5-Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Nate Widener • October 14, 2024

5-Day Sermon Devotion on "A Learning Moment"

Day 1: The Depth of God's Love Reading: Mark 10:17-22 Devotional: As we read about Jesus' encounter with the rich young man, we're struck by a profound truth: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him." Despite the man's self-righteousness and misunderstanding, Jesus responded with love. This mirrors God's love for us – unconditional and ever-present, even when we fail to recognize our own shortcomings. Today, reflect on moments when you've felt undeserving of God's love. How does knowing that Jesus looks at you with love, regardless of your flaws, change your perspective? Ask God to help you internalize His deep, abiding love for you.

Day 2: The Nature of True Faith Reading: James 2:14-26 Devotional: The rich young man claimed to have kept all the commandments, yet his faith was incomplete. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. True faith isn't about perfectly following rules, but about a transformative relationship with God that changes our hearts and actions. Consider areas in your life where your faith might be more about following rules than truly following Christ. How can you move beyond a checklist mentality to a faith that actively seeks to love God and others? Pray for God to deepen your faith and show you ways to live it out more fully.

Day 3: Understanding Salvation Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Devotional: The rich young man asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" His question reveals a common misconception – that we can earn our salvation. Paul's words to the Ephesians clarify that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not something we can achieve through our own efforts. Reflect on times you've tried to "earn" God's favor. How does embracing the truth of salvation by grace alone change your approach to your relationship with God? Thank God for His freely given gift of salvation and ask for help in living in response to this grace.

Day 4: Letting Go of Idols Reading: Matthew 6:19-24 Devotional: Jesus challenged the rich young man to sell his possessions, revealing the man's true idol – wealth. We all have potential idols in our lives – things we trust in or value more than God. Jesus' words in Matthew remind us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. What might be your "great possessions" that hold you back from fully following Christ? It could be material wealth, reputation, comfort, or something else. Ask God to reveal any idols in your life and for the courage to let them go, trusting Him above all else.

Day 5: Following Christ in Daily Life Reading: Luke 9:23-26 Devotional: Jesus' invitation to the rich young man was simple yet profound: "Follow me." This call extends to us today. Following Christ isn't just about believing the right things; it's about daily choosing to align our lives with His will and ways. Luke's passage reminds us that this often involves self-denial and taking up our cross. Reflect on what following Jesus looks like in your everyday life. What specific choices can you make today to more closely follow Christ? Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength to live as a true disciple in all aspects of your life.

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Workers for the Harvest

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.

5-Day Sermon Devotion