5-Day Sermon Devotion 10/20/2024

Pastor Adam McDowell • October 21, 2024

5-Day Sermon Devotion on "How to Get Rich Quick and Still Get to Heaven"

Day 1: The Riches of God's Kingdom Reading: Matthew 6:19-21, 33 Devotional: In our pursuit of worldly wealth, we often lose sight of the true riches God offers. Today's passage reminds us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Reflect on what you consider valuable in your life. Are you investing more in temporary possessions or eternal relationships? God's kingdom offers wealth beyond measure - love, forgiveness, and eternal life. As you go through your day, consciously shift your focus from material gains to spiritual growth. Seek first His kingdom, trusting that all else will follow.




Day 2: The Impossible Made Possible Reading: Mark 10:23-27 Devotional: Jesus' words about a camel passing through the eye of a needle can seem discouraging. But remember, what's impossible for us is possible for God. This applies not just to salvation, but to all areas of our lives where we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What situations in your life feel impossible right now? Bring them before God today, remembering that His power knows no limits. By His power we can overcome and also grow to know better how suffering is the power of God. Let this truth renew your hope and strengthen your faith. 



Day 3: Sacrificial Love Reading: Mark 10:28-31 Devotional: Peter's declaration about leaving everything to follow Jesus resonates with many believers. Today, consider what you've given up for your faith. Perhaps it's time, comfort, or relationships. Now, focus on what you've gained - a spiritual family, God's presence, and the promise of eternal life. How can you demonstrate sacrificial love today? Look for opportunities to serve others, knowing that what you give up for Christ's sake will be returned a hundredfold in and for His kingdom. 



Day 4: Perseverance in Persecution Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Devotional: Christ promised that along with blessings, we would face persecutions. Paul's words in today's reading offer encouragement for those difficult times. Remember, our troubles are temporary, but God's glory is eternal. Reflect on a challenging situation you're facing. How might God be using this to refine your faith and reveal His strength? Take heart in knowing that even in suffering, God is present and working for your good and His glory. We thank the Lord for His suffering for our sake.



Day 5: The True Wealth of Community Reading: Acts 2:42-47 Devotional: The early church exemplified the hundredfold blessings Jesus spoke of - a loving community sharing all they had. This passage paints a beautiful picture of Christian fellowship. How can you contribute to building this kind of community in your church or ministry group? Consider reaching out to someone today, offering support or hospitality. Remember, the relationships we build in Christ are eternal treasures that far outweigh any earthly wealth.

News & Notes

By Pastor Danny Eggold August 3, 2026
Christian Education Weekend
By Tim Degen August 3, 2026
Introducing St. Peter's Lutheran Church & School's 2026-27 Theme Hymn: "One in Christ and One in Spirit"
August 3, 2026
Board of Directors Chair, Ben Clinkenbeard
By Barb Christian August 3, 2026
Watch Preschool Director, Barb Christian's Video
By Pastor Danny Eggold August 3, 2026
5-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional Guide: Open Hands — Trusting God's Extravagant Grace
By Pastor Adam McDowell July 27, 2026
Our Partnership with Our Seminary
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.
By Alicia Weaver July 27, 2026
Help Make the Holidays Brighter!
By Camp Lutherhaven July 27, 2026
Register for Iron Sharpens Iron: A Men's Fellowship Retreat at Camp Lutherhaven
By Seminarian Christian Salemink July 27, 2026
Sermon by Seminarian Christian Salemink