Devotions from Steadfast Lutherans

Father in Heaven, look upon us in mercy and guide us in the true faith, that we may evermore hold to the doctrines of Christ and His Gospel with one accord, even while the ages run to their end. Amen.

“We have this a glorious comfort in this salutary teaching, that we know how we have been chosen for life in Christ out of sheer grace, without any merit of our own, and that no one can tear us out of his hand. For he has assured us that he has graciously chosen us not only with mere words. He has corroborated this with an oath and sealed it with the holy sacraments (Ep. XI:13).”

“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”—Ps. 107:8-9

The holy apostolic band Upon the Mount of Olives stand; Alleluia! Alleluia! And with His followers they see Jesus’ resplendent majesty. Alleluia! Alleluia! (TLH 212:2)

Enter your home tonight and gather your family. Open to the Lord’s Prayer and pray at least one petition in greater detail. Enjoin your hearts in the one Spirit and petition as dear children ask their dear Father.

We are saved by God’s mercy and truth in Christ Jesus. Therefore, let us speak these truths boldly and joyfully, knowing that we glorify our God when we speak them. If the world does not believe, so what? God is still glorified. Stephen’s bold confession did not save a single one of his hearers and he was stoned to death for it. Does that mean that his confession was worthless? Of course not! He praised and glorified God! He fulfilled the first table of the Law by faith in the One Who loved him and gave Himself up for him. Not unto us, not unto us, but to Your Name, O Jesus, give glory and honor!

Dear Jesus, You blessed those who have not seen and yet believed. Increase our faith through times of trouble and tribulation. Help us to cling, not to circumstances or to worldly props, but to your sure prophetic Word, our light in the deep darkness of this benighted vale of sorrow and death. Keep us in the true faith, until faith finally gives way to sight, when we shall see you face to face and be as You are. Amen.

If Jesus was not my God and Lord, He would be scary and terrible. I would flee from Him; I would ask the mountains to cover and hide me to no avail. But Jesus’ precious blood and innocent death redeemed me. These bought me back. I was bought with a price. I belong to Jesus. You belong to Jesus. And if you belong to Jesus, He will certainly save you. Psalm 119:94 sums up this thought: “I am Yours, save me.”

Thomas did not lose his courage when he received faith. Rather, Christ then used Thomas’ courage in the expansion of His kingdom. This is true for us too. God uses our natural gifts and affections, which are put in subjection to Christ, for His glory and our neighbor’s service.

When we are afraid, let us hear once again those wonderful words of Jesus: “Peace be with you.” Through the death of Jesus, we need not fear anything. Fear involves torment. But Jesus has taken all of our torment upon Himself. Every secret shame and every punishment which we deserved, He carried to the cross. We now have peace. We have peace with God; we have peace with Jesus. Even when we face death, we can and are at peace, for Christ has turned our death into the gateway to immortal life.