5 Day Devo

Pastor Danny Eggold • February 17, 2026

Listening to the Son

Day 1: The Voice That Matters

Reading: Matthew 17:1-8

Devotional: In a world filled with competing voices (news feeds, podcasts, opinions, and endless noise) the Father cuts through it all with one clear command: "This is my Son. Listen to Him." Notice that God doesn't give us a complicated system or philosophy. He gives us a Person. When you feel overwhelmed by conflicting messages about how to live, what to believe, or who you should be, return to this simple truth: Jesus is the point of it all. Today, find a quiet moment. Step away from the noise. Open Scripture and listen. Faith isn't about hearing every voice; it's about hearing the right Voice. What distractions keep you from truly listening to Jesus?

Day 2: When We Don't Want to Listen

Reading: Luke 9:23-27

Devotional: We love Jesus when He comforts us, but what about when He confronts us? When Christ speaks about taking up our cross, dying to self, or addressing our sin we grow defensive. We hear the sounds but stop receiving the word. This is the human condition: selective listening. But here's the grace: even when we resist, Jesus doesn't abandon us. He continues to speak truth because He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. The command to "listen to Him" isn't just about obedience; it's about transformation. Where in your life are you resisting Jesus' words? Ask the Spirit to soften your heart to receive what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.

Day 3: Rise and Do Not Be Afraid

Reading: Isaiah 41:8-10

Devotional: After the disciples witnessed Christ's glory on the mountain, they fell on their faces in terror. Jesus' response? "Rise, and do not be afraid." This is the pattern of grace: God reveals His holiness, we recognize our unworthiness, and then He lifts us up. God is not the angry judge you fear Him to be. He is the Father who sent His Son not to condemn you but to save you. Whatever burden you carry today, hear Jesus speaking to you: "Rise. Do not be afraid." You are not defined by your worst moment or your deepest fear. You are defined by His love. What fear has kept you on your face? Receive Christ's invitation to rise.

Day 4: The Descent Before the Ascent

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Devotional: The Transfiguration showed Jesus in glory, but that wasn't the end of the story. Jesus came down from the mountain and continued His journey, all the way to the cross, into the grave, and down to the depths of hell itself. Why? To meet you where you are. Christ descended into your sin, your pain, your death so that you would never face them alone. And then came the ascent: resurrection, victory, eternal life. Your darkest valley is not the end. Because Jesus descended and rose again, you too will rise. Whatever darkness you're walking through today, remember: Christ has already been there, and He's bringing you through to the other side. How does knowing Christ descended into death change your perspective on your current struggles?

Day 5: You Are Doing What Heaven Commands

Reading: Romans 10:14-17

Devotional: You may not feel like a faithful follower. You may struggle with doubt, wrestle with parts of the faith, or know you fall short of God's commands. But here's the beautiful truth: by being here, by opening Scripture, by listening to Christ's word, you are doing exactly what the Father commanded. "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Your presence in God's word is not nothing; it is everything. It is the work of God in you. You don't have to climb a mountain to find God. He has come down to you in His Son, in His word, in the bread and wine. You belong to Him: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rest in this: listening to Jesus is itself the gift of faith at work in your life.

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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.