5-Day Sermon Devotion 1/12/2025

Pastor Nate Widener • January 13, 2025

Sermon "An Every Day Occurrence" by Pastor Nate Widener

Day 1: Called by Name

Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7

Devotional: God's intimate love for us is beautifully expressed in Isaiah 43:1, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Today, reflect on the profound truth that the Creator of the universe knows you personally. He doesn't just know about you; He knows you. In your baptism, God claimed you as His own, bringing you into His family. Take a moment to imagine God speaking your name with love and tenderness. How does this change your perspective on your relationship with Him? Today, walk confidently in the knowledge that you belong to God, and He delights in you.

Day 2: The Power of Baptism

Reading: Romans 6:1-11

Devotional: In baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This isn't just a symbolic act, but a powerful spiritual reality. As you read Romans 6, consider the transformative power of your baptism. You have died to sin and been raised to new life in Christ. This isn't a one-time event, but a daily reality we can claim. When you face temptation or struggle with sin, remember that in Christ, you have the power to overcome. Today, consciously "consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11). How might this change your approach to the challenges you face?

Day 3: God's Presence in Suffering

Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3; Psalm 23

Devotional: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). Life often brings trials that feel like overwhelming floods or scorching fires. Yet God promises to be with us through it all. He doesn't always remove the difficulty, but He walks through it with us. Reflect on times in your life when you've felt God's presence during hardship. How did He sustain you? The psalmist reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need fear no evil because God is with us. Today, if you're facing a challenge, invite God's presence into that situation. If life is calm, pray for those you know who are struggling.

Day 4: The Assurance of Salvation

Reading: John 10:27-30; Ephesians 1:13-14

Devotional: Jesus assures us that no one can snatch us out of His hand. Our salvation is secure not because of our own efforts, but because of God's power and faithfulness. The Holy Spirit, given to us in baptism, is a seal and guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. How does this assurance impact your daily life? Does it free you to serve God more boldly, knowing your eternal destiny is secure? Today, thank God for the gift of salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let this assurance empower you to live courageously for Christ.

Day 5: Living as God's Chosen People

Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10; Colossians 3:12-17

Devotional: Through baptism, we have become part of God's chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This identity comes with both privilege and responsibility. We are called to "proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). How can you live out this calling today? Colossians 3 gives us practical guidance: clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Today, choose one of these qualities to focus on. Ask God to help you embody this characteristic as you interact with others, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need.

< Older Note

Newer Note >

Mail

News & Notes

Fieldworkers: Preparing Future Pastors

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 27, 2026

Our Partnership with Our Seminary

August Happenings

By Amy Widener • July 27, 2026

August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.