Devotion - May 10, 2012

The jailer… asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Acts 16:30-33

A Joy Story – A Jailer Is Set Free

Paul and Silas were in the city of Philippi. They had been jailed for proclaiming the gospel. Rather than demanding to see an attorney or singing the jailhouse blues, they demonstrated their faith by praising God with hymns and prayers.

Prayer: 

(Psalm 106:4-5):
Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. Amen.

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Devotion - May 10, 2012
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Devotion - May 9, 2012

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18

More than a Song

If you know the music of the 1970’s, you know the late John Denver. During that decade, John Denver wrote and sang one hit song after another, songs like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Country Roads.” Perhaps his most enduring is “Annie’s Song,” written to his wife.

By Denver’s own admission, he was unfaithful to Annie.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, you love me. Move me to love you in my actions toward others. Amen.

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Devotion - May 9, 2012
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Devotion - May 8, 2012

All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Philippians 4:22

A Joy Story - An Innocent Man Finds Purpose in Prison

The apostle Paul was innocent of any wrongdoing. Yet he was arrested and imprisoned, even faced possible execution all because he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. Did he complain? Was he filled with self-pity? Did he doubt God? No. He rejoiced! He was filled with joy because he saw God’s purpose for him.

Prayer: 

Lord, it is your will that all come to a knowledge of the truth. Use me to bring the message of salvation to people so that they may be brought to saving faith in Jesus. Help me be your witness even under difficult circumstances. Amen.

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Devotion - May 8, 2012
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Devotion - May 7, 2012

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Vines, Branches and Fruit

I need Jesus for everything in my life.  This truth is made abundantly clear when he says, “I am the vine and you are the branches.”  The point of the illustration is one I need to take seriously.  Just as a branch gets everything it needs for life by its connection to a vine, so I need to be connected to Jesus to receive everything I need for life.

Prayer: 

O gracious Lord, I rejoice because you offer me life and strength and help.  Give me the trust I need to rely on every gift you provide in your love.  Then, let me serve you in goodness and love as long as you give me life here on earth.  Amen.

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Devotion - May 7, 2012
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Devotion - May 4, 2012

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.” Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:23-31


Prayer: 

Dear Lord God, thank you for those who share the good news of Jesus despite the threats that come from those who hate you.  Continue to work through your Word to change the hearts and lives of your people.  Lead us and guide us as our loving King.  Amen.

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Devotion - May 4, 2012
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Devotion - May 3, 2012

The woman came and knelt before Jesus. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

Matthew 15:25-28a

A Joy Story – Faith Is Rewarded

My wife and I have two dogs which we love very much. They are well cared for. Believe me! They lack nothing! And they are also very confident of our love for them. They don’t worry about where their next meal is coming from, or even when! And if there is something they want, they are quite determined in making sure that we know about it!

Prayer: 

Jesus, the most important thing for me is to have faith in you as my Savior.  Through testing and trials lead me to cling to the precious promises of your Word so that my faith will be sustained until the end when you will take me to the glory of heaven.  Amen.

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Devotion - May 3, 2012
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Devotion - May 2, 2012

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are.

1 John 3:1

CHILD OF GOD

Tim Hansel, in his book, <p style="text-align: left;">1 John 3:1</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CHILD OF GOD</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Tim Hansel, in his book, <em>Holy Sweat</em>, tells the story of a walk he once took with his young son.&nbsp; The two of them were out in the country, climbing around on some small, rocky cliffs.&nbsp; Tim had his back to his son for a few moments.&nbsp; Suddenly he heard his boy yell, &acirc;&#128;&#156;Hey Dad!</p>

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, through faith in Jesus I am your child.  Because of who you are, I am safe, I am secure, I am never alone.  Fill me with your Spirit.  Drive out my fears.  Empower me to live my life fully for you.  Amen.

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Devotion - May 2, 2012
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Devotion - May 1, 2012

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.

Genesis 3:15

A Joy Story: The Devil’s Deed Is Overcome with a Promise

Who, besides the villain, doesn’t love the underdog, the downtrodden, that one, who seemingly hasn’t a chance of coming out on top? But then, who can even think of loving the greatest category of underdogs—namely sinners? Sinners are unlovable!

Prayer: 

Lord God, thank you for your great love that moved you to promise and send your Son to rescue us from the power of Satan.  Fill our hearts with the joy of knowing Jesus as our Savior from sin and death.  Amen.

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Devotion - May 1, 2012
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Devotion - April 30, 2012

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.”

John 10:11-12


Have you ever had a situation where you said, “This is too much; I’m out of here; they are not paying me enough to do this”?

Imagine you are hired for minimum wage to tend sheep.  You figure it shouldn’t be too difficult.  How hard is watching sheep?  But you fail to read the fine print of your job description: Must be willing to lay down your life for the sheep.

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, thank you for saving my life. I couldn’t have a better Shepherd. Amen.

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Devotion - April 30, 2012
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Devotion - April 27, 2012

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:8-12

Christ is My Capstone!

Prayer: 

(Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal - 528:1):
Christ is our cornerstone; on him alone we build.
With his true saints alone the courts of heav’n are filled.
On his great love, our hopes we place of present grace and joys above.  Amen.

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Devotion - April 27, 2012
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