5 Day Sermon Devotion

Pastor Paul Dancy • January 20, 2025

Sermon "When Things Go Wrong" by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: God's Abundant Provision

Reading: John 2:1-11

Devotional: Just as Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, God often provides for us in ways that exceed our expectations, but not always in the way we expect. Reflect on times when God has surprised you in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for both the small and large blessings you've been given? Today, practice seeing God's abundant provision in the everyday moments, trusting that He cares about every detail of your life.


Day 2: Obedience in Faith

Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Devotional: Naaman's healing came through an act of obedience that seemed foolish at first. Similarly, Mary instructed the servants at the wedding to "do whatever he [Jesus] tells you." Consider areas in your life where God may be calling you to step out in faith, even if it doesn't make sense. How can you cultivate a spirit of obedience to God's Word, even when it challenges your understanding? Remember to be IN the Word as you are praying for direction. Pray also for the courage to trust and obey God's direction in your life.


Day 3: Christ's Presence in Our Struggles

Reading: John 11:1-44

Devotional: Jesus' response to Lazarus' death reminds us that He is present and active in our darkest moments. Think about a challenging situation you're facing right now. How might Jesus be working behind the scenes, even if you can't see it yet? Take time to invite Christ into your struggles, trusting that His timing and methods, though sometimes mysterious, are always perfect.


Day 4: The Power of Christ's Sacraments

Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Devotional: Jesus transforms simple elements like bread and wine into powerful means of grace. Reflect on the significance of Baptism and Communion in your spiritual journey. How do these sacraments connect you to Christ's death and resurrection? Consider how you can approach these sacred practices with renewed reverence and faith, allowing them to deepen your relationship with God.


Day 5: Finding Joy in Life's Imperfections

Reading: James 1:2-4

Devotional: The sermon reminds us that weddings, like life, rarely go perfectly according to plan. Yet, these imperfections often become cherished memories. How can you embrace the unexpected challenges in your life as opportunities for growth and even joy? Reflect on a recent "imperfect" situation and consider how God might be using it to shape your character and deepen your faith. Pray for the ability to find Christ at the center of both your triumphs and trials.


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