5- Day Sermon Devo

Pastor Nate Widener • April 28, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener

Day 1: The Returning King

Reading: Revelation 1:4-8, 12-18

Devotional: As we reflect on Christ's return, we're reminded of His majesty and power. John's vision in Revelation paints a picture of Jesus that's both awe-inspiring and humbling. Today, meditate on the description of Christ with "eyes like a flame of fire" and a voice "like the roar of many waters." How does this image of Jesus challenge or comfort you? Consider how this powerful King chose to die for your sins out of love. Take a moment to surrender any areas of doubt or fear to Him, remembering that He holds "the keys of death and Hades." How might your life change if you lived each day expecting Christ's return?


Day 2: Overcoming Doubt

Reading: John 20:24-29

Devotional: Thomas's doubt is a story we can all relate to. Like him, we often struggle to believe what we cannot see or understand. Yet Jesus met Thomas in his doubt with patience and love. Reflect on a time when you've doubted God's presence or promises. How did God respond to your doubt? Remember that Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Today, ask God to strengthen your faith in areas where you struggle to trust Him. Consider how you might encourage someone else who's wrestling with doubt.


Day 3: The Peace of Christ

Reading: John 14:25-27, Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional: In a world full of turmoil, Christ offers us His peace - a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a deep-seated assurance of God's presence and control. How have you experienced Christ's peace in your life? In what areas do you need to invite His peace today? Take time to bring your anxieties and fears to God in prayer, asking Him to fill you with His peace. Consider how you might be an instrument of Christ's peace to others around you.


Day 4: Living in Light of Eternity

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Devotional: The promise of Christ's return and our resurrection gives us hope beyond this life. How does the reality of eternal life impact your daily decisions and priorities? Reflect on Paul's words that we should "encourage one another with these words." How might you live differently if you constantly remembered that this life is not all there is? Today, choose one way to invest in your eternal future - perhaps by serving others, deepening your prayer life, or sharing your faith with someone.


Day 5: God's Presence in Suffering

Reading: Romans 8:18-39

Devotional: Life inevitably brings challenges and suffering, but we're assured that God is with us through it all. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love. Reflect on a difficult time in your life - how did you experience God's presence? Even when we can't see or feel Him, God promises to be our "constant companion." Today, if you're going through a trial, invite God into that space. If you're in a season of peace, pray for those who are suffering. Remember that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. How can this eternal perspective change how you face challenges?


News & Notes

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By Pastor Adam McDowell July 7, 2025
I want to share a story, actually several stories. I remember when I was young in Tulsa, Oklahoma and in Fredericktown, Missouri, of going up to the altar rail with my parents and receiving a blessing from my pastor. I remember sticking my head in between the posts on the altar rail and the pastor giving me a blessing. I don't exactly remember the words, but I knew it was important and I wanted that blessing. I remember in confirmation learning about what the pastor was actually saying, what those words actually meant. To understand what God was saying in his scriptures and growing in it. Overall, just being absolutely amazed at what my pastors, Pastor Sean and Pastor Beering were teaching me and knowing God better and just the joyfulness of it. And I remember Lyndi going through confirmation, adult confirmation, with Pastor Schueler in Rosenberg, Texas, and then seeing from her eyes what it meant to be Lutheran, to understand the faith. I had grown up in the Lutheran church, so it was all ordinary for me, but for her it was extraordinary to know and to understand and have that time with a pastor. And I'm so thankful for the pastors in my life and all of the other church workers that have been a part of my life who have helped me to understand who God is. I mentioned in this weekend’s sermon that there's an initiative, a program through the LCMS called Set Apart to Serve. It points out that we have a lack of pastors, teachers, and other church workers. Set Apart to Serve reminds us that the Lord asks us to pray for laborers for the harvest, and I encourage you to pray for laborers for the harvest. To pray for those that teach us who God is and to help us to understand how much we need him. If you happen to know some young people considering church work or being pastors, pray for them, encourage them. God has gifted them to us to answer our questions. Pray fervently that the Lord would send workers into his harvest so that we know him. Keep that in your prayers. I encourage you to look for people who would be good to take God's calling into his church. May the Lord provide workers for His harvest that we may know God and how richly He blesses us. Amen.
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