5 Day Devo

Pastor Danny Eggold • January 5, 2026

Sermon by Pastor Danny Eggold and 5-Day Devotional

The Journey of Seeking

Day 1: Coming as We Are

Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Devotional: The Magi were outsiders and foreigners. They practiced magic, a profession condemned in Jewish law. Yet they were among the first to worship Jesus. The Magi proclaim the good news of Christmas: God doesn't wait for us to be perfect before welcoming us. In the birth of Jesus, God meets us where we are. Perhaps you feel unqualified to approach God, your doubts too many, your knowledge too limited, or your past too messy. The Magi teach us that God welcomes seekers, regardless of their starting point. What matters isn't where you've been, but that you're willing to journey toward Christ. Today, bring yourself—questions, doubts, and all—to Jesus.

Day 2: Following the Light

Reading: Psalm 119:105-112

Devotional: The Magi followed a star, but ultimately needed Scripture to find the Messiah's location. We all follow various "stars": career success, relationships, wealth. We hope they'll illuminate life's meaning. Yet these lights often prove inadequate for the questions we face. God's Word is a more reliable guide, a "lamp to our feet and light to our path." Unlike the dim and distant stars we chase, Scripture draws us directly to Christ Himself. What "stars" have you been following? Are they leading you toward or away from Jesus? Today, consider how God's Word provides clearer direction than the worldly wisdom you've relied upon. Let Scripture become your guide.

Day 3: The Journey Requires Movement

Reading: Hebrews 11:8-16

Devotional: The Magi didn't stay home. They ventured forth on a long, uncertain journey. King Herod, by contrast, remained locked behind palace walls, threatened by what he couldn't control. Faith requires movement, a willingness to leave our comfortable and familiar territories. Abraham left his homeland without knowing his destination. The Magi traveled without certainty of what they'd find. Spiritual growth rarely happens in stagnation. It requires us to step forward, even when the path isn't entirely clear. What is God calling you to leave behind? What journey of faith have you been avoiding because it feels too uncertain? Today, consider taking one small step toward the Christ Child, trusting God’s guidance and provision along the way.

Day 4: Bringing What We Have

Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-12

Devotional: The Magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were precious gifts, all the Magi had to offer. You may feel your gifts are inadequate: your faith too small, your knowledge too limited, your resources too meager. But Christ doesn't measure our offerings by worldly standards. He welcomes what we bring when offered in faith. Your doubts, prayers, and acts of obedience matter to God. You don't need exceptional spiritual gifts or heroic faith. You need only to bring what you have. What are you withholding because you think it's not enough? Today, lay it at Jesus' feet.

Day 5: Returning a Different Way

Reading: Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: After encountering Jesus, the Magi "returned home by another route." This new way wasn't merely geographical. The Christ Child transformed the Magi. Every encounter with Christ changes us, and we cannot return to life as usual. The journey to Jesus may begin with seeking answers to life's pressures, but it ends with transformation. We come burdened and leave unburdened. We come confused and go home with purpose. We come empty and leave filled with His presence. As you've journeyed through this Christmas season, how has Christ changed you? What "different way" is he calling you to walk? Today, offer yourself as a living sacrifice, allowing God to transform your mind and renew your path forward.

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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.