Podcasts about daily devotion

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260827dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “The gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 Hope that Defeats Fear Jesus promised, “The gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Jesus never promised his church an easy path. Christians experience persecution, temptation, suffering, and spiritual warfare. Satan constantly seeks to discourage believers and undermine the gospel. Yet Jesus assures us that hell itself cannot overcome his church. Notice that the gates belong to hell. Gates are defensive. Jesus Christ is advancing his kingdom as his gospel reaches hearts throughout the world. Satan cannot imprison those whom Jesus has redeemed and set free. That promise extends personally to every believer. There are days when guilt weighs heavily on us. We remember sins we wish we could erase. The devil whispers that God could never forgive someone like us. But Jesus has already answered those accusations. Through his death and resurrection, he has defeated sin, death, and Satan. The enemy may accuse, but he cannot condemn those who belong to Jesus Christ. This confidence enables Christians to live courageously. We need not fear the future because our Savior reigns. We need not fear death because Jesus has conquered the grave. We need not fear Satan because Jesus has already won the victory. Perhaps you’ve spent much of your life trying to avoid thinking about death or eternity. Jesus invites you to face those questions honestly—not with fear, but with hope. He came precisely because death is our greatest enemy. By dying and rising again, he has opened the way to eternal life for all who trust in him. The Christian message is not that good people earn heaven. It is that Jesus has opened heaven through his death and resurrection. That is a hope worth exploring. As the Bible says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11) Whenever fear threatens your heart, return to Christ’s promise. The battle belongs to him, and he has already secured the outcome. Prayer: Jesus, my Savior, when fear and temptation surround me, remind me that you have defeated every enemy. Keep me confident in your promises and steadfast until eternal victory is fully revealed. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Lani Bogart.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260826dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion (Jesus said) “I will build my church.” Matthew 16:18 A Church Built by Jesus Many people have mixed feelings about the Christian Church. Some have wonderful memories. Others have painful ones. Some think churches are full of hypocrites. Others wonder whether organized religion is even necessary. Jesus knew his followers would not be perfect. Peter himself would later deny knowing Jesus three times. Yet Jesus still said, “I will build my church.” Notice that he did not say, “People will build my church.” The Church belongs to Jesus. Christians are not gathered because they are better than everyone else. They are gathered because they know they need forgiveness. A hospital is filled with sick people, not because sickness is good, but because healing is needed. The Church is much the same. It is a place where people hear God’s promises, receive his forgiveness, and grow in faith together. Sometimes Christians and Christian churches become discouraged. We may wonder whether our efforts matter. Jesus reminds us that the Church’s foundation is not human wisdom, popularity, or impressive programs. The Church stands on the confession that “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Wherever Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, there his church is found. Buildings may crumble. Congregations may struggle. Cultures change. Yet Jesus Christ continues to build his church through his gospel. The foundation of your own faith is equally secure. Your confidence is not in your consistency or strength, but in Jesus Christ’s unchanging promise. He remains faithful even when his people struggle. So, if you have stayed away because Christians have disappointed you, remember this: Christianity is not built upon perfect people. It is built upon a perfect Savior. Jesus gave his life for imperfect people. He welcomes doubters, failures, and sinners. When you visit a faithful Christian congregation, you should not expect to find flawless people. Instead, you should expect to hear about a flawless Savior who loves broken people enough to die for them. That is the Church Jesus Christ continues building today. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me look beyond the imperfections of people and see you. Lead me to a church where your Word is faithfully taught and where I may grow in knowing you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Leana Bowler.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260825dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied . . . “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:17 Faith Is a Gift Many people think becoming a Christian is simply a matter of deciding to believe. Jesus tells a different story. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus said this understanding did not come from Peter’s own intelligence or effort. God had revealed it to him. That is encouraging news. Jesus does not tell you to manufacture faith by trying harder. Instead, Christianity teaches that God comes to us. He speaks to us through his Word. He reveals his Son. He creates faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, where there was none before. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Think about every important relationship in your life. You only know another person because they chose to reveal themselves to you. The same is true of God. We cannot climb our way up to him. He must come down to us. And in Jesus, he has done just that. That is why Christians gather around the Bible. We believe it is God's own message, revealing his love through Jesus Christ. The wonderful news is that God is not hiding from you. He wants you to know him. He wants you to know that your sins are forgiven because of Jesus. He wants you to know that death is not the end. He wants you to know that you are invited into his family—not because you have earned it, but because he loves you. As you face today’s challenges, remember that your hope rests not in the strength of your faith, but in the object of your faith—Jesus Christ himself. He is the Rock of your salvation, the One who never changes, and the Savior who keeps all his promises (see Psalm 18:1-2). So, keep reading the Bible, asking your questions honestly, and being filled with the Word of God at a faithful Christian church. God has a history of meeting people through his Word. Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal your Son to me. Help me understand the message of the Bible and lead me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Leila Joy Castillo.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260824dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “But what about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15 The Most Important Question If someone asked you, “Who is Jesus?” how would you answer? Many people would say he was a great teacher. Others would call him a prophet, a revolutionary, or an inspiring example of love. Even those who do not consider themselves Christians often admire him. When Jesus walked the earth, people had many different opinions about him, just as they do today. But his question to his disciples was personal. He asked, “Who do you say I am?” The apostle Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This confession is at the heart of Christianity. Christians believe Jesus is much more than a remarkable man. We believe he is God who became human to rescue us. Why? Because every one of us has something we cannot fix on our own. We all carry guilt. We all have regrets. We all fail to love others—even ourselves—the way we know we should. The Bible calls this sin. Rather than leaving us separated from God, Jesus entered our world. He lived the perfect life we have not lived. He died on the cross to pay for our sins. Three days later, he rose from the dead, proving that sin and death no longer have the final word. Jesus did not come merely to teach people how to live. He came to save them. Perhaps you’ve never considered Jesus in that way before. Or perhaps you’ve dismissed Christianity because of disappointing experiences with Christians or Christian churches. If so, don't begin with Christians but with Christ himself. Read one of the Gospels. Ask honest questions. Consider his claims. The Christian faith ultimately rests on one person: Jesus Christ. And the question he asked Peter is still the question he lovingly asks every one of us today. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to know you. Open my heart to understand who you are and what you have done for me. Lead me into your truth. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “There Is Power" from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 3." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=34&p=2349    Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Today's devotion is written by Blythe Fike.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260823dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16 Who Is Jesus? More books have been written about Jesus Christ than any other individual in history. One website estimates the number in the tens of thousands. As one might imagine, these books contain just about every opinion imaginable. Some view Jesus as God in human flesh. Others view him as a great human teacher. And some even claim that Jesus never existed at all. What about you? What do you believe about Jesus? That was the question Jesus asked his closest followers one day. There were all kinds of rumors floating around about this amazing Rabbi named Jesus. Although there were differences of opinion, everyone agreed that there was nothing ordinary about him. In fact, Jesus' words and miracles were so amazing that many people thought he must be one of the prophets of old who had come back to life. Peter, one of the men who knew Jesus best, understood why Jesus was so amazing. Jesus was none other than God himself, who came to earth in human flesh. Jesus was the One God had been promising since Adam and Eve had first rebelled against him. Jesus was the One who would repair the relationship between God and his rebellious children. Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He still is. Jesus is not simply a great human teacher. He is not just an interesting historical figure. He is not one religious leader among many. And he most certainly exists. He is your God. He is your Savior. He is your hope for a life beyond this one and your hope for a life of meaning and purpose here and now. Finally, it doesn’t really matter what a website says about Jesus. What matters is what you say about Jesus. Who do you say he is? Say he is your Lord and life and love—because he is. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to me as my God and my Savior from sin. May this belief be reflected in everything I do and say. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260822dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:23-28 Persevere A Canaanite woman came to Jesus with her humble plea to help her daughter who was tormented by a demon. But Jesus did not answer a word. It wasn’t that she just asked Jesus once; she continued to beg and plead for mercy. Yet Jesus acted as though he didn’t hear her. When the Savior pretended not to hear the woman’s plea, Jesus was not rebuffing her or being rude to her. There was no unwillingness to help her, but through his silence he sought to test and strengthen her faith. Jesus wanted her to persevere in her plea by the strength supplied from God through the promise of his Word. Jesus will use life’s circumstances for the great benefit of humbling us and teaching us to steadfastly cling to the promises of God’s Word. A persevering faith is for our good so that when our Savior comes back, we will not have disowned him in unbelief. But, by the power of God, we will have remained faithful to Jesus so that through him, we will enter eternal life. We praise our Savior that though there are times we always don’t understand the way he treats us, we know that he has our best interests in mind. So, in all circumstances we thank Jesus for helping us persevere and grow in our saving faith. Prayer: Jesus, the most important thing for me is to have faith in you as my Savior. Through testing and trials leads 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 glory of heaven. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Cathy Webb.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260821dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Matthew 15:21-22 Don’t Think You Are Not Welcome This woman had every reason to stay away from Jesus. She was a Canaanite. Jesus was a Jew. For centuries, there had been a separation between Jews and Gentiles. The Canaanites were not part of Israel. They were not heirs of the Old Testament covenant in the same way the Jewish people were. Yet she came anyway. Desperation certainly played a role. Her daughter was suffering terribly. But there was something more. This woman believed that Jesus could help. She even addressed him as “Lord, Son of David,” recognizing him as the promised Messiah. Somehow, she had come to trust that this Jewish teacher was more than a teacher. He was the Savior. What happened next might seem discouraging at first. Jesus initially remained silent. Then he spoke of being sent to the lost sheep of Israel. Yet the woman did not give up. She continued to plead for mercy. She trusted that Jesus’ compassion was greater than the barriers that seemed to stand between them. And she was right. By the end of the account, Jesus praised her faith and granted her request. Her daughter was healed, and the outsider was welcomed. What a beautiful picture of God’s grace toward us. By nature, we too were outsiders. Sin separated us from God. We had no claim upon his favor and no right to stand in his presence. Yet he came to save the world. Through his perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, he opened the door of salvation to all people. Like the Canaanite woman, we approach Jesus empty-handed. We come seeking mercy, not deserving rewards. We come confessing our need, not our worthiness. And like that woman, we discover that Jesus welcomes us. So come to him boldly. The mercy you seek is found in him, and his welcome is greater than you ever expected. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for welcoming me into your family through your saving grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Steph Salinas.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260820dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 The Spirit Connects Us People are more connected than ever before. With a few taps on a screen, we can communicate with family members across the country or follow the lives of people around the world. Yet many people still feel isolated and alone. Technology can connect devices, but it cannot create the deep spiritual connection that human hearts need. God provides something far better. In Ephesians chapter 2, Paul describes believers as living stones in a great spiritual building. Christ is the cornerstone. The apostles and prophets provide the foundation through their inspired Scriptures. Then Paul says something remarkable: “You too are being built together.” Notice that Paul does not say believers are being built separately. He says they are being built together. Christians are not isolated pieces scattered across a field. We are joined into one structure, one holy temple, one dwelling place for God. Who makes that happen? The answer is found in the final words of the verse: “by his Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is the divine connector. He connects us to Christ through the gospel. Through the Word and baptism, he creates faith in our hearts and unites us to our Savior. But he also connects us to one another. Every believer shares the same Lord, the same faith, the same forgiveness, and the same eternal hope because the same Holy Spirit has brought us all into God’s family. That truth is especially comforting when we feel alone. Sometimes we may feel disconnected from others. We may even feel forgotten or overlooked. Yet the Spirit reminds us that we belong. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are living stones in God’s holy temple, joined together by his gracious work. The Spirit who called you to faith has connected you forever to Christ and to his people. That connection is stronger than any earthly bond because it is God’s own work. Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for bringing me to faith in Jesus and connecting me to your family of believers. Strengthen my unity with fellow Christians and bless our lives together. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Rose Coleman.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260819dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20 A Solid Foundation When a building begins to crack or lean, the problem is often hidden below the surface. The foundation is weak. No matter how beautiful the structure may appear, it cannot stand if the foundation is unstable. Paul uses that picture to describe Christ’s Church. Believers are part of God’s spiritual building, and that building rests on a sure foundation: “the apostles and prophets.” At first glance, we might think Paul is saying that the Church is built on certain people. In one sense, that is true. God used the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament to proclaim his saving truth. But the Church is not built on the men themselves. It is built on the message they delivered. The prophets wrote the Scriptures that pointed ahead to the coming Savior. The apostles wrote the Scriptures that proclaimed the Savior who had come. Together, their inspired writings form the Bible. When Paul speaks of the foundation of the apostles and prophets, he is directing us to the Word of God that they were inspired to record. This is wonderfully comforting. The foundation of our faith is not human opinion. It is not popular culture, personal feelings, or the latest religious trend. It is the unchanging Word of God. Paul adds that “Christ Jesus himself” is the chief cornerstone. In ancient construction, the cornerstone determined the alignment of the entire building. Everything was measured from it. Likewise, the entire Bible points to Christ. The prophets foretold him. The apostles proclaimed him. The Scriptures find their center and fulfillment in him. That means whenever you open your Bible, you are standing on solid ground. There God speaks truth that does not shift with the times. There God reveals the Savior who lived, died, and rose again for you. There God strengthens the faith he himself has created. When doubts arise and the world feels uncertain, return to the foundation. Listen to the prophets and apostles in the pages of Scripture. There you will find Christ, the cornerstone who never fails. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the sure foundation of your holy Word. Strengthen my faith through the gospel that points me always to you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Bobbi Rol.

What do we do when it's time to let go of what was?In today's episode, Lauren Burgos guides us through the process of releasing the past and embracing the new things God is doing in our lives, drawing insight from Isaiah 43:18-19. We'll reflect together on what it means to notice God's work in small moments, find courage to release familiar routines, and welcome change as growth rather than loss.Join our community in prayer and devotion as we seek strength to trust God with every season, learning to let go and move forward together.Tap HERE to send us a text! Our podcast family is growing - introducing Men's Morning Devotional! Our dad, Steve Alessi, and all of our husbands are now hosting their own 5 minute devotionals every weekday - for men who want to become better husbands, fathers, and leaders! Listen, follow and subscribe here - MensMorningDevotional.comSupport the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the show on this appShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260818dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 It’s Getting Personal Most people know what it feels like to be an outsider. Perhaps you have walked into a room where everyone else seemed to know each other. Perhaps you have moved to a new community, started a new job, or attended an unfamiliar gathering. Being a stranger can be lonely. Paul says that this was our spiritual condition apart from Christ. We were “foreigners and strangers.” Because of sin, we were separated from God. We did not belong in his kingdom. We could not claim a place in his family. The holy God seemed far away, and we had no right to draw near. But then Jesus changed everything. Through his perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus removed the barrier that stood between God and us. He took away our guilt and reconciled us to the Father. Now Paul can announce the astonishing result: “You are no longer foreigners and strangers.” Notice that God does not merely grant us a visitor’s pass. He does not allow us to stand at a respectful distance from his holiness. He brings us near. Very near. Paul first says that we are “fellow citizens with God’s people.” We belong to God’s kingdom. We have a place, a name, and an inheritance. But Paul goes even further. We are “members of his household.” God could have saved us and kept us at arm’s length. Instead, he welcomes us into his home. Think about what a household means. Family members share daily life together. They enjoy the father’s protection, provision, and love. They have access to him. They know his voice. They belong. When life makes you feel alone or forgotten, remember where you belong. Through Jesus, you are not standing outside God’s house hoping to be noticed. The door has been opened, and you have been welcomed in. You are a member of God’s own household. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me near through Jesus Christ. Help me live each day in the comfort of your personal love and presence. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Mary Peach.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260817dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The Sovereign LORD declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:8 More Than Expected Have you ever thought of God as a gatherer? Isaiah 56 paints a surprising picture. The Lord is not content merely to bring back the exiles of Israel. He promises, “I will gather still others.” The gathering will be bigger than anyone expected. For centuries, God’s people might have assumed that the blessings of salvation belonged only to a certain nation and a certain family line. Yet God had larger plans. He intended to gather people from every tribe, language, nation, and people. He would gather outsiders, foreigners, and those who seemed far away from his promises. Through the coming Savior, God’s kingdom would expand far beyond the borders of ancient Israel. That promise includes us. Most of us are not descendants of ancient Israel. We were not standing at Mount Sinai when the covenant was given. Yet here we are, gathered among God’s people. We hear his Word. We receive his promises. We call upon Jesus as our Savior. How did that happen? Not because we found God. Not because we were wiser, better, or more spiritual than others. The Lord gathered us. Like lost sheep, we had wandered away. By nature, we were separated from God and hostile to him. Yet the Good Shepherd came looking for us. Through the gospel message, the Holy Spirit created faith in our hearts. Through baptism, God claimed us as his own. Through his Word, he continues to gather and keep us in the one true faith. What makes this gathering so remarkable is that it is completely unexpected. If anyone had predicted our spiritual future before God called us, they would have been wrong. Left to ourselves, we would never have chosen Christ. Yet God chose us. He sought us. He gathered us. So, when you wonder whether you belong among God’s people, remember who did the gathering. The Sovereign Lord himself brought you near through Jesus. The God who gathered Israel has gathered you, too. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was lost and gathering me into your family of believers. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “I Am Your Servant" from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 3." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=34&p=2349    Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Today's devotion is written by Shalini Blubaugh.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260816dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 When Weak Is Good “That’s so weak!” If you’ve had that shouted your way, you know it usually isn’t a compliment. Weakness is normally not a trait that gets much praise. God doesn’t give spiritual weakness any praise, either. Being weak to do what God wants leads to falling into sin. Does your spiritual weakness show itself by hating or lusting? Stealing or hurting others? Gossiping or cursing? That is sin. And God hates that kind of weakness. In today’s Bible reading, the apostle Paul talked about a different kind of weakness, a physical weakness that God allowed to come into Paul’s life. We are not told exactly what it was, just that it was severe enough that Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away. God’s answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When Paul suffered from this physical weakness, in whom did he need to put his trust and hope? Who was his strength? Not himself! No, God was Paul’s strength and hope. God's power carried Paul through thick and thin. At no time was this more evident than when he suffered from this weakness. Then God’s grace and strength were all the more apparent, and that's what Paul and others needed to see—God’s grace and strength. When God allows hardship or troubles or “weakness” into your life, remember that when you are weak, he is strong. Trust and rest in his strength and grace. Prayer: Lord God, you work all things according to your love and wisdom. Spare me from hardship and heartache. And, when you allow them into my life, use them to draw me closer to you and increase my trust in your power and grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260815dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35 Separation Separation can be scary. Separation from loved ones, even for a short while, can fill our hearts with the unease of loneliness. The thought of being separated from money can cause great stress. Finally, even death can cause fear of being separated from what we know, understand, and cherish. And whether we realize it or not, separation from God is the scariest separation of all. Separation from God in this life is a life filled with worry and concern, because there is no comfort of knowing that there is God, the creator of the universe, who daily cares for us. Separation from God in this life also means that people must deal with every twinge of conscience all by themselves, for they cannot trust in the promise of guilt removed through Jesus. Separation from God in this life precedes a divine verdict of guilty and an eternal life of anguish. Could anything be worse? With this in mind, one can see why the rhetorical question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” would be such a comfort. The great message of the Bible is that because of Christ, mankind no longer needs to be separated from God. Because of Jesus' life and death, we are forgiven and need not worry about our guilt but can trust that it has been removed. In this blessing of a clear conscience, we know that we are not separated from God in this life and the next. What a blessing this is. Prayer: Lord, as troubles come and go in my life, remind me that you never leave my side. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Megan Hjelmstad.

Are your daily routines helping you thrive, or are they holding you back?In today's episode, Stephanie Alessi Muina invites us to explore how building fresh routines can help us embrace new seasons and stay close to God's purpose for our lives. Together, we'll learn what it looks like to let go of old habits, invite spiritual renewal, and "spice up" our lives with joyful change.Join the My Morning Devotional community as we seek God's guidance through prayer and devotion, trusting Him to lead us into new rhythms and new blessings.Tap HERE to send us a text! Our podcast family is growing - introducing Men's Morning Devotional! Our dad, Steve Alessi, and all of our husbands are now hosting their own 5 minute devotionals every weekday - for men who want to become better husbands, fathers, and leaders! Listen, follow and subscribe here - MensMorningDevotional.comSupport the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the show on this appShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260814dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion For I am convinced 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 I Am Convinced Has your mind ever been changed? You saw a commercial for a new invention, and you doubted it’d really work as advertised. But then, you learned firsthand, and now you are convinced. It really does work as advertised. The man who wrote in today’s Bible verse, “I am convinced…” was once more than a doubter and a skeptic. His name was Paul, and he was convinced that Jesus wasn't really the Savior of the world. Paul was convinced that he was right with God because of his own works. He was so convinced that he worked diligently to persecute Christians. But something happened. Not only was his mind changed, but also his heart. Jesus rose from the dead and later appeared to Paul convincing him that Jesus was truly Lord. Paul was confident that he was forgiven through Christ alone. This same good news of forgiveness through Jesus is powerful enough to change our hearts too. A Christian doesn’t have to go through life a skeptic or without certainty, but can say, “I am convinced!” When the doubts multiply and all the worst-case scenarios run through your mind, remember God’s promises. God is for us; Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead for us. This is clear evidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not even death can separate us from the love of God that is ours through Jesus. His love is greater than the sum of all our sins, problems, and doubts. Since God spared no expenses to save us from sin and death even when we were separated from him, he’s not going to let us go now. He’s not going to let anything in all creation separate us from him again. Prayer: Lord, strengthen me by your promises and let me grow in the conviction that your love will keep me close to you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Maria Kim-Ngân Bùi.

Are you still carrying the weight of your past mistakes?Today, we come together with Stephanie Alessi Muiña to explore the freeing truth that you are already forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. We'll dive into the promises found in scripture, discover God's heart for mercy and redemption, and learn how to let go of guilt so that we can walk boldly into the future He has for us.Join our community as we pray scripture over our lives and step into the peace and forgiveness that only Jesus provides.Tap HERE to send us a text! Our podcast family is growing - introducing Men's Morning Devotional! Our dad, Steve Alessi, and all of our husbands are now hosting their own 5 minute devotionals every weekday - for men who want to become better husbands, fathers, and leaders! Listen, follow and subscribe here - MensMorningDevotional.comSupport the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! JOIN THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the show on this appShare with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewMORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOYEnjoy more podcasts from Metro Life Studios, including:The Family Business with The AlessisMen's Morning DevotionalThe Mary and Martha Show Available on our Metro Life Studios app!Get The Metro Life Studios app 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260813dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31-33 Without a Doubt! There are very few things you can say without a doubt. When making plans, you can’t say they will happen without a doubt. When someone asks you a difficult question, can you always answer confidently, without a doubt? Thankfully, we can answer life’s most crucial question without a doubt, and not because we’re so smart, but because God is so great! Life’s most crucial question is, “Am I right with God?” or “Will God let me into heaven?” Some people struggle to answer those questions without a doubt. Those doubts come from the reality of sin. God is holy and perfect; we are not. Just one sin is enough to bar us from heaven, and we've committed more than one. More than we can count. It would be presumptuous to believe we can simply walk through heaven’s gates, except that God assures us of this without doubt or hesitation. God is for us! He’s on our side. He says that our sins are forgiven. This removes any and every shred of doubt. Who can bring any charges against us that will stick? Our own doubts and guilty conscience might try to tell us we aren’t forgiven or worthy, but they don’t call the shots! God does. He has justified us. That means he declares, with absolute authority, that we are not guilty because he’s forgiven all our sins. And if any doubt should remain, here’s proof: God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. This is how the guilty are declared innocent and the accused become acquitted, without a doubt. God spared no expense to make things right between you and him. God left heaven and carried a cross to make heaven your home. It’s yours through Christ, without a doubt. Prayer: Lord, spare me from doubt and temptations to justify myself and let my confidence rest on Christ alone who has already justified me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260813dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:31-33 Without a Doubt! There are very few things you can say without a doubt. When making plans, you can’t say they will happen without a doubt. When someone asks you a difficult question, can you always answer confidently, without a doubt? Thankfully, we can answer life’s most crucial question without a doubt, and not because we’re so smart, but because God is so great! Life’s most crucial question is, “Am I right with God?” or “Will God let me into heaven?” Some people struggle to answer those questions without a doubt. Those doubts come from the reality of sin. God is holy and perfect; we are not. Just one sin is enough to bar us from heaven, and we've committed more than one. More than we can count. It would be presumptuous to believe we can simply walk through heaven’s gates, except that God assures us of this without doubt or hesitation. God is for us! He’s on our side. He says that our sins are forgiven. This removes any and every shred of doubt. Who can bring any charges against us that will stick? Our own doubts and guilty conscience might try to tell us we aren’t forgiven or worthy, but they don’t call the shots! God does. He has justified us. That means he declares, with absolute authority, that we are not guilty because he’s forgiven all our sins. And if any doubt should remain, here’s proof: God did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. This is how the guilty are declared innocent and the accused become acquitted, without a doubt. God spared no expense to make things right between you and him. God left heaven and carried a cross to make heaven your home. It’s yours through Christ, without a doubt. Prayer: Lord, spare me from doubt and temptations to justify myself and let my confidence rest on Christ alone who has already justified me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

In this Daily Devotion for August 13, 2026, Pastor David Balla walks through Psalm 77:16-18, where the exodus is described in dramatic terms, the sea trembling in fear, thunder crashing, lightning lighting up the world, all of creation reacting to its Maker as He rescued His people.This devotion carries that image forward to the cross. If creation itself trembles before God, imagine what it meant when the Creator entered His own creation as a man. When Jesus died, darkness covered the land, the ground shook, and the rocks split. Creation recognized its Maker hanging there, quietly accomplishing your redemption. There we find true grace, forgiveness, and salvation, won once and for all through His finished work. Through that redemption we are welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven, and in the Lord's Supper the same God who moved all creation comes to us still, giving His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.When your own life feels shaken, remember whose hands hold the water, the sky, and the earth itself. The same God who rescued His people from Egypt moved all of creation again to rescue you from sin.Subscribe for weekly sermons and Daily Devotions.If this devotion has blessed you, consider supporting this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphYou can also give directly at https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphHashtags (5)#DailyDevotion #Lutheran #LCMS #BibleStudy #Christianity

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260812dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 It’s All Good! “It’s all good!” someone might say. We might tell ourselves, “It’s all good,” even when it’s not. Even when it doesn’t seem good, we try to remain optimistic, look at the brighter side, and have faith that it will all work out. The Christian faith is not merely faith that all things will work out. It’s faith in the God and Savior who works out all things for eternal good. This Bible verse is not a promise that only good and pleasant things will happen to you if you just love God enough. It’s a reminder that those who love God and are loved by God will experience all sorts of things that don’t seem good and pleasant. When something challenging or tragic comes into your life, you might be tempted to wonder, “Does God have something against me? Is that why bad things are happening?” You may doubt that God is really on your side. But here is his assurance: He's not working against you; he’s working for you and for your good! Jesus shows us how true this promise is. No one in the world would naturally see someone nailed to a cross and think, “That’s good.” Yet, in that way, God was at work to accomplish the greatest good—the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life with him. That’s good! When things happen in life that the world does not see as good, we have God’s promise that even this he will work out for good. It could be good personally for you because the thing that initially causes pain or sorrow could be God’s way of shaping you, strengthening you, or sparing you from greater physical or spiritual danger. It could bring good into the lives of others around you. If you’ve been through something, you are better equipped to encourage someone else who’s going through it too. It really is all good when we find ourselves in the loving arms of the God who works in all things for our eternal good! Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me faith that knows that in all things you are at work for your good and eternal purposes. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Beth Davis.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260812dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 It’s All Good! “It’s all good!” someone might say. We might tell ourselves, “It’s all good,” even when it’s not. Even when it doesn’t seem good, we try to remain optimistic, look at the brighter side, and have faith that it will all work out. The Christian faith is not merely faith that all things will work out. It’s faith in the God and Savior who works out all things for eternal good. This Bible verse is not a promise that only good and pleasant things will happen to you if you just love God enough. It’s a reminder that those who love God and are loved by God will experience all sorts of things that don’t seem good and pleasant. When something challenging or tragic comes into your life, you might be tempted to wonder, “Does God have something against me? Is that why bad things are happening?” You may doubt that God is really on your side. But here is his assurance: He's not working against you; he’s working for you and for your good! Jesus shows us how true this promise is. No one in the world would naturally see someone nailed to a cross and think, “That’s good.” Yet, in that way, God was at work to accomplish the greatest good—the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life with him. That’s good! When things happen in life that the world does not see as good, we have God’s promise that even this he will work out for good. It could be good personally for you because the thing that initially causes pain or sorrow could be God’s way of shaping you, strengthening you, or sparing you from greater physical or spiritual danger. It could bring good into the lives of others around you. If you’ve been through something, you are better equipped to encourage someone else who’s going through it too. It really is all good when we find ourselves in the loving arms of the God who works in all things for our eternal good! Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me faith that knows that in all things you are at work for your good and eternal purposes. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260811dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:29-33 Why Do You Doubt? Have you ever been worried about something and doubted that it would be ok? But then you get through it, and you wonder “why did I doubt?” The answer is simple: because you didn’t know the outcome. You didn’t have hindsight to know it would all work out. Jesus asked Peter that simple question after he rescued him from the stormy waters. Why do you doubt? The answer was simple: because Peter took his eyes off Jesus. When you take your eyes of faith off Jesus and you look to your own abilities or only see the storms of life instead of the power and promise of Jesus, doubts surge. It can seem like we can’t keep our heads above water. It can seem like we are drowning. If we stop looking to Jesus as the answer to life’s biggest problem, which is sin, we truly are in over our heads with no way to bail out. But Jesus came to the rescue. He saved us from drowning in our sins and doubts, and he preserves our lives so that neither doubt nor death overtakes us. After Jesus rescued Peter, he got in the boat with Peter. Jesus doesn’t leave us alone to be tossed around by chance. He remains with us to bring a steady calm to a turbulent life. He keeps us afloat with his love and promise. There’s no need to doubt. Even when you can’t see him physically, Jesus strolls across the storms of life. Jesus gives us the foresight to know that in all things, he is with us, keeping us afloat by his grace. He gives us the faith that triumphs over doubt and the foresight to know that one day we will be with him in heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my doubts, calm my fears, and uplift me by your grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Rachel Balducci.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260811dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:29-33 Why Do You Doubt? Have you ever been worried about something and doubted that it would be ok? But then you get through it, and you wonder “why did I doubt?” The answer is simple: because you didn’t know the outcome. You didn’t have hindsight to know it would all work out. Jesus asked Peter that simple question after he rescued him from the stormy waters. Why do you doubt? The answer was simple: because Peter took his eyes off Jesus. When you take your eyes of faith off Jesus and you look to your own abilities or only see the storms of life instead of the power and promise of Jesus, doubts surge. It can seem like we can’t keep our heads above water. It can seem like we are drowning. If we stop looking to Jesus as the answer to life’s biggest problem, which is sin, we truly are in over our heads with no way to bail out. But Jesus came to the rescue. He saved us from drowning in our sins and doubts, and he preserves our lives so that neither doubt nor death overtakes us. After Jesus rescued Peter, he got in the boat with Peter. Jesus doesn’t leave us alone to be tossed around by chance. He remains with us to bring a steady calm to a turbulent life. He keeps us afloat with his love and promise. There’s no need to doubt. Even when you can’t see him physically, Jesus strolls across the storms of life. Jesus gives us the foresight to know that in all things, he is with us, keeping us afloat by his grace. He gives us the faith that triumphs over doubt and the foresight to know that one day we will be with him in heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my doubts, calm my fears, and uplift me by your grace. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260810dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 He Hushes Our Doubt A mother hushes her troubled child with a gentle whisper, “Hush, it’s alright.” She holds her child close in a quiet and calm embrace. No matter what your age, sometimes that’s all you need: a gentle whisper to hush your racing mind. Amid the rushing noise of this world, you need a gentle voice to tell you, “It’s alright.” That’s what Elijah needed. He was on the run from an evil king and queen who wanted to kill him. He was all alone. He doubted that everything would be okay. He thought he was the last faithful prophet in Israel and that he’d soon be dead. In that moment, the Lord speaks. Not in an earth-shattering tone, a quaking voice, or a fiery sermon, but with a gentle whisper, he hushes Elijah’s doubt. We haven’t been in the exact same place as Elijah, but we’ve been at low points where doubts were racing through our minds. Maybe you’ve felt all alone, and you doubted that anyone knew or cared. Maybe you’ve been crying out loud or screaming on the inside. In moments like that, a loving and living God hushes your doubts with a gentle whisper and says, “It’s alright.” Those are never empty words, because God has made all things right through his Son, Jesus Christ. He has rescued us from sin and death so that not even death can separate us from God. When you are gripped with doubt or fear, hear the gentle words of Jesus and know it’s alright. Prayer: Lord, with the gentle whisper of your words, quiet my doubts and fear. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “Fully Alive" from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 3." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=34&p=2349    Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Today's devotion is written by Olivia Jackson.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260810dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 He Hushes Our Doubt A mother hushes her troubled child with a gentle whisper, “Hush, it’s alright.” She holds her child close in a quiet and calm embrace. No matter what your age, sometimes that’s all you need: a gentle whisper to hush your racing mind. Amid the rushing noise of this world, you need a gentle voice to tell you, “It’s alright.” That’s what Elijah needed. He was on the run from an evil king and queen who wanted to kill him. He was all alone. He doubted that everything would be okay. He thought he was the last faithful prophet in Israel and that he’d soon be dead. In that moment, the Lord speaks. Not in an earth-shattering tone, a quaking voice, or a fiery sermon, but with a gentle whisper, he hushes Elijah’s doubt. We haven’t been in the exact same place as Elijah, but we’ve been at low points where doubts were racing through our minds. Maybe you’ve felt all alone, and you doubted that anyone knew or cared. Maybe you’ve been crying out loud or screaming on the inside. In moments like that, a loving and living God hushes your doubts with a gentle whisper and says, “It’s alright.” Those are never empty words, because God has made all things right through his Son, Jesus Christ. He has rescued us from sin and death so that not even death can separate us from God. When you are gripped with doubt or fear, hear the gentle words of Jesus and know it’s alright. Prayer: Lord, with the gentle whisper of your words, quiet my doubts and fear. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260809dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.” Matthew 14:24-27 Don’t Doubt God’s Word The Sea of Galilee is seven hundred feet below sea level. It’s the lowest freshwater lake on the planet. When winds whip through the surrounding mountains and into that watery Galilean crater, storms come quickly and out of nowhere. That is where the disciples are—on a boat, in a windstorm, at night. Jesus is not with them. In fact, Jesus was the one who told them to cross the sea. It shows that being a disciple is not easy. You can’t assume that life will be exactly how you want it. Life is full of unexpected storms. What do you do when they arise? The temptation is to doubt God’s Word. We hear God’s promises, but we are tempted to wonder if he is reliable. If he were, why would life be so difficult right now? But don’t doubt God’s Word. Think about the disciples in that boat on the wind-whipped sea. What are they looking at? They’re looking at Jesus. It’s a surreal scene. Jesus goes out to them, walking on the rough water. No wonder they think they’re seeing a ghost. Then he speaks a word of promise: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” There is strength for faith. It’s not a ghost. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Son of God! When we fear or worry, Jesus promises, “It is I who forgives. It is I who saves. Look at me. Focus not on the illness, not on the pain, not on the economy, not on yourself. Find strength for your faith in my promises.” God has laid a firm foundation for your faith in his excellent Word. Believe it. God’s promises are always powerful. They brought peace to the disciples, and they bring faith to your heart and hope for your future. Prayer: Lord, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260808dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6 It’s All Under Control Did you know that your soul’s salvation is not a “chancy” thing? Being born when and where you were is not “lucky” or “unlucky.” Our parents may have said that we were an “accident” or a “surprise,” but to God, we were neither. God so determined your birth. God is in control. His will WILL be done. From eternity, God our Father chose us to be his children through faith in Jesus Christ, his Son. This has real comfort for us. Perhaps our money doesn’t go as far as it once did. Around us, we see society drowning in its own immorality. There are troubles everywhere. All this sorrow tells us that this world will never be heaven, but we can rejoice in spite of it all. God still has total control, and we know that nothing can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus. We are forgiven. There’s nothing “chancy” about our salvation. It’s all under the control of our loving, gracious, forgiving, and patient Father in heaven. Prayer: I rejoice, heavenly Father, that you chose me to be a member of your eternal family through faith in Jesus my Savior. Preserve my faith through the power of your Word and accomplish for me everything that your loving will has determined. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Mary Ruth Hackett.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260807dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8 Grace by the Basketful Perhaps you have known someone like my grandmother. No guest ever left her table hungry. She did not measure food by the serving; she filled the table until it groaned, and when the meal was over, she loaded you down with leftovers to take home. For her, feeding people was not a duty to calculate. It was a joy to share. The apostle Paul says that is how God deals with us. He writes that God “lavished” the riches of his grace on us. God does not ration his undeserved love for sinners or count it out in careful portions. He is no miser. He gives by the basketful. Consider what he has given. Paul calls it “redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” To redeem something means to buy it back, to set it free by paying a price. That is what we needed. Our sins had made us prisoners, guilty before God and unable to purchase our own release. No amount of good behavior could cover what we owed. So, God paid the price himself. The cost was not silver or gold, but the holy, precious blood of his own Son. On the cross, Jesus gave everything to set you free, and now every sin you have ever committed stands forgiven. God did not forgive you reluctantly, the way we sometimes pardon others while quietly keeping score. He forgave you gladly, fully, lavishly, because that is who he is. This is what Christians trust in most of all. God’s greatest provision is not found on our tables or in our bank accounts, but at the cross. And if God has already lavished such riches on you there, you can be certain his grace will never run short. Prayer: Gracious Father, you lavished the riches of your grace on me through the blood of your Son. Let me live each day in the joy and freedom of your full forgiveness. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.

Today's devotion is written by Monica Weinkopf.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260806dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 Blessings That Never Run Out The Bible tells us that Jesus once fed a crowd of more than five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. He multiplied that little lunch until everyone ate and was satisfied. It was a marvelous gift. But consider this: the next morning, every one of those people woke up hungry again. That is the nature of earthly blessings. Food fills us for a few hours. Paychecks are spent. Health, as we all eventually learn, fades. Even the happiest earthly gifts—family, friendships, home—are ours for a lifetime at most. We thank God for all of them, but none of them lasts forever. That is what makes the apostle Paul’s words so remarkable. He praises God for blessing us “in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Notice what he says. Not some blessings, but every blessing. Not stored far away, but already given to us. And these gifts are not kept in a pantry or a bank account, where moths destroy and markets crash. They are kept in the heavenly realms, beyond the reach of anything that could take them away. What blessings are these? Through faith in Jesus, you have the forgiveness of all your sins. You have peace with God. You are adopted as his dear child. The Holy Spirit lives in you and there is an inheritance in heaven with your name on it. Nothing on earth—not inflation, not illness, not even death itself—can drain that account. Christ earned every bit of it for you, and God has signed it all over to you in your baptism. So enjoy your daily bread with thanksgiving; it is a gift from your Father’s hand, new every morning. But your greatest treasures are not on the table or in the bank. They are in Christ—forgiveness, peace, and life that never ends. The child of God is rich beyond counting, today and eternally. Prayer: Praise to you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in your Son. Keep my heart treasuring what can never be taken away. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. 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.