Month: May 2026

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Fountain of Life

By Pastor Don Schaz

Drink Up!

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.  They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”
Psalm 36:7-9 New Revised Standard Version

Some years ago I served Fountain of Life Lutheran Church.  In the church courtyard was a large fountain, where we customarily celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism.  Our youngest child was baptized at that Fountain, with the congregation gathered round in a circle of 300 Christian brothers and sisters.  The Baptismal font, no matter its shape or location, is a fountain of life.  The promise of the Gospel bestows life, forgiveness and salvation.

Jesus described the Kingdom of God as a large tree or bush in which all the birds of the air could find rest.  God’s invites all to find rest in his Kingdom through the Good News

that is Jesus Christ his Son.  The fountain on my patio was not intended as a water fountain for the neighborhood crows.  But no one told them that.  My next door neighbor feeds them.  When you eat, what better than to pop over the fence for a drink of running water?

Combined, fountain a

nd bird provide me a living image of the fountain of life that is God’s Kingdom.  Not everyone likes crows.  I talk to them.  I suppose that say more about me than the crows.  All are welcome to my fountain.  All are welcome to God’s Kingdom, to drink of the living water of God’s fountain.  I am welcome.  You are welcome.  

Come to the waters.  Drink deeply of Christ.  “[Jesus] cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ”  Now he said this about the Spirit” (John 7:37-39).  The Spirit of God flows from you to others through the Gospel.  You carry the fountain of life with you.  Who in your life needs a drink today?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Nothing As It Seems

by Pastor Mark Moreno

God Is with Us!

I remember watching Star Wars as a kid and vividly remember the second installment “The Empire Strikes Back” back in 1980. It was a spectacle! The sounds, the sights, the action! But I remember the build up to finally seeing the Jedi master Yoda. Like everyone else, I expected to see a large, tall, powerful warrior. What a surprise then to see the subject of our image today: A small, short old and very frail looking creature!

Many movies and books do this: They get you on unsure footing as they tell the story and make sure that you know nothing is as it seems. Many a thriller, a mystery and even dramatic stories utilize this device.

Religion often uses this device as well: In Hinduism, Maya is the veil that covers our real nature and the real nature of the world around us. Even the movement known as Gnosticism emphasizes a hidden knowledge that the material world conceals.

Even in the one true faith, Christianity, there is a sense of nothing being as it seems. In 1 Samuel, God reveals who the next king of Israel will be and it is a very unlikely candidate: David! In 1 Samuel 16:7 we read,

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Have you been surprised lately to find something that is not as it seems? Maybe you expected your life to look different at this point. Maybe relationships, or employment, or even your own body doesn’t conform to your hope and expectations.

Maybe you look at your life and see some pretty negative things like depression or anxiety, maybe anger and pain. It can be easy at times to feel like a failure. But take heart: Nothing is as it seems!

Just as God picked and unlikely king, so He too picks unlikely people, just like you and me, to go and live for Him. Look at the disciples He picked! He sent an unlikely Savior for us: His own Son!

So if you aren’t sure you can trust your eyes and things seem different from what the reality is, remember this: God is with you and He sees what you don’t and He sees your heart!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Coloado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

The Heart of Memorial Day

by Anna Haiar

Reflecting on Courage, Sacrifice, and Christ’s Greater Love

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 (English Standard Version)

Many years ago, our family vacationed in Branson, MO, and attended Dolly Parton’s Stampede. The entertaining show featured fascinating equestrian performances that showcase speed, skill, friendly competition, and a variety of captivating acts that celebrate the spirit of the Stampede and the history of America. One portion of the evening especially stood out. As patriotic music filled the arena and images of sacrifice and service were displayed, the audience paused to honor the men and women who have faithfully served our country.

Memorial Day carries that same spirit of remembrance, but with even deeper meaning. It is not simply a long weekend, backyard barbecue, or unofficial beginning of summer. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave their lives defending freedoms many of us experience every day without much thought. Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom often comes with a tremendous cost.

As Christians, Memorial Day can also point our hearts toward another sacrifice—one even greater. Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life so that we could experience freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life. The brave men and women we honor on Memorial Day displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness. Their willingness to serve something greater than themselves reflects a glimpse of Christ-like sacrifice. Yet while human sacrifice protects earthly freedoms, Christ’s sacrifice secures an eternal one.

Memorial Day invites us to pause and remember not only those who gave everything for our nation, but also the Savior who gave everything for our souls. Gratitude changes how we live. When we remember sacrifice, we hold our blessings more carefully. We speak more kindly, serve more willingly, and love more deeply.

This Memorial Day, as flags wave and families gather, take a quiet moment to remember. Thank God for those who courageously served and gave their lives. And thank Him for Jesus, whose sacrifice offers freedom that lasts forever.

May remembrance lead us to gratitude, and gratitude lead us to faithful living.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado