5-Day Devotion

Pastor Adam McDowell • March 24, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Day 1: The Call to Repentance

Reading: Luke 13:1-5

Devotional: Jesus' words in this passage challenge us to look beyond surface-level judgments and recognize our own need for repentance. Often, we're quick to point out others' faults while overlooking our own shortcomings. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting God's call to repentance. Remember, repentance isn't just about feeling guilty; it's about turning back to God with a humble heart. How might your life change if you approached each day with a spirit of repentance and openness to God's transforming grace?


Day 2: God's Unfailing Love

Reading: Psalm 85:8-13

Devotional: The Psalmist reminds us to listen for God's voice, which speaks peace to His people. In a world full of noise and distraction, it can be challenging to hear God's gentle whisper. Today, set aside time to be still and listen. Reflect on how God has shown His steadfast love and faithfulness in your life, even in difficult times. How can you align your actions with God's love and righteousness today? Remember, God's love is not just a feeling, but a transformative power that can bring about real change in our lives and communities.


Day 3: Learning from the Past

Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Devotional: Paul reminds us that the experiences of those who came before us serve as examples for our own spiritual journey. Despite witnessing God's mighty acts, the Israelites still fell into sin. This passage humbles us, showing that even those close to God can stumble. However, it also offers hope, assuring us that God provides a way out of temptation. Today, consider the "idols" in your life that might be drawing you away from God. How can you learn from past mistakes – both your own and those recorded in Scripture – to strengthen your faith and resist temptation?


Day 4: The Watchman's Duty

Reading: Ezekiel 33:1-9

Devotional: The role of the watchman carries a weighty responsibility – to warn others of impending danger. In our spiritual lives, we're called to a similar duty: to lovingly guide one another towards righteousness and away from sin. This isn't about judgment, but about care for our fellow believers. Today, reflect on how you can be a "watchman" in your community. Are there gentle words of correction or encouragement you need to offer to someone? Equally important, are you open to receiving such guidance from others? Remember, true spiritual growth often happens in community.


Day 5: The Promise of Forgiveness

Reading: 1 John 1:5-10

Devotional: John's words remind us of the beautiful cycle of confession and forgiveness that lies at the heart of our relationship with God. When we honestly confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. This promise is not based on our worthiness, but on God's character and Christ's sacrifice. Today, take time for honest self-examination and confession. Approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that His forgiveness is assured. How does the reality of God's forgiveness change how you view yourself and others? Let this truth inspire you to extend forgiveness and grace to those around you, just as God has done for you.


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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