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What About Jesus? Devotions
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Content provided by WELS. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by WELS or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Discover God’s great truths for your life and your future!
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19 episodes
Mark all (un)played …
Manage series 1169587
Content provided by WELS. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by WELS or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Discover God’s great truths for your life and your future!
…
continue reading
19 episodes
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What About Jesus? Devotions
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Blessed is the one who trusts in the L ORD , whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 Confidence Daily Devotion – February 22, 2025 Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250222dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have such great confidence that concerns in life didn’t bother you? You didn’t let worries upset you. Nothing makes you afraid. Maybe you consider yourself to be a “confident” person, but even the most confident person can have questions like: “Is there a God? What is he like?” “What if I have to face him someday?” “Is there a heaven? How can I be sure I will get there?” Wondering about these things makes it difficult to be confident. It becomes worse when our consciences remind us that we are not “right” with God, and we fall under his judgment for our sins. Surely that doesn’t make us feel very confident! But God has told us the answers to the big questions of life. He makes them known to us in the Bible. He points out the truth that we are sinners who do not deserve to be in heaven with him. But he has rescued us from this death sentence by sending his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty of sin for us. Jesus rose from the dead to give us absolute confidence that by faith in him, we will live with God forever. So now, what are the answers to life that we can be confident of? God does exist. And he loved us so much to send a Savior to die for our sins. We know a place in heaven is ours because of Jesus. The Bible says, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the L ORD , whose confidence is in him.” Another Bible verse speaks about heaven, telling us, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the L ORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Gloriously, our Savior lives to assure us that we live forever. We can be confident of this because it is the truth from God. Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen me in my confidence that because of your death and resurrection I have been rescued from death and will live with you forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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1 Everything Happens for a Reason – February 21, 2025 3:16
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That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Eerything Happens for a Reason Daily Devotion – February 21, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:10 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250221dev.mp3 See series: Devotions How can something bad be good? Maybe you or a family member was recently diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps you lost your home in a recent hurricane or tornado. Or maybe your spouse was just laid off from work, and there is a lot less income to support the family. How can any of those things be good things? This is perhaps where you might hear a friend sigh and say with resignation, “Everything happens for a reason.” This phrase is thrown around a lot, but it perhaps can be confusing to those who hear it. Naturally, the question is: “Well, what’s the reason?” Rather than searching in vain to find a reason for what happened, perhaps it is better to focus on what God has done. God does have a habit of bringing good from bad. Do you need proof? Look no further than the cross. There, hanging from spikes driven through hands and feet is a man beaten and bloodied. He has been whipped, abused, and ridiculed. He has been falsely accused and executed for crimes he did not commit. That is the epitome of a bad situation. And yet God brought so much good from it. He brought forgiveness and salvation to a world of sinners, including you. He brought eternal life to all who believe. He brought peace and joy. He brought new life to those who were lost. And he continues to bring us his loving care daily. Whatever you are dealing with, look for God to use his strength and to bring good from it. Maybe that good will be a stronger faith for you or others. Maybe it will be a reconciled relationship. It could even be someone else coming to faith in Jesus. Whatever is making you feel weak is the perfect thing to make you strong in Jesus. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for bringing me so much good through Jesus. Enable me to delight in whatever comes my way today, knowing that you will give me strength. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Weakness Daily Devotion – February 20, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:10 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250220dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Weakness in our world is not appreciated. In fact, weakness is often squashed wherever it is found. As a society, we seek to eliminate weakness. As a result, high school athletes are cut from the team. People of faith are ridiculed for their supposed lack of intelligence. Individuals with mental health issues are shunned. Students who seem defenseless are bullied by classmates. We see individuals suffering, and while we pity them, we are secretly thankful that we are not in their shoes. For these and so many other reasons, we try to hide our weaknesses and troubles. So how is it then that the apostle Paul (or you and I) could delight in our own weaknesses? It is all a matter of how you look at it. Paul viewed his weaknesses and shortcomings as opportunities to highlight the power of Christ in his life. He also understood that challenges and trials were moments when he could tap into Christ’s power, knowing that Christ’s strength was far better than his own. Jesus’ strength went to work for us long ago. Before he came into this world, Jesus saw us in our sinful human weakness. He knew that we did not match up to him. We were not on his level. But rather than ridicule, eliminate, or bully us, he was resolved to help us. Rather than feel sorry for us and pity us from afar, God used his power to save us. He sent Jesus into this sinful world to take up our sins. To live a perfect life for us and to die an innocent death in our place. Jesus then demonstrated his power and strength by rising from the dead. Jesus now seeks to use his power in us. And what better way to display that amazing power, than to rely on his strength instead of our own? Rather than hide your weaknesses, rely on Christ, and his power will shine out in your life. Prayer: Dear Jesus, lead me to trust in you and rely on your strength today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Give All the Glory to God Daily Devotion – February 19, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:9 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250219dev.mp3 See series: Devotions If you watch enough sports, you are undoubtedly familiar with postgame interviews and press conferences where members of the media ask athletes to reflect on their performances. A surprising number of current athletes often start their remarks by saying something like: “First off, I want to give all glory to God. He blessed me with these abilities, and I am thankful for the opportunity to use them.” Several football players this past season spent quite a bit of airtime talking about how God has enabled them to do such amazing things on the field. Comments like those are a good reminder for the rest of us to acknowledge God as the giver of all good things. If you were one of those athletes, would you be so quick to give the glory to God? It is tempting for us to take credit for anything positive. It can be easy to puff out our chests, raise our heads, and smile as people pile on the compliments. People noticing our accomplishments is a big boost to our egos and tempts us to boast about ourselves. The apostle Paul invites us to view boasting from a different perspective. We don’t usually see weakness as something to boast about. Truthfully, our weaknesses are the things we try to hide. But today’s Bible verse encourages us to view our weaknesses as opportunities to look away from ourselves and shine the light on God—the one who has given us everything. While the Lord has blessed us with abilities, he has done even more for us than that. He sent Jesus into this world to live and die for us. And rather than boast about his own life of perfection and his eternal power, Jesus went to the cross to die for you and me and to pay for all our sins. Through faith in Jesus, you and I have eternal life. This same Jesus will use his power to work through our weaknesses. Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are my strength when I am weak. Help your strength to shine in me today. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 Go to God in Prayer Daily Devotion – February 18, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250218dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Does it ever seem like God isn’t listening to your prayers? Like he is ignoring you? You thought you might try this prayer thing your neighbor keeps talking about, but nothing seems to be happening. That can be frustrating. God asks us to go to him with our troubles, and we ask him to take one of those troubles away, but nothing seems to happen. Why? It seems that you could be a more effective employee for the company if God would just take away that chronic pain that so often interrupts your work. It goes without saying that you could be a more loving parent and spouse if God would take away the mental health issues you are dealing with. We don’t understand when God doesn’t take these things away from us. Have you considered looking at it from a different perspective? Maybe the thing you have been asking God to take away is actually serving as a tremendous blessing in your life. Perhaps that pain or ailment can point you toward God and encourage you to put all your trust in him. It might be that God is using this trial in your life to give you an opportunity to rely on him even more. Jesus had such an opportunity on the night before he died. He knew the events of the next day would bring him severe pain and suffering. He prayed that if it was God’s will, the cup of suffering might be removed from him. God heard his prayers and said, “No.” It was God’s will to make Jesus suffer so that we would never have to suffer as payment for our sins. Jesus humbly accepted God’s will and relied on his Father to provide the strength to endure what he had to go through. And thank God he did! Because Jesus endured through his hardship, you and I are saved now and forever. Prayer: Dear Jesus, you endured suffering so I could be free. Help me rely on you today as I face my own struggles. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 2 Corinthians 12:7 The Thorns of Life Daily Devotion – February 17, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:7 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250217dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Thorns come in all varieties. We all have them. Thorns can be health-related: things like anxiety or physical handicap. Maybe it is a problem at work that we can’t seem to solve. It could be an acquaintance who relentlessly and mercilessly mocks us for our faith. Perhaps it is guilt from a past sin. Whatever the form they take, thorns are a problem. They are unwanted and unwelcome in our lives. And they often come seemingly out of nowhere. It is so easy in this life to cruise along feeling safe and secure in who we are. But then thorns come along, and we are tempted to be offended or to get angry. We get upset that God would allow something bad to happen when life was going so well. We get angry that our plans are now interrupted by this unwelcome issue. We despair and wonder, “Why me?” The apostle Paul took a different approach to thorns. He viewed his thorn as a good thing. In humility rather than pride, he realized he wasn’t perfect and should expect trouble like everyone else. He didn’t presume to be better than others and instead admitted that he couldn’t do this on his own. He needed help. So do we. Thankfully, we have help. His name is Jesus, and he knew all about what it was to have a thorn in his side. In fact, we were that thorn. Our sin, rebellion, and unbelief plagued him and weighed him down. The burden of our sin was certainly something he didn’t deserve and did not have to carry. But rather than complain, despair, or feel sorry for himself, Jesus humbly took up the cross and died for us. He has set us free from sin and given us the gift of eternal life in heaven. This same Jesus will give you strength to endure the thorns of this life. Prayer: Dear Jesus, my sin was a thorn in your side. Thank you for setting me free. Give me strength to bear with the thorns in my own life. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. . . . But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:5,7 Trust in the Lord Daily Devotion – February 16, 2025 Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:5,7 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250216dev.mp3 See series: Devotions In the modern world that we live in, influenced by so much wisdom, supported by sophisticated technology, and pampered by a great amount of materialism, people can be deceived into thinking that they can live without God and his help. However, those who put their trust in human power and turn away from God deprive themselves of the rich blessings that he intends for people to have. Without God, there is confusion about the true purpose and ultimate direction for life. In the end, having separated themselves from God, finally, God eternally separates himself from them. Cursed indeed! However, for those people who place their confidence in the Lord, there are wonderful blessings. “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” God is speaking to everyday people who operate businesses and anxiously watch the bottom line, who go to work faithfully and collect their paychecks, who attend school regularly and try to make the grade. There isn’t a lot of difference outwardly between those who are blessed and those who are cursed. The real difference is in the heart. The cursed trust mainly in their business acumen to succeed; the blessed recognize that it is the Lord who blesses with profits. The cursed trust their paychecks to provide; the blessed give thanks to God for his provision. The cursed endeavor with their wisdom to succeed in school and a competitive world; the blessed praise God for the gifts they have and use them to the best of their ability for the glory of God and the good of others. It is often said, “You can do anything if you try hard enough.” The truth is that the ability to accomplish things is not ultimately dependent on human strength. To put our trust in the Lord opens our eyes to his countless blessings. Prayer: Lord, help me surrender myself to you, completely trusting that you will fulfill your promise of blessing me according to your gracious will. I thank and praise you for the greatest blessing of all—your Son, Jesus, my Savior! Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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“Holy, holy, holy is the L ORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. . . 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 6:3,7,8 One With the Holy One Daily Devotion – February 15, 2025 Devotion based on Isaiah 6:3,7,8 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250215dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Relationships are rewarding. No relationship is more meaningful and important than the one we have with the Lord. Our present and eternal life depends on that relationship. Yet how can we be certain that such a relationship exists? And if it exists, how can we be sure it will endure? We can’t help but recognize the vast gulf between our nature and his. He is absolute perfection, while our life reveals countless imperfections. Before him, the heavenly angels shield their faces and feet with their wings. They cry out in reverent awe, “Holy, holy, holy.” The holy Lord demands and deserves such holiness from us. Yet the Lord of matchless majesty is also the Lord of matchless mercy. He bridges the divide between his holiness and our sinfulness. The bridge he provides is Jesus. He takes our sins and bears them all upon the cross. Our guilt is completely taken away, and in its place, he freely gives us his grace. Before the holy God, we are holy, for Jesus’ holiness is ours. In the freedom of God’s forgiveness, Isaiah confidently received God’s invitation to be his prophet. He boldly answered God’s call, “Here am I. Send me!” The Lord still sends out messengers to fearlessly confess his saving name with faith-driven courage. Our holy and gracious God draws even more people into a relationship with him as his saving word is proclaimed. Prayer: O heavenly Father, you are truly loving and holy. Through your holy Son you have provided healing and forgiveness to an unholy world. Send the Holy Spirit to create faith in me through your Holy Word. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” . . . Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:14,15,17 The Word Works Daily Devotion – February 14, 2025 Devotion based on Romans 10:14,15,17 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250214dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Jesus once told a story about a farmer. He walks into his field with his seed bag. He reaches into his bag of seed and starts to scatter it. The seed falls onto all kinds of different soil and surfaces. But the farmer just keeps throwing his seed. The farmer doesn’t do anything to manipulate the seed or the soil. He scatters the seed as he walks. When the seed falls on good soil and grows, it’s not because of the farmer but God who makes it grow and become fruitful. Have you ever felt inadequate when it comes to telling people about Jesus? Not eloquent enough, not knowledgeable enough, not brave enough? God reminds us that we are not the ones who make the seeds grow. It is not our charisma or persuasiveness that creates faith. That’s God’s work. And God tells us that he works through people hearing the gospel message. With a series of four questions, the apostle Paul explains the whole rationale of why it is so important to share the gospel. People cannot be saved unless they call on Jesus’ name as their Savior. They can’t believe in Jesus unless they have heard of him. And they can’t hear about Jesus unless someone tells them about Jesus. Faith in Jesus is created through hearing the gospel of Jesus, the good news of sins forgiven. Ears are opened through preaching and sharing the gospel. Hearts are made alive by the Holy Spirit, creating faith through the Word. People must hear that Word. Like the farmer, we scatter the message of Jesus, and we trust God to work through it. Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me boldness in sharing your Word, trusting that it is your power that makes the seed of faith grow. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12,13 Saved the Same Way Daily Devotion – February 13, 2025 Devotion based on Romans 10:12,13 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250213dev.mp3 See series: Devotions “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” Those words must have shocked the original recipients of this letter from the apostle Paul. How could Paul say that? From the time God called Abraham over 2,000 years ago, there were differences between Jews and the rest of the world. The Jews were God’s chosen people, specifically separated from other nations. They had a book of laws and regulations to prove it. Those laws and regulations did separate the Jews from the Gentiles, but the Jews had lost sight of the purpose of those laws. They pointed forward to the coming of a promised Savior, who would rescue people from their sins. Instead, many of the Jews had turned the law into their savior. If they kept these laws, they thought, they would be right in God’s eyes. But that is an impossible task. No one can be perfect. That is why there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. We all fall short of God’s glory and perfection. God’s law tells us how desperately we all need a Savior. And there is no difference in how we are saved. Paul quotes an Old Testament prophet tying together Jews and Gentiles who are saved the same way: by calling on the name of the Lord. Looking to Jesus as our Lord and Savior is what saves us. It does not matter what tribe, race, ethnicity, or age. The same Lord is Lord of all. Sadly, there are some people today who think they are saved because their name is listed in a church membership book, or their family name has been in that book for generations. But just as the Jews were not saved by their lineage or name, neither is anyone saved today because of their last name. Instead, we are saved by the name confessed on our lips and believed in our hearts—the name: Jesus. Prayer: Jesus, you are my Lord and my Savior. Help me always confess your name and believe in your name. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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“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 L ORD Almighty.” Then one of the seraphim 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 6:5-8 Here Am I. Send Me! Daily Devotion – February 12, 2025 Devotion based on Isaiah 6:5-8 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250212dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Isaiah was given an incredible glimpse into the throne room of God. He saw God surrounded by angels—perfect beings created to serve God. These angels had the power and purity to carry out God’s commands flawlessly. Wouldn’t it make sense for God to use these holy creatures to carry his message of forgiveness? Contrast them with Isaiah. His guilt and sin were magnified in the presence of the Almighty God. He knew that because of his sin, he deserved to die. Why would God choose someone like Isaiah instead of one of his perfect angels? God delights in using weak, ordinary people to carry out his extraordinary plans. By doing so, he reveals his power and grace, showing it is his work, not ours, that brings about his purposes. Like Isaiah, we may feel unworthy or unqualified to be God’s messengers. We know our sins, our weaknesses, and our failures. It’s tempting to think, “Wouldn’t an angel do a better job?” But God, in his wisdom, has chosen us. God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called. Isaiah’s cleansing is a powerful reminder of what God does for each of us. The burning coal that touched Isaiah’s lips symbolizes the forgiveness and purification we receive through Jesus. Just as Isaiah was cleansed and made ready to serve, we, too, are forgiven, restored, and equipped to be God’s messengers. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for cleansing me of my sin. Help me show my thanks by sharing what you have done for me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:4,5 Because You Say So Daily Devotion – February 11, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 5:4,5 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250211dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Imagine a plumber telling an airline pilot how to do his job. Or a stockbroker giving advice to a road worker. That advice is not likely to be received well. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar when someone completely unqualified tried to tell you how to do your job. “Who are you to tell me what to do?” Jesus, the carpenter, told Simon Peter, the fisherman, how to do his job. It had been a long and frustrating night for Peter. Every time he cast his net into the water, he had come up empty. He let Jesus use his boat as he cleaned his nets and dreamed of a hot meal and a fresh bed. But then Jesus told Peter to go back out (after just cleaning his nets) and cast in the deep water. Deep water? During the day? This sounds like the advice of a carpenter and not a fisherman. It must have seemed impractical, maybe even crazy, for Peter to listen to this command from Jesus. Peter replied, “Because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Even when it didn’t make sense or went against everything he knew, Peter trusted Jesus enough to obey. And the result? A miraculous catch of fish that nearly sank his boat. This story isn’t just about Peter’s obedience; it’s about Jesus’ authority and power. When Jesus speaks, he knows exactly what he’s doing, even if it seems impractical or impossible to us. His words are not limited by our knowledge, experience, or understanding. Christians are often called to listen to Jesus in ways that may seem counterintuitive—like forgiving someone who has hurt us deeply, trusting God with an uncertain future, or sharing the gospel when we feel unqualified. These things can feel just as impractical as fishing in deep water during the day. But Jesus doesn’t call us to rely on our own understanding. He calls us to trust him. Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to always trust in your commands, even when they seem impossible to me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:8-11 Pardoned and Purposed Daily Devotion – February 10, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 5:8-11 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250210dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Jesus called Peter to tell people about the forgiveness and eternal life he had come to win for them. It was an unlikely choice at best. Peter was not a biblical scholar. He didn’t have a prestigious job or a position of honor and influence. He was a fisherman. More than that, he was a sinner, which should have disqualified him from service to a perfect God. Like Peter, Christians know their sins and failures, yet Jesus speaks the same comforting words: “Don’t be afraid.” He assures his followers that his sacrifice covers their sins and restores their relationship with God. This personal experience of forgiveness is what makes Christians uniquely qualified to share the good news about Jesus. Peter experienced Jesus’ forgiveness repeatedly. As he shared the good news of that forgiveness with others, he could draw on that experience. Years ago, I was contemplating LASIK eye surgery. I was reassured when my ophthalmologist told me she had undergone the same procedure. Knowing that she understood my concerns and had trusted the process herself gave me confidence to move forward. In the same way, Christians can share the gospel because they have experienced Jesus’ forgiveness firsthand. If you feel unqualified to share the gospel, remember that you don’t share the good news because of your credentials but because of Christ’s work in your life. You’ve received his mercy and grace, and that personal connection allows you to speak with authenticity and compassion. Prayer: Dear Jesus, because of your perfect life and sacrifice, I no longer need to be afraid. Make me a bold witness of the forgiveness you have won for me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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What About Jesus? Devotions
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1 The Story of Your Salvation – February 9, 2025 3:17
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How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14,15 The Story of Your Salvation Daily Devotion – February 9, 2025 Devotion based on Romans 10:14,15 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250209dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Novel writers will tell you there is no secret recipe for producing a best-selling page-turner. However, many successful authors start with the ending and work backward. They have a goal in mind—it may be a happy ending or a shocking surprise, and the rest of the story builds toward that last chapter. As a believer in Christ, you already know how your life’s story will end. You will joyfully spend eternity in the glorious presence of God, who loves you. But how do you come to such a happy ending? In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul “reverse engineers” your story. You will be saved from the punishment you deserve through your faith in the Son of God, Jesus, who died in your place. You were led to call out to God for mercy, and he answered you for the sake of Jesus. But how did you know to call on him? How did you learn that he was such a merciful God and offered full and free forgiveness? Someone—a family member, a friend, or a pastor perhaps, shared with you the good news of what Jesus accomplished by his death on the cross. But that person who told you had to have been told by someone else. And so on. Your life’s story begins and ends with the love of God in Christ Jesus. He has arranged everything to happen in your life for the purpose of your salvation. The events that lead to your eternal life in heaven began long before you were born. Always remember, in prayer, those that God has used to bring you to know him and consider how God may be using you in someone else’s life story. As you share what you know about Jesus with others, you become a vital character in the story of how that person also arrives at their happy ending. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for sending gospel messengers into my life. Let me know the joy of revealing to others the not-so-secret ending of the story of your love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. 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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