WELS Family Devotion

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Devotion based on Mark 12:41-44

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ben wants to do something nice for his mom on her birthday. He really wants to get her some flowers, but he’s not old enough to drive. Even if he could, he wouldn’t have the money to buy a single flower. But this doesn’t stop him. The next morning, he wakes up early and walks inch-by-inch across his backyard to pick only the best dandelions. He comes bursting through the door and says “Mommy, I love you! Happy birthday!” She loved the gift from her son because he gave her everything he had to offer.

The same woman’s husband is on his way home from work and thinking, “You know, I really should get some flowers for my wife on her birthday. However, I’m already running late, but if I stop at the store, I’m going to miss the kickoff of the football game. Maybe I can just grab some of those yellow flowers growing in the middle of the yard.” He walks into the house with a big smile and hands his wife a handful of the very same flowers she loved from her son. Which gift will she appreciate more?

Those two gifts are the same in one way—what they gave. In the way that matters, in the attitude, they were very different, right?

In our Bible reading today, we learn about a woman and her attitude toward God. A poor widow goes into the temple, and when it comes time for the offering, she puts in two copper coins. It was only a few cents compared to the many dollars of the rich people, but it was all the money she had! With her gift, she displays complete and total trust in God for her next meal, next breath, and next day. That is total and complete trust, physically and spiritually. This woman has given it all to God.

We can be generous, just like Ben and the widow, giving back in every way with our gifts, time, and money, trusting that our good and mighty Savior, who gave us forgiveness of sins and heaven, will meet all our smaller needs as well.

Heavenly Father, lead us to put our trust in you to provide all we need 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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 8:7

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.

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.

Devotion based on 1 Kings 17:15,16

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.

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.”

Devotion based on John 11:32

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.”

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.

Devotion based on Revelation 20:6

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.

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.”

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9

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.

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.”

Devotion based on Mark 13:5-11

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.

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.”

Devotion based on Revelation 14:6,7

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?

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.”

Devotion based on Daniel 3:16-18

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.”

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above

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.

Devotion based on Mark 10:45

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!

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above