5 Day Devo

Pastor Nate Widener • November 10, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Nate

Day 1: The God Who Sees Your Suffering

Reading: Exodus 3:1-10

Devotional:


God's words to Moses reveal a profound truth: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people...I know their sufferings." In your darkest moments, when you feel invisible and alone, remember that the great I AM sees you completely. He doesn't observe from a distance with detached curiosity—He knows your pain intimately. Moses was wandering in the wilderness, working a dead-end job, running from his past. Yet God met him there. Your circumstances don't disqualify you from God's presence; they invite His intervention. Today, bring your struggles before the One who already knows them and cares deeply about every detail of your life.


Reflection Question: What suffering have you been carrying alone that you need to trust God already sees?


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Day 2: Sacred Spaces and God's Presence

Reading: Exodus 3:1-6; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Devotional:


"Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Holiness isn't about a location's inherent qualities—it's about God's presence. When the I AM shows up, ordinary ground becomes sacred. While we can praise God anywhere, true worship happens where He meets us through His Word and Sacraments. The church isn't just a building; it's where God centers His attention on you, speaks directly to you, and blesses you with His tangible presence. Don't take this lightly. When you gather with believers, you're standing where heaven touches earth. Approach with reverence, expectation, and awe. The same God who spoke from the burning bush speaks to you today.


Reflection Question: How can you approach worship with greater awareness of God's sacred presence?


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Day 3: The God of the Living

Reading: Luke 20:27-38; John 11:25-26

Devotional:


Jesus declares that God is "not the God of the dead, but of the living." This isn't merely theological abstraction—it's your eternal reality. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still live because they belong to the I AM, the source of all life. Death has lost its sting because Jesus conquered it. Your existence doesn't end when your heart stops beating; it transforms into something more glorious than you can imagine. This truth should reshape how you live today. You're not drifting toward oblivion, but moving toward eternal life with the One who IS life itself.


Reflection Question: How does knowing you'll live forever with God change your perspective on today's challenges?


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Day 4: The Meaning You've Been Seeking

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:11; Colossians 1:15-20


Devotional:


We're all desperate for meaning, searching for something bigger than ourselves. God has "set eternity in the human heart," creating an ache only He can fill. The sacredness you long for isn't found in career success, relationships, or even mountaintop experiences—it's found in the I AM. He doesn't just give your life meaning; He IS the meaning. Through Christ, all things hold together, including you. Your days aren't a meaningless series of events but part of God's eternal story. He has placed you exactly where you are for His purposes. Stop wandering in search of significance. You're already standing on holy ground, known and loved by the God who spoke the universe into existence.


Reflection Question: Where have you been searching for meaning that only God can provide?


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Day 5: Hearing God's Voice Today

Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16; John 10:27-30


Devotional:


Moses heard God's voice from a burning bush. You hear it through Scripture, preaching, and absolution. When the pastor declares, "I forgive you all your sins," those aren't merely human words—they're God's voice speaking directly to you. The I AM isn't silent; He's speaking constantly, calling you by name, forgiving your sins, and drawing you closer. His Word is living and active, penetrating your heart with truth and grace. Don't let familiarity dull your awareness. Every time you encounter God's Word, you're experiencing something as miraculous as the burning bush. The same God who redirected Moses' entire life wants to guide yours. Listen carefully. Respond obediently. He knows exactly what you need.


Reflection Question: When did you last truly listen for God's voice speaking specifically to you?


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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope this note finds you well and encouraged in the Lord. St. Peter’s continues to be a place where God is at work through our preschool, school, various ministries, and the daily faithfulness of His people. I am grateful to serve the Lord with you in this place! As we continue to serve together, I want to update you on changes in our church office and ministry staff. As many of you know, Michelle Leahy has been serving as our “Interim Director of Operations,” providing support and coordination across many areas of congregational life. In the coming weeks, Michelle will be stepping into a new role, “Executive Director.” This means her work will shift from hands-on ministry support to more administrative leadership and oversight of the church office, properties, finances, and technology. This is an important step for us as a congregation as we continue to support our staff and serve our members. With this change, we want to ensure that daily ministry needs are met. After reviewing our current staffing and budget, we can make an adjustment that supports the ongoing ministry without increasing costs. To that end, Kami Jo Mogelvang will expand her role to serve as “Church Ministry Coordinator.” Many of you have already seen Kami Jo assisting Pastor McDowell in youth ministry two days each week. Under the new alignment, she will: Continue serving in youth ministry, and Help coordinate ministry efforts and volunteer connections with Pastor Nate and Pastor McDowell across the congregation. This will help us strengthen volunteer support and the many “connecting points” that help our church family care for one another. As Kami Jo transitions out of her receptionist duties, this change will open about 18 hours per week at the front desk, which we have posted. This staffing arrangement stays within our approved 2025 budget. I am thankful for Michelle, Kami Jo, our staff, and all our volunteers. I also appreciate the spirit of grace and partnership that marks our congregation. Please keep our staff and ministry leaders in your prayers as we move through these transitions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for the privilege of serving Christ with you! In Christ, Pastor Danny Eggold St. Peter’s Lutheran Church & School
By Pastor Nate Widener November 10, 2025
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