5 Day Devo

Pastor Adam McDowell • June 22, 2026

Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Enduring in Faith

Day 1: Called and Equipped as Workers

Reading: Matthew 9:35-38; Ephesians 6:10-18

Devotional: Jesus looks upon the world with compassion, seeing people as sheep without a shepherd—harassed, helpless, and lost. Yet remarkably, He calls us, the very sheep who need His grace, to be workers in His harvest. We are not sent defenseless into a hostile world. God equips us with spiritual armor: the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and the helmet of salvation. As you face opposition today, remember you carry the greatest news imaginable—forgiveness and life through Christ. You are both recipient and messenger of grace. Take courage in knowing the One who sends you has already equipped you for the journey.

Day 2: Opposition to the Gospel

Reading: Matthew 10:16-25; John 15:18-21

Devotional: Christ gives us a sobering reality check: not everyone will welcome the Gospel. Some will actively resist, oppose, and even hate those who bear His name. This opposition may come from strangers, but painfully, it often comes from those closest to us—family members who reject the truth we hold dear. Jesus doesn't sugarcoat this reality because He wants us prepared, not surprised. When you face resistance today, don't be confused or alarmed. The servant is not greater than the master, and if they persecuted Christ, they will persecute His followers. Yet remember: their rejection of you is ultimately rejection of Him. Stand firm in truth, knowing you are in good company.

Day 3: Enduring to the End

Reading: Matthew 10:22-23; Hebrews 12:1-3

Devotional: "Endure to the end" sounds daunting when facing relational fractures, name-calling, and rejection. Yet Christ calls us to patient perseverance, not because we are strong, but because He is faithful. Endurance isn't passive resignation; it's active faithfulness—continuing to speak truth in love, refusing to revile in return, and maintaining hope when relationships seem dead. Fix your eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He endured rejection, mockery, and death itself, emerging victorious. Your endurance is sustained by His finished work. When tempted to give up on difficult family members or hostile neighbors, remember: there is still work before Christ returns. Keep going.

Day 4: Known and Acknowledged by God

Reading: Matthew 10:26-33; Psalm 139:1-18

Devotional: In a world that may reject, malign, or dismiss you, God knows you intimately. He numbers every hair on your head and calls you by name. When family members treat you as though you were dead, your Heavenly Father claims you as His beloved child. When the world bears false witness against you, God acknowledges you before all heaven. This isn't abstract theology—it's personal reality. The Creator of the universe knows your struggles, hears your prayers, and values you beyond measure. Let this truth anchor you when human relationships fail. You are not forgotten, not overlooked, not abandoned. The God who sees sparrows fall certainly sees you. Rest in His intimate knowledge and unfailing acknowledgment.

Day 5: Truth Will Be Revealed

Reading: Matthew 10:26-27; Romans 14:10-12; Philippians 2:9-11

Devotional: One day, everything hidden will be revealed. Every lie will be exposed, every truth vindicated. Those who confidently rejected God's Word, comfortable in their own philosophies and unconcerned about eternity, will bow before Christ and confess Him as Lord. This isn't cause for smugness but for hope. The truth you've been faithful to speak, often at great personal cost, will be shown as Truth. The Word you've endured persecution for will stand forever. Until that day, continue proclaiming from the rooftops what Christ whispers to your heart. Pray for those who oppose you. Love your enemies. Speak truth patiently. The final revelation is coming, and you will not be among the foolish. Your faithfulness matters eternally.

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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.