What About Jesus? Devotions podcast

What About Jesus? Devotions

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Discover God’s great truths for your life and your future!

18 episodes

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updated about 20 hours ago

Series home•Feed

Discover God’s great truths for your life and your future!

18 episodes

All episodes

What About Jesus? Devotions

1
Bold in the Gospel – March 2, 2025 3:16

20 hours ago3:16

3:16

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 2 Corinthians 3:12 Bold in the Gospel Daily Devotion – March 2, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:12 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250302dev.mp3 See series: Devotions What makes a person bold? A husband and wife can boldy go to the bank to secure a mortgage for their first home because their credit score is top-notch. An athlete can go into the big game with boldness because he has put in hours of training, practice, and preparation. A young aspiring business professional walks into his interview with boldness because he has a shiny new degree from a prestigious university. But what makes us bold as Christians? When we look at what God’s law has to say, we have no right to be bold because it shows us that we are sinners who deserve God’s judgment and punishment. Surely, a sinful human being cannot be bold before a holy God. Our boldness does not come from God’s law but from the gospel. God’s gospel tells us that our sins are forgiven in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus our Savior. The Bible says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Through that message, the Holy Spirit works saving faith in our hearts and thus sets us free from the curse of sin. So, we can be bold not because of what we have done or can do but because of what Jesus has done for us! That freedom and hope also makes us bold to share the wonderful news of the gospel with others, just as Paul did. We dare not change it or speak falsely about it. We set forth the truths of God’s law and gospel plainly because, “the gospel…is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). So be bold. Know that in Jesus, your sins are forgiven and through faith in him you are made a dear child of your heavenly Father. Then share that gospel message boldly that others may hear it and be saved. Be bold in the gospel! Prayer: Lord Jesus, in you and your work of salvation alone do I have freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life. Strengthen my faith in you and make me bold to serve you with my life. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Overcome Evil with Good – March 1, 2025 3:24

2 days ago3:24

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Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17,18,21 Overcome Evil with Good Daily Devotion – March 1, 2025 Devotion based on Romans 12:17,18,21 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250301dev.mp3 See series: Devotions A Christian friend shared this story from his life. He was driving across town and irritated another driver on the roadway. That driver accelerated past him, yelled some choice words, made an obscene gesture, and sped on by. Not long after, the Christian man saw that same car stopped on the shoulder with car trouble. What would you have done if that sequence of events happened to you? Would you have laughed at the other driver’s misfortune? Would you have said a prayer or even stopped to help? Throughout our lives, people will say and do evil things that cause us pain and hardship. Our sinful hearts will want to avenge these wrongs. Our sinful hearts will think that the best way to overcome evil is with evil. The Bible warns, “Do not be overcome by evil!” The Bible also encourages, “But overcome evil with good!” This is only possible through a good God who alone can deliver us from evil and who has overcome the evil of our sins. This is only possible through a just God who assures that he will avenge and repay. This is only possible with a God of peace whose forgiveness allows us to live at peace with him and whose peace enables us, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone. So, what did the Christian driver do? He stopped behind the other car. When the driver saw who had stopped, he feared that the man he had treated so poorly would now treat him poorly. But this Christian man hadn’t come to repay evil for evil. He came to offer help and assistance. He overcame evil with good. May our God equip us to do the same! Prayer: Lord Jesus, deliver me from evil! Forgive the evil I have done to others. Forgive others the evil they have done to me. In the faith, with the goodness, and strength you provide, help me to overcome evil with good. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Do Not Judge, But Forgive – February 28, 2025 3:06

3 days ago3:06

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[Jesus said] “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37,38 Do Not Judge, But Forgive Daily Devotion – February 28, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 6:37,38 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250228dev.mp3 See series: Devotions “You’re so judgmental!” Have you ever had that accusation lobbed in your direction? There can be a whole lot of emotion behind that accusation. It could just be a guilty conscience trying to deflect a reprimand. At the same time, it can be a very pointed and accurate accusation. Sadly, in recent years, this has been cited as the number one reason that people don’t attend church. Christians are too judgmental. Now, if you’re a Christian, you can dig in your heels and try to defend yourself against that accusation. But take these words to heart. Have you been judgmental of others? If so, according to whose standards? We’re very good at judging people according to our own standards. Even little phrases like, “I wouldn’t have done it that way,” can smell of arrogance and pride. So, what’s the alternative when someone has done wrong? Ignore it? No. Rather, instead of using our own standards of judgment that can be marred with pride, be quick to use Jesus’ standard. Jesus didn’t excuse sin or pretend it never happened. He didn’t simply say, “That’s ok.” Rather, he forgave sin. Led by his grace, he didn’t come to condemn the world; he came to save it. Led by his grace, he came to save you. Using his standards, be quick to forgive, knowing you will be forgiven. Using his standards, give his grace, knowing that his grace will be given to you. Pour out his love, knowing that on the cross, he poured out his love for you. Prayer: Lord, help me remember how you dealt with sin as I deal with those who sin against me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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A Higher Standard – February 27, 2025 3:27

4 days ago3:27

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[Jesus said] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:32-36 A Higher Standard Daily Devotion – February 27, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 6:32-36 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250227dev.mp3 See series: Devotions “Remember who you are!” That’s what the high school principal told his son before he enrolled as a freshman. “Remember who you are!” That’s what the coach told her daughter before the first day of tennis tryouts. “Remember who you are!” That’s what the company owner told his son before his first day working on the factory floor. What’s the point? Sometimes, a relationship means we are held to a higher standard. Our initial reaction may be to say, “That’s not fair.” Just because someone is related to someone else, there should’t be higher standards. But because there is, they don’t just represent themselves as individuals. They represent the family. While relationships with people in high places may bring more pressure, they can also bring more privilege. The son of the principal is blessed to have an in-house tutor who can help with homework. The daughter of the tennis coach can receive tips outside of practice. The company owner’s son may be first in line to buy or inherit the business. The same is true in God’s family. Children of God are held to a higher standard since the way we live in this world and treat our neighbors isn’t just about us. As Christians, it’s as if we walk through life wearing a uniform as people know we also represent Christ. And while we may say, “That’s not fair to have all that pressure,” stop and consider what a privilege this is. As Christians, we have the privilege of seeing God’s mercy up close and personal. As Christians, we are children of the Most High who await “a great reward” all because of what Jesus has done. Prayer: Lord, help me to see the privilege I have to represent you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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The Golden Rule – February 26, 2025 2:39

5 days ago2:39

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[Jesus said] “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 The Golden Rule Daily Devotion – February 26, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 6:31 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250226dev.mp3 See series: Devotions It’s known as the “Golden Rule” because it’s supposed to be the standard to live by. But it’s amazing how often we misread or misapply the words of Jesus. The Golden Rule isn’t meant to be a compromise, “I’ll do this if you do that.” It’s not a reciprocal response to someone else’s actions. Rather, it’s proactive, “Do to others…” In other words, we are to make the first move. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Taking the first step is not an easy thing. When we’re the new kid in the class or the new neighbor on the block, it’s easy to expect people to welcome us. But instead of waiting to be welcomed, the Golden Rule leads us to reach out to our neighbors and see how we can help them. But it’s so hard to take the first step! Yes, it is. But aren’t we grateful that’s what God did for us! When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, it was God who made the first move as he promised to send a Savior. When we were born in sin, it was God who made the first move, as he called us by the gospel. It was God who made the first move in having a relationship with us as he foreknew from all eternity. Knowing that God made the first move in showing us his love, may now lead us to make the first move to “do to others as we would have them do to us.” Prayer: Lord, help us to see that the Golden Rule is not a response to what others have done for us, but rather an opportunity to show love to others as you have done to us. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Turn the Other Cheek – February 25, 2025 3:05

6 days ago3:05

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[Jesus said] “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Luke 6:29,30 Turn the Other Cheek Daily Devotion – February 25, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 6:29,30 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250225dev.mp3 See series: Devotions “She’s such a nice person until her Mama Bear comes out!” Someone can be the calmest, nicest person in the world, but if someone says something about their child, suddenly, they go into attack mode. We are protective of our children. But it’s not just our children. We are also protective of our possessions. Watch two little children play. They can be perfectly content playing next to each other, but when one kid grabs the other’s toy, soon there will be revenge. And we never grow out of that. When someone attacks us personally or takes our property, our instinct is to retaliate. So, no wonder it seems so strange to hear Jesus say, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.” Don’t I have to stand up for myself? Isn’t it wrong to slap someone on the cheek? Isn’t it wrong to steal? Yes, it is. But it’s not our law that the person is breaking. It’s God’s law. And if it’s his law, he will also be the one to carry out justice. “Vengeance is mine,’ says the Lord.” Turning the other cheek is a tremendous way of saying, “God, I trust you. I trust you to carry out justice.” That’s what our Savior so tremendously demonstrated in his final hours. He knew he would suffer. Standing trial, he endured one strike to the head after another. But he never retaliated. He didn’t even open his mouth. Why? Because he knew that was part of God’s will to carry out justice for the sins of the world, including yours. Prayer: Lord, help me appreciate how you turned the other cheek for my sins. Now lead me to trust in you to carry out justice for those who sin against me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Love Your Enemies – February 24, 2025 3:09

7 days ago3:09

3:09

[Jesus said] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27,28 Love Your Enemies Daily Devotion – February 24, 2025 Devotion based on Luke 6:27,28 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250224dev.mp3 See series: Devotions “Good fences make good neighbors.” So the saying goes. But what happens when the neighbor yells at your son over the fence, “You’re the worst person I’ve ever met!” Or what about when you’re playing a yard game with friends, and she starts walking around her backyard, pounding pots and pans just to annoy you? Or what about when she slams the door in your face when you calmly walk over to her house to ask if you can talk? Many of us have a neighbor, a co-worker, or a classmate who has wronged us in one way or another. Who is your person? Now listen to Jesus’ words in our Bible reading today: “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.” Really? Can Jesus be serious? In a world that is increasingly divided and promotes a take-care-of-yourself attitude, is Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” reasonable? Not according to our reason. But his ways are above our ways. His reason is above our reason. And thank God it is because Jesus’ love for us is not “reasonable.” When his enemies pounded nails through his hands, he prayed, “Father, forgive them.” When cultural divides dictated, “Don’t associate with those ‘sinners,’ “Jesus went out of his way to show love to those he should have avoided. And when it comes to us, the Bible tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). And just like that, his command, “Love your enemies,” doesn’t seem so unreasonable. Motivated by his love for us, we too, can pray for those who hurt us, bless those who curse us, and do good to that person who hates us. Motivated by his love, we can love our enemies. Prayer: Dear Jesus, may your love for me motivate me to love others, even those who aren’t always lovable. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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All Tired Out – February 23, 2025 2:30

8 days ago2:30

2:30

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 1 Corinthians 15:42,43 All Tired Out Daily Devotion – February 23, 2025 Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:42,43 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250223dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Many people try to stay young forever. Plastic surgery is prevalent in society. People try to “wash that gray” out of their hair and use medication to make their thinning hair grow. Mankind even used to search for the Fountain of Youth. The explorer Ponce de Leon thought he’d found it in Florida. Modern man still hopes to find it in medical science. But we all continue to grow older, and our bodies get more tired as the years progress. The apostle Paul tells us that our Fountain of Youth is in a different place. When our Lord Jesus died and rose again, he didn’t only redeem our souls. He redeemed our bodies as well. Man fell, soul and body, into the destruction of sin. Jesus rescued us, soul and body. And so, for the Christian, death leads finally to the rescue of the body from the weakness and weariness sin brought. When Christ returns and raises us from our graves, we will enjoy eternal health—both of body and soul. And how could it be otherwise? We will be forever in the presence of our God and Savior, the very Fountain of Life, health, and every good. Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me strength to bear my present infirmity, and endow me, as you promised, with eternal vigor on the day when you return. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Confidence – February 22, 2025 3:05

9 days ago3:05

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Blessed is the one who trusts in the L ORD , whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 Confidence Daily Devotion – February 22, 2025 Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:7 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250222dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have such great confidence that concerns in life didn’t bother you? You didn’t let worries upset you. Nothing makes you afraid. Maybe you consider yourself to be a “confident” person, but even the most confident person can have questions like: “Is there a God? What is he like?” “What if I have to face him someday?” “Is there a heaven? How can I be sure I will get there?” Wondering about these things makes it difficult to be confident. It becomes worse when our consciences remind us that we are not “right” with God, and we fall under his judgment for our sins. Surely that doesn’t make us feel very confident! But God has told us the answers to the big questions of life. He makes them known to us in the Bible. He points out the truth that we are sinners who do not deserve to be in heaven with him. But he has rescued us from this death sentence by sending his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty of sin for us. Jesus rose from the dead to give us absolute confidence that by faith in him, we will live with God forever. So now, what are the answers to life that we can be confident of? God does exist. And he loved us so much to send a Savior to die for our sins. We know a place in heaven is ours because of Jesus. The Bible says, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the L ORD , whose confidence is in him.” Another Bible verse speaks about heaven, telling us, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the L ORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Gloriously, our Savior lives to assure us that we live forever. We can be confident of this because it is the truth from God. Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen me in my confidence that because of your death and resurrection I have been rescued from death and will live with you forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Everything Happens for a Reason – February 21, 2025 3:16

10 days ago3:16

3:16

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Eerything Happens for a Reason Daily Devotion – February 21, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:10 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250221dev.mp3 See series: Devotions How can something bad be good? Maybe you or a family member was recently diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps you lost your home in a recent hurricane or tornado. Or maybe your spouse was just laid off from work, and there is a lot less income to support the family. How can any of those things be good things? This is perhaps where you might hear a friend sigh and say with resignation, “Everything happens for a reason.” This phrase is thrown around a lot, but it perhaps can be confusing to those who hear it. Naturally, the question is: “Well, what’s the reason?” Rather than searching in vain to find a reason for what happened, perhaps it is better to focus on what God has done. God does have a habit of bringing good from bad. Do you need proof? Look no further than the cross. There, hanging from spikes driven through hands and feet is a man beaten and bloodied. He has been whipped, abused, and ridiculed. He has been falsely accused and executed for crimes he did not commit. That is the epitome of a bad situation. And yet God brought so much good from it. He brought forgiveness and salvation to a world of sinners, including you. He brought eternal life to all who believe. He brought peace and joy. He brought new life to those who were lost. And he continues to bring us his loving care daily. Whatever you are dealing with, look for God to use his strength and to bring good from it. Maybe that good will be a stronger faith for you or others. Maybe it will be a reconciled relationship. It could even be someone else coming to faith in Jesus. Whatever is making you feel weak is the perfect thing to make you strong in Jesus. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for bringing me so much good through Jesus. Enable me to delight in whatever comes my way today, knowing that you will give me strength. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Weakness – February 20, 2025 3:17

11 days ago3:17

3:17

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Weakness Daily Devotion – February 20, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:10 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250220dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Weakness in our world is not appreciated. In fact, weakness is often squashed wherever it is found. As a society, we seek to eliminate weakness. As a result, high school athletes are cut from the team. People of faith are ridiculed for their supposed lack of intelligence. Individuals with mental health issues are shunned. Students who seem defenseless are bullied by classmates. We see individuals suffering, and while we pity them, we are secretly thankful that we are not in their shoes. For these and so many other reasons, we try to hide our weaknesses and troubles. So how is it then that the apostle Paul (or you and I) could delight in our own weaknesses? It is all a matter of how you look at it. Paul viewed his weaknesses and shortcomings as opportunities to highlight the power of Christ in his life. He also understood that challenges and trials were moments when he could tap into Christ’s power, knowing that Christ’s strength was far better than his own. Jesus’ strength went to work for us long ago. Before he came into this world, Jesus saw us in our sinful human weakness. He knew that we did not match up to him. We were not on his level. But rather than ridicule, eliminate, or bully us, he was resolved to help us. Rather than feel sorry for us and pity us from afar, God used his power to save us. He sent Jesus into this sinful world to take up our sins. To live a perfect life for us and to die an innocent death in our place. Jesus then demonstrated his power and strength by rising from the dead. Jesus now seeks to use his power in us. And what better way to display that amazing power, than to rely on his strength instead of our own? Rather than hide your weaknesses, rely on Christ, and his power will shine out in your life. Prayer: Dear Jesus, lead me to trust in you and rely on your strength today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Give All the Glory to God – February 19, 2025 3:04

12 days ago3:04

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Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Give All the Glory to God Daily Devotion – February 19, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:9 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250219dev.mp3 See series: Devotions If you watch enough sports, you are undoubtedly familiar with postgame interviews and press conferences where members of the media ask athletes to reflect on their performances. A surprising number of current athletes often start their remarks by saying something like: “First off, I want to give all glory to God. He blessed me with these abilities, and I am thankful for the opportunity to use them.” Several football players this past season spent quite a bit of airtime talking about how God has enabled them to do such amazing things on the field. Comments like those are a good reminder for the rest of us to acknowledge God as the giver of all good things. If you were one of those athletes, would you be so quick to give the glory to God? It is tempting for us to take credit for anything positive. It can be easy to puff out our chests, raise our heads, and smile as people pile on the compliments. People noticing our accomplishments is a big boost to our egos and tempts us to boast about ourselves. The apostle Paul invites us to view boasting from a different perspective. We don’t usually see weakness as something to boast about. Truthfully, our weaknesses are the things we try to hide. But today’s Bible verse encourages us to view our weaknesses as opportunities to look away from ourselves and shine the light on God—the one who has given us everything. While the Lord has blessed us with abilities, he has done even more for us than that. He sent Jesus into this world to live and die for us. And rather than boast about his own life of perfection and his eternal power, Jesus went to the cross to die for you and me and to pay for all our sins. Through faith in Jesus, you and I have eternal life. This same Jesus will use his power to work through our weaknesses. Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are my strength when I am weak. Help your strength to shine in me today. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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Go to God in Prayer – February 18, 2025 3:04

13 days ago3:04

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Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 Go to God in Prayer Daily Devotion – February 18, 2025 Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 12:8,9 https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20250218dev.mp3 See series: Devotions Does it ever seem like God isn’t listening to your prayers? Like he is ignoring you? You thought you might try this prayer thing your neighbor keeps talking about, but nothing seems to be happening. That can be frustrating. God asks us to go to him with our troubles, and we ask him to take one of those troubles away, but nothing seems to happen. Why? It seems that you could be a more effective employee for the company if God would just take away that chronic pain that so often interrupts your work. It goes without saying that you could be a more loving parent and spouse if God would take away the mental health issues you are dealing with. We don’t understand when God doesn’t take these things away from us. Have you considered looking at it from a different perspective? Maybe the thing you have been asking God to take away is actually serving as a tremendous blessing in your life. Perhaps that pain or ailment can point you toward God and encourage you to put all your trust in him. It might be that God is using this trial in your life to give you an opportunity to rely on him even more. Jesus had such an opportunity on the night before he died. He knew the events of the next day would bring him severe pain and suffering. He prayed that if it was God’s will, the cup of suffering might be removed from him. God heard his prayers and said, “No.” It was God’s will to make Jesus suffer so that we would never have to suffer as payment for our sins. Jesus humbly accepted God’s will and relied on his Father to provide the strength to endure what he had to go through. And thank God he did! Because Jesus endured through his hardship, you and I are saved now and forever. Prayer: Dear Jesus, you endured suffering so I could be free. Help me rely on you today as I face my own struggles. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.…

What About Jesus? Devotions

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The Thorns of Life – February 17, 2025 3:14

14 days ago3:14