What a challenge that shepherd had to take care of that sheep.
In God’s Word today, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd. Shepherds have difficult jobs. They have to keep the sheep safe on dangerous, rocky ground. A shepherd has to protect the sheep from wild animals looking for a free meal. He has to find them enough food and water in areas that may be very dry and bare. But that’s the job of a shepherd: to lead and feed sheep so they follow him.
If Jesus is the shepherd, what does that make us? We are the sheep, maybe like that one stuck in the ditch. We are powerless. We cannot save ourselves. We need someone to rescue us, keep us safe, and provide for us. The shepherd needs to lead us to safe pastures. He sometimes even has to protect us from ourselves!
Jesus truly is our Good Shepherd; he calls us by name. Luther’s Catechism says “He has called us by the Gospel.” The Gospel, in Word and sacrament is how God reaches out to us, creating faith in our hearts. Trusting his Word, we hear his voice and follow him. We are closely connected to our shepherd.
Can you think of times that Jesus has kept you safe in a dangerous situation? You might think of a close call on a busy interstate, a bumpy plane ride, a time you were really, really sick and it scared you. Can you even imagine all the ways that Jesus kept you safe when you didn’t know it?
Every day, Jesus our Good Shepherd provides for us—our favorite foods, a cozy bed, our favorite stuffed animal. They all remind us of the tender love and care of the Good Shepherd.
Don’t be ashamed to think of yourself as a sheep in the ditch. It means you have a shepherd who is always ready and willing to pull you out!
Closing Prayer:The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. Amen.
(Christian Worship 552:1)
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In today’s devotion, who is the Good Shepherd? Who is the sheep?
- Share one of your favorite things that the Good Shepherd has given you.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- If you are like a sheep, what gets you into trouble the most?
- Remember a time when Jesus was like a shepherd to you. How did he rescue you? Provide for you? Lead you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Can you think of any hymns that compare Jesus to a shepherd? Or us to sheep?
- Before you jump in and get stuck, identify a “ditch” that is dangerous in your life. Then, identify a way you can stay ten steps away from it with your Shepherd’s help.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 2:19-25
But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:20b,21
Follow the LeaderLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 3, 2023Devotion based on 1 Peter 2:20b,21
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There is an old kid’s game called “Follow the Leader.” Have you played it? Everyone gets in line behind the leader. They must follow the leader wherever he goes. If the leader skips, they skip. If the leader crawls, they crawl. If the leader hops on one foot while flapping his arms and hooting like an owl… well, things get a little complicated. The whole point of the game is to follow the leader’s example.
Can you think of someone you want to “follow” in your life? Maybe it’s an older brother or sister who you really want to copy. Or its someone you look up to like a sports hero or musician. We look at talented people and think, I want to be like them.
Peter gives us an awesome example to follow, Christ Jesus. Peter says, “When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.” Even though Jesus lived a perfect, sin-free life, people called him names, hit him, and eventually crucified him. Jesus patiently endured all these things to save us. He is the greatest example of suffering evil for doing good.
Some people look to Jesus as just that, an example. They say he was a great teacher and an inspirating speaker. He was loving to people around him and gave to the poor. He was a great leader, and we should try to be just like him. But if we only look to Jesus to show us how to live, we are going to run into a problem. It’s the answer to this question: Do you think you can follow Christ’s example? Can you be perfectly loving all the time? We have to quickly admit that we can’t. We might as well give up.
Peter has good news for us, he says, “[Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” Jesus carried all our sins. All those times we didn’t live up to his perfect example have been forgiven. He didn’t just show us how to live, he lived for us, perfectly!
So follow the leader! Christ suffered in our place and gave his perfection to us. Follow in his steps and live today in thanks to him. Follow as he leads the way to a home he made for us in heaven.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you are so much more to us than an example. Thank you for all you have done for us! Now lead us as we follow you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Can you think of a leader you want to follow? Who is it?
- Following Jesus as your leader makes you thankful for what? Give your “top two” list!
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- List a way Jesus is a good example for someone your age.
- Name one thing that makes it hard to follow Jesus’ example.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Recount the last time you suffered for doing something good. Discuss why you would do it again if needed.
- It is important to have role models in your life. Who are the top role models for your faith? List as many as you can.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
What does devotion look like?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – May 1, 2023Devotion based on Acts 2:42
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know anyone who is a really devoted sports fan? They are so enthusiastic about their favorite team, it affects everything they do. Maybe they own multiple shirts with their team’s logo. They watch every game. They know every player’s name, along with team trivia. One avid fan even bought a casket in his team’s colors and kept it in his living room until he needed it. His devotion carried on even after he died. Now that’s devotion!
In today’s devotion, believers in the early Christian church were devoted too, but not to a sports team. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. It means they were enthusiastic to hear everything the personal disciples of Jesus said about him. What had they learned from the apostles? Everything Jesus did and taught. They listened closely to the details about his life, death, and resurrection. They learned about repentance and forgiveness. They found out that Jesus lived a perfect life to fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies and that he died on the cross to forgive the sins of everyone. How exciting to hear that Jesus rose and then ascended into heaven, where he rules all things for our good. They couldn’t get enough of this awesome news. It completely changed their lives!
The devotion of the early church members affected everything they did. They wanted to spend as much time as they could with each other, so they worshiped and studied together. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper together. Love and devotion to Jesus made them devoted to one another as well. They shared what they had with each other, eating meals together. Everyone saw their genuine love and devotion. Many other people saw it. When they heard about Jesus, they believed too.
In the same way, our devotion to Jesus affects what we do. We may have a shirt that proclaims our faith, or we may wear a cross necklace or bracelet. We also enjoy fellowship and the breaking of bread with other believers. You may gather after church for donuts and coffee or sit down to a meal together before an evening service. During worship, we watch as our church family enjoys the Lord’s Supper in church with each other. We make Sunday worship a priority for our family, even if it sometimes means missing something else. Why? Because we’re devoted! We look forward to our home in heaven where we will join all enthusiastic believers in eternal devotion to our Savior.
Now that’s devotion!
Closing Prayer:Dear God, help our devotion to you be evident in our family. Guide us to show your love to everyone around us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is one way you want to show you are devoted to Jesus?
- What is your favorite thing to do together with friends at church?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Think of at least one way to help grow your devotion to the “apostles’ teachings.”
- Now, think of at least one thing that you do this week because you are devoted to Jesus.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- You may be in confirmation or already confirmed. Why is the Lord’s Supper so special?
- Discuss how your congregation shows love to each other. Evaluate if it looks anything like the example of the early church.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 24:13-35
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus came up and walked along with them.
Luke 24:13-15
Let’s Go on a Road TripLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 28, 2023Devotion based on Luke 24:13-15
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In 2022, during the week before Christmas, a major airline canceled thousands of flights. People traveling for the holidays, or just trying to make it home, were stranded all over the country. What a catastrophe! With options for travel limited, some people rented cars to drive to their destinations. Sometimes, complete strangers traveled together, renting vans and traveling long distances together.
Can you imagine taking a road trip with complete strangers? What would you talk about? We can imagine they talked about their trip, where they were headed. They possibly shared information about their jobs and families. Many of them probably complained about the airlines and how sad they were that their flights were canceled.
The two disciples in our reading were on a road trip. We know a little about what they were talking about. They were discussing everything that had happened, Jesus’ work, his death and resurrection. We can assume they were feeling sadness over their Savior’s death. They were certainly confused about the news they had heard from the women, that Jesus’ tomb was empty and an angel had appeared. Then suddenly someone joined their road trip. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” he asked.
The disciples shared their sadness, their worries, and their confusion with this stranger. The man listened to them intently. He then explained everything that had been said in the Scriptures about the Savior. Can you imagine how they felt? Things became clear in their minds. They understood that Jesus had to die and rise again. They didn’t want the road trip to end! They invited the man to stay with them. When he broke bread with them, they realized it was Jesus! And as suddenly as he joined them, he disappeared.
Now it was time for another road trip, but this one was different. The two disciples were excited to share the good news with the rest of the disciples! They hurried back to Jerusalem.
What can we learn from them and their road trips? Sometimes, we will feel sad or confused, and it’s okay to share that with Jesus. Ask a parent or your pastor to explain confusing parts of Scripture to you. We need to talk about Jesus and all he has done for us, every chance we get. It’s important to study God’s Word, where we learn about Jesus forgiving our sins and making a home for us in heaven. A road trip is a great time to talk about Jesus or talk to him!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, we sometimes feel confused and lost, just like those disciples on the road to Emmaus. Please use your Word and other believers to encourage and teach us more about you and all you’ve done for us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- The disciples were sad at the news of Jesus’ death. What face do you think the disciples made when they realized Jesus was with them and alive?
- If Jesus suddenly was walking alongside you, what question would you like to ask him?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Imagine you are on a road trip with Jesus. What would you want to talk to him about?
- Who are three people you can ask if you have questions about the Bible?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- The two disciples were confused by the events leading to Jesus dying on the cross. What cleared up the confusion for them?
- How does today’s devotion make clear what you can do when your life gets confusing?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21
Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:17-19
Where Do You Belong?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 26, 2023Devotion based on 1 Peter 1:17-19
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20230426fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe you were the new kid in class and didn’t know anyone. Or you were trying a new sport and everyone else seemed to know what they were doing when you didn’t. Maybe you got your first job, and working at the cash register was harder than you thought. It can be confusing and uncomfortable to feel like you don’t fit in.
The people Peter was talking to were Christians who were suffering more than a little confusion and discomfort. They were being mistreated for their faith. They felt like outcasts in the world, like they didn’t fit in. They felt as if they didn’t belong.
Peter reassured them that they were strangers here in this world—and that’s okay! God called them to live differently. They were to focus on him, living their lives with respect to him. The passage says they were supposed to live in “reverent fear.” That doesn’t mean they needed to be afraid. It’s a way of encouraging them to live in awe and wonder at all God had done for them. They weren’t supposed to worry about what others thought. All that mattered was what God wanted. As a result, their lives would look very different from those around them. They might even look different than the lives of their parents. But if Christians don’t belong here on earth, where do they belong?
Peter assured them that they were saved from the empty way of life that the world lives. Not gold or silver, but Jesus’ perfect life and innocent death paid the debt owed by sinners. We have been redeemed or bought back. After Jesus paid for our sins, he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He promises that he has prepared a place for us. We have a home in heaven. There is a place where we belong! We have a forever home waiting for us.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? You’re in good company! We will often feel like strangers in this world. We are uncomfortable, and we don’t fit in. That’s okay! Peter’s words can help us when we feel like we don’t belong. Live your life with respect to God, don’t worry about what others think. God loved you so much he sent his son to save you and prepare a place for you in heaven. We can be confident that we have a forever home where we perfectly belong.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for this message of hope in a difficult world. We know that we have a certain home in heaven with you. Help us live our lives as strangers in this sinful world. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did Jesus use to pay for your sins? Gold or silver? Or what else?
- Where did Jesus make a home for you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- In the moments you don’t feel like you fit in, where do you belong?
- What does it mean to live in “reverent fear”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Today’s devotion encouraged, “Live your lives as strangers in reverent fear.” How can you live as a stranger here?
- How does today’s devotion comfort you when you don’t feel like you “belong”?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 2:14a,32-41
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:36,37
What Should We Do?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 24, 2023Devotion based on Acts 2:36,37
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It’s a day off from school, a day off from work, what should we do? Should we head to the park? Go to the movie theater for popcorn and a show? What a fun decision. But imagine that a doctor has just given you some bad news. “Uh-oh, what should we do?” you ask him. The question becomes much more serious.
Peter was talking to a large crowd of people. He explained Jesus’ death and resurrection to them. Peter had seen these things with his own eyes! He gave the crowd proof that Jesus was the perfect match for all the Old Testament prophecies. He is the Savior! This good news is for everyone. Jesus’ work gives hope to the whole world.
But here’s the “uh-oh”: Peter was talking to the same crowd who rejected Jesus earlier. They felt terrible. The Bible says they were cut to the heart. “What should we do?” the people wondered. This was a serious question. They knew they had sinned against God. They wanted to know if it was too late for them. They wanted to know if there was any hope.
We might feel the same way when we think about our sins. The guilt makes us feel terrible! Sometimes, we try to make up for our sins. Maybe I can fix this on my own! We know sin is serious and we want to do something to get rid of that guilt. Can we be forgiven? Is there hope for us?
Peter’s words gave those them hope. “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” God connects his Word with the water of Baptism to give us new life in him. Our sins are forgiven. We are baptized into this same hope. Our sins are forgiven, and we have a new life.
So, what should we do? Take this good news to heart. “God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Though our sins are serious, God has forgiven them. Study the Bible to learn more about Jesus, your Savior. Rejoice that through Baptism, God has forgiven your sins and made you his dear child. And share this good news with others.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, please help me take to heart the good news that my sins are forgiven. Encourage me to focus on the certain hope of heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Peter told the crowd some good news. What good news do you have to share?
- Ask you parents to tell you about your baptism. Why is it so important?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does it mean to repent?
- What day was your baptism? How could you celebrate it as your “second birthday”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What can you take with you from today’s devotion the next time guilt weighs on your heart?
- Think of one way that will help you remember your baptism every day for the rest of this week.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 20:19-31
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29
I’m Blessed to Believe!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 21, 2023Devotion based on John 20:29
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Some news is so wonderful we have a hard time believing it is true. You won the prize—I can’t believe it! You are going to Disney World—no way! If someone told you this news, you may need some proof to believe it. However, when the prize is placed into your hand or you are standing in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney, then you believe and rejoice.
Thomas, Jesus’ disciple, knew how that felt. He saw Jesus tortured and hung on the cross. The soldiers pierced the side of Jesus, proving he was dead. Friends buried Jesus and closed the tomb. Jesus’ disciples were sad and scared and locked in a room. Suddenly, Jesus showed up—alive! But Thomas was not there to see this glorious event. When his friends shared the amazing news that Jesus was alive, Thomas just couldn’t believe—it was too good to be true. Thomas said he would need to see and feel Jesus to believe this wonderful news. Jesus loved Thomas and wanted him to believe, so Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he needed. One week later, the risen Jesus appeared to Thomas. When Thomas saw Jesus, he believed and rejoiced.
We have not seen Jesus with our own eyes. So why should we believe in him? Here’s why: The Bible was written so we can believe what we have not seen. Sometimes our faith is weak, and we wonder if everything in the Bible can be true. Like Thomas, we doubt. The same God who loved Thomas and gave him exactly what he needed loves us, and he gives us everything we need to believe and go to heaven. The Holy Spirit comes to us in baptism and creates faith. Every time we hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit is right there and assures us, “Yep, it’s all true! Jesus rose from the dead; he conquered death for you!”
In our Bible reading, Jesus said we are blessed because we believe in him even though we do not see him. He promises that one day when we die, we will see him with our own eyes. Then we will know with our eyes what we now know with our hearts. Jesus is our risen Lord and Savior. Believe and rejoice!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, how grateful we are that you always give us what we need! When we doubt your love for us, come to us in your Word and make us strong again. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Share one thing that happened today that was really good news.
- What was the best news you heard in today’s devotion?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Have you ever heard news you thought was too good to be true? What was it?
- How can you believe Jesus is real if you’ve never seen him with your eyes?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- We sometimes doubt like Thomas. What are some things that make you doubt that God really loves you?
- What can you do in those moments of doubt to remind yourself of God’s love for you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 Peter 1:3,4
I’m Going HomeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 19, 2023Devotion based on 1 Peter 1:3,4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine you are on a camping trip. There are some fun things about camping. Hiking and cooking outside can be a great adventure. Even sleeping on the ground in a tent can be fun… for a while. After some time, the mosquitoes in your tent and the ants on your food are not fun. You start to feel the stones underneath your sleeping bag, and it is hard to sleep. You long for the clean sheets on your comfortable bed at home. But you cannot sleep in it yet. You must wait until the camping trip is over and you are home.
Just like your bed belongs to you even while you are away on a camping trip, heaven is yours right now, even while you live here on earth. Jesus won heaven for you when he lived and died perfectly. When Jesus rose from the dead, our hope for heaven was secured. Let there be no doubt. We will rise from the dead, just like Jesus, and we will live in our forever home, heaven.
But we are not there yet. For a time, we will live here on earth. There are things on earth we enjoy—love, family, vacation, pets, toys… the list goes on. These things are blessings from God. Yet, even with these blessings, sin has made this world a difficult one. Sin causes us to hurt each other with our words and actions. Without faith in Jesus, sin would keep us from going to our home in heaven. Sickness, sadness, and death are a result of sin and will be a part of our life as long as we are on earth.
When we feel sadness over these things, take heart! God has not left us alone on earth to endure the hardships caused by sin. He has promised to always be with us, and he will work these difficult things out for our good. He uses hardships to make us stronger and bring us closer to him. Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we journey with Jesus safely home to heaven.
Yes, camping can be fun, and it can be difficult. Life on this earth brings joy because of Jesus and sorrow because of sin. Whether today is a joyous day or a day heavy with sadness and difficulty, because of Jesus, there is a better day coming. Because of Jesus, we are going Home.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, we can never thank you enough. You washed our sins away so we can live with you forever in heaven. Help us remember you are always with us on earth and you will bring us safely home when our life here is done. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name two things you really enjoy in your life.
- How is living in heaven better than living on earth?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- One of the things we know about heaven is we will be with Jesus. What would you like to say to him?
- How could you say this to Jesus right now?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- We do not know everything about heaven. But we do know some things. Think of at least two things we know.
- How does knowing you have a place in heaven help you on a difficult day here on earth?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 2:14a,22-32
I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Acts 2:25
I Am Never AloneLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 17, 2023Devotion based on Acts 2:25
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever had a job to do that seemed so big you did not even want to start? Maybe your room was a mess, and your mom said, “Time to clean up!” and you didn’t think you could get it done all by yourself. Or, there’s so much homework, you don’t know where to start much less what to do. Help!
Can you imagine how the disciples felt after the first Easter? Just a few days before, Jesus introduced the first Lord’s Supper with them. In the hours that followed, Jesus was hung on the cross by his enemies, and he died. Three days later, their eyes saw the unbelievable—Jesus was alive! He conquered death and rose from the dead. What news this was to share! So God sent the disciples to tell everyone all about Jesus. They were even supposed to tell the enemies that hung Jesus on a cross. That must have been scary. Help is what the disciples needed.
God gave the disciples the help they needed. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to always be with his disciples. They would never be alone in their work. On a special day called Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the gifts they needed to spread the Gospel. They had what they needed to do the work. Now they did not have to be afraid—they knew God was with them and would help them with their important work of telling people about Jesus.
Jesus’s perfect life and death paid for our sins. His empty grave means our grave will also be empty. This is the best news. If we know and believe this good news, God has work for us to do. Like the disciples, God wants us to boldly share the good news of Jesus, our Savior. He does not want us to be overwhelmed or frightened. But should you ever be, cry out “Help!” The Holy Spirit gives us faith and all we need to do this work. Jesus wants us to see that he is with us. With God by our side and his word in our heart, we have all the help we need.
Let’s go and tell!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been afraid to talk about you. May we always remember you are with us and you have given us everything we need. Help us share your wonderful, saving love with others. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is something you are afraid to do by yourself?
- Who can help you to do this hard thing?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Recall the last time you dragged your feet because you didn’t want to do something. How did you get this job done?
- Listen to Acts 2:25 again. How does this verse remind you that God has given all the help you need to share Jesus with others?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Give at least one reason why sharing Jesus is so important.
- With someone specifically in mind, what can you do to prepare yourself to share the love of Jesus with him (or her)?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 28:1-10
Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Matthew 28:5,6
The Word that Changed the WorldLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 14, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 28:5,6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The little girl stood in darkness next to her mother’s bed. She was afraid. The surgeon had cut out the cancer that was making her mom sick, and now her mother lay asleep, her neck hidden by bandages. The foundation of the girl’s world was shaking, and to steady herself, the girl reached out, gently touched the bandages and whispered, “Mommy, is your neck going to be okay?” The mom squeezed her hand in reassurance as tears fell down both of their cheeks.
On the very first Easter, two women named Mary were also frightened and searching. They had placed all their hope in their friend and teacher, Jesus. Then on one awful Friday, their world turned dark as Jesus was tortured, crucified, and buried in a tomb. The women came to the garden tomb early Sunday morning to honor Jesus, but they could not find him. Suddenly, there was an angel who sat on the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. He had a message that changed everything. It changed everything for the two women named Mary, for the little girl and her mother, and for you.
This message has the power to calm our fears and steady the shaky ground of this broken world. It even takes away the sting of death with the promise of heaven. The message of the angel was this: “You are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” What?! Could this really be? The women looked into the tomb—it was empty. Then Jesus met them, and they saw the truth. Jesus lives! And because he lives, we also will live.
The mom and little girl from the story above clung to the hope in the angel’s message. For years they faced doctor scans and appointments with bold confidence. They still do. The angel’s message continues to steady the ground beneath them. Whatever you are searching for, whatever is frightening you today, the angel’s message can steady your feet. When this world seems a dark and scary place, remember, the resurrection of Jesus means we will also rise from the dead. Right now, Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven. Whatever happens here, for now and for eternity, heaven is ours.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for conquering sin and death so that we can walk on solid ground. We know that because you live, we also will live. Praise be! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s the one thing that frightens you most?
- What’s one thing you can do when you are afraid?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name a way the message of Easter makes you less afraid.
- Why is it important for someone your age to think about death but then remember Easter?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Play out the result of this scenario: The women went to the tomb early Easter morning and found Jesus’ body there.
- If the angel’s message is important because it changed the world, explain how you would share it in a world today that is uninterested.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:2
Hold on!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 12, 2023Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:2
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There once was a generous uncle who found joy spending time with his nieces and nephews. These children spent happy days on his farm where he taught them the value of hard work and joyful play.
One breezy day, he bought them each a kite and took them out to a field. After showing them how, he handed each of them a kite, smiled and said, “Now, hold on tight.” But one girl was distracted by all the beautiful kites around her. She let go. Her kite quickly caught a breeze and blew high and disappeared across the highway. As she watched her cousins happily playing with their kites, she was sorry she had not held on to hers. Her uncle was sad for her, but he did not replace her kite. He taught her another valuable lesson—we can lose things when we do not hold on.
In our Bible reading today, Paul writes to the Corinthians. He tells them to hold on tight. They are not to hold tight to a kite—he tells them to hold tight to the precious message he gives them. Paul preached the good news of Jesus Christ who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and then appeared to many people, proving he conquered death. Paul knew they could be easily distracted by others who seemed wise but were teaching things which were false. Would they listen to false teachers or hold tight to the truth?
God knows how easily distracted we can be. He had Paul write down these words for us so we would remember to hold tight to the gospel message. Like pretty kites swirling around us, worldly things tempt us to let go. We get so busy, and in our desire to not miss out on things—sports, school, friends—we let go of our time with God in his Word.
You see, if we let go of the gospel, we lose more than a kite. It’s possible to lose the life in heaven Jesus won for us. On our own, we will not hold on tight. So God promises to help us hold on tight. He sends his Holy Spirit who encourages us, “Hold on!” In his Word, in our baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper, we are strengthened to do it.
Dear one, listen to him and hold on!
Closing Prayer:Dear Holy Spirit, you come to us in God’s Word and give us the strength to hold on to Jesus. Forgive us for being easily distracted and not holding tightly. May we always turn to God’s Word for forgiveness and new life in you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What would you do if you lost something important to you?
- How would you feel if you found it?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name two things your family does to hold tight to the good news of Jesus?
- Why should you consider helping someone else hold tight to the good news of Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Name something in your that tempts you to loosen your grip on God’s Word.
- What can you do to make sure to not let go of Jesus?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Jonah 2:2-9
In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
Jonah 2:2
Easter RescueLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 10, 2023Devotion based on Jonah 2:2
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Drowning. It is a powerful word with no happy ending. Children may feel like they are drowning in homework or chores. Parents may not see the end of laundry, job responsibilities, or bills to pay. When things start to pile up, it’s too easy to feel overwhelmed. “Help! I’m drowning!” we cry out.
Jonah, an Old Testament prophet, felt like he was drowning because he was. It all started when God called him to go somewhere and do something he didn’t want to do. He had a hard choice to make: He could follow God’s will or not. He chose poorly. We have been there, yes? Suffering because we made poor choices. But most of us have not paid so dearly. Jonah’s poor choices led to the actual belly of a big fish, where he spent three dark and dreadful days. He describes it like this, “The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.” Terrifying. But worse than being in the belly of the big fish, Jonah was drowning in his own bad decisions.
In his deep distress, Jonah had another choice to make. Where would he turn for help? Jonah 2:2 tells us, “I called to the LORD, and the LORD answered me.” He turned to the only One who could save him from sin and death. God heard and answered Jonah’s cry for help.
Have you ever had a moment you felt like you were drowning? Does hearing all the bad news of this broken world overwhelm you? Have bad choices led you to a place where it is hard to breathe, hard to see daylight? Where will you turn for help?
Child of God, turn to the One who has the power and love to save you. Like Jonah, our Savior, Jesus, spent three dark and dreadful days, not in the belly of the big fish, but in the darkness of a grave. He conquered that grave and lives today to rescue you.
What comfort to know we cannot flee from God’s presence! Wherever we go, no matter how dark it seems, Jesus lives to bring his light to you! (Psalm 139:7-11)
Jonah’s God is our God, the true, living, and powerful God. Cry to him in your distress, and he will answer you.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, forgive me for the times I do not follow you. This world and my sin are dark, and they scare me. Thank you for bringing your light to these dark places and rescuing me. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Remember the last time you needed help. What was it for?
- Who can you ask for help?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What situation in your life especially make you feel like you are “drowning”?
- What can you do when you feel like there is no way out?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Describe the scariest thing that could happen to you.
- How does Jesus make even the scariest things okay?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 19:17-30
Carrying his own cross, [Jesus] went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:17,18,28,30
It Is FinishedLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 7, 2023Devotion based on John 19:17,18,28,30
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Long ago, there was a famous religious leader named Buddha. Lots of people follow his teachings. Their religion is called Buddhism. When Buddha was about to die, he spoke some famous last words. On his deathbed, he told his followers: “Strive without ceasing.” In other words, he told them, “Keep on trying hard. Keep working. You might make it!”
That’s what we often tell ourselves: “If I just try my hardest, God will be happy with me. If I just do my best, I’m sure God will let me into heaven. I’m going to strive without ceasing!” Have you ever thought things like that? There’s a big problem: We can’t. Do you always try your hardest? Nope. Do you always do your best? Do you always do the right thing? No way. Every one of us is sinful. If we need to strive without ceasing to make it to heaven, no one is going to make it!
Thankfully, Jesus said something completely different before he died. On Good Friday, as he hung on the cross, Jesus said these words: “It is finished.” Instead of saying, “You need to keep working really hard to earn your salvation,” Jesus said, “It is done. I have earned your salvation. I have lived for you. I have died for you. So that you are forgiven and loved and saved. All the work is finished. That means it’s not up to you, it’s up to me. It is finished!” Isn’t that great?
During Holy Week, some churches put up banners that say, “Paid in full!” Have you ever seen or heard that phrase before? It’s absolutely true: “Paid in full!” Jesus paid in full for all of our sins. Jesus paid in full to win eternal life for us. Jesus paid in full the punishment we deserved.
That’s why we can call the day that Jesus died “Good Friday.” It’s certainly sad that Jesus died. It’s sad that it’s our sins that led Jesus to suffer so much. But that was a good day. Actually, it was a great day, because on Good Friday, Jesus saved us. We want to do our best. We want to live for Jesus. As you do, remember this: You can’t earn any of God’s blessings. They are all gifts to you through faith in Jesus. That’s why Jesus cried, “It is finished!”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for us. Because you did everything, we can know that we are saved and forgiven by faith in him. How good it is to know that it is finished! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do we always do the right thing?
- What did Jesus do on Good Friday to save us from our sins?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Compare Jesus’ last words with Buddha’s last words. What’s the difference?
- Explain why Jesus’ last words give us a lot more peace than Buddha’s last words ever could.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- By nature, every one of us thinks like Buddha thought. Why is it that we always think we can earn our way to heaven?
- Read Luke 23:39-43. How does that story show that Jesus truly saved everyone who believes in him?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Body and Blood for Supper?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 5, 2023Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
How would you react if tonight your mom or dad said, “We’re eating our neighbor for supper”? Wouldn’t that sound awful? You might say, “Eww, what? We’re eating our neighbor?!” Imagine if your parents were serious. “Yes, we’re eating our neighbor for supper tonight.” That’s disgusting! Eating another human being is just plain wrong!
But consider this: Have you ever noticed how we talk just that way at church? During the worship service, there is a time when teenagers and adults walk to the front of church and receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. Body and blood? Why on earth would people want that?
Because it’s exactly what we need. The Lord’s Supper isn’t a meal to fill our stomachs. It’s absolutely true that we would never eat another person for supper. Instead, the Lord’s Supper is a special meal for our souls. We need more than just food and milk and water. We need God’s forgiveness for our sins. We need God’s salvation.
That’s what Jesus offers to us in the Lord’s Supper. On the night before he died, he took bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, “This is my body, which is for you.” Then he took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” It’s Jesus’ body that died to save us on the cross. It’s Jesus’ blood that washes all our sins away. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus is thinking of us. He gives us exactly what our souls need—his body and blood.
The next time you see people receiving the Lord’s Supper at church, think to yourself: What a special thing! Your parents aren’t perfect. No one is. Every single one of us needs God’s forgiveness over and over again. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus puts a little plate in front of us and says, “This is for you. Eat it. Drink it. Not to have energy for another day, but to have the forgiveness you need to live forever.” Body and blood for supper? On the dining room table, that would be gross! But body and blood for supper? In the Lord’s Supper, it’s exactly what we need.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your own body and blood to wash away our sins. May all who receive the Lord’s Supper receive the forgiveness and salvation their souls need. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- When Jesus took bread and gave it to his disciples, what did he say about the bread?
- When Jesus took a cup of wine and gave it to his disciples, what did he say about the wine?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why would someone want to receive Jesus’ body and blood?
- If people receive God’s forgiveness through the Lord’s Supper, how often do you think people will want to receive the Lord’s Supper?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Look up 1 John 1:7. What’s one thing that Jesus’ blood does for us?
- Look up 1 Peter 3:18. What did Jesus use his body to do?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
The disciples brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Matthew 21:7-9
Welcome the King!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – April 3, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 21:7-9
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What does your family do to welcome someone to your house? You probably clean the house. You put your toys away. You vacuum and sweep and dust and mop. You think of fun activities to do with them. You plan special foods to cook and eat with them. Why do you do all of that? Because you love them, and you are happy they are coming to visit you.
On one special day—Palm Sunday—the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus to their city. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people put palm branches and their coats on the road in front of him. It was like rolling out the red carpet for him! They shouted out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9).
Why did they do all that? Because they recognized who Jesus is. He wasn’t just a nice relative visiting for the weekend. Jesus is the Messiah. The Savior. Those special words they shouted—“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”—those special words showed that the people understood what Jesus was coming to do: Save them!
We have a lot of needs in life. We need food. We need clothes. We need a house or apartment. We need a family and neighbors and friends and teachers. But the Bible teaches us that we need something even more than all of those things. We need someone to save us. We need someone to take our sins away. That’s exactly what Jesus came to do. To save us!
Today is the beginning of a very special week. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. While we certainly talk and think about Jesus all year round, Holy Week is a time to especially focus on how Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us. Just like the people of Jerusalem, we want to welcome our King! Here’s a start: How about you memorize the words the people shouted on Palm Sunday and say them when you say your prayers this week? “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Let’s welcome our King!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to save us. As the people of Jerusalem welcomed you on Palm Sunday, help us to always welcome you as our Savior. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did the people put on the road in front of Jesus?
- What did the people say to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey?
- Look up what the word “Hosanna” means. Why is it a good word for people to say to Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Compare what the crowds in Jerusalem shouted to Jesus on Palm Sunday with what the crowds in Jerusalem shouted to Pontius Pilate on Good Friday (John 19:15). Why was there such a difference?
- Sometimes people say that Jesus came to be our good example. Why is it better to say that Jesus came to be our Savior?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 11:17-27,38-45
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25,26
The Resurrection and the LifeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 31, 2023Devotion based on John 11:25,26
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There’s a popular Disney movie called Coco. Have you heard of it? In the movie, a boy learns a lot about death. According to the movie, people who die continue to live on in another world as long as people on earth remember them. The moment people on earth forget about them, those people who have died disappear forever. The point of the movie is clear: You live on as long as someone remembers you. Does that sound good?
Not at all! Actually, that sounds awful! That idea puts a lot of pressure on the people who are still alive to remember everyone who has ever died. Remember this: You don’t have to believe everything you see in movies. In fact, there are many ideas in movies that go against what the Bible says.
Jesus teaches us something better in today’s Word of God. While he was on earth, Jesus had three close friends: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—two sisters and their brother. Lazarus got sick and died. Jesus went to comfort Mary and Martha. He didn’t tell them: “Just keep on remembering Lazarus, because he lives on as long as you remember him.” That wouldn’t have given them much comfort.
Instead, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25,26). People who die don’t live on in another world as long as people on earth remember them. Instead, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Everyone who believes in Jesus lives forever in heaven.
Do you know how we can be sure of that? Look at what Jesus did. He went on to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus has power over death. Jesus has power to do exactly what he promises! Then, when Jesus himself died, he raised himself from the dead. Who does that? Only God himself! Don’t let movies confuse you about what happens when someone dies. Instead, trust in Jesus and his promise: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live.”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, you defeated death for us when you died and rose again. Help us to always believe in you as our Savior, until you take us home to live with you forever in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Is everything we see in movies true?
- Instead of believing what we see in movies, what should we believe?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did Jesus comfort Mary and Martha when their brother died?
- In what two ways did Jesus prove that he is the resurrection and the life?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think people come up with their own ideas about death instead of believing what the Bible says?
- Give an example of a situation in which you could use Jesus’ words—“I am the resurrection and the life”—to comfort someone.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 8:11-18
Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
So Much Better!LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 29, 2023Devotion based on Romans 8:18
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What’s going wrong in your life today? You can probably come up with quite a list. The sin and brokenness in our world make life hard. Maybe you or someone you love is sick. Maybe other kids have been mean to you lately, and you wonder when you’ll find a real friend. Maybe the weather has made it hard to go outside and do what you love doing. Maybe you feel sad today, and you can’t even describe why. There are a lot of troubles in life. You have them too.
So listen to this promise from the Bible: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Do you understand what that verse is saying? On earth, we are going to have troubles. Everybody has troubles! But God says that our troubles are nothing compared with how great heaven is going to be.
As hard as being sick is, heaven is going to be so much better! As disappointing as life can be, heaven is going to be so much better! As sad as you might feel today, heaven is going to be so much better! The harder life is, the more God teaches us to look forward to all his blessings in heaven. Every sadness and trouble in life reminds us: “Heaven is so much better!”
That’s even true of death. Even when we think of death—that worst trouble of all—we can think of heaven. Through faith in Jesus, you and I are heirs of God. That means that God promises to give us everything he has. What does God have? Everything, including heaven!
So don’t get discouraged when things go wrong in your life this week. Those troubles remind us how much we need Jesus and his forgiveness every day. And those troubles also teach us to think about heaven. No matter what happens today, there is a something waiting for you that is so much better!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, life can be really hard. Please bless our family today as we face ______________. Use every trouble of life to teach us that heaven is so much better! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Should we expect our lives on earth to be easy or hard?
- What is the cause of all the bad things in our world?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Is it better to have an easy life on earth and go to hell or to have a difficult life on earth and go to heaven? Explain your answer.
- Why might we not care about Jesus if everything in our lives was always going great?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Share a story from the Bible of someone who had a really hard life but then got to live forever in heaven.
- Look up Revelation 21:4. What are four things that are not going to be in heaven?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 2 Kings 4:17-37
When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD.
2 Kings 4:32,33
Life from DeathLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 27, 2023Devotion based on 2 Kings 4:32,33
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what your parents are most afraid of? Could you try to guess? For most parents, their greatest fear is this: You dying. The greatest fear for parents is to have one of their children die. They don’t like to think about that. You don’t like to think about that!
But that’s exactly what happened to a mother in the Bible. There was a lady who lived in the town of Shunem in Israel. At first, she and her husband weren’t able to have any children. But, because of her kindness to the prophet Elisha, God allowed her to give birth to a son. She was so happy! Can you imagine how much she loved her one little son?
One day, that boy got a headache, and it didn’t get better. He came in from outside and sat on his mother’s lap. That very day, he died right there in her arms. That mother’s worst fear had happened. Her son was dead. Can you imagine how sad she must have been?
But that mother knew just what to do. She went to God. Actually, she went back to the prophet Elisha. She trusted something amazing: God gives us all we need, even when it comes to death. In fact, God has power to bring life from death.
Elisha went to the mother’s house, and God gave Elisha the power to raise her son back from the dead. Can you imagine how happy that mother must have been? Life from death!
That’s God’s promise to you and your parents and everyone who believes in Jesus. Because of our sins, every single one of us is going to die. But because Jesus rose from the dead for us, God promises that everyone who has faith in Jesus also receives life from death. Maybe God won’t raise us back to life here on earth, but he will absolutely raise us to eternal life in heaven.
Even if our worst fears happen, even if you or someone you love dies, remember this: God brings life from death!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, death can make us so afraid. We don’t want the people we love to die. Yet, you proved again and again in the Bible that you have power over death. Help us to always trust your promise that you bring life from death. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What are your parents most afraid of?
- What happened to the woman’s son in our Bible story?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- When the woman’s son died, she took her troubles to God. Name two times in your life when you have taken your troubles to God.
- Why do people die?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think death makes us so afraid?
- What is it from today’s devotion that you want to remember to help overcome your fear of death?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
John 9:1-3
Jesus Uses Bad for GoodLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 24, 2023Devotion based on John 9:1-3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As a baby, he never looked up at a colorful toy hanging over his crib. As a boy, he never kept his eye on the ball so he could hit it with a bat. He might have felt the warmth of the sun on his face, but he never saw the paintbrush of God fill the sky with reds and purples at the end of the day. The man was blind.
Why? Was he blind because he was being punished for something bad he or his parents did? It seems to make sense that if someone does bad things, bad things will happen to him or her, right? Today, many still believe that accidents happen because God is getting them back for the wrong they had done. “Why?” is often asked after bad experiences. Why did the pet sea turtle have to die? Why do bones break so casts have to be worn, especially during the summer? “It doesn’t seem fair! It isn’t right! What did I do to deserve this?” might be screamed.
In today’s devotion, Jesus said that the blindness wasn’t because of any sin the man or his parents had done. The man was born blind so that God could flex his almighty muscles in his life. Jesus taught his disciples that through challenges and bad experiences God does some of his most amazing work.
Why does God allow bad things to happen? He isn’t punishing you but is wanting to do his amazing work in your life, and especially in your heart.
After the blind man washed off the mud Jesus had put on his eyes, he saw for the first time smiling faces, green trees, and the brightness of the sun. But the man was still blind. Sure, his eyeballs worked but the eyes of faith were still closed. He couldn’t identify or see who his Savior was. The man was lost! That is, until Jesus found him.
Jesus took away the blindness from his eyes so that God could take away the blindness from his heart. When the man saw Jesus and believed him to be God, he didn’t complain or ask why he had to be blind for many years, instead he worshiped Jesus as Lord. The man saw Jesus with his eyes in this life for a little while, but he will see glory forever because he saw Jesus as Lord with his eyes of faith.
Closing Prayer:Lord God, thank you for the physical health that we do have. Heal us according to your will and plan. When we are challenged in this life, help us to trust that your plan is to bless us by giving us the opportunity to trust in you. Thank you for giving us the eyes of faith that see you, Jesus, as our Savior. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- “I spy with my little eye … what?!” (Play 1 round!) What are you thankful for that your eyes saw today? (Think of the most beautiful thing!)
- How do you know God loves you even when bad things happen?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How does the cross teach us that we don’t need to fear being punished by God for sin?
- What can you pray when bad and scary things happen and you can’t figure out why?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can worshiping God during really difficult times bring us comfort and strength?
- Discuss. Jesus doesn’t always give us an answer to our needs, but he always wants to be the answer.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:8-14
Light Changes EverythingLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 22, 2023Devotion based on Ephesians 5:8-14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It was 1 a.m. and the house was pitch black. A sound woke the man who was sleeping, and now he was checking the doors to make sure the family was safe. When he walked by the front door, there was an odd ticking sound, as if something was tapping on the floor. The flip of the light switch revealed dozens of bugs falling to the floor. Eww! Disgusting!
So, what did the man do? Did he turn off the light and go back to bed? NO! He noticed that the light drove the bugs back outside.
Why do bugs like to come out when it is dark? They can hide. Why do crimes and bad things often happen at night? People feel that the darkness can hide their sins.
People and bugs might be able to hide in the darkness, but no one has ever been able to hide their sin from God. God doesn’t only see the sinful things we do, but he sees the darkness that lives in every heart, including yours. Your heart and mind were so darkened with sin that you couldn’t see Jesus as your Savior.
What did God do? Did he ignore the problem of sin and go back to bed? NO! The Father turned on the light by sending his one and only Son, who is the light of the world. Through your baptism, the Holy Spirit shined Jesus’ forgiveness into your heart which promises that you are no longer in darkness, but you are children of light. Jesus doesn’t look at you and say, “Eww!” Jesus looks at you and says, “You are mine! You are the one that I have saved! You are my light in this dark world!”
So, now what will you do? Will you go back to bed and ignore God’s powerful light in your life? No! Keep God’s light on in your life by listening to him so that you will always see Jesus’ love for you. Listen to God’s Word so that you can learn what pleases God and understand what God says is a sin.
Shine for Jesus by letting your inward faith be seen through your outward actions. Turn the light on for others by telling them how Jesus has forgiven you. Shine brightly as a child of light.
Closing Prayer:Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for the gift of faith that holds onto the promise that the darkness of sin has been forgiven. Give all your people the desire to live in the light of your Word. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- When did God turn on the light and say, “You are my child?”
- What are two things you can do to show the light of Christ in you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do bugs like to come out when it’s dark? How do sinners try to hide their dark deeds?
- How are you able to know what God thinks is good or bad?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Respond. “It is easy to live for God. Just let your conscience be your guide.”
- Recall a friend who is going through a dark time. How can you be a light for them?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 42:14-21
For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:14,16
God Can’t Wait for You to SeeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 20, 2023Devotion based on Isaiah 42:14,16
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Are there times when you just can’t wait to get out of the car because you are so excited? You can’t wait to hug Grandma and Grandpa! You can’t wait to slide down the waterslide and float in the lazy river! You can’t wait to get some popcorn and see the movie that you have been waiting to see for what seems like forever! No matter how excited we are, we often must wait.
The Bible says that God waited like a woman who was going to have a baby. How strange! But remember, after nine months of waiting, a mom can’t wait for her baby to be born so she can hold, love, and care for her baby.
What couldn’t God wait for? What was God excited about? He wanted to safely guide the blind and cause them to see! The prophet Isaiah wasn’t talking about people who had blind eyes, but blind minds and hearts. If a blindfold is over your eyes, you can’t see where you are going. If someone told you to run through your home while you were blindfolded, most likely something would get broken, and you would get hurt.
Have you ever experienced a moment of “blindness” that caused hurt? Talking back to parents doesn’t show love, but instead it hurts Mom or Dad. Being bossy to friends doesn’t let them see a kind person but a selfish one, which means feelings will get hurt and friends could be lost. Sin has blinded every heart and mind so that people cannot see who the true God is or know how to live for God. People who refuse to see that God is their Lord and Savior are not on the path to heaven, but on the road to hell.
But God couldn’t wait to take off the blindfold of sin so that you could see that there is only one true God. Jesus’ Word is a light that lets you see him as the Savior who died to forgive you all your talking back and selfishness so that you can see God as the Father who loves you. The Holy Spirit is excited to teach you that you are his child and guide you in a life that honors him as Lord.
It makes God happy that you have his Word so that your faith can see how much Jesus loves you now, and so that your eyes will see him in heaven forever.
Closing Prayer:Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for opening my eyes of faith through the power of your Word. Every day of my life, cause me to see Jesus as my Savior from sin and to see myself as the child whom God the Father loves. Guide me in the truth so that my life is a reflection of praise and thanks for saving me. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Recall the last time you couldn’t wait to get out the door of the car. What was the cause of your excitement?
- Can you recall what God was excited to do for you in today’s devotion?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Identify a recent moment of “blindness” in your life that caused hurt. What helped you to see the “light” and do what was right?
- Which person of the Trinity is there to teach and guide you in a life that honors God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- List as many things you as a believer can “see” by faith that the unbelieving world can’t.
- If God is happy when you have his Word, talk about ways that you can keep God’s Word in front of you and on your mind.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 4:5-26
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:7,9-11,13-14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What is your favorite drink? Your answer might change depending on what you are doing or what time of day it is. If it is supper time, milk it is. If you just got done building a snowman, hot chocolate would warm your bones. When you wake up in the morning, water is always good for a thirsty body. If you just ran a long race, maybe you would choose your favorite sports drink.
Jesus met a woman at a well where she was drawing water. She seemed to be a lonely woman who was doing work in the heat of the day all by herself. Most likely no one wanted to be her friend because she was known to be a sinful person. Yet, Jesus took time for her. The holy Son of God sat down by a well and talked to a woman who was lost in sin and dying of thirst. No amount of sports drink or water could quench the thirst she had. Her thirst wasn’t found in her mouth or throat, but in her heart.
Thirst causes us to want a drink so that our bodies feel refreshed and the discomfort goes away. But what do you choose to drink right after you get in trouble for doing something naughty? How much water do you have to drink to take away the pain of guilt because you know you are a sinner?
The “living water” you need isn’t found in a carton, bottle, can, or even a well. The only thing that quenches the thirst of your soul is found in the person of Jesus. The woman at the well was waiting for the Christ to come so that she would understand the truth about life and salvation. She didn’t have to wait any longer. Her Savior was there to forgive her, love her, and take away the thirst that guilt caused her.
Jesus is your spiritual thirst quencher too! When you listen to and read his Word, you are drinking in his promise that he forgives you, loves you, and likes you. And don’t forget the waters of your baptism! They promise that your sin and guilt are washed away. Your Jesus loves you so much that he wants to spend forever with you. Daily drink up his love and rejoice that Jesus came for sinners. He came to save you.
Closing Prayer:Jesus sinners does receive; oh, may all this saying ponder who in sin’s delusion live and from God and heaven wander. Here is hope for all who grieve: Jesus sinners does receive.
We deserve but grief and shame, yet his words, rich grace revealing, pardon, peace, and life proclaim; here their ills have perfect healing who with humble hearts believe: Jesus sinners does receive.
(Christian Worship 654:1-2)
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is a sin?
- How did Jesus take your sins away?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Baptism is really important. What does Jesus promise you in your baptism?
- How can you remind yourself of your baptism every day?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or disagree. It is important to stay away from others who are sinners. Explain your answer.
- Name two promises of God you can share with a friend who may be feeling guilty and ashamed because of their sin.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 5:1-8
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:1,2,5
The Holy Spirit Doesn’t Know How to Say, “When”LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 15, 2023Devotion based on Romans 5:1,2,5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Bud loved to eat ice cream. Bud loved to scoop out ice cream for others even more. When he dug into the gallon bucket of vanilla, he would speak with a smile, “Say when.” If you didn’t want a mountain of vanilla, it would be wise to take only one scoop.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t dish out ice cream, but he does love to give you God’s love. Think of the Holy Spirit as God’s delivery man. God the Father gave us his Son to be our Savior. The Son gave his life on the cross to forgive us and then spit death out of his mouth to promise us life forever. The Holy Spirit takes the forgiveness, love, and life from Jesus and delivers it to people through the Bible’s promises. The Spirit doesn’t give you a little love and say, “You get what you get so don’t throw a fit.” The Spirit pours God’s love into you.
What do you do after your plate is piled high with ice cream? You eat it and enjoy the frozen desert. After the Holy Spirit has given you his love, what is it now time to do? Trust and enjoy the spiritual gifts that God has given to you.
How can you be sure that God loves you? Jesus’ cross promises that he does. Jesus died for you without being asked. More than that, Jesus died for you not because you were a good person but because you were a sinner. You needed Jesus, so he willingly went to the cross to show how much he loved you.
Jesus isn’t just anyone. He is true God. If God died for you, not only do you know how much you mean to him, but the death of God’s Son promises forgiveness of sins and peace. Everything between you and God is good! God doesn’t look at you with a disappointed frown. God isn’t angry with you, but he loves you so much that he wants to spend forever with you.
These are the promises of love that the Holy Spirit pours into your heart, and he doesn’t ever ask you to say when.
Closing Prayer:Holy Spirit, give us a thirst to listen to the Word that promises God loves us. Thank you for the gift of faith that holds on to Jesus as our Savior. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean to make a promise?
- In today’s devotion, what promises does Jesus make to you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What can you point to as proof that God will always love you?
- Why can we think of the Holy Spirit as God’s delivery man?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the difference between God’s love and a human being’s love?
- If the Holy Spirit pours his love into you through God’s Word, discuss what would need to happen for you to connect with God’s Word every day.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Exodus 17:1-7
The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”
But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”
Exodus 17:1-3,5,6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There were an estimated two million people who lived in the desert with Moses. Two million! That is more than twice the amount of those who live in the state of Montana. There are about 2.6 million living in Chicago, 2.3 million in Houston, and 1.7 million in Phoenix. All these places have running water and grocery stores. The desert in which God’s people lived didn’t have Walmart and not even a single McDonalds! Two million people were thirsty. So, what did they do? They complained. They grumbled. They got angry, so angry that Moses thought the crowd was going to kill him.
How many live in your house? It isn’t two million! But you don’t need two million thirsty people to hear complaining and grumbling. You just need one boy who doesn’t like supper. You just need one girl who doesn’t want to make her bed. You just need one person who doesn’t like to lose at a game.
Moses had to listen to the unhappy people complain. Does Mom or Dad ever have to listen to grumbling? Does your teacher or friend ever listen to you complain? The people grumbled to Moses, but God was listening.
Grumbling doesn’t just tell others that you are unhappy. Not only does grumbling tell God that you are unhappy because you don’t have what you want, but complaining often shows that you are unhappy with God. The Israelites were upset because they didn’t trust that God was with them anymore.
Instead of grumbling about what you don’t have, what could you do? You can pray to your God who loves to provide for his people what they need. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, what could you do? First, you can show love to others by using your manners and politely say, “No thank you.” You can also be thankful for what you do have.
The Lord didn’t angrily shout back at the Israelites. He didn’t even ignore them. In love he flexed his almighty muscles and caused water to flow from a rock! In love he gives you all that you need to live life here on earth. In love he gave you Jesus to forgive all your grumbling, which is what is needed so that you can have life now on earth and forever in heaven.
Closing Prayer:Dearest Jesus, thank you for all that we have. Forgive us for grumbling and complaining instead of praying to you for what we need. Above all, thank you for your forgiveness that sets us free to thank and praise you, not for a time, but for an eternity. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name three things you do every day to take care of your body.
- Who gives you what you need to take of your body?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Give two ways that the Lord provides for you and your family.
- Evaluate: Are you a complainer or a thankful child? How can you grow in thanks to God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- “I wish God would provide water for us from a rock!” Discuss why or why not that is still true today.
- Agree or disagree. Christians should be the most thankful people in the world.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 3:1-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
One Sunday, a pastor had a special announcement after church.
“We have a guest today who would like to say a few words to you,” he told the congregation mysteriously.
All eyes turned to an old man who slowly made his way up to the front of the church with a walker.
“Many years ago,” the old man began, “I went sailing with my twelve-year-old son and his friend on the ocean. A terrible storm suddenly came up and the boat capsized. I was able to grab on the overturned boat, but my son and his friend were quickly being dragged away by the current. Within my reach was a life-preserver tied to a rope. I could only throw it to one of the boys and I only had seconds to decide who I would throw it to.”
The eyes of the congregation grew wide as they waited to hear what the man decided.
An audible gasp went out from the congregation when he said, “In the end, I threw the life-preserver to my son’s friend.”
“I loved my son more than life itself and would have gladly given my life for him, but I knew that he believed in Jesus. We had taken him to church since he was little. I knew where he would be if he died.”
“But I also knew that his friend’s parents never took him to church. I didn’t know if he believed in Jesus. I couldn’t take the chance. So I threw him the life-preserver.”
The pastor went and put his hand on the old man’s shoulder. “That is a true story,” the pastor said. “I know, because I was his son’s friend.”
Today’s Bible passage is John 3:16. It’s one of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible. It contains all of the love in the story you just heard.
God loved you so much, he gave up what was most precious to him. God loved you so much, he sacrificed his one and only Son to save you.
That’s how much God loves you. That’s what he gave up to save you. Be amazed by his sacrifice to save you. Cling to that life-preserver every day of your life.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for sacrificing so much for me. Help me to trust in and appreciate your amazing love every day of my life. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did God the Father give up for you?
- What did Jesus, God the Son, sacrifice for you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why did the old man from the story throw the life-preserver to his son’s friend instead of his son?
- Why does God love you?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Martin Luther once said that John 3:16 gave him more comfort by saying, “For God so loved the world” than if it would have said, “For God so loved Martin Luther.” What do you think he meant by that?
- Knowing that those who don’t believe in Jesus will be condemned to hell, list at least one way in which you can throw a life-preserver to others.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 4:1-5,13-17
Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:3
Faith is HardLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 8, 2023Devotion based on Romans 4:3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The story is told of a man who was hiking on a narrow mountain pass. To his right was a steep cliff which dropped one hundred feet to the ground.
As the man slowly and carefully made his way up the path, he suddenly slipped and fell over the edge of the cliff. On his way down, he grabbed onto a branch sticking out the side of the cliff.
Hanging on for dear life, he cried out, “Help! Somebody save me!”
That’s when he heard the voice from above, “I’m here.”
“Oh, thank goodness! Who are you?”
“It’s me, God.”
“Oh, God, please help me! I’m going to fall!”
“I’ll help you, but first, let go of the branch.”
“What?!?!”
“I said, ‘Let go of the branch.’”
There’s a long pause.
Finally, the man asks, “Is there anybody else up there?”
Trusting God is sometimes hard, isn’t it? We hear God’s voice in the distance telling us to let go. He will catch us. But that’s hard. It’s hard to trust completely when we can’t see or understand why.
Faith is hard when kids are picking on you at school. Faith is hard when you feel everyone is against you. Faith is hard when everything that happens during the day seems to fall apart.
But look at Abraham. He trusted God. He let go and moved to a far-off land he had never seen. He trusted that he and his wife Sarah would have a child in their old age. He just trusted that God would take care of him. He just believed that God would keep his promise and send his Son to be Abraham’s Savior.
Faith is hard, but it’s worth it. Faith lets God be God. Where we can’t find a way, God makes a way. Abraham received God’s promise by faith and not by sight. He trusted in what God would do and not in what he had done. Through faith in God’s promises we receive the forgiveness and heaven Jesus won for us on the cross.
If you find yourself struggling with faith, turn to God’s promises. Read the stories of people like Abraham, Noah, and Ruth from the Bible. See how God always keeps his promises. Through their stories and through his promises, the Holy Spirit will help you to trust, even when it’s hard.
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord, sometimes I struggle to let go and just trust you. Help me to trust in all your promises, especially your promise to forgive me and give me heaven because of Jesus. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why do you think the man in the story didn’t want to let go of the branch?
- What does God promise to give to you when you believe his promises even when it’s hard to?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What did Abraham have to “let go” and just trust God would take care of for him?
- Name one thing you would like to “let go” and just trust God will take care of for you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Your friend feels like she messed up so badly that nobody, including God, could ever forgive her. What could you share with her from today’s devotion that might help her trust that God has and will forgive her?
- Is faith something you have to do to earn forgiveness and heaven? Explain your answer.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Genesis 12:1-8
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:3
Standing on God’s PromisesLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 6, 2023Devotion based on Genesis 12:3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
There’s an old saying: “Promises, like pie crusts, are made to be broken.” Have you ever made a promise but then you broke it? Have you felt the pain caused by the making and breaking of a promise? Moms and dads promise to take their kids to McDonalds or Chuck E. Cheese, but then don’t keep their promise. Husbands and wives promise to love each other until death do they part, and yet nearly half of all marriages in our country end in divorce.
God is a promise-maker. The Bible is packed full of his promises—like the promise in today’s devotion to people like Abraham. It was a promise of a Savior, a promise to protect, provide, and pardon.
When Abram was 75 years old, God told him to pick up and move together with his wife to a far-off land. He promised to bless Abram. He promised that Abram’s descendants would be so many, they would outnumber the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. He promised that all the peoples of the earth would be blessed through him.
But Abram was old. His wife Sarai was old. They had no children. God’s promises might have looked like a pie crust about to be broken.
But God isn’t only a promise-maker. He is also a promise-keeper. Every promise God ever made in the Bible he has kept. Twenty-five years after God made the promise to Abram that he would make his family into a great nation, God kept his promise. Abram and Sarai miraculously had a son in their old age. Abram’s descendants would be a great nation.
And all the peoples of the earth were blessed through Abram, because one of his descendants, Jesus, lived and died for the sins of every person who has ever lived. God’s pie crusts never get broken. Because God always keeps his promises.
Remember that the next time you are lying in your bed unable to sleep because you are afraid. God promises to be with you and protect you. And God always keeps his promises.
Remember that the next time you mess up—the next time you do something bad. God promises to forgive every screwup and sin because of Jesus. And God always keeps his promises.
In our world today, promises are often like pie crusts. They are easily broken. Thankfully, God’s promises never are.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, give me a simple trust in your promises. Thank you for the faith you have given me. When I worry and experience moments of weakness, help me stand and be strong knowing you can do all things. This I ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What promises did God make to Abram?
- What promise has God made to you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Instead of trusting, we often worry or are afraid. Why is it so hard for us to trust God’s promises?
- How does the story of Abram and Sarai help us to trust God’s promises in situations that seem impossible?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- If God promises to make everything in our lives work out for our good, why doesn’t he always do what we ask him to do in our prayers?
- When we struggle with doubt about whether God’s promises are true, how does today’s devotion direct us to what we should do?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 4:11
The Biggest Idol of AllLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 3, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 4:11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what an idol is? An idol is a false god. An idol is someone or something you worship instead of the true God.
When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he tried to bribe Jesus to bow down and worship him. “I will give you all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor,” the devil promised, “if you will just bow down and worship me.”
That was a lie. All the kingdoms of the world and their majesty don’t belong to the devil. They belong to God. Jesus knew that. He knew that we are to worship and serve only the true God.
The devil still tempts us to worship different kinds of idols. Sometimes he uses the power of money. He wants us to believe that money is the most important thing in our lives because it can buys lots of stuff and do lots of fun things.
He can even take an object like a phone and make it more important than God. Just think about how much time we spend playing and scrolling on our phones. If you doubt that your phone has become an idol for you, just ask yourself the question: “What would make me more upset, if my parents told me I couldn’t go to church this week or if they took away my phone for a week?”
Anything that becomes more important to us than God is an idol.
The greatest idol the devil uses to tempt us, however, isn’t our phone or money. To see the biggest idol in your life, just go look in the mirror.
Think about it. Every time we do what we want instead of what God wants, we are showing that we love ourselves more than God. We are making ourselves our own gods.
Sadly, all of us have numerous idols in our hearts and lives which play tug of war with our faith. Thankfully, we have a Savior, Jesus, who was tempted like us in every way, but didn’t sin. Jesus obeyed and loved perfectly in our place. Then on the cross, he suffered the punishment we deserve for all the idols we have harbored in our hearts and our lives.
Because of Jesus, God forgives you and gives you heaven. Money can’t do that for you. Your phone can’t do that for you. Only God can and does.
So worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, forgive me for all the idols I have in my heart and life. Help me to love you above all things. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is an idol?
- In today’s devotion, what did the devil try to tempt Jesus to do?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- In addition to money and phones, give another example of something which can become an idol in our lives.
- Why does Jesus deserve to be the number one thing in our hearts and lives?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or disagree: Because God doesn’t want us to have idols in our lives, it would be a sin to love even our families and friends more than him. Explain your answer.
- Why is it so comforting to know that Jesus didn’t sin when the devil tempted him?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 5:12-19
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:19
Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – March 1, 2023Devotion based on Romans 5:19
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Greater than, less than, or equal to. At one point or another, we all learn those phrases in math class. They are used in comparisons. For example: Is the number five greater than, less than, or equal to three?
Five is greater than three, right?
In our reading for today, the apostle Paul is making a comparison. He is comparing Adam, the first man, to Jesus.
Adam and Eve, the very first people to live on earth, were also the very first people to sin against God. Their sin changed everything. Their sin brought death into our world. From Adam and Eve, sin and death have been passed down from grandparents to parents and to their children.
Because of Adam, we all have sinned, and we all will die.
Before we point the finger and put all the blame on Adam, however, we need to remember that we can’t blame anybody else for the choices we make. We are the ones who choose to lie. We are the ones who choose to fight. We are the ones who choose to get mad. We are ones who have earned God’s punishment of death and hell.
But now let’s compare: Is Jesus greater than, less than or equal to Adam and us? Thankfully, he’s greater! Where Adam and we disobey, Jesus obeyed. Where we lie, Jesus told the truth. Where we fight, Jesus forgave. Where we get mad, Jesus loved.
In fact, he loved us so much that he died the death we deserve in our place. He died for all our wrongs so that we could be right before God. Because of Jesus and through faith in him, God the judge declares us innocent even though we are guilty. Through faith in Jesus, we receive life instead of the death we inherited from Adam.
In math terms, there really is no comparison. Jesus’ obedience is greater than Adam’s (and our) disobedience.
Jesus is the greatest! For us, that equals heaven.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and heaven that you won for me. There truly is nothing greater than you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In what ways is Jesus greater than Adam?
- Think of three gifts given to you. Now think of three gifts God has given you. Which list of gifts is greater?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Paul uses the word “trespass” when talking about our sins. Why is “trespass” a good word to describe sin?
- Prove that Jesus is greater: Instead of finding us guilty, he declares us ____________. Instead of giving us death, he gives us ___________________.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- True or false: The only way to heaven is by being perfectly obedient.
- Do you consider yourself a “righteous” person? Explain your answer.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Genesis 3:1-15
And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Some of the best stories have memorable beginnings. Can you guess which movie or book the following come from?
- “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.” (Star Wars)
- “The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play.” (The Cat in the Hat)
- “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone)
Our story, the story of mankind, also has a memorable beginning: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Our story begins in a beautiful garden. Our story begins with two people, Adam and Eve. God created them in his image. It means they were perfect and holy.
But our story quickly took a tragic turn. Adam and Eve listened to the lies of the devil. They disobeyed God. They ate forbidden fruit.
God knew what they had done. They knew what they had done. They knew that they deserved God’s punishment. They deserved to die. They deserved to go to hell. They were so afraid.
So they hid.
But God never stopped loving Adam and Eve. So he went and found them. He made them a promise. One day, a descendant of Eve would come and crush the head of that old serpent, the devil. Her descendant would destroy the power of the devil and rescue all mankind from the death and hell we deserve. But that Savior would have to suffer and die to save us.
Sometimes we like to blame Adam and Eve for bringing sin into the world. If they hadn’t eaten that fruit, we wouldn’t be born sinful.
It’s their fault.
But we all need to remember that we are the authors of our own tragedies. Every day, like Adam and Eve, we have the choice between doing what is right and doing what is wrong, and every day we too make poor choices. We have no one to blame but ourselves. Like Adam and Eve, we deserve God’s punishment.
But God never stopped loving us. He kept his promise to Adam and Eve. Eve’s great, great, great, great … grandson—Jesus—came and suffered the punishment we deserve in our place on the cross. By suffering our punishment in our place, Jesus crushed the devil forever and rescued us from the tragic end we deserve in hell.
Even though our story has a truly tragic beginning, we have the happy ending of heaven waiting for us because of Jesus.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, you know the bad choices I have made. I know the bad choices I have made. Thank you for sending Jesus to suffer my punishment in my place. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What was the beginning to the story of mankind?
- Sadly, who did Adam and Eve decide to listen to before they ate forbidden fruit?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Instead of running away or hiding our bad choices, what should we do?
- Why did the promised Savior have to be a descendant of Eve in order to save us?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- A friend tells you, “I had to cheat on the test at school. I had no choice. The teacher is completely unfair, and I would have failed the class if I didn’t.” Based on today’s devotion, how would you respond?
- Genesis 3:15 is the very first promise of a Savior. Try to explain that verse in a way in which a five-year-old could understand it.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Be careful that you do not do your righteous works in front of people, so that they will notice. Instead, when you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1a,3-4 EHV
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
You might know the kind of person—the one who brags—the kind of person who brags about where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re with. It eventually becomes hard to listen to and even be around them. Bragging is such a human thing to do. We like to talk about ourselves because it makes us feel good about ourselves. God warns against bragging, especially when it comes to the good things we do for others that makes us feel good about ourselves. God wants us to serve each other, to reach out to others with kindness, and to show mercy. Yet, he does not want us to brag about it in front of others.
Why is it so easy to fall into the temptation called pride? It’s one thing to feel satisfaction and a sense of joy in helping others. When your mom recognizes that you have washed the dishes for her, it makes you feel good. We can be proud—in a good way—about a job well done. But if the only reward for helping is so you can tell everyone else, “Look what I did today! I did the dishes and Mom didn’t even ask!” Don’t be surprised if someone comments that your head is so big it won’t fit through the door.
God’s Word encourages this: “When you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” We can be content knowing that God sees our good deeds done out of love for him and our fellow Christians and it pleases him. Just as God was pleased with Jesus who humbly covered our sin of pride on the cross.
In the chapter before our reading, Jesus speaks to the crowd, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meek means quiet and gentle. Do good … quietly. Gently. Humbly. God sees and will give you your reward in heaven. That’s even more than we could ask for and better than any earthly thanks or praise from others.
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord God, sometimes it is so easy to boast about what I do and who I am. I know this is not God-pleasing, and I ask you to forgive me. Help me to be kind and loving to everyone. Give me a gentle and quiet spirit. And if the only one who sees what I do is you, may that be my greatest reward! I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Instead of bragging (talking only about yourself), name one thing you could do instead.
- Think of (don’t say it) something kind you did for someone else today. Then quietly ask God to use it to bless that person.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How does it make you feel when someone brags to you about how good they are?
- To put humility into practice, think of one good thing you can do for someone tomorrow without them even knowing.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Name two reasons why God warns against boasting about our good deeds.
- Ask members of your family to share stories about the consequences of pride and boasting. What can you learn from them to fight against this temptation?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 59:12-20
Yes, our rebellious deeds are many before you,
and our sins testify against us.
Our rebellious deeds are with us,
and as for our guilty deeds, we are aware of them.
Then a redeemer will come for Zion
and for those in Jacob who turn from rebellion.
This is the declaration of the Lord.
Isaiah 59:12,20
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
How high can you count? 10? 100? 1,000,000? Even higher? How long would it take you to count that high? Ten seconds? 10 minutes? It takes 25 seconds to count to 100, but 100 years to count to a billion. That’s amazing.
Can you count how many awful thoughts, rude words, or disobedient actions you committed today? 10? 100? Too many to count? The prophet Isaiah tells us they are many before the Lord. The dictionary defines the word many as “a large but indefinite number.” We have no way of knowing how many because there are too many.
Sometimes we know exactly what we did wrong against God and the people around us. Imagine all the other sins we did without even realizing it. Then multiply those sins by the number of days you’ve lived, and it’s clear: our sins are too numerous to count. That’s not so amazing. That ought to cause us to cower in a corner.
What’s amazing is that even though God knows them all, he has decided to stop counting them. God hurts for you. So he helps you by personally getting involved. “A redeemer will come for Zion and for those in Jacob who turn from rebellion.” Zion and Jacob are terms for believers, people who are sorry for their sins. God promised a rescuer, someone who would come to us and say, “I will save you. I will forgive you. Now, go and sin no more.” That someone is Jesus … and that’s amazing!
This week includes a special day called Ash Wednesday. It helps us remember and admit our personal sins that are way too many to count. It’s kind of painful. But it also focuses us on the very personal and much more pleasant work of our God to forgive us by “not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
That’s simply amazing!
Closing Prayer:Dear Lord Jesus, I daily sin much, yet you cover me with your righteousness. Your Father sees me as perfect. For this I thank and praise you. Give me the desire to do your will. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In today’s devotion, what did God stop counting?
- What happened that made God decide not to count our sins anymore?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Recount an awful thought, a rude word, or disobedient action you did today. Why is it important to remember it? What does God want you to do with it?
- Sometimes, the memory of something horrible we did comes back into our heads. What thought from today’s devotion ought we to then remember?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- A teenager was once overheard saying, “I’m done with this … and I don’t care what you think.” Why are those words so dangerous?
- A teenager was once overhead saying, “I have sinned, and not someone else. I repent.” Why are those words so courageous?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
Matthew 17:1-4a EHV
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It wasn’t all that long ago that maybe you heard or recited these words: “and the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2). A shining angel announced to simple shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem that Jesus was born. For a few seconds, they witnessed the brilliance of heavenly glory because the Holy One, the Messiah, our Savior, had come into the world.
Did you know something like that happened years later in Jesus’ life? Jesus was a grown man when he began preaching and performing miracles. Even though he traveled the country doing miraculous things such as healing people and walking on water, he looked like a normal human being. His appearance was nothing even close to the glorious company of angels on the night of his birth.
One day, he took three of his followers (Peter, James, and John) up a mountain with him. There, Jesus’ appearance changed. It’s hard for us to imagine exactly what that would have looked like. Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Our eyes can’t even handle looking directly at a 60-watt lightbulb, let alone the brilliance of the sun. It’s even dangerous! Yet here Jesus stood before them, glowing in abundant light. This was something extraordinary and his disciples knew it! That’s why Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
It was here on this mountain that Jesus revealed his perfection and holiness in his glory. For a few moments, it was like the door of heaven was left open a crack and Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in all his glory. It was here that God the Father put his stamp of approval on Jesus as his Son. It is here that we too can be assured that Jesus is indeed the glorious and true Son of God.
Being in the presence of brilliance and holiness made shepherds and disciples afraid. It’s the same for us. In the face of such holiness, we ought to fall face down on the ground. Until Jesus taps us on the shoulder and says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” We don’t need to be afraid of Jesus. He would head down that mountain to do the difficult work of the cross so that someday, you could experience the full glory of his presence in heaven!
Closing Prayer:This brightness, Lord! What shall I say
to see your face outshine the day?
No greater gift could I receive;
I’ll stay right here and never leave!
I’ll soon exchange this mountain sight
for heaven’s everlasting light;
your brightness, Lord, will then be mine,
and then my face, like yours, will shine!
(Christian Worship 392:1,6)
Thank you, Lord for your gift of heaven! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What happened to Jesus when he went up the mountain?
- Fill in the blank: Jesus shining in brilliant glory shows us that he is true _______.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name three things that happened when Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain that day.
- How did that show that Jesus is true God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Compare Jesus’ transfiguration to Jesus’ baptism. What was alike? What was different?
- Discuss why it was important for Jesus to come back down the mountain after his transfiguration.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Matthew 5:21,22a
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Why do we have rules in a family? In a classroom? In a nation? Discuss the purpose of rules for a moment.
Some say that rules ruin the fun. But when you stop and think about it, rules are in place for our good.
Don’t jump on the furniture because you might fall and break a bone.
Don’t drive faster than the speed limit because you might lose control and crash.
Don’t stay out too late because you’ll run down your health.
Rules protect us. Rules protect other people. For example, speeding puts pedestrians and bikers in danger. If we care about people, we’ll behave in a way that won’t put other people in danger.
Our Bible reading for today is a portion of Jesus’ teaching called “The Sermon on the Mount.” One purpose for this sermon is to help Christians understand how to live good and peaceful lives. As we read it, we see that God puts rules in place not only for our own safety and comfort, also for the benefit of others. Look at some examples from our reading:
- God wants us not to be angry with people because our anger causes hurt (vv. 21,22).
- God wants us to keep our hearts and minds pure in order to protect people from the sins that come from lust (vv. 27,28).
- God wants us to avoid taking oaths because it causes unnecessary drama (vv. 33-37).
You see? God knows how to create a safe and orderly society. He wants that for us, not just for our comfort; also to protect the most innocent and vulnerable souls among us.
There will be times when people break God’s rules and hurt us. And there will definitely be times when we break rules and hurt other people. We’re sinners in a sinful world. And that’s another reason Jesus gave this sermon: to help us see how incredibly high God’s standards are and how far we fall short. We all have had times when we’ve been angry, spoke an unkind word, got into a dispute, or used God’s name to swear. We don’t always look out for our neighbors. People get hurt.
That’s why we need Jesus. Jesus actually lived up to God’s incredibly high standards. He never sinned! Not once! And he gives us his perfect life as a gift so that God treats us as if we had lived it. Thank you Jesus!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, help us understand how to live as Christians in a sinful world. Help us use your Word as a guide for holy living. When we fail, make us truly sorry and remind us of the righteousness you won for us. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What rules are the hardest for you to obey?
- What does Jesus do for you when you ask for forgiveness?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Which rules—either from God’s Word or in your household—are most difficult for you to live by?
- When you feel guilty for breaking the rules, picture Jesus obeying those rules in your place and then ask him for the strength to obey the rules in the future.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Do you have friends who think that God’s rules for living are too strict? How can you redirect their thinking toward God’s true intentions of love, protection, and peace?
- Discuss: The high standard God sets for our behavior actually protects us from thinking we can obey God perfectly on our own. (ref. Matthew 5:48, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.
1 Thessalonians 4:11,12
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Has this ever happened to you? Your family is out in public. A child misbehaves or does something obnoxious. A parent says, “Stop that! What will people think?”
Ah, yes. The age-old “what will people think” question! Parents have been using it for years to call kids on the carpet for their behavior. That’s because many times human beings are motivated by the approval or respect of others. Or we don’t want to lose the approval or respect of others. We do not want to be embarrassed. We want to look good.
Let’s think about the role that appearances play in a Christian’s life. In our reading today, the apostle Paul urges the early Christians to live good lives “so that they might win the respect of outsiders” (v 12). Because they are Jesus-followers, Paul urges them to act like Jesus-followers: Keep showing love to one another. Lead peaceful lives. Be busy and productive. This good behavior would get noticed by their non-Christian neighbors.
Why does getting noticed matter? After all, what I do is between me and God, isn’t it? It should not matter what other people think.
Paul, speaking with Jesus’ authority, wanted the Christians to “win the respect of outsiders”—not to impress people, and not so the believers can feel good about themselves. Rather, Paul says that the good behavior of the Christians will get noticed and make people wonder why Christians live as they do. The outsiders might ask about this “Jesus” the Christians follow. And then a door would open to talk about who Jesus is and why the Christians follow him.
When other people notice our good behavior, a door opens to talk about why we behave as we do. Outsiders get a peek inside our hearts to see Jesus living there. We get a chance to talk about what Jesus means to us. This is how the gospel spread across the world in those early days of the Christian church. And this is how it still spreads today, as we Christians live lives that honor Jesus.
Jesus said it himself: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). In our reading today, Paul reminded the early Christians of Jesus’ words. Now we as family members can remind each other, too. As followers of Jesus, our behavior matters. Our good behavior may lead others to Jesus.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, Savior, help us lead lives that honor you. Please let others see my behavior and see how important you are to me. And help us all encourage one another in love to behave in ways that honor you. In your name we pray, Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How do other people know that Jesus lives in your heart?
- What are some ways you can show people that Jesus lives in your heart without using any words?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share a time when you noticed someone’s good behavior.
- What are some behaviors people might respect?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Discuss a time when you or a family member’s good behavior or decisions reflected faith in Jesus. What impression did this behavior have on you?
- What important tools do we have to encourage one another to live the Christian life? (ref. 2 Timothy 3:16, Ephesians 4:32)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 2 Samuel 11:1-17,26,27
One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her.
2 Samuel 11:2,3a
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dad said not to leave the yard. But I’m curious what game the neighbor kids are playing.
Mom said not to touch the pie. But I’m curious—does it taste as good as it looks?
I know I should not visit this website. But I’m curious. Is it really that bad?
These are examples of how the sinful human mind works. We want to know what lies beyond the boundary, so we creep closer to it, hoping to satisfy our curiosity. It started with the very first humans in the Garden of Eden: Eve was curious about the fruit. As she stepped closer to the tree, the devil tempted her: “Did God really say you shouldn’t taste it?” (Genesis 3)
The same sort of boundary-pushing happened in our Bible reading for today. David was curious about a woman who was not his wife. Did God really say I can’t be interested in a beautiful woman bathing near my house?
Be careful, God says. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation,” Jesus said in Matthew 26:41 and Mark 14:38. Those passages go on to say why we need to be careful: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
God gives us warnings like these in his Word because he knows we are weak. He knows that curiosity can lead to desire for the wrong things, which leads to the likelihood that we will get ourselves into a whole heap of trouble. That’s what happened to King David. One thing led to another, and pretty soon David was neck-deep in sin and its consequences.
God makes it abundantly clear in his Word that we should “resist the devil” (James 4:7) and “pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22). Thankfully, God also makes clear in his Word that there is forgiveness for sinners who cross the line. We know this because King David, despite his terrible sins, was led to repentance. We can read his pleas for forgiveness in Psalm 51. He still had to live with the consequences of his sin. But he was fully forgiven. (We can read David’s words of gratitude in Psalm 32.)
Whether you are a king or a kid, a pastor or a parent, curiosity can have consequences. Let’s pray that God would give us strength to watch, pray, and resist temptation.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, help us to watch and pray, so we are not tempted. Please help us use our curiosity for good—to marvel at how wide and deep your love is for us and how much you care about us. In your name we pray, Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Have you ever wanted something that you know is bad for you?
- What could you do to get rid of that temptation?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Name something that children your age are tempted to do, even if it is against what God says in his Word?
- What can you and your family do to help you avoid that temptation?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Name something that teens and/or adults are tempted to do, even if it is against what God says in his Word?
- How can we as a family encourage one another to remain strong and live according to God’s Word?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 5:13-20
You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … In the same way, let your light shine before others, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13,14,16
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
To start today’s devotion, take a minute to focus on something special about each family member present. For example, “She has a wonderful smile” or “He is incredibly helpful.”
Isn’t it nice to have someone point out something unique about you? Taking the time to do this for each other helps us recognize and appreciate the unique gifts and abilities God has given to each one of us. We encourage one another when we point out each other’s gifts and abilities.
That’s actually what Jesus was doing for those who were listening to him preach in our reading today. “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.”
Jesus was pointing out two very unique characteristics of those who follow him. Let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate what Jesus means when he calls us “salt” and “light.”
Salt in Jesus’ day was not just seasoning in a shaker on the kitchen table. It was used to preserve food from spoiling. It was very valuable and played an important role keeping people healthy and well-fed.
Likewise, light in a lamp had a very important purpose (and still does today). It lights up a dark room so people can see what is around them and move about safely.
Jesus’ followers have important roles in the world: To preserve his words when the world wants to spoil them. To light up a room so people don’t feel alone and afraid. We are salt and light because Jesus has called us to faith and has given us these special roles in the world.
Does knowing this help you understand just how important and special you are? That is what Jesus wants you to know. He has given you everything you need to live as a child of God in this world. You are God’s child. You are connected to Jesus through his Word. His Spirit lives in you.
You may have a beautiful smile or be incredibly helpful around the house. Today, God says you are salt and light. And that makes you so very special, with a very special purpose in this world.
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, you have made me your own dear child. You have given me unique abilities to live my life as salt and light in this world. Please help me to remember that. Give me the courage to live a unique and special life for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did Jesus do for you that makes you a special child of God?
- How can you show people that you are a special child of God?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Review the purpose of salt as Jesus describes it in our reading. How can you live a life that preserves God’s Word?
- Review the purpose of light sources such as a lamp or a flashlight. What role can you play in helping people find their way to Jesus in this dark world?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What effect is salt that doesn’t taste salty, or a light that isn’t turned on? How do these analogies help you think about your purpose as a Christian?
- What can we do when we struggle with our identity or sense of purpose as a Christian? (ref. 1 John 3:1-3)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Peter 2:9-12
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you have old family photos from when you were really, really young (or when your parents were young)? You’ll probably notice some changes: Clothing you have outgrown. Hairstyles you can no longer pull off. Or maybe there is a person missing from your life who was in a photo years ago.
That was then, this is now.
When things change in our lives, we make adjustments. For example, because we are growing, there are clothes we can no longer fit into. So we adjust our size or style. Or, we can no longer manage the mop of hair—it’s time for a haircut! Or, someone we once loved is no longer with us—it affects the look of our family.
That was then, this is now.
Think about what our lives would be like if we had not come to faith in Jesus. Today’s Bible reading tells us that it’s like living in total darkness, with our sin separating us from a perfect and holy God.
Then, we received God’s forgiveness—God had mercy on us—and suddenly, we were different. Jesus made that possible when he grabbed our sin and covered himself with it. As a result, in God’s eyes, it’s as if we never had any sin—we’re perfect! What a change!
Besides this incredible change in our appearance, God brought about even more change in our lives. He called us to believe in Jesus. Maybe this was many years ago at our baptism, or maybe it was recently when someone told us about Jesus. Either way, everything looks different through the eyes of faith. The extra weight of sin we may be carrying? Gone whenever we confess our sins to Jesus! The messy situations we get ourselves into? God cleans them up for us as we turn to him for help! The poor choices we make? God strengthens us to make better choices! What a change!
That was then, so this is now: We want to stay as far away from sin as we can. We want to live good lives so that others can see God’s love and mercy through us. We want to adjust how we live and make good choices that reflect who we are now, as God’s people. True, we won’t always make the best choices, because we’re not perfect. There is still sin in and all around us. But God’s people have God’s forgiveness. As a result, we look different.
Let’s ask God to help us live in the “now” as we close with prayer.
Closing Prayer:Merciful God, thank you for making us your people. Help us always to appreciate this gift and live as your special people, now and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- When you think about Jesus’ love for you, do you smile bigger? Why should you?
- Ask a family member to take a picture of you while you are thinking about Jesus. How do you look in that picture?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Think of a time when you wronged someone and had to ask for forgiveness. How did you feel before you asked for forgiveness, and how did you feel after forgiveness was given?
- When we confess our sins, God forgives us (ref. 1 John 1:9). Why should life after forgiveness look different?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Remembering what we looked like before God’s forgiveness helps us appreciate Jesus more. What did you look like “before” there was Jesus? (ref. Romans 3:20, James 1:23-25)
- Confident in our status as people of God, name two ways we can challenge each other to “live such good lives” that others take notice and give glory to God.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Exodus 19:1-8
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:4,5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Which came first—the chicken or the egg? It’s a fun question that teaches us something about the order of things. Go ahead and debate it for a moment, just for fun! Then let’s apply it to today’s Bible reading.
In our reading, God assembles the people of Israel and asks them for their obedience. Listen again: “…If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then … you will be my treasured possession” (verse 5). In other words, “Be good, and you’ll be blessed.”
That doesn’t sound too hard to do, does it? Maybe we’ve heard or said these things:
- “Be good and we’ll go to the park.”
- “Be quiet and you’ll get extra recess.”
- “Eat your dinner and I’ll give you a cookie.”
So it’s easy to hear today’s Bible reading and think, “I want to obey and be good because I want God to bless me.”
But like the chicken and the egg, which comes first—the obedience or the blessing?
What really helps to answer that question is verse 4: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
This verse comes before the part about obedience. God reminds the people of Israel what he has already done for them. There they were trapped and suffering in Egypt—their freedom taken away by harsh masters. But God rescued them and brought them safely to a place where they could live freely. All this God did before he asked the people to live as his obedient children. First, he rescued them and made them his family. Then he asked them to obey and live like the special family members they were.
We are like the people of Israel. Without Jesus, we would be trapped in our sins, in a life without hope. Jesus rescued us from sin and death and carried us into his grace. By faith in Jesus, we are treasured and loved as members of God’s family. Now, God asks us to live as thankful children.
Do you see the real reason we obey God (or our parents, or others in authority)? Because we are loved, now we can show love in return.
So which comes first—the blessings or the obedience? The blessing of God’s grace comes first. Let’s remember the true order of things and live as grateful children.
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, we thank you for rescuing us and giving us the chance to live as your treasured children. Help us live with gratitude and obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How do you know that God loves you?
- Name a way you want to show your love for God.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Reread Exodus 19:4 and compare it with Galatians 3:23-27. How did you become a child of God?
- Name two choices you can make in life that demonstrate to others that you are a thankful child of God.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Describe the difference between obeying for a reward and obeying out of love and thankfulness for God’s grace.
- Discuss the meaning of this phrase: “God’s grace is free, but it is not cheap.” How does understanding the value of God’s grace motivate your Christian living?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 5:1-12
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, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11,12
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Devon was having a rough morning when he came down to breakfast. He hadn’t slept well because of all the thunder and lightning from the storms last night. And then his morning got worse when he looked out the window and saw his favorite tree lying in pieces on the ground. Devon was ready to cry until his dad said something surprising: it was a good thing the storm caused the tree to fall down.
Devon didn’t understand how his dad could be glad about a tree falling down. What a mess! Yes, Devon’s dad explained, that was true. But the tree was old and rotted. It needed to be taken down because it could have easily fallen on the house or on power lines. Instead, the tree fell in a way that didn’t hurt anybody or cause any major damage. So what looked like a bad thing to Devon was actually a good thing.
Jesus taught his disciples lots of things during their three years together. Some of those things were surprising—like the Sermon on the Mount. In this special sermon, Jesus talks about people who are blessed (or happy). How surprising when Jesus identifies them as the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and so on. He then says something even more surprising: that his followers are blessed when people insult them and mistreat them and tell lies about them because of him. Not only are they blessed when these things happen—they should even rejoice and be glad!
Thankfully, Jesus also explains why his disciples should rejoice and be glad. Everything bad that might happen to them because they believed in Jesus was only temporary. Yes, life would be hard for them on this earth because they followed him, but that was only for a short time. They had something much better to look forward to—an eternity in heaven where they would receive their reward.
You likely won’t be treated badly in the same way Jesus’ disciples were. But what if someone makes fun of you because you believe in Jesus? What if they say you spend too much time at church or that going to church is stupid? Even though it hurts when people are mean to you, remember this: you can rejoice and be glad, because someday you will see God face to face, and that will be your greatest reward!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, it can be hard when people make fun of me for believing in you. Thank you for reminding me to be glad even in those hard times and to look forward to my reward in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What did Jesus tell his disciples to do when people made fun of them for believing in him?
- What could Jesus’ disciples look forward to?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why can we rejoice and be glad even when people are making fun of us?
- Sometimes our reward in heaven seems so far away. Name one thing that helps remind you of heaven.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Matthew 5:1-12 is called “The Beatitudes” or series of “Blessings.” Read the whole section. Which “blessed are you” statement stands out the most to you? Why?
- When you endure something humiliating because of your faith, why is it important to remember your greater reward in heaven?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:27
Striving to Be Foolish and WeakLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – February 1, 2023Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:27
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Foolish. Weak. What do you think of when you hear these words? Do you feel like you want to be foolish and weak, or would you rather be wise and strong? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? You go to school every day so that you can be wise instead of foolish. You eat healthy foods and get enough sleep so that you can be strong instead of weak. Who would want to be foolish or weak if they could be wise or strong?
The apostle Paul gives us a surprising answer to that question. He says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Why? Why would God choose weak or foolish things when he could have something strong or wise instead? Does God actually want you to be foolish and weak? Yes…and no…
God doesn’t want you to stop going to school so that you can be foolish. He doesn’t want you to eat junk food all day and stay up all night so that you can be weak. He does want you to remember where your strength and wisdom come from, though.
Trying to be wise and strong on your own apart from God isn’t going to get you very far. Instead, that attitude will bring you to shame sooner or later. You’ll eventually run into a problem you can’t solve or a task you can’t tackle, a problem or a task where your own wisdom or strength just isn’t good enough. But when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you can be confident that he’s walking alongside of you and giving you everything you need to live a life of faith.
Relying on God for your wisdom and strength might make you look weak and foolish to those around you. They might say that it doesn’t make sense to believe in God. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus must have looked foolish and weak to the world when he was hanging on the cross, but that’s how he saved us. So when you appear foolish and weak to the world, when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do. Without God, you have nothing. With him, you have everything!
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for being my wisdom when I am foolish and my strength when I am weak. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Would you rather be foolish and weak or wise and strong?
- Who should you rely on for your strength and wisdom?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Agree or disagree. God wants you to be foolish and weak.
- Why might you look foolish or weak to the world when you rely on God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Explain what he means.
- What would you say to someone who says, “It doesn’t make sense to believe in God”?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:11-13
Seek the LORD, all you humble people of the earth who have carried out his commands. Seek righteousness. Seek humility.
Zephaniah 2:3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What’s something you’re really good at? Maybe it’s a sport where you’ve helped your team win trophies and championships. Maybe it’s a musical instrument where you’ve played a really hard piece perfectly at a recital. Maybe you’re good at school and can solve hard problems.
When you’re good at something, you naturally want to tell someone about it. You want your friends and family members to come watch your game or concert or listen to what you’re learning in school. It’s fun when people compliment you on something you’re good at, when they give you recognition and praise.
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of things you’re good at and accomplishments you’ve worked hard to achieve. But in today’s reading, the prophet Zephaniah reminds us that there’s something else we should be good at. He says to be a humble person and “seek humility.” It means not bragging about things you’re good at. But when you’re good at something, you naturally want to share that with people! So how can you be both proud and humble at the same time?
If you rely on yourself, you can’t. If you think you’re really good at something just because you worked hard and practiced, you can’t. But if you remember where your abilities came from, if you remember who made you good at something in the first place, then you can be both proud and humble.
You are special to God. He made you just the way he wanted you to be and gave you exactly the gifts and talents he wanted you to have. Without God, you wouldn’t be good at anything. So when you remember you’re only good at something because of God, when you remember to say thank you for your successes, when you get your strength from God rather than from the things you’re good at, then you’re being humble and proud at the same time.
Thank God for what you’re good at. Thank him when you do something well. Remember that all your abilities come from him, and then you’ll be both proud and humble.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for the special gifts and abilities you gave me. Remind me to always give you thanks for all the things you equip me to do well. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s something that you’re really good at?
- Who gave you the gifts to be good at it?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does it mean to be humble?
- How can you be both proud and humble at the same time?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or disagree. It’s wrong to appreciate recognition and praise when you do something well.
- When you do something well, what is something you can say or do to show people around you that you’re thankful to God for your success?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 4:12-23
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20
Answer the CallLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 27, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 4:18-20
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Katie loves her dad. She loves it when he swings her up on his shoulders when he comes home from work, and when he helps her with her homework after a long day at school. She especially loves when he tackles home improvement projects on the weekend. He often lets Katie follow him out to the garage or down to the basement when he works on something. There, he takes the time to explain what he’s fixing, patiently answering all of her questions, and showing her what she can do. Katie loves her dad, and she loves answering his call to come and help.
It’s easy to imagine Peter and his brother Andrew feeling the same way in today’s Bible reading. Jesus had already been preaching in the area where they were fishing, so it’s possible Peter and Andrew had heard Jesus before and maybe even met him. But that day was different. That day, Jesus came right up to them and spoke to them. That day, Jesus called them to leave their nets and catches of fish behind and instead come fish for people. That day, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him.
And so they did! The two fishing brothers left their nets at once—immediately—and followed Jesus. They didn’t hesitate or wonder how they were going to earn a living now or try to sell their fishing supplies. They left everything to follow Jesus and trusted that he would show them how to fish for people.
You don’t get to see Jesus face-to-face or hear his voice in the same way that Peter and Andrew did, but Jesus still calls you today. He calls you to be his child through his Word. He calls you to learn more about him by reading the Bible and listening to your pastor at church. He calls you to follow him by doing your best to live according to his teachings and commands. He calls you to fish for people by telling those around you about him and how he came to earth to save us from our sins. And one day, Jesus will call you home to heaven where you will get to see him face-to-face and hear his voice.
Are you ready to answer the call? You don’t have to leave everything like Peter and Andrew did—just remember that Jesus is the most important part of your everyday life. And he calls you to fish for people too!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your child. Be with me as I daily carry out your call to fish for people. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What job did Peter and Andrew leave to follow Jesus?
- What job did Jesus call Peter and Andrew to do?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why might it have been scary for Peter and Andrew to answer Jesus’ call?
- What does it mean to fish for people?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why is it important that Peter and Andrew left their nets at once—immediately—to follow Jesus?
- Why is it important for you to answer Jesus’ call to fish for people?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 1 John 2:3-11
This is how we know we are in [God]: The one who says he remains in him should walk as Jesus walked.
1 John 2:5b,6
Walking as Jesus WalkedLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 25, 2023Devotion based on 1 John 2:5b,6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Bible tells us lots of things about Jesus. We know where Jesus was born and who his parents were. We know where he grew up and how his ministry first began when he was baptized. We know where Jesus preached and what he taught his disciples. We know about how he died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. And we know that he’ll come back again someday.
Yes, we know lots of things about Jesus. But there are also some things about Jesus that we don’t know. We don’t know what Jesus looked like or what color his hair was. We don’t know whether he was tall or short, and we especially don’t know how he walked. So how can the apostle John tell us that “we should walk as Jesus walked”?
You’ve probably figured out by now that John doesn’t mean to physically walk like Jesus did. Instead, walking like Jesus means living in the same way that Jesus lived. It means learning as much as you can about what Jesus taught and putting that learning into practice every day. When what was important to Jesus is also important to you, then you’re walking as Jesus did.
In today’s Bible reading, John reminds us of one specific thing that was important to Jesus: that his disciples love one another. One of the last things Jesus told his disciples before he was crucified was to love one another. As one of Jesus’ disciples, John heard those words firsthand and wrote them down for us to hear too.
It’s not always easy to love people, though! What about the classmate you just don’t get along with? What about your brother or sister or friend when they say something mean about you? What about your parents when they scold you for doing something wrong? How is it possible to love everybody all of the time?
On your own, you can’t. With God’s help, you can. You can love other people because God loved you first. Even though we’re all sinners, God loved us anyway. He loved us enough to send Jesus as our Savior and rescue us from our sins. And because of that, you can love other people too—even people who are sometimes really hard to love.
No, we don’t know what Jesus looked like. But we do know how to walk like him: by loving everybody around us and reflecting the love God has shown to us.
Closing Prayer:Dear God, thank you for loving me even though I am a sinner. Help me to walk like you and love other people too. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Who are some people you especially love?
- Before any person loved you, who loved you first?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How are you able to love people even when they aren’t nice to you?
- Think of two ways you can show love to your parents, your brothers or sisters, or your friends?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Can you think of a person in the Bible whom Jesus loved? How did he show love to that person?
- When what was important to Jesus is also important to you, then you’re walking as Jesus did. Discuss two things important to Jesus that you want to be important now to you.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 8:19–9:4
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2
Better Than a FlashlightLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 23, 2023Devotion based on Isaiah 9:2
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever been in your house at night and had the power go out? It can be scary when this happens, especially if you’re in your room all by yourself. You’re suddenly surrounded by thick darkness, and sometimes you can’t even see your hand in front of your face. Every noise seems louder, every shadow seems more frightening, and you can’t help but imagine that there are monsters under your bed just waiting to pounce.
But then a flashlight beam carried by a parent shines in the doorway, and you don’t feel so scared. It’s amazing how one little flashlight (which isn’t really all that bright) can pierce through the darkness and take away all your fears. There’s something about a little light shining in the darkness that makes everything better.
In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah talks about something worse than the power going out. He writes about people walking in darkness and living in the land of deep darkness. You can turn on a light anytime you want, so you might think these words aren’t meant for you. But they are.
Isaiah isn’t talking about darkness you can see with your eyes. No, he’s talking about something much scarier—he’s talking about darkness in your heart. You’re a sinner, and that means you naturally have darkness in your heart. On your own, you wouldn’t have any hope of breaking free of this darkness. You’d walk around in it and live in it and eventually die in it.
If Isaiah would have stopped writing there, there wouldn’t be any reason for hope. But did you hear what else he said? He said that the people living in darkness—you!—have seen a great light, that a light has dawned. And unlike a little flashlight beam, this light is brighter than any light the world has ever seen.
Can you guess where this light comes from? If you said “Jesus,” you’re absolutely right. Jesus is the One who shines brightly as a light in the darkness of sin. He’s the One who lights your path as you live each day here on earth. And he’s the One who will shine so brightly in heaven that there will be no more night.
So the next time you see a flashlight beam, think of Jesus. Remember that he is the light shining in the darkness of sin. You don’t have to be scared, because Jesus, your light, has come!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to this world and being a light to save me from the darkness of sin. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes you feel better when you’re scared of the dark?
- Who is the light that today’s devotion is talking about?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What does it mean that we used to have “darkness” in our hearts?
- What is something you can do to show people the light of Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- If Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, why do some people prefer to not believe in him and live in darkness?
- Think of someone you know who is living in spiritual darkness. What could you say to them to tell them about the light of Jesus?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 1:29-41
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
The Lamb of GodLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 20, 2023Devotion based on John 1:29
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today, let’s take an imaginary visit to a really old church from the Bible. It was called a tabernacle, and later the temple. There was an altar. On it, animals were sacrificed. During the thousand-year history of God’s people of Israel, how many animals were sacrificed on that altar? Hundreds of thousands of animals, if not millions. So many that you lose count. Does the thought of that altar make you sad?
Why would God want his people to sacrifice so many animals? He did it to teach them some very important lessons.
The first lesson that God wanted to teach his people is that death is very serious. Death is the end result of sin. If an Israelite sinned, they would bring an animal to the temple where it would be killed. The two go together: if there’s sin, there has to be death.
But the second lesson that God wanted to teach his people is that even though there has to be death, it doesn’t have to be your own death. If an Israelite sinned, an animal could be killed as a substitute. The animal would take your place.
There was a problem with all those lambs offered at the temple. They didn’t actually have the power to take sin away. The blood of millions of lambs isn’t worth enough to pay for even one sin.
Those sacrifices pointed ahead to Jesus, just like John the Baptist pointed at Jesus and said, “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
When Jesus went to the cross, all of the world’s sins were put on him. When Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross, his blood was valuable enough to pay for all those sins.
So yes, because of your sin, there had to be death, but because of Jesus, it didn’t have to be your death. He loved you so much that he was willing to die for you, in your place, as your substitute.
Because Jesus died for you, you get to live for him now. Because the Lamb of God died for you, you get to live with him forever.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us and give us your peace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- In today’s devotion, you heard of an altar in a temple. What happened on that altar that might have made you sad?
- What makes us happy is the word “substitute.” What is a substitute? How is Jesus your substitute?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Read Isaiah 53:4-9. How do those verses add to the idea of Jesus being the Lamb of God (the sacrifice)?
- How do those verses add to the idea of Jesus being our substitute?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How might you respond to someone who doesn’t like the Bible focus on bloody sacrifices?
- Why don’t we offer animal sacrifices anymore? Check out Hebrews 9.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Colossians 2:6-15
God erased the record of our debt brought against us by his legal demands. This record stood against us, but he took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:14
Erased and Taken AwayLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 18, 2023Devotion based on Colossians 2:14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Imagine a list of every single sin you committed. On that list there is a section for all the times you worried about something instead of trusting God. It’s followed by another section for all the times you got distracted and didn’t listen to God’s Word. A detailed record of every mean thing you ever thought and every hurtful thing you ever said about your parents, your brothers and sisters, your classmates.
How long would that list be? How sad would it be to read through it? How guilty would you feel after reading it?
Don’t worry! In our reading, we hear the good news that God has gotten rid of that list. The apostle Paul uses two different pictures to describe what God has done to the list of all the sins we’ve committed.
First, he tells us that God erased the record of our sins. How big would an eraser have to be to get rid of so much writing? There’s no eraser in this world big enough to do it.
Instead, God erased the list of all our sins through the blood of Jesus. The blood that Jesus shed while he was hanging from the cross was so precious and so pure that it was able to wash away every sin ever committed by every person who has ever lived.
Second, the apostle Paul tells us that God took that list of our sins and nailed it to the cross. Jesus took every one of our sins away from us, and he put them on himself. He took the blame and the punishment for everything we’ve done wrong. When they nailed Jesus to the cross, it was like they were nailing your sins to the cross.
Psalm 130 says, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.”
In Jesus, all your sins are forgiven. Erased. Dead and gone. God doesn’t remember them. He isn’t angry with you because of them. He won’t punish you for them. Thank you, Jesus!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for carrying all our sins to the cross and washing them away with your blood. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Is it easy or hard to forgive other people? Why?
- Why did God forgive you all your sins?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Do the math. How many sins do you commit in a minute? An hour? A day? A year? A lifetime? How does that help you appreciate how much God has forgiven you?
- If God has forgiven you so generously, what does that mean for the way you forgive others?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Go through each of the Ten Commandments and consider ways that you have sinned against each one.
- How does God give you a fresh start each day? How can you make the most of it?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 49:1-6
The Lord said:
It is too small a thing that you should just be my servant
to raise up only the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the ones I have preserved in Israel,
so I will appoint you to be a light for the nations,
so that my salvation will be known to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6
A Light for the Whole WorldLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 16, 2023Devotion based on Isaiah 49:6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What do you need if you’re trying to find something in the dark? If you answer, “Light,” you’re correct! The amount of light you need depends on what you’re searching for and where you’re searching for it. If you’re looking for a toy that rolled under the couch, a small flashlight will do the job. If you’re looking for someone who has fallen overboard from a ship in the middle of the ocean in the middle of a moonless night, you’re going to need lots of ships and lots of helicopters with lots of really bright spotlights.
In our reading for today, Jesus, the Servant of God, is sent on the biggest search and rescue mission in our very dark world.
Who was Jesus sent to find? We can answer that question with one word: everyone.
Some people thought that the Savior would be sent just to save the descendants of Jacob, people who came from the twelve tribes of Israel. But God the Father tells his Son, Jesus, that saving only the Israelites would be way too small a mission. Jesus was sent to rescue people from all nations, from one end of this dark world to the other.
Why is this world so dark? We can also answer that question with one word: sin. It may seem small, but it’s our biggest problem. Sin doesn’t make it hard for your eyes to see. It’s a darkness inside us. It makes it impossible to see the truth with your heart and soul and mind. Because of sin, no one is able to figure out how to save themselves. Worse, it makes it impossible to find Jesus by ourselves.
That’s why Jesus had to come to find us. He didn’t use a big light—Jesus is the Light. Here’s what the apostle John wrote about Jesus: “In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4,5)
You have a Savior who loves you so much that he came into the darkness of this world to search for you, to find you, to rescue you, and to give you life.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you are the light of the world. Shine in my heart and give me life and salvation. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Are you afraid of the dark? Why or why not? Why is it so good to know that Jesus is our light?
- What did Jesus do to rescue you from the darkness of sin?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- If Jesus came to save the world, how can you be sure that he came to save you?
- In what ways is sin like darkness? In what ways is Jesus like light?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- If you ever feel like hiding some dark part of your life from Jesus, what can you remind yourself of?
- It can be difficult to know how best to show support to someone who is experiencing the darkness of depression. What would you want them to know from today’s devotion?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 3:13-17
After Jesus was baptized, he immediately went up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened for him! He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and landing on him, and a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”
Matthew 3:16,17
God’s Son Is BaptizedLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 13, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 3:16,17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
How does it make you feel when a teacher praises the project you spent so much time on? How does it make you feel when a coach tells you how proud they are of your hard work? How does it make you feel when a parent tells you how pleased they are by your good behavior? It feels amazing, right?
Unfortunately, because of sin, God couldn’t say those things to the people of this world. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sinned against him. We have to admit that we have also disobeyed God and sinned against him.
God is holy. That means that he can’t praise disobedience. He isn’t proud of sinners. He’ll never be pleased when people turn their backs and walk away from him.
When God’s Son, Jesus, came to this world, he was just like us in so many ways. He had eyes and fingers and feet, just like us. He got hungry and tired and sad, just like us.
But Jesus was different from us in one very important way. He never disobeyed God. He never sinned against any of God’s commands. Jesus was perfect and holy in every way.
That’s why, when Jesus was baptized, God could praise Jesus and shout from heaven how proud he was of him: “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”
Well, that might be amazing for Jesus, but how does it help sinners like us? Here’s some really good news. When you were baptized, you were connected personally to Jesus. His perfection became your perfection. His holiness became your holiness.
Imagine Jesus wearing a pure, white robe, without a single stain or spot on it. Then imagine him taking that robe and wrapping it snugly around you. That’s what happened when you were baptized.
Now, when God the Father looks at you, he doesn’t see any spots or stains or sins. He sees the perfect life of Jesus. That means that God can (and does) look at you now and say, “This is my son/daughter, whom I love. I am well pleased with him/her.”
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for wrapping your holiness around me when I was baptized. Help me please you in everything I think, say, and do. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name three ways that Jesus was just like you. What are some ways he’s different?
- How does it make you feel to know that God loves you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- You were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do you see all three persons of the Trinity) at work in today’s Bible reading?
- Describe the trade that Jesus made with us. What did he take from us? What did he give to us?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think Jesus’ baptism was accompanied by such miraculous sights and sounds?
- Discuss why your baptism (so long ago!) is still important for your life (today!).
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Acts 10:34-38
You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
Acts 10:37,38
God’s Chosen ServantLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 11, 2023Devotion based on Acts 10:37,38
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In our last devotion, we heard about some of the people that God chose to be his special servants. How did those servants know that God had chosen them? How did all of the people around them know?
Sometimes God showed who he had chosen by anointing that person. Here’s how it was done: a bowl of olive oil would be poured on top of their head, dripping down and drenching them from head to toe!
How would you like it if someone poured a bowl full of olive oil on your head? It would probably feel pretty strange and slimy as it ran down your face and onto your clothes.
It might seem strange to us, but during Old Testament times, it was a very special and important thing to have someone pour oil on your head. It meant that you had been chosen by God to accomplish an important mission, like being a priest or a king.
Just like all of God’s servants in the Old Testament were pointing ahead to God’s perfect Servant, Jesus, all the people who were anointed in the Old Testament pointed ahead to the perfect Anointed One.
Did you know that two of Jesus’ titles, “Messiah” and “Christ,” both mean “Anointed One”? Jesus truly is God’s Anointed One!
Jesus, though, wasn’t anointed with oil. Jesus was anointed with water. John the Baptist poured water on Jesus’ head to show that Jesus had been chosen by God to accomplish an important mission, the most important mission of all—saving the world.
But Jesus was anointed with more than just water. Our Bible reading tells us that he was anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power.” Jesus showed his power by healing people who were sick and setting people free from the power of the devil. Later, he showed his power by rising from the dead.
Did you know that you’re an anointed one too? You haven’t been anointed with oil. Like Jesus, you were anointed when you were baptized and water was poured on your head. That means that you are a holy priest. You are a royal king or queen in God’s kingdom. And you have a special mission to accomplish—living each day of your life as the special person that God made you to be.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you are the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One. Give me your power so that I live each day as your special, holy child. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- You know when your birthday is, but do you know when your baptism day is? Ask your parents to tell you if you don’t know.
- Why is it so special to know that you are baptized?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- In today’s reading, the apostle Peter is giving a brief summary of Jesus’ life. If you were telling someone about Jesus because they don’t know anything about him, what details from his life would you include? Why?
- What does it mean to live as a baptized child of God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Though you don’t offer animal sacrifices, how do you serve as a priest in God’s kingdom? (Hint: how can you help be a link between someone who needs a Savior?)
- Though you don’t sit on a golden throne, how do you serve as a king or queen in God’s kingdom? (Hint: how can you help lead and guide someone into God’s kingdom?)
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 42:1-7
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight.
I am placing my Spirit on him.
He will announce a just verdict for the nations.
Isaiah 42:1
God’s Chosen ServantLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 9, 2023Devotion based on Isaiah 42:1
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
During the time of the Old Testament, God chose many different people to be his servants and carry out special missions. Moses and Aaron served God by leading God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. David and Solomon served God by ruling over God’s people as kings. Elijah and Elisha served God as prophets, calling people to believe in the one true God.
But God’s plans for his people included something—someone—even better. He had chosen to send his perfect servant, his own Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.
All of the servants he sent during the Old Testament gave us clues about what Jesus Christ, God’s perfect servant, would do.
- Moses gave the people freedom from slavery in Egypt, but Jesus gives us freedom from slavery to death.
- Aaron offered animals as sacrifices, but Jesus offered himself as the perfect, final sacrifice for sin.
- David defeated Goliath, but Jesus defeated the devil.
- Solomon was wise, but Jesus is all-knowing.
- Elijah miraculously fed 3 people, but Jesus fed more than 5,000.
- Elisha raised a boy from the dead, but Jesus raised himself from the dead.
How wonderful it is to know that the Father chose to send his own Son to serve us! How wonderful it is to know that the Son, Jesus Christ, was willing to come to this world to serve God by serving us!
But Jesus didn’t come just to serve you and me, he came to serve the world. In the Scripture reading, God promised that Jesus would “announce a just verdict for the nations.”
What does that mean? It means that Jesus is going to get rid of all the wrong things in this world and make everything right. He started that work when he came to this world the first time, and he’ll finish that work when he comes again soon. What an exciting day that will be!
And one more exciting thing: while we wait for Jesus to come again, we get to be servants of God too. God has chosen us to serve him by listening to his Word and by loving the people around us.
For the rest of today, think of yourself as God’s servant to serve someone. What an honor that is! God bless you as you carry out your special mission!
Closing Prayer:Jesus, thank you for being the servant of God who came to save me. Lead me to serve you every day. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does it mean to be a servant? How was Jesus a servant?
- List at least two ways that you get to serve other people.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How many chosen servants of God can you think of from the Bible?
- How did each of those servants teach something about Jesus in what they said or did?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What was the work of a prophet? A priest? A king?
- In what ways is Jesus our perfect prophet, priest, and king?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 2:1-12
When [the Wise Men] 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 and of incense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2:10,11
Wise men want to be by himLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 6, 2023Devotion based on Matthew 2:10,11
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Four-year-old Gabriella and her older brother Justin loved the nativity set under the Christmas tree. They would gaze at the figurines of Mary and Joseph with Jesus in between them. Standing off in the distance were the shepherds. Justin liked to add his superhero figurine to help them keep watch over the sheep by night. Gabriella positioned her Barbie doll dressed in pink to join the heavenly hosts adorned in white singing their angel praises. Meanwhile, on the other side of the nativity set, Hot Wheels cars were carefully positioned next to the camels in order to get those wise men to Bethlehem at top speed.
Gabriella and Justin’s mom didn’t mind their playing. That’s why she gave them the Fischer Price toy nativity to play with. The gift was on the condition that they would leave the Precious Moments porcelain nativity set exactly the way it was. You see, the previous Christmas, she carefully set out the fragile porcelain figures. But she would find all the pieces crammed inside a very crowded stable. Finally, the frustrated mom grew tired of resetting the pieces and confronted her daughter. Gabriella replied, “But Mom, they all want to be by Jesus!”
In Matthew 2, we see the great lengths that the wise men went to in order to be by Jesus. We don’t know exactly what or who they left behind to take this trek. We don’t know exactly how long their trip was or how long it took to pack for this journey. We do know that when they saw the star that led them to Jesus, “they were overjoyed” (verse 10). And when you have that feeling where the joy you feel is spilling out into every aspect of your life, things like time or money don’t matter. All that matters is being with Jesus because he is the source of our joy.
The wise men brought their treasures to present before the baby. In the same way, we present our treasures before the baby. Not gifts of gold, but perhaps talents on the athletic field or good grades in the classroom. Not gifts of myrrh, but maybe time spent baking treats to share others. Not gifts of frankincense but time spent practicing music that makes worship beautiful.
Give thanks, we get to be by Jesus! Let’s live for him this new year!
Closing Prayer:Dear newborn Savior, no matter what our age—we all want to be by you! While we are still here on earth may we sing with the hymn writer: “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to thee; Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.” Amen. (Christian Worship 695:1)
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you have a favorite nativity set in your house? Why is it your favorite?
- What figurines are included in a nativity set? Tell the part that each piece plays in the nativity set.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- The wise men knew how to look up at the night sky and use stars to guide them. Instead of “wise” men, what would they be called today?
- Name all of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. Then, think of an equivalent to them in 2023 (gold – money; incense – essential oils; myrrh – body lotion).
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Recount a time when you were absolutely overjoyed. What happened? Describe how you felt and the actions that followed.
- Not everyone wanted to be by Jesus. Read Matthew 2:3-8. Identify who that was. Then discuss what it means to be “two-faced.”
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Galatians 4:4-7
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our heart, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7
BumpaLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 4, 2023Devotion based on Galatians 4:4-7
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At 6’3” tall, Coach was a large and intimidating presence. When he stood at the entrance of the gymnasium, his frame nearly filled the entire doorway. With his arms crossed in front of his body, you knew that there would be no shenanigans happening on his watch.
Coach was a hefty man—not only in size, but also in reputation. He earned it from over forty years of experience in education, coaching, and athletic directing. That’s why as the basketball coach, when he asked his players to do something they responded with, “Yes Coach!” and jumped to it. Everyone—players, coaches, even referees—addressed him with respect.
Everyone, that is, except for ten adorable bundles of energy who were his grandkids. They approached Coach without any fear or hesitation and got to call him a different name. These little people lovingly called him “Bumpa.” Their special relationship of grandchild to grandpa gave them the right to call him something no one else dared to.
In Leviticus 11 we read about God and his daunting reputation. He demands that we be perfect in the way we act and speak. “I am the LORD your God,” he reminds us. “So be holy as I am holy.” How intimidating as he stands in the in the doorway of our lives, arms crossed and shaking his head because in his Word he clearly tells us to do something, and instead of jumping to it, we ignore him or walk away in the opposite direction. There is no way that on our own we can approach our just and holy God, let alone call him “Father.”
That’s when God, our coach, called a time out and benched us. He sent the perfect substitute into our game. When the time was just right God made the call to send Jesus to earth, not just to wear our human jersey, but to become one of us, our perfect teammate. Our jerseys were stained with sin and sweat, but Jesus’ jersey stayed spotless. He played the perfect game of life. He won the game when he slam dunked death and rose victoriously from the grave. Because Jesus is on our team, we can approach our coach, not with trembling knees from all the missed shots in our lives, but we can joyfully jump into his arms because he’s more than a coach. He’s our Father on whom we can depend for everything. We call him “Abba, Father!” And that is a nickname even better than “Bumpa”!
Closing Prayer:Dear Abba Father, we are sorry for all the missed shots and opportunities to do your will. But praise be to God that because of our teammate Jesus, we are no longer slaves destined to lose but your sons and daughters through baptism. Thank you for being our Father! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you have a grandpa or grandma? What special names can you call them?
- Why can we call God our “Father”?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- The word “Abba” means “Father.” What are some other names for “Father”? What is the difference between the terms “Dad, Daddy, Pops, Father”? Which do you think is the most loving?
- If God is our “Abba” (Father), what does that make Jesus? How is it possible to call people that you aren’t related to “brothers and sisters”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Do you have a nickname? How did you get that nickname? How did God get the nickname, “Abba”?
- Sadly, some children don’t have a good relationship with their earthly father. Why is it a comfort knowing you can call God, “Father”?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 63:7-9
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me”; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy, he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
Isaiah 63:7-9
God’s kindness is better than a mochaLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – January 2, 2023Devotion based on Isaiah 63:7-9
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It was a rainy, gray Monday after a long weekend. The first graders were already a little squirrely because they missed morning recess due to a steady, cold drizzle of rain. Now, news reached their teacher that noon recess would also be spent inside, and since it was the upper graders turn to use the gym, their class would have to stay in their classroom for the noon hour recess.
The teacher was just as distressed as her students. Then, she glanced up from her desk. A parent of one of the students was standing in the classroom door, holding out a steamy cup of liquid gold. “I thought you might need a mocha coffee today,” she said.
“What an angel!” the teacher exclaimed as she teared up. She told everyone about the coffee kindness. She took a selfie of herself enjoying her first sip and texted in all caps “THANK YOU!” to the amazing parent. She even posted about it on her social media. Why? She wanted everyone to know about the mocha that made her day.
Today, Isaiah the prophet writes, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord.” He was experiencing an even more dreary situation than a miserable Monday. Isaiah and his people were trapped—not in a classroom, but in the darkest, gloomiest place imaginable. A place not just absent from sun but from the SON. And no weather forecast or amount of coffee could change the mess they had made—not because of their mistakes, but their sins. Imagine having to spend forever trapped in a place where you don’t want to be.
This Christmas, God steps through the door of our distressed world and lives and “in his love and mercy, he redeemed them” (verse 9). Jesus has come to pay in full the price needed to set us free. We get to enjoy an eternal recess in heaven, because of Jesus.
We are redeemed, and heaven is ours! Now say it with the pent-up energy of a first grader: “We are redeemed, and heaven is ours!” Coffee may carry a teacher through an afternoon, but God’s compassion lifts us up and carries us through not just one afternoon—but all the afternoons of our lives until we get to heaven.
Let us take every chance we get, whether it be in text or tweet, in prayer, in post, or in person to “tell of the amazing kindnesses” of our God!
Closing Prayer:Dear Redeemer, forgive us for the times we are so “blah” to all the blessings you give us. Make us alert to and thankful for all the many ways you sustain us—from the whipped cream on top of a mocha to fun recesses and thoughtful children and parents. Make us bold to tell of your kindnesses everywhere we go! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How many blessings can you name in 30 seconds? (Ready, set, GO!)
- What is the best blessing of them all?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Do you know someone who drinks coffee? Describe how coffee makes him/her feel. How do they feel when they haven’t had their morning coffee? Now describe how you feel if didn’t have Jesus to wake up to in the morning.
- Talk about a time when someone showed kindness to you. Can you think of a way to show kindness to others? How can our actions point someone to Jesus?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the heaviest thing you have ever lifted? How far did you carry it? Discuss how that relates to Jesus in verse 9: “In his love and mercy, He redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.”
- When Christmas break is over, think of at least one way you can encourage someone with an act of kindness. How does it reflect God’s kindness to you?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. In him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-14
Small Words That Are Big at ChristmasLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 30, 2022Devotion based on John 1:1-14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what a preposition is? Someone once explained it this way: A preposition is everything a mouse can do to a box. A mouse can go in a box, by a box, under a box, over a box, through a box, etc.” A preposition is that little word that explains where the mouse is and where the box is.
In the first 14 verses of the book of John, there are 25 prepositions! They help identify who Jesus is and how closely connected he is to God, to our world, to us, and to our salvation.
For example, God’s plan of salvation was set in place before the first clock in the world began to tick. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning.” “The Word” is a nickname for Jesus. John is telling us that before Jesus came into our world as a baby, he was there with God when it was created. Jesus was with God and now Jesus is with us! It means when Jesus was born, he was both God and human being like us. That’s amazing!
Here’s another example: Jesus once said, “I am the Light of the world.” Where does the light shine? John tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (vs. 5) Just as Christmas trees are lit up with lights, Jesus comes to light up our dark world that couldn’t see or find God without his help.
BUT, the best prepositions are the ones that connect you to Jesus. Listen: “To all who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God!” (vs. 12) “Believing in Jesus’ name” and becoming “children of God” are the best because they show us how close Jesus wants his name to be near your name.
This Christmas, thank God for even little words like prepositions. Jesus is with us!
Closing Prayer:Dear Father in heaven, we are in awe of you! That you gave up your throne above to come down to earth makes our hearts shake with joy! Thank you for making your dwelling among us. Please help us tell others about you that they too may know you. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is the name for the little words today’s devotion said are so important?
- Fill in the following blanks with a preposition: Jesus died ___ the cross. Jesus rose ____ the grave! Jesus sits ___ the right hand of God!
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Prepositions are important! From today’s devotion, name four things a mouse can do to a box.
- Prepositions are important! From today’s Bible read, name four things that Jesus did to connect with you and with God’s love.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Get a Bible and find John 1:1-14. See how many prepositions you can find. (Goal: 25!)
- In those verses, which prepositional phrase meant the most to you? Be ready to tell why that one was so meaningful.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Hebrews 1:1-9
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. About the Son he says, “Your Throne, O God will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.”
Hebrews 1:2,8
A Golden JubileeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 28, 2022Devotion based on Hebrews 1:2,8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
After ruling England for over 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022. In the days following her death, there were many stories that highlighted her kindness. With tears in their eyes, common English folks recounted the compassion that the Queen had shown to them during some bad time in their lives. Whether it was presenting flowers to grieving parents of a school bombing or visiting a man who acted heroically during a fire, every person seemed to have a story of how kind the queen was. They wanted their story to be heard and shared.
Seventy years is a long time to live—let alone rule a country! The term silver jubilee was even coined to describe the Queen’s record-breaking reign. In a way, Christmas celebrates the record-breaking arrival of a King whom we dearly love and serve. This King didn’t just rule a country for 70 years, our Bible reading says, “Your throne, O God will last for ever and ever and righteousness will be scepter of your kingdom.” The One who made the universe also rules the universe. Our King did so much more than offer condolences or flowers to his hurting people. He offered himself to save us. He loved us so much he entered our sin-sick world, was born of a woman, lived life in a carpenter’s house (a perfect life!), and at the end gave up his life to pay our debt and free us from sin and shame. But the King rose again so that we—his people—will live with him in his heavenly palace forever.
After our King won salvation for his people, he didn’t abdicate the throne and forget about his people. Our King sustains us, not with bread and games, but with his powerful Word. At this very moment, he is ruling and reigning at the right hand of God for us. When we die and go to heaven, we will inherit a crown of life and begin a golden jubilee that will last forever thanks to our King—Jesus!
Closing Prayer:O King of Heaven, we praise you for so many reasons. Thank you for our government that you have established for the good of your people. Please end any dishonesty that may occur in it. Point us ahead to the sweet and blessed country of heaven that our eager hearts expect. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- When a king or queen walks into the room, it is common practice to bow or curtsy before them. Can you bow or curtsy?
- Have you ever pretended to be a king or queen? What items do kings and queens wear or hold in their hands in order to rule? What does God use to rule the world?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is it common practice to bow to royalty?
- In what ways can you “bow” to your heavenly king?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What is the definition of a monarchy? What is the definition of a democracy? Which one would you rather live in?
- Sometimes being a “princess” or “prince” can have a negative connotation even though the title itself is a good one! Example: “Oh! The princess only drinks 1 % percent milk.” In what ways does the world give our title, “Child of God!” a negative connotation? No matter what the world thinks, why is it important to wear that title proudly?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:7,10
Gus’ SongLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 26, 2022Devotion based on Isaiah 52:7,10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
During this special season of Christmas, it’s not uncommon to see a group of preschoolers outfitted in their plaid red and black dresses and little suit coats singing the Christmas lullaby, “Be near me Lord Jesus! I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray; bless all the dear children in your tender care and take us to heaven to live with you there!”
That was 2-year-old Gus. One night at bedtime, he asked, “Mom, Dad—can I sing my song?” At first, Gus’ parents were unsure which song he was asking for his bedtime prayer. Was it, “Now the Light Has Gone Away” or maybe “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb”? However, when they started singing, “Be near me Lord Jesus” and got to the line, “And take us to heaven,” Gus pointed to himself and said “Me! Me!” He took the words to be, “And take GUS to heaven to live with you there.”
Gus is correct in realizing that Jesus was born as a baby for him! And Gus is absolutely right in realizing that he will go to heaven because of Jesus’ birth, death on the cross for his sins, and resurrection. The personal assurance we have in our salvation is such a blessing!
However, in our reading for today, we see that Jesus didn’t just come for one person but for the whole world. What a day that will be when (vs. 10) “The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations.” Together, we will burst into songs of joy with brothers and sisters of all sizes, skin types, and smiles. But how will those people from all nations learn about this wonderful promise? Whether they wear Teva sandals, Nike tennis shoes, Jimmy Choo high heels, or just bare feet, the Bible tells us that the feet of those who bring this good news are beautiful.
Right now, there are missionaries across the world who may not be sitting by a cozy fire, sipping on hot chocolate, and hanging Christmas stockings. Rather, they may be hundreds, even thousands of miles away from these traditions and away from family and friends. And for what reason? Because they have good news to proclaim in all the earth! Glad tidings of great joy!
This Christmas, let’s join Gus and sing with confidence, “Take us to heaven to live with you there!”
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth for me! But also, thank you for coming to earth for the whole world. Please use my feet to bring the news of your birth to everyone I meet. Be with our missionaries who may be far away from their families but are doing such important work. Strengthen and protect them. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is your favorite bedtime prayer to sing or say?
- Are your feet beautiful? Even if your feet are a little dirty or stinky right now, how can they be beautiful according to the Bible passage we just read?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How many different countries can you name? How are those countries different from where you live? How are they the same?
- What does a missionary do in those countries? Could you be a missionary?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Share a time that you burst into cheer either by yourself or with a team or group of others. Now multiply that feeling times 1,000,000 and that’s what it will be like when “the LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations.”
- The next time you put on your shoes in front of others—whether it be in a locker room, bowling alley, a beach bench or ice hockey rink—challenge yourself to make your feet beautiful and tell someone around you about what Jesus’ birth means to you.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 1:18-25
An angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child 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.”
Matthew 1:20,21
Exactly as PlannedLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 23, 2022Devotion based on Matthew 1:20,21
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The wedding license was signed. The invitations had been sent out. Joseph hummed to himself as he was busy building another room onto his father’s house, where he and his new bride would live for the first few years of their married life. Having his parents nearby would be so helpful to take care of children that were born in the coming years.
Joseph had plans to provide for his family. And then, he got the worst news of his life: Mary was going to have a baby and it wasn’t his! Heartbroken, Joseph was ready to crumple up his plans and throw them all away. It looked like his plans had completely fallen apart.
Maybe you can feel sorry for Joseph. After all:
- You had been excited for the game… and then got a fever and a cough.
- You were looking forward to a trip to the playground, but then it rained.
- You knew what you wanted on your ice cream, but the ice cream shop ran out of chocolate sprinkles.
Sometimes our plans fall apart. Sometimes we are hoping for more—and it just won’t work, not right now. We feel let down.
Joseph had plans for his family, and it looked like his plans were falling apart. But while his plans fell apart, God’s plan of salvation was just coming together:
“An angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because the child 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.’”
Joseph did his best to plan, provide, prepare—and God had something better. When it looked like Joseph’s dreams and plans were failing, God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled.
Maybe your plans have fizzled. That’s okay, and it’s okay to be disappointed when plans fall apart. But when they do… remember that God’s Son was born into the middle of messed-up plans—exactly as God had planned!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, forgive me for when I get angry because my plans fall through. Lead me to see your blessing in every event, especially in your birth at Christmas. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- God told Joseph “Don’t be afraid.” Why is this important to remember?
- When we hope to do something fun—and then we can’t, for some reason—what is important for us to remember?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What did God promise about Mary’s son?
- How does the truth of a Savior (God with us) help us deal with disappointment?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord.” Where do we see this truth reflected in our reading?
- When our plans fall through, what can we learn from Joseph?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 1:1-7
This gospel is about his Son—who in the flesh was born a descendant of David, who in the spirit of holiness was declared to be God’s powerful Son by his resurrection from the dead—Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Romans 1:3,4
What’s it all about?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 21, 2022Devotion based on Romans 1:3,4
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“What’s it about?”
Maybe a friend is recommending a movie or a book. Perhaps you were invited to a party… of some sort… but you’re not sure what to bring. “What’s it about?” That question is a question of curiosity, a question of value:
- Will this book, this movie, this party bring joy and connection to my life?
- Will I enjoy attending this going-away party, or should I schedule some time to say goodbye privately?
- Does this book have content that’s suitable for my child, or is it a little beyond their age level?
“What’s it about?” It’s a question that we ask about everyday events, entertainment, movies, and so much more!
If someone asked you that question about the Bible… what would you say? “This Bible on your shelf—I’ve seen one before, but I’ve never read it. What’s it about?”
It’s a question of curiosity, a question of value: Will this book be worth my time? Is this book going to bring joy to my life, or will it be boring? Will it drag down my day?
What’s it about? In our reading from Romans 1, Paul gives us his answer: This gospel is about his Son—who in the flesh was born a descendant of David, who in the spirit of holiness was declared to be God’s powerful Son by his resurrection from the dead—Jesus Christ, our Lord.
What’s it about? Jesus Christ, true man, descended from Adam and Abraham and David and Mary. Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, whose resurrection means that sin is forgiven and death is broken.
Wow, what a joy! Now you know what this Advent season is all about! It’s about the most fascinating person in the whole world—Jesus!
What’s it about? It’s still a question for us to consider—a question of curiosity, a question of value. Is this Jesus worth your time? Is his Bible going to bring joy to your life, or will it be boring?
Listen again to Paul and Paul’s answer: “This gospel is about his Son.” This gospel is worth your time—and your eternity.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming a human and showing how much you want us to be with you forever. Lead us to your Word and to always be curious about what you say there and respond, “You are so worth it! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s the Bible about?
- In our devotion, we named a few people who were ancestors of the Savior. Can you name one person who was an ancestor of Jesus?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What would you tell someone who said that they’ve never read a Bible?
- How can our family stay focused on the events of Advent this year?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- “He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature… with his holy, precious blood.” Look again at the Bible verses in today’s devotion. Why does Paul say that Jesus’ blood is holy and precious?
- Someone says: “I don’t really care what the Bible’s about, because I can be a good person without a book.” How could you respond?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 7:10-14
Listen now, you house of David. … the Lord himself will give a sign for all of you. Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and name him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:13,14
Did You Forget?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 19, 2022Devotion based on Isaiah 7:13,14
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A new church came to a town offering perfectly designed music, lights, sights, and sounds for worship. Their musicians were talented, their church members very friendly, their pastor a really good speaker. On a giant billboard next to their church, they advertised to the thousands of cars driving by: “Not your grandma’s church.” They’re saying that their worship and church were more exciting than the memories of the church your grandmother grew up in.
It’s possible that some people decided to attend church there because of their advertising “Not your grandma’s church.” Maybe some people went there not because that church is better—but that it’s simply different from what they knew growing up. Is it also possible that they forgot the blessings—the Jesus—that their grandparents tried to teach them? Is it possible for people to forget about the blessings that Jesus gives through his Word and sacraments because they get distracted by something that feels easier and more entertaining?
It’s not the first time that’s happened.
In our reading from Isaiah chapter 7, we hear about a wicked king named Ahaz. He forgot about the blessings God promised to his great-great-great grandfather, King David. Ahaz worshiped other gods and forgot about the promised Messiah, who would come from David’s family.
In his grace, God sends Isaiah to remind King Ahaz: “Listen now, you house of David. … the Lord himself will give a sign for all of you. Look! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and name him Immanuel.”
Maybe your grandparents grew up Lutheran. Maybe your grandparents aren’t Christian at all. But either way, we need reminding today. We need to be reminded that church is the place where God’s Word is preached, where God’s work takes center stage, where Christ forgives our sins and gives his personal assurance of it in his miraculous meal called the Lord’s Supper.
This time of year God reminds us: The Lord himself has promised a miraculous baby, the Messiah. This one is Immanuel—God with us.
That’s the message we all need, grandmothers and grandchildren alike: Immanuel has come to live among us!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank you for living among us during your ministry; thank you for continuing to be in the midst of your people in Word and sacrament, and thank you for reminding us of your grace this Advent season. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name two actions that we do in the worship service on Sunday mornings. Which is your favorite?
- What kind of things do you like to be reminded of? What good thing did God remind us about in our devotion today?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do we need to be reminded of good things?
- What is one thing that God reminds us about during the worship service?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- In the Words of Institution, after promising his body and blood are present in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus says: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Why is Jesus so concerned that Christians remember him?
- What can our family do to help remember Jesus on a more regular basis?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 11:2-11
While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples to ask him, “Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go, report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor.”
Matthew 11: 2-5
Or Should I Look Somewhere Else?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – December 16, 2022Devotion based on Matthew 11: 2-5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The three readings this week talk about a few different emotions: surprise, patience, and now—disappointment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 11, we hear that John the Baptist is disappointed: “While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?’” Wow. Talk about disappointment! John had preached that Jesus was the Messiah; John had pointed to Jesus and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John said that this Jesus, the promised Messiah, would destroy his enemies with fire and judge the world with justice!
Now John was in prison for preaching what God’s Word said. John was in jail because he had clearly taught what God’s Word said. And it certainly seems that John was disappointed in Jesus. If Jesus was the powerful Messiah that John had preached about . . . where was the justice? Why was John in jail? Why did John suffer for simply doing what God had commanded him to do?
Can you imagine how disappointed John felt? You may have felt let down by someone. Maybe there was a time when you were disappointed in what someone did or said. But… John is disappointed with God!
Jesus gently directs John—and us—back to his clear Word. Our happiness with God doesn’t hinge on what he does for us, or how he blesses us; our joy in Jesus is completely because Jesus has done everything that he promised. That’s why Jesus points John (and us) back to Isaiah 35. Jesus says that he is doing, and will do, exactly what the Messiah said he would do—so there’s no reason to be disappointed in Jesus: “Go, report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor.”
Whew! Jesus is the One!
Closing Prayer:Lord, I confess my disappointment. My heart wants things to happen on my schedule and in my way; yet just like John, you direct me back to what you promised to do. You have brought your gospel to me, and your certain Word has promised me forgiveness! Grant that I am never disappointed in this truth. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why was John in jail? (Reread that portion of the devotion as needed.)
- How do you think John felt?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What was the message John sent to Jesus?
- What answer do you think John was expecting?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What message does Jesus give to John through the messengers? (This phrasing is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah’s words about the Messiah.) Why does Jesus send this message for John?
- Name two bad ways and two good ways that Christians can handle disappointment.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: James 5:7-11
Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the valuable harvest from the ground, patiently waiting for it, until it receives the early and late rain. You be patient too. Strengthen your hearts because the coming of the Lord is near.
James 5:7,8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
It’s a joke that your pastor has probably heard a few times, the kind of joke that is funny enough to tell at a potluck—and true enough to mention in a sermon: “Be careful when you pray for patience. The last time I prayed for patience, I got stuck in a traffic jam for two hours!”
Patience doesn’t come naturally for any of us. We know what we want, and when we want it:
- If we’re meeting friends at the park, I want to go—now! And I don’t need a nap.
- Do you open the microwave when there are five seconds left rather than wait for it to beep?
- When you’re in line at a store, do you scan the lines to see which one is moving quicker and wish you had picked that one?
Patience. We learn patience in everyday life, and God uses the time of Advent to teach us patience. Advent is the time of waiting for Christmas—the time of patiently waiting for our celebration of Christ’s birth. We wait, patiently, as we look forward to God’s promises fulfilled.
Doesn’t that describe our Christian life?
We patiently wait for God to do everything that he has promised to do. We humbly bow our heads and set aside our schedule; we admit that God knows better than we do, that God’s timing is better than ours, and that we simply wait for God to do everything he has promised.
That’s exactly what James talks about in our second reading: “Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the valuable harvest from the ground, patiently waiting for it, until it receives the early and late rain. You be patient too. Strengthen your hearts because the coming of the Lord is near.”
Patience doesn’t come naturally—not to any of us. But patience is exactly what God gives. Patience is the attitude of faith that recognizes: It might not come on my schedule, or in exactly the way I had hoped—but I have a Lord who has promised me everything that I need, at the best time and in the best way possible. He has proven it in the past with the coming of his Son; he teaches me patience today as we await Christmas; and together, the Christian Church waits patiently for Christ’s return.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, teach me patience—and teach me to trust your timing in all things, even as we look forward to the celebration of your birth. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s something that you have to wait for?
- How can waiting for something be a good thing?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think that most people aren’t very patient?
- Think of a farmer who plants a field of corn or wheat. Why does he have to be patient? What will happen if he isn’t patient?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can we practice more patience (or learn more patience) in our family?
- Think of the Fourth Petition to the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread.” How does God both teach and give patience in this petition?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 35:1-10
The eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged. The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland. The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water. . . . A highway will be there, a road that will be called the holy way. The impure will not walk there. It will be reserved for those who walk in that holy way . . . and the redeemed will walk there.
Isaiah 35:5-8
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Surprising. Unexpected. Impossible.
That is what makes a story, a movie, or a TV show interesting. The reader is surprised when Charlotte spins a web, and Wilbur lives out his days on Zuckerman’s farm. The movie plays out with the unexpected servant girl becoming a royal bride, or the impossible problem is miraculously solved. When something is surprising, unexpected, or impossible—it catches our eyes, our interest, our hearts.
In our reading from Isaiah chapter 35, God talks about some things that are surprising, unexpected, even impossible: The blind can see? The deaf are able to hear again? Those who can’t walk—now can run, and jump, and play soccer? Someone who cannot talk . . . sings praises to God?
That sounds impossible. That’s just not going to happen!
But that is exactly what God promises in our reading today. And God is completely certain that he will do the impossible, the unexpected, and the surprising. He says that he’ll turn the desert sand into a place where people swim, and—most importantly of all—he’ll build a highway in that wasteland. Wow, talk about surprising! God will build a highway . . . so that you, his baptized and beloved child, will have a clear path through life to eternity.
God didn’t use a spider’s web or a movie’s princess. God sent his promised Messiah, exactly as he promised: “The eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged. The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland. The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water. . . . A highway will be there, a road that will be called the holy way. The impure will not walk there. It will be reserved for those who walk in that holy way . . . and the redeemed will walk there.”
That is God’s surprising, impossible, unexpected promise: His Messiah has come to save you, and this Messiah has come to change your life today—and your eternity tomorrow. God did the impossible by sending his Son, and God did the impossible by giving you faith in Holy Baptism. God did the impossible by placing you on the way to heaven, and God will continue to do the impossible by keeping you on that path.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, you promised to come in vengeance and to do the surprising, unexpected, and impossible. You raised yourself from the dead and baptized me into your household of faith. Keep me on your highway of grace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is something impossible that God talked about in today’s reading?
- Name something that seems impossible at the moment for you, and let’s pray about it.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What is the most impossible or surprising thing God ever did?
- From your own memory, name one or two “impossible” things Jesus did. What do we call these “impossible” deeds?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Identify something impossible that God accomplished in your own life. (For a hint, consider Luther’s explanation to the Third Article: “I believe that I cannot, by my own thinking or choosing, believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel . . .”)
- This reading finishes with God’s promised forgiveness through the Messiah. Why do you think God spent so much time describing the impossible things that the Messiah would accomplish, before finally describing the forgiveness that Messiah would win?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
Matthew 3:1-6
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Don’t you hate it when you get caught doing something wrong? We don’t want other people to know about our sins. We’re ashamed of them, and so we try to hide our guilt so no one finds out.
But look what happened when John the Baptist arrived. John was the last great prophet that God sent to prepare people for Jesus. And as John preached, people lined up just to be able to confess their sins! They were eager to admit the things they did wrong. Imagine that!
But why?
When they heard John’s preaching, they realized that they could try to hide their sins, but that doesn’t get rid of them. It’s like pushing a splinter deeper into your finger because you’re too scared to pull it out: it’s just going to make the problem worse. And they weren’t there just to admit they did bad things. John was baptizing them. He was washing them with water and promising them that God forgave all their sins. That’s how he got people ready for Jesus: he told them to confess their sins and told them that Jesus was bringing forgiveness.
As we get ready for Christmas, there are so many things to do: we wrap presents and get the house ready for visitors or help our family make a big dinner. Those are wonderful things, but that’s not really what it means to be ready for Jesus. Do you want to be ready for him? Then be honest about the sins you’ve done; there’s no point in hiding them and no reason to hold onto that guilt. Sometimes that’s hard to do—almost as hard as knocking down mountains or straightening out crooked roads. But there’s a reason why we want to get those things out of the way: Because Jesus is coming to share forgiveness and peace with us and to wash us clean from our sins.
Closing Prayer:Jesus, you didn’t come to bring us guilt, but to take guilt away. You didn’t come to fill me with sadness, but with peace. So help me to recognize that my guilt, my fear and my sadness all come from my sins. As I confess those sins, fill me with your peace. As we remember your birth this Christmas, give me faith that this peace is really for me. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What made John the Baptist look different?
- What was John’s message?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- After the people confessed their sins, what did John do for them?
- What does God do for us in baptism?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- John the Baptist told people they needed to repent. Why do you think so many people were eager to confess their sins?
- Why is it helpful for us to think about our baptisms?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Romans 15:4-13
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:4-7
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In the first book of the Bible, we hear about a man named Jacob. He tricked his brother Esau and had to run away from home. Years later when they meet again, Jacob was sure Esau was going to kill him, but Esau forgave him. God can heal old grudges. In Exodus we read that the Israelites were enslaved by Egypt for 400 years. But then God sent Moses to free them. There isn’t a problem too big for God to solve. In the New Testament, we see Jesus’ disciples hiding in fear after he was crucified. They thought death had conquered Jesus, but then they saw their Savior and understood that Jesus defeated death.
Don’t you get excited reading those stories? They remind us that God can really fix the broken things in our life, he is always ready to forgive us and will never leave us. God had prophets and apostles write down those true stories for us, so that when we read them, we find hope in Jesus.
But God gives us hope for another reason—so that we can give hope to others. He wants us to share it. In our reading he tells us two ways to do that:
- We glorify God together with one mind and voice. One way we do that is by worshiping with each other. As we gather together and hear God’s Word and sing our praises, we help encourage each other in our faith. And,
- We accept one another as Christ accepted us. That doesn’t mean we ignore sins—after all, Jesus didn’t ignore ours! What did he do? He forgave our sins and made us God’s children. So we forgive others, and we treat them as part of our family.
We have that hope because someone shared God’s Word with us. Christmas is two weeks away. There are plenty of people all around us who feel guilty or hopeless. Let’s invite them to hear the true story of God’s love. Let’s give them the peace God has given us.
Closing Prayer:Almighty God, thank you for the people who have shared your Word with us. Thank you for giving us hope through your promises. I’m sorry for the times I act like that hope is just for me and forget to share it with others. In these next weeks especially, help me forgive other people and invite them to church this Christmas so that you can give them hope, too. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What does “hope” mean?
- When do people need hope most?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How do Christians praise God “with one mind and one voice”?
- Paul tells us to accept each other. That means forgiving each other. How does forgiving someone help give them hope?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Describe a way you might give hope to someone who needs it.
- Paul says that the Bible was written to give us hope. What’s a Bible story that has taught you to have hope?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 11:1-10
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:6-10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When you heard Isaiah’s words, did you smile a bit? A wolf and a lamb living side by side? A lion eating straw? That’s not the way it really works! Put straw in front of a lion and he won’t touch it. Put a lamb in a cage with a wolf, and you’ll just have a well-fed wolf. Cows and bears, leopards and goats can’t get along. They’re natural enemies!
Actually, they aren’t. When God created the world, it was a perfect place. There was no fighting, no animals eating each other, no death. Sin changed all of that. Now we live in a world where wolves want to eat lambs and a child who puts his hand into a viper’s nest is going to be taking a trip to the hospital. We’re so used to sin, it’s hard for us to picture a world that isn’t like that.
That’s why God gives us these pictures. To help us understand that Jesus brings peace to the world. He uses these pictures that seem so strange to make this point: Jesus will bring peace, even where it seems impossible.
And he tells us where to find it: on his “holy mountain.” That’s a picture God uses for his church. When you and I hold to God’s Word, he brings us peace. It doesn’t always feel like it—sometimes we still hurt each other. We do something completely unnatural: we sin against people God created us to love. That will always be the case this side of heaven. But the more we’re filled with the knowledge of the Lord—as we go back to his Word for forgiveness and guidance—he’ll help us forgive those hurts, even in people that feel like our enemies. That’s the peace Jesus brings to us. And then one day, he’ll bring us to himself in heaven, where there will be no more sin or pain again.
Closing Prayer:Dear Savior, there are some problems in my life that I can’t imagine ever getting better. It seems as impossible as picturing a wolf and a lamb lying down together. As we listen to your Word, teach us about the peace that Jesus brings. Help us confess our sins to each other and forgive each other. Help us share our faith so that other people find your peace too, until you bring us to perfect peace in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What was your favorite animal picture from today’s Bible reading?
- What is so strange about a lion eating straw?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Are these images “literal” (talking about real wolves living with real lambs) or “symbolic” (trying to help us picture peace)?
- What, at the end of our reading, is bringing such great peace to the world?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can you help spread God’s peace?
- When we look at the world, we don’t see peace like Isaiah pictured. Does that mean God failed? Why or why not?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Matthew 21:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
Matthew 21:1-5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The president of the United States rides in a limousine nicknamed “the Beast.” It’s a fitting name! His car has armor plating and bullet-proof glass; it carries weapons and rides on tires that can’t go flat. When you see a car like that coming down the street, you know a powerful leader is coming.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem to die for our sins, he wasn’t riding anything like that. He wasn’t in a chariot or riding a powerful horse. He was riding on a small, young donkey. But he was coming to be a King.
There were at least two reasons why Jesus rode a donkey. Hundreds of years before this, God made a prophecy—a promise!—through one of his prophets: When God’s true King came to his people he’d be riding on a young donkey. God said, “When you see this sign, pay attention. You’ll know I’m keeping my promise.”
And riding a donkey showed what Jesus was like. You wouldn’t ride a donkey out into war. Donkeys were lowly and humble. Gentle. Jesus wasn’t coming to attack people; he was coming as a gentle King who would lay down his life for his people.
Jesus still comes to us today. We’ll celebrate Christmas soon and rejoice in the miracle of God coming as a baby. But there’s a miracle taking place, even right now. God comes to us in his Word. He promises he’s speaking to us through the Bible. So are you reading the Bible tonight? Are you going to church soon? Then, pay attention! God’s keeping his promise to you.
And it shows what God is like, too. He doesn’t come to us in a thunderstorm or an earthquake, but in words that help us see our sin and promise us salvation. He doesn’t want to scare us; he speaks gently because he wants us to know him. That’s the kind of King you have.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, when you entered Jerusalem on a donkey, you came exactly the way you promised, but so many people didn’t recognize you. You promise to come to us in your Word. As we read it tonight, as we worship you on Christmas Eve, help us to recognize you and receive you as our gentle and loving King. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What kind of animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
- What did that show about what Jesus was like?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did Jesus riding on a donkey actually show that he had complete control over what was happening?
- Jesus is described as “gentle.” How else in the Bible do you see Jesus’ gentleness?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Jesus entered Jerusalem in this way as he was getting ready to die. Explain how his “gentleness” wasn’t the same as “weakness.”
- List as many ways as you can that this reading shows us that Jesus is a powerful king and a loving king.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A preacher came to a new church. Everyone liked his first sermon. He preached it again the second Sunday. And the next Sunday! An elder asked him why he kept preaching the same sermon. He replied, “None of you were doing what I said the first time, so I needed to tell you again!!”
Paul repeats himself in our reading: Rejoice! Rejoice! But it’s not to get us to do more. He wants us to worry less. Maybe you think, “Yeah, that’s easy for you to say, Paul! If you lived my life, you’d worry a lot, too!” But did you know Paul was in prison when he wrote this? Paul had reasons to worry.
Here’s a lie that most of us believe: We can’t do anything to stop worrying. It’s just the way we feel. But Paul tells us there’s a lot we can do to change how we feel.
First, you can be gentle to others. You have control over your words and actions. If you treat people with kindness, it will help calm your own heart.
Second, remember that the Lord is near. Paul didn’t mean that Jesus was close to us (even though that’s true!). He meant that Jesus was coming back soon. Whatever problem you have, you won’t face it forever and you’ll never face it alone.
Third, pray. Cast your cares on the Lord. He’s listening, and he can help.
Fourth, give thanks. When you take time to thank God as you bring him your prayers, you’ll find reminders that he really is in control and is giving you so many blessings.
Those are things you can do that will help with your worrying, but maybe you noticed something. As you do these things, God is really the one doing the important work. He’ll give you peace that you can’t even understand. Your King Jesus will be turning your worry into joy.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, sometimes I think I worry because I can’t control the things in my life. But the real reason I worry is because I forget that you’re the one controlling them all in love for me. As I show your love to others and remember your love for me, as I bring you my fears and give you thanks for your kindness, bless me with peace, even when I don’t understand how it will all work out. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Right after Paul tells us to rejoice, what does he tell us to do?
- Why does Paul say we can always rejoice?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Describe something in your life that makes you feel anxious.
- If there’s something you’re worried about, what can you do?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Instead of worrying, Paul tells us to give thanks to God. How does giving thanks to God actually help stop us from worrying?
- What do you think it means that God’s peace “guards our minds”?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Isaiah 2:1-5
[The Lord] 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.
Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Isaiah 2:4,5
Our King can turn tanks into tractorsLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 28, 2022Devotion based on Isaiah 2:4,5
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We’ve all seen swords in movies and TV shows. Swords were weapons of war used to hurt or kill your enemy. We don’t see plowshares as often. Plowshares were a tool used on farms. They were wedges of metal that oxen would pull through a field to break up the dirt so the farmer could plant his crop. Plowshares were used in peace.
So do you understand Isaiah’s picture? God would bring so much peace that people would turn their swords into plowshares. They wouldn’t have use for weapons anymore, so things that were created to kill could instead be tools used to grow food. Today, it would be like saying that God would turn tanks into tractors or use machine guns to spray water out onto the fields to irrigate the crops. That’s all a way of saying that when the Savior came, he would stop our fighting and give us peace with each other.
That’s one of the things Jesus does as he takes away our sins. When we hear his Word and believe it, he leads us to apologize when we argue with or war against one another. He gives us the ability to forgive each other. That’s part of what it means to walk in the light of the Lord: we can be honest about the way we hurt each other, and we can remind each other that Jesus has died for those sins. We’ll never do that perfectly on this side of heaven, but every time we do, we beat our swords into plowshares and get a little bit more of the peace God describes. Husbands and wives can love each other; brothers and sisters can forgive each other. God can fix the broken relationship with your friend.
Can you picture that peace? Sometimes it seems impossible to think that a big problem can be healed! Maybe it seems as impossible as someone using a tank to plow their field or a machine gun to water it. But that’s what your King can do!
Closing Prayer:Dear King Jesus, you know the problems in my life. You know the people that I’m angry at or feel hurt by, and you know the things I’ve done that have hurt others. Use the light of your Word to help me be honest about those sins. And when we confess our sins to each other and tell each other of your forgiveness, bless us with real peace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What’s a plowshare?
- Isaiah describes God as a judge. Why do you think he’d be a good judge?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why is “war” a symbol of the pain and trouble that sin brings into the world?
- Isaiah describes God bringing peace like someone turning swords into farming equipment. Come up with your own picture of God turning something dangerous into something helpful.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Give an example of a time “walking in the light of the Lord” helped you find peace with someone you were angry at.
- Do you think this passage is promising a time where there will be world peace? Why or why not?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I am going to give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:8-10
How Do You Say “Thank You”?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 25, 2022Devotion based on Luke 19:8-10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“So, what do you say?” Millie had just received a piece of candy from the friendly man behind the counter. She was so surprised to receive the sweet treat that she forgot to thank the kind man at the store. Once she heard Mom’s reminder, she blurted out, “Thank you!”
Do you ever forget to say thank you? We all have. Sometimes we don’t pay attention. Sometimes we simply forget, but every day God gives us lots of reasons to say thank you. Thank you for smiling at me. Thank you for preparing a tasty meal. Thank you for helping me with my homework. Thank you for keeping me safe. Thank you for teaching me about math, when I struggle with it. Thank you for telling me about Jesus. Thank you for giving me a hug.
So how do you say, “Thank you”? Sometimes, just saying “Thank you” is enough. But other times, we say thank you with our actions. Maybe you write a thank you note. Maybe you give a gift. Maybe you help the person who helped you. Maybe you pay it forward. That means you show kindness because someone showed you kindness. In fact, Christians have paid it forward for centuries. Why? We’ve been shown the greatest kindness of all!
God’s Word today tells us about a man named Zacchaeus. He was known for being cruel rather than kind. He was a dishonest tax collector and made people’s lives miserable. Nobody liked him. Everyone avoided him, except… Jesus. As Jesus was traveling through his city, Zacchaeus had trouble seeing over the crowd, so he climbed a tree. There Jesus found him. Imagine that! Jesus—God himself and the Savior of all on his way to the cross for our sins—looked up and found Zacchaeus. Jesus cared deeply for that lost, sinful man. Zacchaeus wanted to say thank you for God’s undeserved love with actions. So he paid back everyone he cheated and gave more to help the poor.
Jesus loves you just as much as he loved Zacchaeus. He knows what’s going on in your life. Yes, he knows when you are cruel and dishonest, but he cares deeply about you. He came to save you. He sacrificed himself for you, so you could be his holy child forever. So how will you say thank you? With words? With action? How about with an entire life devoted to giving thanks to God for his gracious love to you? May God grant it!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, you are the Savior of sinners. Thank you for saving me too. Let my entire life be filled with thanksgiving for your amazing grace. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name three things you can thank Jesus for today.
- What caused Zacchaeus to thank Jesus?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Recall the last time you said thank you to someone. What made it easy or hard to do?
- Name two or three ways you can “pay forward” to others the love Jesus showed to you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- It’s easy to forget to say thank you to people and God. What Bible passage can help you remember to say thank you for all God’s gifts? (e.g.: Psalm 136:1)
- Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” How does knowing that fact about Jesus help you take action and share his love with others?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: James 1:16-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
Where Do Gifts Come From?LISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 23, 2022Devotion based on James 1:17
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re entering that time of year when one thought is on the minds of many people—gifts! The countdown until Christmas will begin almost before the leftovers find a place in the fridge. People will start looking for sales to get that special gift for that special someone in their life. Wish lists will go out to parents, grandparents, and other family and friends. Busy shoppers will fill stores and malls or go searching online.
There will soon be so much focus on gifts that we can forget about the giver of all those gifts. We can forget where every gift we receive comes from. Gifts come from family, friends, neighbors, classmates, even kind strangers, but who gives them the ability to give those gifts? Who gives them the desire to give those gifts? Who gives you all the gifts and blessings you need to live your life—not just those gifts beautifully wrapped for birthdays or Christmas?
In God’s Word, James tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Where do gifts come from? From God, our heavenly Father. He loves us deeply. He cares for each and every one of us more than we can possibly imagine. What’s behind every good act of giving from someone who cares about us? Our heavenly Father. What does every perfect gift that provides what we need prove? That our heavenly Father is behind it. Where does every blessing come from in our lives? It comes from our heavenly Father. That includes everything we need to live our lives—clothing, food, home, school, church, friends, family, and so much more.
In fact, our heavenly Father is the source of the greatest gift that we and all people have received—the gift of a Savior from sin and death. While we will hear much more about this at Christmas when we celebrate his birth, Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us. Jesus gives us forgiveness, peace, help, and hope. Jesus gives us strength for our lives now and life eternal with him in heaven. Isn’t that amazing?! It proves that God is behind every good and perfect gift. He is the source, the giver who knows what we need most and best all throughout our lives. Before we go searching for gifts to give or get, let’s give thanks to God for giving us his amazing grace!
Closing Prayer:Heavenly Father, you are the source of every good and perfect gift. Open our eyes to see your love for us behind the kindness of others and behind every perfect gift we receive. Guide us to give thanks to you every day for every gift we receive from your gracious hand. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Why do you get so excited about getting a gift?
- Name two gifts that God gives to you.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Explain this statement: Every good and perfect gift is from above.
- Name two ways that God can bless other people in your life through you.
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Compare and contrast our typical “me, my, mine” attitude about gifts with God’s attitude about gifts in today’s devotion.
- Explain how knowing that God is the source of every gift can actually make you more thankful for every gift you receive.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 12:35-40
“Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning. Be like people waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. Blessed are those servants, whom the master will find watching when he comes… You also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you are not expecting him.”
Luke 12:35-37a,40 (EHV)
Blessed Are Those Who Are ReadyLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 21, 2022Devotion based on Luke 12:35-37a,40 (EHV)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Are you ready yet? Grandma and Grandpa will be here any minute!” The house was a beehive of activity. Why? Grandma and Grandpa were coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. Kids hurried to clean their rooms. Toys needed to be picked up. Beds needed to be made. Teens and parents helped elsewhere around the house. A tasty turkey and a variety of yummy dishes and desserts were being prepared in the kitchen. A vacuum cleaner whirred away in the living room, while bathrooms were made sparkling clean.
Yet all this activity had to wrap up soon, because Grandma and Grandpa were going to arrive at any moment. “They’re pulling into the driveway!” In a matter of moments, the cleaning stopped. Grandma and Grandpa were standing at the door. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Why do we work so hard to get ready? We don’t always do that. Is your room clean right now? Did your family prepare a feast for last night’s dinner? Maybe. Maybe not, so why work so hard to get ready? We work hard to get ready because someone special is coming. We want our rooms to look nice, our homes to be welcoming, and our meals to be tasty. When we do, all that effort often makes our time with our special guest all the more special.
In his Word, Jesus encourages us to be ready. Ready for what? Jesus wants us to be ready for his return, when he will come back to judge the living and the dead. Jesus even promises that we will be blessed if we are ready for his return, but are we ready now?
When Jesus returned to heaven, he promised that he would come back soon. Two thousand years have passed. We don’t know when he’s coming back, but he could return today, tomorrow, or another 2,000 years from now. So how can we stay ready? Jesus provided a way for us in his holy Word. When we hear it, ready it, study it, and trust what God promises in that Word, we get our hearts and heads ready for his return. That Word tells us how Jesus kept every one of his promises for us, which means he will keep that promise to come back and bring us home to heaven. What a blessing! So with that Word, let’s get ready because Jesus will be here soon!
Closing Prayer:O Jesus Christ, do not delay, but come back to us quickly. Help us to wait patiently and be ever ready for your return. Come soon, Lord Jesus, and bring us home to heaven! Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name someone so special that it is hard to wait for their arrival.
- What makes it hard to wait for someone special to arrive?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What makes it hard to stay ready for Jesus to return?
- Why does Jesus want us to be ready?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Agree or Disagree: Getting ready for Jesus’s return is easy. Explain your answer.
- Identify two ways that God’s Word can help you get ready for the return of your Savior.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 21:5-19
Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.
Luke 21:17-19
It’s the End of the World… And I WinLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 18, 2022Devotion based on Luke 21:17-19
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What does it take to be a winner? When you play a video or board game, you try to make all the right moves so you can win. When you play a sport, you practice a lot because you want to win the game.
What does it take to win as a child of God?
In our reading from God’s Word, Jesus paints for us what seems like a “no-win” situation—a something that’s impossible to win. He describes a world like our world today—a world where there will be wars that ruin nations; people who teach lies instead of telling the truth; natural disasters and terrible sicknesses that take lives; and many other frightening things. Jesus promises that all of these things will happen in the years before he returns.
If things aren’t tough enough for followers of Jesus, Jesus then adds, “Everyone will hate you because of me.” As people drift away from Jesus, they will not want to hear what God says in his Word. They may even hate Christians for what we believe. Some people will be thrown in jail and put on trial just for following Jesus. Some may even lose their lives for him. That’s frightening. Does that makes you wonder if following Jesus is a “no-win” situation?
Listen to what Jesus promised: “Not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” After describing the ways we could lose as children of God, Jesus guarantees victory for us. As followers of Jesus, we will win because Jesus has already won the victory for us. Jesus has already defeated the sinful world. He has already crushed the power of the devil. He has already conquered death—and given us the victory.
We win! So stand firm until Jesus comes back. Hold on to him no matter how tough life gets. We do that by spending time with him in his Word. There he promises to be with us, protect us, love us, and give us his peace. He also promises to come back and give us the eternal victory of heaven.
So stand firm. Victory is already ours in Jesus!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, as time goes on, it gets harder to be a Christian. By faith, help us to stand firm and hold on to you until you return. Come quickly, Lord. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes it fun to win?
- What does Jesus want us to do until he comes back?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why can it seem like following Jesus is a “no-win” situation?
- What did Jesus mean when he said, “Not a hair of your head will perish”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How can knowing that Jesus has already won the victory help you when life seems tough?
- Identify two or three specific ways you can prepare to stand firm when it’s hard to be a Christian.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels… on the day he comes to be glorified among his saints and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10
It’s the End of the World… And I’m SafeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 16, 2022Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Jake ran as fast as his little legs could take him. Some kids had teased him and started chasing him. He knew where he had to go to be safe, where those kids wouldn’t tease him anymore. Jake ran to his dad. Jake’s dad was a big man, bigger than the big kids. Jake even thought he was bigger than all their dads too. So he ran until he found his dad, who scooped him up in his arms high above the other kids. “What’s wrong, Jake?” his father asked. “The big kids were teasing me.” “Don’t worry. You’re safe here with me.”
Where do you run when you feel scared? Every one of us, kids and adults, needs to feel safe. When we get scared, we run to a parent or teacher, to family or friends, or even to hug a family pet or a favorite stuffed animal. While we can get scared because of nightmares or darkness, storms or monsters, sometimes those who scare us most are other people. Maybe they tease us and they’re not trying to be funny. Maybe they’re unkind and hurtful. Maybe they bully us. Maybe they look down on us. Maybe they even make fun of us for following Jesus.
People can be scary, but God makes a promise to us in his Word. He is just. It means he will make all things right. God knows what’s going on in our lives and he promises to “give relief to you who are troubled.” How will God take away our fears and make us safe forever? “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”
Someday we will see Jesus come back to our world in glory, not as a humble baby like he did on the first Christmas, but with glorious power and with all his angels. It will be an amazing sight—Jesus in all his glory! He will come to rescue all of his believers from this scary world. Yet remember: This Jesus who once came to save you from sin and fear and is coming back in glory is the same Jesus who is with you now. There’s no need to be scared. Jesus protects you even now with his loving care and almighty power.
Don’t worry. You’re safe with Jesus now and always.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, where can we run when we’re afraid? Through your Word, remind us that we can run to you. Scoop us up into your almighty arms and keep us safe until you bring us home to heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What scares you most?
- Who helps you feel safe when you are scared?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Describe a time when you felt scared and someone helped you feel safe again.
- How does Jesus help you feel safe right now? How will Jesus make you safe on the Last Day?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How does time spent in God’s Word keep you safe until Jesus comes back?
- Identify a Bible passage that you can tell yourself to help when you feel afraid.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Malachi 4:1-6
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace…” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
Malachi 4:1-2
It’s the End of the World… And I’m DancingLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 14, 2022Devotion based on Malachi 4:1-2
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20221114fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What makes you dance? Fun music with a catchy beat? Of course! You can’t help but dance. Your team winning the big game? Probably. You have to celebrate. How about hearing good news that you’ve been waiting for a long time? Absolutely! Doing a happy dance makes sense in all those situations. But how about this one: the end of the world. Does that make you want to dance and celebrate?
When God’s Word describes the Last Day—that day when the world will come to an end, it’s not usually happy. In fact, the Last Day often sounds frightening. Judgment and fear and destruction, the end of all things as we know it. Just consider the prophet Malachi’s description, “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.” He describes the Last Day like a superheated furnace blazing with fire. That’s terrifying! There is no way that the end of world would cause us to dance and celebrate… or is there?
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” When calves are born during the cold winter, they must stay cooped up in their warm pens. They grow in size and strength, filling them with energy that needs to be let loose. When spring arrives and the barn gates finally open, they rush out, awkwardly bouncing around the barnyard. They’re so excited to be free in the warm sunshine. They can’t help but frolic and… dance.
So why would we dance on the Last Day? Malachi gives us a clue. “For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” Who is that “sun of righteousness”? Not the warm sunshine of spring, but the S-O-N of God, who will return on the Last Day to bring us home to heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, brings healing to our hurting souls—healing for our guilty consciences, healing for our broken hearts, healing for the sadness and hurt we experience every day, healing he earned for us on the cross. On that Last Day, Jesus will come back and bring us to be with him where there will be no more sadness—only joy, no more guilt—only healing, no more death—only life. So on that Last Day, let’s dance!
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, as we look forward to the Last Day, there is so much that could cause us fear. Keep us from becoming afraid as that day approaches. Instead, fill our hearts with hope for that day when you will bring healing for our souls and eternal joy in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What makes you start dancing?
- What will make you start dancing for joy when Jesus comes back?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why does the Last Day seem so frightening?
- How is Jesus like the sun that brings “healing in its rays”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Explain this statement: The Last Day will be the best day in a Christian’s life, even if they’ve died.
- How can you encourage your family or friends to look forward to the day when Jesus will come again?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Luke 6:20-23
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
Luke 6:23
Rejoice in Your DefeatLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 11, 2022Devotion based on Luke 6:23
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever been a team captain and gotten to choose your teammates? Whom did you pick? If you were picking a basketball team, did you want the slowest players? Did you want the worst shooters? Did you choose the people who will help you lose the game? Or what about on a review day in school? Which side did you want to be on? Did you want to be teamed up with your classmates who never pay attention? Or with the ones who are really quiet and never answer questions? Did you want to be on the side that never wins?
Probably not. You want to be with the best. You choose the people who are going to help you win. You want to win. Even if you yourself are not the best player on the team or the smartest person in your class, you want to be on the side that wins.
In our Bible lesson today, Jesus tells us that the life of a Christian may sometimes feel like being on the losing side. Jesus upset people with his teaching. Many responded with hate, angry looks, and cutting comments. Followers of Jesus can expect to be treated the same way. It can be embarrassing. It can be painful. It can be sad. It can be really hard.
In those times when being a Christian feels like being on the losing team, Jesus says to rejoice. Rejoice in your defeat. How can Jesus say that? How can you believe it? Remember, being a Christian means that you know you are a sinner. You cannot do anything to earn heaven. Heaven is a gift that God has given you. Because Jesus gave up everything for us, we gain everything.
So when you suffer because of him, it puts the focus where it belongs: on Jesus. He takes all of the embarrassment, all of the pain, and all of the sadness that you and I feel and brings it to the cross. And at the cross, Jesus earned for you a life without pain or embarrassment or sadness. Rejoice in your defeat. It puts the focus where it belongs: on his victory for you.
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, keep my eyes fixed always on your victory for me on the cross and at the empty tomb. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Name one thing that you are really good at.
- God’s Word tells us no matter how good we are, we can’t ever be perfect. Who makes us perfect? How?
.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Have you ever felt embarrassed because of being a Christian? How does today’s devotion help explain why it happened?
- Through faith, you actually are on the “winning team” with Jesus. How can you invite others to join the “Jesus Team”?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How do you deal with situations where others hate, exclude, and/or insult you because of your faith?
- Agree or Disagree: God wants us to be happy during our lives on earth.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Hebrews 11:32-40
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39,40
Worth the WaitLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 9, 2022Devotion based on Hebrews 11:39,40
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20221109fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thomas was so excited. His parents promised him that after school they would take him to his favorite place to eat. His favorite restaurant has chicken tenders, French fries, chips, ice cream, and all the soda he can drink. At school that day, Thomas stayed busy so that the day would go faster. He played hard at recess. He finished all his homework. He ate his whole lunch. Even after school, Thomas didn’t pester his parents. He knew that would only make things take longer. He just waited patiently for his dad to come home, change into different clothes, and get ready to drive across town. Finally, it was time! Thomas’ family got in the car and drove to the restaurant. It was all worth it as Thomas ate all of his favorite foods!
Sometimes waiting for good things can seem to take forever. As Christians, we are waiting for the best thing. Life in heaven is what waits for us. By faith, we look ahead to this promise of perfection.
While we wait, we listen to God, and we focus on what is in front of us. God has given us things to do. He tells us to help our neighbors. He commands us to honor our parents and those in authority. He wants us to encourage our fellow Christians with his promise of eternal life. Even when bad things happen, we are not distracted from what God has told us to do.
In our Bible reading today, you get to read about some of the worst things that have ever happened to people who trust in God. But none of these believers let the bad things distract them from what they believed. They were waiting for something better. They were waiting for a perfect life with God.
So are we. God has promised that no matter what bad things happen to us in this life, we are waiting for something that makes it all worth it. We will be made perfect with these other believers to celebrate in heaven with Jesus. How awesome does that sound? It is worth the wait!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, while I wait for you, keep my eyes of faith always focused on the eternal reward you have promised. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Do you like to wait? Why or why not?
- Waiting to be with Jesus in heaven can be hard. Think of one thing we can do that might help us while we wait.
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Describe a time something bad happened to you. What does God promise about bad things when we get to heaven?
- What is the most important focus we can have in our life while we wait for the gift of eternity in heaven?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Look up Hebrews chapter 11:32-40 (today’s reading). Choose one of the heroes of faith and look up more about that person in the Bible. How did this hero demonstrate waiting in faith? What did their waiting lead to, just as ours will?
- Agree or Disagree: Experiencing hardships in life helps strengthen our faith. Explain your answer.
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: Revelation 21:1-6
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:4,5
The King Reigns SupremeLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 7, 2022Devotion based on Revelation 21:4,5
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20221107fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
When did you last get hurt? How bad was it? When was the last time you cried? How long did it take you to stop? Notice the question was not, “Have you ever been hurt?” That would be too easy because all of us have been hurt before. It could be physical pain or emotional pain. It could be guilt or sadness. There’s no end of bad things in this world. Every day we are surrounded by someone that makes you cry or something that causes pain or loss. Some days it is more obvious than others.
In our Bible reading today, God shows us a new picture. It is a picture of eternal life. But look carefully; it looks so different from the world we know, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have any of those bad things we just talked about. Eternal life with God isn’t just the absence of bad stuff. It’s also the presence of everything good. Like Jesus! Jesus is there on his throne. Picture him as your conquering king. He defeated our greatest enemies of sin and death. They are what cause us so many tears and pain. When we enter eternal life with Jesus, we will see with our eyes what we only know now by faith.
Yes, we still live in an old, tired world damaged by sin. Sometimes, it can look like Jesus really isn’t in control. That’s why God gives us something wonderful to believe and dream about like today’s Word of God. What we see and know by faith is far greater and better than anything we see now.
When you experience pain or sadness, trust that your King reigns supreme. His words are faithful and true. You have them written for you in the Bible, recorded for you that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. This life is completely new. It is completely perfect. One day we will see it. For now, we see it with eyes of faith: Our King reigns supreme.
Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, continue to rule over all things for my good in order to bring me to the new life you have promised in eternity. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Draw a picture or describe what you think heaven will look like.
- Discuss: Who will we get to see there?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- List at three bad things caused by sin in our world. Why won’t we need to worry about them in heaven?
- What is the job of an earthly king? What does Jesus do for us as our heavenly king?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Respond: “I can’t believe in a God who lets horrible things like natural disasters, sickness, and wars happen. Why would he allow these if he really loved us?”
- When we make promises, sometimes we can’t keep them. How do you know that God will keep his promise for eternal life in heaven?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
Read: John 8:31-36
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
John 8:34,35
God Calls You His ChildLISTEN HEREFamily Devotion – November 4, 2022Devotion based on John 8:34,35
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20221104fam.mp3
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A preschool student asked his teacher, “What is slavery?” “It is when you are considered someone’s property and are forced to work, but do not get paid,” the teacher said. “That doesn’t sound like fun,” the preschooler replied.
One day, that preschooler will grow up and learn more about the history of slavery in our country and around the world. He will learn that slavery is way worse than “not fun.” Slavery has led to some of the most horrible things that have ever been done to human beings. When that preschooler learns more about slavery, he will no doubt say what many of us believe: slavery is evil.
In our Bible reading, Jesus connects sin to slavery. If you sin, you are a slave to sin. If you try to obey God’s law to earn heaven, you will only see the many times you fail. God’s law shows us our sin. You can try your best and follow as many of the laws as you can. But because you are sinful, you will not receive any payment or reward. No, the law shows us that by ourselves we are slaves to sin. It shows us the evil that lives in our hearts and lives. Jesus is clear: living in sin is terrifying and leads only to death.
But Jesus is also clear about something else. He has made us children of God. He has bought us out of slavery to sin to make us free children. This is the gospel message that shows Jesus as our Savior. No longer do you have to follow the law as a slave, with no hope of reward. You are a child of God. You get to live in his household forever.
And what do children of God do? They follow Jesus. They listen to his teachings. They follow his commands. And most of all, they trust his freeing work. They live in the comfort and confidence of knowing that Jesus loves them more than anyone else. You are free indeed!
Closing Prayer:Dear Jesus, thank you for freeing me to live confidently as a child of God each day. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- List the people in your family. How does it make you feel to know that God wants you in his family but not as a slave?
- Jesus tells us to hold to his teachings. Where do we hear Jesus’ teachings?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Agree or Disagree: Now that Jesus has set us free from sin, we won’t ever sin again.
- “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples.” As a child of God, are you also a disciple? What do disciples of Jesus do?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why is slavery an appropriate comparison to our spiritual condition apart from God’s grace?
- Why do we need to hear both law and gospel? What would happen if we only heard the law? The gospel?
Download and print devotionFamily Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.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.
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