5 Day Devo: Whose Are You?

Pastor Nate Widener • July 13, 2026

Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener

5-Day Devotional: Whose Are You?

Day 1: The Question of Ownership

Reading: Romans 8:12-17

Devotional: We live in a culture that prizes independence and self-determination. "I am my own person," we declare. But Scripture presents a different reality: we are always owned by something, either our flesh or by God. There is no neutral ground. When we claim complete autonomy, we've actually surrendered to our passions, desires, and fears. These masters promise freedom but deliver slavery. Today, honestly examine what truly drives your decisions. Are you ruled by comfort, approval, wealth, or pleasure? Or have you surrendered to the loving ownership of God? Remember, only one master offers true freedom. The flesh demands everything and gives nothing lasting; God gives everything and asks only for trust. Who owns you today?

Day 2: The Slavery We Don't Recognize

Reading: Romans 6:15-23

Devotional: The most dangerous slavery is the kind we don't recognize. We convince ourselves that indulging our desires is freedom, but Paul warns that living according to the flesh leads to death, both physical and spiritual. Consider the person who believes occasional flirtation is harmless, or that pursuing wealth above all else won't affect their soul. The flesh never feels satisfied; it always wants more. Its promises are deceitful, and its wages are death. But God offers a different path. When we acknowledge our slavery to sin, we can accept His offer of redemption. Today, identify one area where your flesh has been calling the shots. What would it look like to surrender that area to God's ownership instead? True freedom begins with honest confession.

Day 3: Adopted as Heirs

Reading: Galatians 4:4-7

Devotional: In Roman culture, adoption wasn't second-class citizenship. Adopted children had full rights as heirs, equal to biological children. When Paul says we've received "the spirit of adoption," he's declaring something revolutionary: we are full members of God's family. We don't inherit mere money or possessions; we inherit faith, purpose, and eternal life. Christ becomes our brother, God becomes our Father, and we gain access to resources beyond imagination. This isn't based on our performance but on God's grace. You are not a servant hoping for scraps; you're a child welcomed to the table. Today, reflect on what it means to be God's heir. How does this identity change how you face today's challenges? You carry the family name. Live like it.

Day 4: Abba, Father

Reading: Mark 14:32-36; Romans 8:15

Devotional: "Abba, Father!" Paul uses both the Aramaic and Greek words for father, creating emphasis like a child running into their parent's arms. This isn't formal religious language; it's intimate, trusting, and deeply personal. We're invited to approach the Creator of the universe with childlike confidence, not cowering fear. Those enslaved to their flesh live with constant uncertainty: What happens when I die? How do I deal with my failures? What gives my life meaning? But as God's children, we have answers. We know where we're going, why we're here, and that our mistakes don't define us because we're forgiven. Today, practice crying out "Abba, Father" in prayer. Bring Him your fears, failures, and questions as a child would with honesty and trust.

Day 5: The Daily Battle

Reading: Romans 7:14-25

Devotional: Here's the uncomfortable truth: even as God's children, we'll struggle with our flesh this week. You'll succeed sometimes and fail others. Paul himself wrestled with this tension throughout his life. But here's the hope: God fights for you and with you. You're not alone in the battle. Christ stands beside you as your brother, the Holy Spirit empowers you, and the Father watches over you. Perfection isn't the goal, faithfulness is. When you stumble, you don't lose your inheritance. God asks you to try, to keep fighting, to let the Spirit teach you. Your life has meaning because you're part of something beyond worldly logic. You're a vessel of God's love, an extension of His presence. Today, identify one specific way your flesh tempts you, then ask the Holy Spirit for strength to overcome it, not in your power, but His.

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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.