5-Day Devotion

Pastor Adam McDowell • July 7, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Day 1: Proclaiming God's Peace

Reading: Luke 10:1-12

Devotional:  Jesus sent out 72 disciples to proclaim peace and the nearness of God's kingdom. As we read this passage, let's reflect on the rich gift God has given to us: He has called people to bring His peace and kingdom into our lives. Think back to those who have impacted your faith life and give God thanks for His work through them. How did these people help you to understand God better?


Day 2: Knowing God Intimately

Reading: Jeremiah 9:23-24

Devotional:  The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that our greatest boast should be in knowing and understanding God. As we meditate on this passage, let's examine our own relationship with God. How are we seeking to know Him more deeply each day? Reflect on God's steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. How have you experienced these attributes of God in your life? Take time to praise God for His character and ask Him to reveal more of Himself through His word to you today.


Day 3: The Joy of Salvation

Reading: Luke 10:17-20

Devotional:  When the disciples returned from their mission, Jesus reminded them that their greatest joy should be that their names are written in heaven. This speaks to the assurance of our salvation through Christ. As you read this passage, consider the incredible gift of eternal life that God has given us. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions? Reflect on the times when you've been tempted to find your identity or joy in earthly accomplishments rather than in your relationship with God. Thank God for the gift of salvation and ask Him to help you live each day with the joy of knowing your name is written in heaven.


Day 4: God's Comfort in Suffering

Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Devotional:  The sermon touched on difficult questions and hard truths, including the reality of loss and suffering. This passage reminds us that God comforts us in all our troubles, enabling us to comfort others. As you read, reflect on times when you've experienced God's comfort in the midst of pain or loss. How has God used those experiences to equip you to minister to others? Consider someone in your life who might be struggling and pray about how you can extend God's comfort to them today.


Day 5: Called to Serve

Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

Devotional:  The sermon highlighted various roles within the church, all working together to build up the body of Christ. As you read this passage, consider your own gifts and calling. How is God inviting you to serve in His kingdom work? Reflect on the importance of unity and mutual support within the church community. How can you encourage and support others in their spiritual growth and service? Pray for discernment in recognizing your role in the body of Christ and for the courage to step into that calling fully.


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.
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