5-Day Devotion

Pastor Nate Widener • April 14, 2025

5-Day Devotion: Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener

Day 1: The True King 

Reading: John 12:12-19

Devotional: As we begin Holy Week, reflect on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowds welcomed Him as a king, but their understanding was limited. They sought a political savior, but Jesus came as the King of Kings to save us from sin. Consider how you view Jesus in your life. Do you, like the crowds, sometimes try to fit Him into your own expectations? Or do you surrender to His divine plan, even when it doesn't align with your desires? Today, ask God to help you see Jesus for who He truly is - not just a miracle worker or problem-solver, but the sovereign Lord of all creation who loves you deeply.


Day 2: The Servant King

Reading: John 13:1-17

Devotional: Jesus, the King of the universe, humbled Himself to wash His disciples' feet. This act of service demonstrates the very heart of God - one of selfless love and humility. As you read this passage, picture yourself in that room. How would you feel if Jesus knelt to wash your feet? His example challenges us to serve others, even in ways that might seem beneath us. Today, look for an opportunity to serve someone in a humble way. As you do, remember that you're following in the footsteps of your King.


Day 3: The Sacrificial King

Reading: John 19:1-30

Devotional: Today's reading takes us to the cross, where we witness the ultimate demonstration of God's love. Jesus, innocent and blameless, endured unimaginable suffering for our sake. As you read, pause to truly consider the weight of each moment. This was more than just physical pain; it was the Son of God bearing the sins of the world. How does this sacrifice impact your view of your own sins? Of God's love for you? Take time to confess your sins to God, knowing that because of Christ's sacrifice, you are fully forgiven. Let this amazing grace motivate you to live for Him today.


Day 4: The Victorious King

Reading: John 20:1-18

Devotional: The tomb is empty! Death could not hold our King. As you read about the resurrection, let the joy and hope of this moment fill your heart. Mary Magdalene went from deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy when she encountered the risen Christ. Where in your life do you need to experience this resurrection power? What situations seem hopeless? Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you. Today, bring your "impossible" situations to God, trusting in His ability to bring life from death, hope from despair.


Day 5: The Eternal King

Reading: Revelation 19:11-16, 22:1-5

Devotional: We end our week with a glimpse of Christ's future return and eternal reign. After seeing Jesus as the humble servant and sacrificial lamb, we now see Him in all His glory as the conquering King. This is the culmination of God's plan - all things made new under the perfect rule of Christ. How does this future hope impact how you live today? In light of eternity, what really matters? Take time to realign your priorities with God's eternal perspective. Live today as a citizen of His coming Kingdom, letting your actions and attitudes reflect the rule of your eternal King.


News & Notes

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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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