5-Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Paul Dancy • May 5, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: Embracing God's Unconditional Love

Reading: John 21:15-17

Devotional: Jesus' conversation with Peter on the shore reminds us of God's unfailing love. Despite Peter's denial, Jesus doesn't condemn him but rather reaffirms His love and reinstates Peter's mission. Reflect on times when you've felt unworthy of God's love. How does Jesus' treatment of Peter encourage you? Today, rest in the assurance that God's love for you is unconditional and unshakeable, regardless of your past failures.


Day 2: Finding Hope in Resurrection

Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Devotional: Peter, who witnessed Christ's resurrection, speaks of a "living hope" we have through Jesus. This hope isn't just for the future; it's active and alive today. Consider how the reality of Christ's resurrection impacts your daily life. In what areas do you need to embrace this living hope? Ask God to renew your perspective, helping you see your circumstances through the lens of resurrection power.


Day 3: Answering the Call to Follow

Reading: Matthew 4:18-22

Devotional: Jesus' simple yet profound call to the disciples was "Follow me." This call extends to us today. Reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus in your current season of life. Are there areas where you're hesitating to fully commit? Remember, just as Jesus used imperfect disciples like Peter, He can use you despite your flaws. Pray for courage to step out in faith and follow wherever He leads.


Day 4: Experiencing God's Presence in Failure

Reading: Luke 5:1-11

Devotional: The miraculous catch of fish demonstrates how God can turn our failures into opportunities for His glory. When the disciples caught nothing all night, Jesus used that moment to reveal His power and call them to a greater purpose. Think about a recent failure or disappointment in your life. How might God be using this to draw you closer to Him or prepare you for something greater? Ask for eyes to see His presence and purpose in your challenges.


Day 5: Serving with Renewed Purpose

Reading: 1 Peter 4:10-11

Devotional: After his restoration, Peter devoted his life to serving Christ and encouraging others. Each of us has been gifted to serve in unique ways. Reflect on the gifts and abilities God has given you. How are you using them to "feed His sheep" and build up the body of Christ? Pray for guidance in discerning how to use your gifts more effectively for God's kingdom, remembering that our service is empowered by His strength, not our own.


News & Notes

By Tim Degen July 7, 2025
You are invited!
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.
By Compassionate Care Collection July 7, 2025
By Debbie Haentfling & Bobbie Shadle
By Pastor Adam McDowell July 7, 2025
Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell
By Board of Directors June 30, 2025
Announcement - Special Voter's Meeting
By Pastor Nate Widener June 30, 2025
A Note from Pastor Nate
By Lisa Hieber June 30, 2025
Thank you to all of the 2025 VBS Volunteers. Thanks to you, we were able to share the Love of God with over 97 children this year!
By Ministry Impact: Outdoor Ministry June 30, 2025
Camp Lutherhaven is our special monthly offering for July.
By Pastor Nate Widener June 30, 2025
Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener
By Tim Degen June 23, 2025
Written by Tim Degen, Director of Music & Organist
More Posts