Listen to Devotion

[Jesus told the people] many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

Songwriters have used it. Thinkers have used it. Investors have used it. Even Jesus Christ used it. Used what? They used the picture of planting seed to make a point. Jesus told a story about planting seed to teach us when we hear and learn the Word of God, seed is planted in our hearts.

Seeds need time to grow. In springtime, when gardens are first planted, there’s not much to see. Yet, as every gardener knows, when it comes to seeds, it takes time. As sunlight warms the moist earth where seeds are embedded, seeds take time to sprout and grow.

Sometimes people rarely attend a church and give little attention to the Word. God’s seed has little opportunity to take root. Sometimes people go to worship regularly so that the seed of God’s Word starts to grow, but then they let the cares of life crowd out time and attention for the Word, and so the plant of faith in their hearts gets the life choked out of it.

Sometimes a wonderful thing happens. A person gladly hears and learns the Word of God and puts it into practice. And the seed of God’s Word grows. And keeps growing. The plant of faith which the seed of the Word produces is made strong by God’s complete forgiveness won by Jesus. It flourishes under God’s unconditional love, given in Jesus, and is made resilient by heaven’s guarantee paid for by Jesus.

Are you that person?

Dear Lord, plant the seed of your Word in my heart and make it grow into a fruitful plant of faith to give you glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD’S temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”

Does everyone in your community know where your church is and what it believes and stands for? Do the members of your congregation pour out from Sunday worship and Bible study just looking for people to tell about God? Do you? Do your neighbors know that you are a follower of Jesus?

When Jesus, the Son of God, died on that cross to pay for the sins of every person in the whole world, and rose again to prove he was the victorious King of kings, the prophecy of Isaiah in our Bible reading for today was fulfilled. The “mountain of the Lord’s temple was established as chief among the mountains.” Now Jesus rules over all things, and the kingdom of God will prevail for all eternity. The One who rules the universe has claimed you as his very own. You are part of the greatest, strongest, tallest, mountainous, most powerful organization in history. And it will last forever!

Jesus is the greatest, most powerful, most victorious ruler of the world. There is nothing more important or valuable than being a member of his kingdom. That’s good news for you and something you will want to share. Testify to the greatness of Jesus by the way you live. Invite the people you know to “come to the house of God,” where God will teach them the way of salvation!

Dear Lord, remind me of the amazing blessings I have through forgiveness in Jesus. Lead me to walk in the light of your path and draw others to your Word so that they may also believe and share these blessings with me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Whenever something wonderful happens to us, what do we do? We tell someone. We call out to friends and family, inviting them to experience it with us. Whether it’s a sunset, a newborn baby, or the last-second shot that wins the game, we grab their attention and say, “You’ve got to come see this!”

We want to share our excitement and joy with others. This is what Andrew did.

Andrew had just met Jesus and spent time with him. Once Andrew understood and believed who Jesus truly was—the Lamb of God and the promised Savior—he couldn’t keep the news to himself. He immediately ran to find his brother, Simon Peter, with the excited announcement, “We’ve found the Messiah!” and urged him, “Come and see.”

Do you feel that sharing Jesus is complicated? Do you feel unready? Unprepared?

Andrew’s invitation was simple and full of heart. There was no pressure, no argument. He radiated the pure joy of encountering someone who transforms lives.

This is still how faith is shared today. It does not start with a heated debate or a clever argument—it begins through genuine relationships. When people notice the peace, the hope, and quiet joy that shape your life, they become curious about what makes the difference.

Their curiosity opens a door for a simple, heartfelt invitation. You don’t need all the answers or perfect words. You just need to know Jesus. Sharing Jesus does not have to be complicated. It can start with the most natural impulse in the world—an invitation: “Come and see.” This is an open invitation—not just at Advent but year-round.

Come and see the One who took your place. Come and see the One who forgives your guilt. Come and see the One who gives your life meaning, direction, and hope. And then—go and tell.

When you’ve met the Savior, you’ve got something truly worth sharing.

Jesus, thank you for inviting me to come and see your grace. Fill me with joy and courage to share you with others. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

“Do you see me?” This silent question lingers behind many cries for help. In a world filled with overwhelming noise, loneliness, and struggle, people long to know that someone notices them. They want the comfort of knowing that someone genuinely cares.

Psalm 80 gives voice to those who feel left behind and overlooked. They’ve wandered away from God. Surrounded by adversity, they are broken and lost. Still, they don’t give up. Instead of surrendering to despair and defeat, they cry out to God in prayer: “Restore us, O God! Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”

This prayer paints a beautiful picture—God’s face shining upon his people. Rather than shining with anger or disappointment, God’s face radiates love, joy, and grace. When God’s face shines on you, it means that he does see you. And seeing you, he smiles upon you, sings over you, and rejoices to rescue and restore you.

Yet, how can sinful people like us stand in the brilliance of God’s presence and live? On our own, we cannot. We have failed to imitate his love and have turned away from him. Like Israel, we experience the consequences—broken relationships, heavy hearts, and lingering guilt.

Despite our sinfulness, Advent brings hope. The face of God has already shone on this world—in the face of Jesus Christ. He came into our darkness to bring light. He came, not to condemn but to restore. He carried our sin and shame and rose again to give us peace.

Even when we feel lost or forgotten, God hears our prayers for restoration. Through Jesus, God truly sees you—and in seeing you, he forgives you, welcomes you, and rejoices over you.

As you wait for Jesus to come again, you do not wait alone or in the dark. You wait enveloped in the warmth of God’s grace.

Lord, when I feel far from you, turn my heart back. Restore me by your mercy. Let your face shine on me through Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Have you ever waited at the airport for someone special? You scan the crowd. Your heart jumps every time someone comes around the corner. You can’t wait to see their face. You yearn to give them the warmest embrace.

That’s the kind of eager longing captured in the final words of the Bible. Jesus declares, “Yes, I am coming soon.” The Church responds, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Advent is a season that focuses on this longing. We reflect on how Jesus first came in humility—born in a farming town, wrapped in rags, and laid in a feeding trough. He came not to be served, but to serve—to walk among us, to suffer with us, and to save us. We also look forward to his promised return. Whenever that is, he won’t come in weakness. He will come in power and glory to make all things new.

The world desperately needs this renewal. We need this renewal. We’re tired of suffering. Tired of sin. Tired of bad news. While we yearn for the peace and justice only Jesus can bring, our weariness makes it easy to grow numb, distracted, or discouraged. That’s why we need this promise: “I am coming soon.” These words renew our hope and give us a clear focus.

Yet, what does “soon” mean? From our perspective, it may not always seem fast, but it is certain. Jesus isn’t dragging his feet. He hasn’t forgotten us. He’s giving more people time to come to know him. His delay is not a sign of neglect, but of mercy.

Rest assured, Jesus, our Savior, is coming. He is closer now than ever before, and he will not be late.

While we wait, we live in hope. We listen to his Word, and we take it to heart—living in daily repentance for our sin and trust in God’s salvation.

Lord Jesus, you promised to return, and I believe you. Keep my heart ready, my hope alive, and my eyes lifted. Come quickly! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

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?

Imagine discovering the cure for a deadly disease, something that could save countless lives. Would you keep such vital information to yourself?

Of course not! You would share it with everyone who needed it. You would eagerly spread the word so that people around the world could benefit from it. In the same way, the news about Jesus is meant to be shared far and wide. If people don’t hear about him, they cannot receive the life he offers.

The apostle Paul makes this clear: people cannot believe in Jesus if they have never heard of him, and they cannot hear unless someone tells them. That “someone” is every believer. That “someone” is you. God has placed each of us right where we are, surrounded by people who need hope—friends, family, coworkers, and classmates. Some are hurting, some are searching, and some simply don’t know.

Do not hesitate! Do not worry whether people will listen. Do not wonder if you will say the wrong thing. The power to change hearts doesn’t come from our words. It is in God’s Word. The same gospel that brought us to faith can bring others to faith as well. Our role is not to convince or convert. We are simply ambassadors of the good news.

Jesus has already done the hard part for us. He lived a perfect life, bore the punishment for our sins, and rose again to offer eternal life. Now, he sends us out—not as salespeople, but as joyful messengers of hope.

This Advent, the world is aching for good news. People can’t believe in the Savior they’ve never heard about. You may be the one God uses to help them hear. Let’s not keep it to ourselves.

Let’s not keep this life-giving message to ourselves.

Lord, give me a heart that’s eager to share your good news. Open doors and open ears so that others may hear and believe in you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.”

We have all experienced those moments when we see danger approaching and feel an urgent need to warn others, “Watch out!” we shout. Perhaps a car backed up too quickly, or a child reached for something hot on the stove. In such situations, remaining silent would not just be wrong, but also unkind.

This is the image God gave to the prophet Ezekiel. He was chosen to be a “watchman”—someone who remains vigilant and alerts people when trouble is near. However, the warning Ezekiel was to give was far more serious than damaged bumpers or burnt fingers. It concerned sin and its consequences. God called Ezekiel to deliver both hard truths and healing words.

Although we are not prophets like Ezekiel, we share the same responsibility: to warn others and to bear witness. This calling can feel intimidating. Sometimes we keep silent because we are afraid of offending or uncertain about what to say.

Thankfully, Jesus never chose silence. He spoke the hard truth to those who were proud and offered gentle words to those who were hurting. He warned about the reality of sin and called people to turn back to God. Even when people didn’t listen, Jesus did not walk away. He went to the cross.

Jesus bore the punishment for sin so that we would not have to. He rose again to give us new life. Today, by his Word, the Spirit works in us to be loving and courageous watchmen for those around us. You do not need a loudspeaker or a pulpit to be a watchman. You just need the gospel—the good news of a Savior who came for sinners like us.

This Advent, listen for the coming footsteps of Jesus and lovingly let others know that he is on his way.

Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking the truth in love and for taking my sin to the cross. Make me bold and gentle to speak your truth to those around me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He 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.

In the United Nations Plaza in New York City, today’s Bible passage is quoted: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares . . .” All people desire peace, don’t they? Isn’t that why the United Nations was established in the first place? But it hasn’t worked so well, has it? Are Isaiah’s words just a fantasy?

If you’re looking for a truly peaceful “United Nations,” you’re not going to find it in this sinful world. But that’s not what Isaiah was describing. Isaiah was describing peace that the world can’t give, find, or produce. Isaiah described peace that only comes from God.

God brought peace to the hearts of people when he kept his promise to send his Son, Jesus, the Christ. Jesus came to bring peace to the earth by living and suffering and dying for a world full of sin and sinners, sinners like you and me. Because of Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection, we have peace. We have the peace of knowing that there’s nothing we can do to save ourselves because Jesus has done everything. We have the peace of knowing that we don’t need to satisfy God’s wrath against our sins because Jesus has washed them away. We have peace because Jesus has set us free.

That peace is yours and mine in Jesus! That peace is what moves us to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn his ways. That peace is what moves us to walk in the light of the Lord.

May the peace of God, which the world cannot give, which surpasses our understanding, guard and keep your heart and mind through faith in Christ Jesus! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

[God the Father] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Consumer Reports is a magazine you would look at for the best of a given product and the best deal for your wallet.

In today’s Bible reading, Paul gives us the “consumer report” on Christ. He clearly explains why Christ is superior to anyone or anything else. He is God. He created all things. He is eternal, without beginning or end. He is the firstborn from among the dead, never to die again. He holds everything together.

Each part of these verses lays out an objective fact about why Christ is superior. And each of these truths has important significance for our daily lives.

Despite the times we see sin interrupt our lives, despite the horrors of wickedness we hear about in the news, and despite the atrocities human beings commit against one another, evil and wickedness are not in control. Even though they may appear to be running the world, they are not. No matter what evil or wickedness may throw at us, there is nothing they can do to wrest control away from Christ. Nor is there anything they can do to separate us from Christ. For Christ defeated sin and death through his death on the cross and declared his victory as he rose from the dead.

This is the report we have on Christ. He is supreme. No one is greater. There is no one who can take control from him or can separate us from him. What confidence this gives us as we continue our pilgrimage on earth!

O Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, in your mercy you have brought me into your kingdom. Continue to rule over me, protecting me from the evil one until I join you in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Listen to Devotion

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

We have to wait for heaven. That’s just true. And things aren’t always going to be easy while we are waiting. The apostle Paul and his fellow missionary Barnabas couldn’t have said it any more plainly than they did during their first missionary journey. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

So then, what a great deal Jesus was offering one of the men hanging on a cross next to him. The man had confessed his sin and placed his confidence in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. He had boldly asked, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And how did our Savior answer? You’ll have to wait? No! “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise.” Skip the line! Have paradise today!

The Bible does not tell us that the thief on the cross was transported, body and soul, to heaven that day, like the Old Testament believers Enoch and Elijah were. No, he died that day. His body was removed from the cross and presumably buried to await the day of resurrection. Yes, his believing soul went to dwell with God, but the reunion of his body and soul in heaven would have to wait until Jesus comes again.

We’ll have to wait for heaven, too. But like the thief on the cross, we can be confident that paradise is ours because the heavy burden of our sin was left on the cross with our Savior. And, we have the promise from the Bible that, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Jesus, thank you, for your sake I can be confident of my place in paradise. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.