Day 47: Easter – John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

Did you know when Jesus rose from the dead? Jesus died to take away our sins and suffered the pain so we didn’t have to suffer for our sin. Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning. When He rose on Easter morning it was the final step in the process of winning for us our salvation. This was something that Jesus could only do. With the power He has and uses He works only for our good. He has promised us that He will always forgive our sin even though we might not deserve it. When we ask He will forgive.
-Kayla Johnson

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the grate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for Easter - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 46: Holy Saturday - 1 Peter 3: 18-22

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

Peter is saying in essence, Yes you are suffering but He suffered also. So don't lose hope. Let the truth that follows about the suffering of Christ serve to encourage you.

He who was perfect Righteousness willingly suffered for totally unrighteous men. Obviously, believers can never suffer the way He did (for His was redemptive suffering), but we can suffer for righteousness because He suffered and brought us into the kingdom of light which automatically puts the believer in contact with the kingdom of darkness. Remember that Peter's intent in this section is to help believers arm themselves (1Pe 4:1) with the faith to suffer for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

Christianity in America is the exception not the rule. For example, evangelical missionaries entered Cambodia in the 1920's but were expelled in 1965 at which time there were by best estimates only about 600 believers. However from 1965-1975 civil war ravaged Cambodia and yet during that time the Christian population soared to an estimated 90,000, clearly indicative of the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to spread and convert the lost. It was an amazing work of God. But when the Khmer Rouge took control and Pol Pot unleashed his maniacal fury on the nation, most of the believers in Christ were either martyred or fled the country. Surely the truths of Peter's first epistle helped them arm themselves for suffering even as their Lord suffered.

The message of the cross and empty tomb reminds us that the powers of sin, death and the devil himself have been defeated. Nothing can separate you from the Savior’s presence and purpose in your life. We live in Him, we live for Him, we abide in Him. Even if we must suffer for Him we remain in Him for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)

O God, creator of heaven and earth, grant that as the crucified body of Your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on the Sabbath, so we may await with Him the coming of the third day, and rise with Him to newness of life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
http://www.preceptaustin.org/1_peter_318-22.htm
Collect for Holy Saturday - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 45: Crucifixion - Luke 23:44-49

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

These few verses are filled with great richness. Jesus' death occurs in deep darkness; darkness has its way for a brief spell before its stranglehold on us is broken forever by Jesus' resurrection. The veil is torn in the Temple; Jesus opens up the way for us to enter the Holy of Holies with confidence and find grace at the Mercy Seat of God. In His final breath, Jesus entrusts everything to His Father in faith; in our worst of moments, we can know that no matter how forsaken we may feel, God will bring us to Himself in glory. Jesus takes His last breath and dies; each of us must one day give up our last breath, but because of Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection, we can die with confidence. Look to Jesus and trust in His grace.

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/luke/1223-wjd.html
Collect for Good Friday - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 44: Last supper - Luke 22:14-23

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

The Lord’s Supper was the last meal the disciples had with Jesus before he was crucified. Jesus wanted to have this meal to inform the disciples to continue this holy sacrament after his crucifixion. Our church celebrates the Lord’s Supper by having Communion every first, third, and fifth Sunday of each month. Communion is a holy meal during which bread or wafers and wine are blessed and partaken by the congregation as we receive the body and blood shed for us by Jesus. God says taking part in Communion cleanses our bodies and takes away our sins.
-Maghan Manley

Thank you, God, for giving us this holy sacrament.
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 43: Judas plots the Savior’s arrest - Matt. 26:14-16

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Judas was one of the Twelve. For three years Judas lived and walked and talked with the Son of God. What a tragedy – from one of the Twelve belonging to Jesus to one of the defiant unbelievers belonging to Satan. What went wrong?

Judas let his greed for money consume his spirit. He was the treasurer for the Twelve – and a dishonest one (John 12:5, 6). Judas' greed became so obsessive that his love for Jesus was replaced by a love for money. Judas heard the preaching of Jesus, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). However, Judas’ heart was taken over by an incessant greed for “treasures on earth.” His unbelieving, greedy heart became so calloused against the Lord that he was willing to betray Jesus into the murderous hands of enemies for the price of thirty pieces of silver.

In the Old Testament, when Achan defied God’s command by wrongfully taking a beautiful robe, silver and gold, he brought God's wrath down on the nation of Israel. Achan was stoned to death and the place was called "The Valley of Achor (trouble)." This happened just after the fall of Jericho as the Israelites were entering Canaan (Joshua 7:20-26). As the years went by, many of the people were lured away from God and worshipped the false gods of Canaan. But centuries later, in Hosea 2:15, God says "I will make the Valley of Achor into a door of hope." He pointed ahead to the promised Savior he was going to send. By leading us to faith in Jesus, God takes away the trouble of sin and he gives us hope of living with God forever in peace and joy.

Jesus didn't tempt Judas to sin. He didn't force Judas to sin. He didn't approve of Judas' sin. But by allowing Judas' betrayal, Jesus entered into the critical stage of his mission for coming to this world – to suffer and die for the guilt of our sins. He brought about fulfillment of God’s plan of saving us from eternal death. In Jesus we have the fantastic wealth of the forgiveness of sins and the glorious riches of eternal life. Now we are free to follow him with all our heart and live to give our Savior lavish praise.

Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
http://www.wels.net/spiritual-help/daily-devotion/2010-04/matthew-2614-16-april-13-2010
Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 42: Jesus anointed - John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you but you will not always have me.”

Spices and ointments were quite costly because they had to be imported. Frequently they were used as an investment because they occupied a small space, were portable, and were easily negotiable in the open market. Mary’s offering was valued at three hundred denarii (v. 5) approximately a year’s wages for an ordinary workingman. Perhaps it represented her life savings. […] Wiping his feet with her hair was a gesture of utmost devotion and reverence. The penetrative fragrance of the ointment that filled the house told all present of her sacrificial gift
.
With whom can you identify more?

What can you learn about the progression of sin from Judas who “helped himself” to the communal money and “was later to betray” Jesus?

What is the fundamental difference between Mary and Judas as revealed by his objection to what she did?

What is the only thing that can explain Mary’s outpouring of this expensive perfume? Why is this appropriate in light of what Jesus was about to do (Vv. 23-24)?

How might things have changed for Judas if he had been honest about what was going on in his heart at this point?

Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weakness we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for Monday of Holy Week – Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 41: Cleansing the Temple – Matthew 21:12-13

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

On His way to Jerusalem Jesus clears the temple because the people were being cheated by those who should have known better. What is the reason for having a church today? Jesus gives us the answer, “My Father’s house it to be a house of prayer, not a market!” We come to church to hear God’s Word, to pray, to learn of Jesus. Anything else is a distraction.
-Ryan Freimuth

Lord, keep me always close to You. May our place of worship always be a house of prayer.

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 40: Palm Sunday - Matt. 21

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

When I was young, the story of Palm Sunday intrigued me. How, I wondered, could all those people treat Jesus like a king one day, and in short order, turn their backs on him? How could they think he was worthy of such praise and rejoicing, and then throw him out like yesterday’s garbage?

As I matured and experienced more of life, I realized that people’s ideas and beliefs can change over time and different circumstances can alter one’s view of the world. How many of us have liked a style of clothes, a television show, or a friend for a while, and then tired of it? The Palm Sunday crowd was sincere in their praise, I believe, but showed the fickleness of human nature. What seemed like a sure thing on Sunday seemed rather futile to them only a few days later.

We can draw much comfort and strength, however, from the knowledge that God is not like the Palm Sunday crowd. He does not change. He is the same today as he always has been. His love for us will not be outgrown, outlived, or outsourced. He will never tire of us, get bored with us, or toss us aside for someone or something more interesting. He will always be there for us no matter what our circumstances or where our journey through life takes us.
-Tammy Dahling

Lord, Thank you for being the one true constant in our lives. May we strive to be as faithful to you as you are to us so that we can someday join in the song:
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 39: Raising of Lazarus - John 11

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Again we read about Martha and her sister Mary. However, this time is a very different situation. Their brother Lazarus is dead. The main theme God is trying to tell us is not the miracle of Him raising Lazarus. Instead the theme is about having faith. Martha tells Jesus in verse 27 that “I believe that you are the Christ, The Son of God who has come into this world.” Earlier Jesus states that “Are there not 12 hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that stumbles for he has no light.”

Now Jesus is not talking about literal light. Obviously it is hard to see where one is going when it is dark outside (especially out here in rural Indiana). However he is talking about faith. In many versus God is referred to as “the light”. Without God in our lives it would sometimes seem as if we are walking into darkness. With God we are able to see the True Light. Not the sun but Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior.
-Henry Dahling

Dear God please allow us all be able to see the light and have the faith that Martha did, even in those troubling times.
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 38: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men— robbers, evildoers, adulterers— or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.-

Lost to our time and culture but painfully obvious to the hearers of Jesus’ day was the context into which Jesus places the parable, “two men went up to the temple to pray…” It was unheard of for any man to pray standing by himself. A minyan (which literally means to count number; pl. minyanim) in Judaism refers to the quorum required for certain religious obligations, which is ten men. The fact that these men were at the temple praying outside of the sacred assembly meant only one thing. There had been scandal. The fact that they could only pray individually tells us there had been humiliation, dishonor and shame. They had been placed under a ban. They had been excluded because of some public sin. The contrast between the two men and their prayer is evident. One trusted in himself and felt justified to focus on his own merits. The other, by contrast, pleads for mercy. The old song sins, “faith looks to Jesus Christ alone who did for all the world atone, He is our one redeemer.”

In this season of Lent we walk with the Savior observing His passion, suffering and death. For our offenses the Son of Man was willing to suffer in our stead. As we contemplate our need and the Savior’s sacrifice for us may we like this simple man pray the prayer of faith, “God have mercy upon me, a sinner.”

Almighty and everlasting God, You are always more ready to hear than we to pray and always ready to give more than we either desire or deserve. Pour down on us the abundance of Your mercy; forgive us those things of which our conscience is afraid; and give us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask except by the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
The source for the requirement of minyan is recorded in the Talmud.
Salvation unto Us Has Come - Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Collect for Proper 25 – Series C - Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 37: The Transfiguration – Mark 9:2-13

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant. And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."-

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ was and is an historic occasion. The challenge, is to answer the question “so what?” What does the fact the Lord Jesus was transfigured mean to your living in this 21st Century? How is it relevant to your daily life? What is the Lord saying to us in this experience?

The Lord’s glorious Transfiguration is an example to follow – go to a mountain of prayer. “Jesus went to a mountain where they were all alone.” It was Jesus’ pattern to pray. It was Jesus’ pattern to get away from the crowd, away from the hustle of life, away from His plans and priorities. We too are busy people. There are commitments and deadlines appointments and schedules that have to be kept. Yet, Jesus’ first priority was to His heavenly Father. He said to Mary and Joseph, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49) He said to His disciples, “But seek firs the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) In the midst of our busy lives we need to turn off the computer, disengage the cell phone, walk away from our television series and spend both quality and quantity time with the Lord in prayer.

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your only-begotten Son You once confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of the ancient father, and in the voice that came from the bright cloud You wondrously foreshowed our adoption by grace. Therefore mercifully make us coheirs with our King of His glory, and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.


Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the Transfiguration of our Lord – Lutheran Book of Worship © 1980
Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis

Day 36: Walking on water - Matthew 14:22-36

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and 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.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. 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.”

Jesus walked on water to prove He was the Son of God. Many of us are like Peter, the disciple, in that we sometimes have doubts about God especially if someone we love has been told that they are dying. It doesn’t seem that our prayers are being answered. During these times, we may start to sink. Yet Jesus always reaches out to us especially when we are low. When we put our faith back in Jesus, we will be grasped by Him and put back afloat on calmer waters.
-Elliot Gehres

Dear Heavenly Father, please help us keep our faith in You. Keep our family and friends together as long as we live only to be received into heavenly peace. Amen
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 35: Feeding the 5000 - Matthew 14:13-21

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus sets the table! If you would count women and children it could have been up to 15,000. Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana seats close to 17,000 people.

According to the concessions manager the following items were sold at the Indiana v Wisconsin game, on Saturday, March 12, 1994 (per my telephone conversation with him on March 15, 1994)...

• 400 1bs of hot dogs,
• 3,000 popcorn boxes,
• 8,200 cokes (about 1,000 gallons)
• 684 candy bars,
• 436 nachos,
• 284 boxes of caramel corn,
• 917 soft pretzels,
• 247 polish sausages,
• 100 sandwiches,
• 179 bags of peanuts,
• 50 muffins,
• 160 cups of coffee.

And fans had to pay for their food! Jesus feeds the crowd freely, without cost!

When we pray, "give us this day our daily bread" we can know that the Savior will supply us with all that we need to support our body and life!

Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for Proper 13 – Series A - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 34: Do not worry - Matthew 6:26-34

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Do not worry. That is a really loaded statement. Everyone at one time or another has worries. There are many different kinds of worries that people face. How will we feed our children? How are we going to pay those bills? When am I going to die? In Matthew it is a pretty clear statement it says “Seek God and seek righteousness and everything else will come.” God also tells us to have faith that he will provide us with everything we need. No, this is not an easy thing and at times we all have or will doubt his word. If everyone would take the time to share Gods word then more people may find the reasons not to worry. You never know how they may be listening or even watching you. The bible, your Pastor, a good friend, or a relative may be the one who helps you. They may even show you the way by their actions in life. So just remember on this day to have faith and believe in God and most of all “Do Not Worry” it is in God’s hands.
-Tina Geels

O God, from whom come all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works, give to us, Your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for Peace – Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 33: Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:13-14

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Navigator; Where in the heck are we anyway?
Driver; Hey, I’m the one who’s driving, I thought you were watching for road signs.
Navigator; How are we ever going to find our way back to the main road from here?
Driver; You were supposed to be watching the map. By the way, where is the map? What did you do with the map? WE NEED THE MAAAAAAAAAAP!

As we live our lives looking forward to heaven we sometimes seem to wander without a clear direction. And there’s not always someone sitting next to us to tell us where to go, which turn to take, and how to act. WE NEED A MAP.

Matthew tells us about Jesus’ ministry and how it gives us a roadmap to follow throughout our lives. As Jesus moved about Galilee preaching, teaching and healing He met the people’s needs wherever He encountered them. His words and example helped to guide them through their lives, guiding them closer to God.

During this ministry large crowds would gather around Him as He was becoming very well known. The disciples who were travelling with Him were also well known and might have been tempted to feel important and maybe even a little possessive of Jesus. At one point outside the city of Capernaum Jesus took His disciples aside and talked with them. Jesus told His disciples that being followers of Him would not always be easy. He laid out His “roadmap” for them to follow, giving them some idea of what God expected of them and how to draw closer to Him and how to live a blessed life.

We learn that being a Christian does not mean that things will always be easy.
Jesus tells us as he told His disciples;
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
- Blessed are the peacemakers, For they will be called the sons of God
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This is our roadmap through life, this is our way to be blessed through our lives as we look forward to our reward in heaven, spending a glorious eternity with God.

The disciples had made a decision to follow Christ and undoubtedly enjoyed being together at His side. We become a member of God’s family at our baptism and then make a decision to follow Him as we commit our lives to Him at our confirmation. We enjoy being together with other Christians to worship together, commune together, and fellowship together. This is part of living a “blessed” life.

The next time that “going to church” seems routine, or even boring just think about what a special opportunity we have to worship together as Christians and draw closer to God.

Jesus goes on to tell us that we are the salt of the earth. This means that people are watching us and looking for their roadmap also. We have a responsibility to not only live a life that draws us closer to God but also leads others closer to God. May we always set an example of God’s love and mercy that lets people see how wonderful it is to follow Him and live in Him and true fellowship with other believers.
-Stan Stoppenhagen

Lord help us to always seek You and see You in everything, and help others to see You in all that we do and say. Amen
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 32: First miracle - John 2:1-11

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Imagine you are at a party with lots of people. There are drinks and food there. The drink selections are Pepsi and a different cheaper brown pop. the hosts bring out the Pepsi first then the cheap brown pop when the Pepsi is gone. Soon they run out and there are no drinks left! They could run to the store but that would be rude considering that this is their party. So, what do they do? The people who were at the wedding in Cana ran into the same problem but with a different drink, wine. When their wine ran out the hosts panicked. What were they to do? Then When Mary, Jesus's mother, heard she went to her son and told him that there was no more wine. He basically said “what am i supposed to do?” Mary told the servants to do whatever he said to do. And Jesus chose to fill 6 water jugs that held 20-30 gallons each. When that was done he told the servants to take some of the water, which was now miraculously turned into wine, to the master of the feast. Jesus had just performed his first miracle. And why this miracle? John reminds us this was just the first of Jesus miracles his disciples saw his glory and put their faith in him.
-Kathy Jenkins

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

Day 31: Temptation - Luke 4

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Jesus was in the desert for 40 days being tempted by the devil. The devil tested Jesus but Jesus would pass and make the devil even more angry. Satan tried everything to tempt the Lord but the Lord Jesus Christ would say, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Or “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord, your God and Him only you shall serve” and even, “It has been said, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” The Lord Jesus Christ shall never be tempted by the devil or anyone else.

If you have ever been tempted by someone or something you would know how hard it is to not fall into it. You and I cannot stop the things that tempt us but the Lord can help us. By His dying on the cross to save us we are free from sin, death, and the devil. Unlike the Lord, we cannot fight the demons that come to destroy us but Jesus the Lord can command these demons to flee and leave a clean spirit inside of us – His Holy Spirit.
-Carissa Schultz

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever.

Lord God, our strength, the battle of good and evil rages within and around us, and our ancient foe tempts us with his deceits and empty promises. Keep us steadfast in your word, and, when we fall, raise us up again and restore us through your Son.
Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the 1st Sunday in Lent – Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Collect for the 1st Sunday in Lent – Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 30: Baptism - Luke 3:21

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

At His Baptism Jesus is anointed with the Spirit as God’s Son. Only Luke notes Jesus’ praying at the time of His baptism. Jesus in prayer is one of the special themes of Luke. Luke specifies that the Holy Spirit descended “in bodily form.” To John, it was a sign. Two other times the Gospel writers record the declaration of a voice from heaven addressing Jesus; on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the temple area during Jesus’ final week. (see John 12:28)

How many baptisms are there? Luke emphasizes the anointing of the Spirit in connection with baptism. The Holy Spirit comes to us in and through our baptism. In our lesson “water baptism” and “spirit baptism” are mentioned. In verse 16 John the Baptizer says he baptizes with water but a greater than he will baptism with the Spirit and fire. Water and Sprit baptism are one and the same. The Spirit comes with the Word manifested by the sign of water. Baptism is essentially as spiritual matter, a covenant between God and the believer. It is not a mere external matter of applying water to a person. You are a true and complete Christian by virtue of your baptism. This is your birthright, where faith is born. It’s purpose and power cannot be taken away from you.

Father in Heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the Baptism of our Lord – Series A - Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 29: Christmas 2 - Luke 2:8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“And Behold I bring you good tidings of Great Joy!” The children recite it each Christmas Eve with fresh enthusiasm that is a joy to behold. It is expected that we will hear this wonderful Bible verse.

But what is great joy? Sometimes, we can find ourselves not looking forward to the festivities surrounding the Holiday season. Sometimes the Holiday’s can be hard for people who have recently lost loved ones, had disappointments in jobs, family situations, health, etc. It can be a lonely or sad time. As the Holiday season started with Thanksgiving, my son reminded me what Great Joy is. He knows joy from doing and knowing what is “expected”.

For our son, it is expected that Thanksgiving meal is at noon, we put the Christmas tree up that afternoon and prepare for the birthday celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ. After Christmas it is expected that the tree will come down New Year’s Day. As the tree was being taken down, my son said, “What’s Next”? Then he immediately answered his own question with Good Friday, and then, Easter. Like Easter is the grand finale of the seasons. As a Christian we know if we believe and are baptized, it is expected that we will be saved and Easter truly is the grand finally of the seasons.

When the Angel appeared to the Shepherds in the field announcing the coming birth of the savior, they immediately left their watch to go to Bethlehem fully expecting to see the baby that would grow to be their Savior. They were not afraid, they did not doubt, they did as was expected of them. When they saw their savior, this brought them great joy.

As Mary looked down at her baby and heard the Shepherds praising the baby Christ Child, Mary treasured these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary did what God expected of her, and she knew Great Joy.

In our Christian walk, it is expected that we will face many challenges. It is expected to try to follow God’s commandments for our life. It is expected that we, being human, will fail. But it is expected that through Prayer and repentance, we will be forgiven through Christ our Savior. It is expected in faith, that we will know Great Joy, in seeing our Savior face to face when our walk on earth is done.

This is the Promise of Christmas to me. Finding Great Joy in knowing what is expected for our futures as Christians.

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”. Jeremiah 29:11. What Great Joy.
-Pam Everett

O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Collect for the 1st Sunday after Christmas Series A – Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Day 28: Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-14

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)

Behold! In gloomy stable stall
There lies the Ruler of us all;
Where once the hungry oxen fed
The Virgin finds her Child a bed

From his Christmas Oratorio in simple yet magnificent words J. S. Bach explains for us the significance of what has just transpired outside an inn at Bethlehem. The creator of the entire universe, the Lord and ruler of us all becomes human.

Yet, how does He choose to make Himself known? Not in pomp and circumstance, not with grand fanfare and a flourish of light and sound. Instead He chooses to be placed in a manger; the feeding trough of the animals. He is born in a stable where beasts are kept. Not the place you would go looking to find the redeemer and savior of the world.

But this is the amazing thing about our Savior. He chooses to be found in those places the world would least expect. He chooses to reveal Himself in those places the world considers unimportant. He chooses to exert His power in what an unbelieving world considers weak and of little consequence.

The cruel cross of Calvary looms ahead of us. Does the death of a condemned man seem compelling enough to offer atonement? Could His life and sacrifice really save you? The surroundings and the circumstances of His birth predict His death. They are the means by which we find peace with God and absolution for our sin.

Ah! Dearest Jesus holy Child,
Make Thee a bed soft undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

Sources:
Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS used by permission for private and congregational use
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come - The Lutheran Hymnal © 1942 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis