Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – June 4, 2025

“The Folly of Nostalgia” – Ecclesiastes 7:10–12 (ESV)

Do you ever find yourself saying, “Things were better in the old days”? In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla explores Solomon’s warning against nostalgia in Ecclesiastes 7:10–12. Looking back with longing often blinds us to God’s present grace and faithfulness. True wisdom does not dwell in the past—it walks with Christ today.

Solomon reminds us that while both wisdom and wealth offer protection, only wisdom preserves life because it is rooted in God. Christian wisdom looks forward in hope and lives anchored in the unchanging promises of Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Join Pastor Balla as he contrasts nostalgia with biblical faith and shows how wisdom in Christ equips us to live each day with confidence, contentment, and joy in the Lord.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – June 3, 2025

“The Value of a Good Name” – Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 (ESV)

In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on the surprising wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7:1–4: mourning teaches the heart more than mirth ever could. Solomon declares that sorrow, not laughter, leads to wisdom—and that a good name, shaped by faith and humility, is more precious than wealth or outward beauty.

Through the lens of Christ, we understand this truth more fully. In Him, the day of death is not a loss but a gain—a peaceful homecoming for the believer. Mourning becomes a sacred space where hearts are refined and drawn closer to eternal realities.

Join Pastor Balla as he explores how godly sorrow, the name we bear in baptism, and the hope of resurrection bring meaning to life and death alike.

#DailyDevotion #Ecclesiastes7 #PastorBalla #GoodName #ChristianCharacter #HouseOfMourning #GospelWisdom #BaptismalIdentity #JesusOurHope #FaithThroughSorrow #LutheranDevotion

Welcome to Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for July 3, 2025. Today’s devotion from Ecclesiastes 12:14, titled “The Final Judgment,” explores Solomon’s concluding words that every deed, secret or public, will be brought before God’s perfect judgment. For the unbelieving, this is a fearful reality; but for the Christian, it drives us to Christ, who bore our judgment on the cross and clothes us in His righteousness. Rooted in Lutheran, Christ-centered teaching, this devotion reminds you to live with eternity in view, trusting the grace of Jesus while walking in holy awe. Whether you are seeking encouragement, biblical clarity, or hope for the future, this devotion will strengthen your confidence in God’s justice and mercy.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – June 2, 2025

“Human Limitations” – Ecclesiastes 6:10–12 (ESV)

In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on the sobering truth of Ecclesiastes 6:10–12: we are not in control. Solomon reminds us that God has already “named” all that exists—He defines our limits, our days, and our destiny. Human striving, words, and plans cannot contend with the Almighty.

Yet in this truth is great comfort. Though we are finite, God is infinite—and He has called us by name in Christ. The Good Shepherd knows what is truly good for His sheep and leads them through life’s shadows into His marvelous light.

Join Pastor Balla as he shares the hope found in resting not in ourselves, but in Christ who holds tomorrow.

#DailyDevotion #Ecclesiastes6 #PastorBalla #HumanLimitations #TrustInGod #LutheranDevotion #JesusOurHope #SovereigntyOfGod #GoodShepherd #ShadowOfLife #ChristOurStrength

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – June 1, 2025

“The Unsatisfied Soul” – Ecclesiastes 6:7–9 (ESV)

Today, Pastor Balla explores Solomon’s piercing insight into the human condition: all our toil is for survival, yet our appetites are never truly satisfied. Whether wise or foolish, rich or poor, the soul remains restless apart from God.

Ecclesiastes 6:7–9 reveals the futility of life “under the sun” and the spiritual hunger that no earthly gain can fill. Drawing on John 6 and Matthew 11, Pastor Balla proclaims the answer to this longing—Christ, the Bread of Life, who alone satisfies the soul and grants rest.

Join us in this devotion to discover the peace that comes not through striving, but through faith in the Giver of all good things.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 31, 2025

“The Emptiness of Wealth Without Joy” – Ecclesiastes 6:1–2 (ESV)

In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on the deep sorrow Solomon describes: the man who has everything—wealth, possessions, honor—yet lacks the power to enjoy it. Ecclesiastes 6:1–2 reveals the emptiness of abundance without God-given joy.

This is more than financial commentary; it’s a spiritual warning. Joy does not come from possessions, but from the Giver. Without contentment rooted in Christ, even the richest life is hollow. Drawing from Luke 12 and John 10, Pastor Balla shows how true abundance is found not in what we store up, but in the life Jesus gives—full of grace, peace, and purpose.

Listen and be reminded that the treasure no one can take is the joy of belonging to Christ.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 30, 2025

“Contentment as God’s Gift” – Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 (ESV)

Today, Pastor Balla shares Solomon’s wisdom on contentment—a rare and holy gift in a restless world. In Ecclesiastes 5:18–20, we are reminded that joy in daily work, food, and life’s simple pleasures is not vanity, but grace. True contentment comes not from riches, but from receiving all things as from the hand of God.

This devotion invites you to pause and reflect: Do you see your life as a gift? Are you striving endlessly, or resting in the Giver? Solomon teaches that the heart filled with God’s joy forgets life’s burdens, not from denial, but from delight in His provision.

Join Pastor Balla to rediscover peace, gratitude, and the sacredness of the ordinary in Christ.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 29, 2025

“The Tragedy of Hoarding” – Ecclesiastes 5:13–17 (ESV)

In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on the “grievous evil” of hoarding wealth. Solomon reveals how clinging to riches can bring not security, but ruin. Hoarded wealth may vanish through misfortune, leaving the hoarder empty-handed and alone. “Just as he came, so shall he go”—a sobering truth for all who put trust in earthly treasure.

This devotion invites us to consider the spiritual danger of placing hope in possessions rather than in God. The one who toils for the wind finds only vexation; the one who trusts in Christ gains eternal riches.

Join Pastor Balla for a biblical meditation on the fleeting nature of wealth and the enduring value of God’s grace in Christ.

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Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 28, 2025

“Wealth’s Insatiable Appetite” – Ecclesiastes 5:10–12 (ESV)

In today’s devotion, Pastor Balla explores Solomon’s wisdom on the futility of wealth as a source of satisfaction. “He who loves money will not be satisfied”—a timeless warning against the false promises of riches. Wealth may increase, but so do its burdens. True rest and peace are not found in possessions, but in contentment, honest labor, and faith in Christ.

Solomon contrasts the restless rich with the peaceful laborer, whose sleep is sweet despite limited means. This devotion reminds us that satisfaction is not found in having more, but in trusting the One who provides all things.

Join Pastor Balla for a biblical reflection on wealth, contentment, and the peace that comes only from Christ Jesus.

#DailyDevotion #Ecclesiastes #PastorBalla #LutheranDevotion #Contentment #WealthAndFaith #MammonVsChrist #RestInJesus #ChristianStewardship

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 27, 2025

“God’s Order in Governance” – Ecclesiastes 5:8–9 (ESV)

In this devotion, Pastor Balla reflects on Solomon’s words regarding justice, authority, and the role of government. Though human rulers often fail and the poor suffer oppression, God remains sovereign. “Do not be amazed,” Solomon says. Even flawed systems are under God’s providential oversight.

Civil government is part of God’s left-hand kingdom, instituted for peace, justice, and provision. When leaders govern rightly—ensuring cultivated fields and societal stability—they serve as blessings to the land.

As Christians, we honor authorities, pray for them, and advocate for justice without placing ultimate hope in human institutions. Our trust is in Christ, whose Kingdom is eternal and righteous.

Join Pastor Balla in this encouraging word about faith, governance, and God’s unshakable order.

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