Month: May 2026

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PWTE Daily Devotion

The Rock of Peace

by Desiree Bustamante

Christ the Rock of our salvation is the only source of lasting peace.

“You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 New Living Translation

God has always promised to hold us in His care, and nothing in heaven or on earth can separate us from His love or His presence. Yet we live in a world marked by sin and brokenness. Because of that, we are not shielded from hardship. Storms may flood our homes, wildfires may consume what we’ve built, jobs may disappear without warning, and unexpected illness may interrupt our plans and shake our sense of security.

But none of these circumstances have the power to defeat us when we stay close to Christ. He invites us to trust Him fully, especially when life feels catastrophic. As we lean into Him with our whole heart, His peace begins to blanket us. It’s a peace that defies explanation, a peace so real we sense it settling deep within us. When our thoughts turn toward Christ instead of our circumstances, our faith grows steadier. We become anchored in His strength and His love, the way massive rock formations are anchored deep into the earth.

Christ is our eternal Rock—unshakable, immovable, and never at risk of collapse no matter how fierce the storm. His love is everlasting, and His presence is constant and He has overcome the darkness of the world. This is why we can experience joy even during dark and troubled times. Hold tightly to that joy and hope each day, whether you face calamity or calm. He is your Rock, and in Him you are secure.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Fair Are The Meadows

by Anna Haiar

Robed in the Flow’rs of Blooming Spring

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”
Psalm 27:4, English Standard Version

The second stanza of the hymn “Beautiful Savior” has always painted such a peaceful picture in my mind:

“Fair are the meadows,
Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing.”

There’s something about spring that naturally lifts our spirits. After months of cold and brown landscapes, everything suddenly feels alive again. Flowers bloom, trees turn green, and the world feels fresh and hopeful. Moments like that remind us of God’s creativity and goodness. Creation really is beautiful.

But the hymn gently points us to an even greater truth: as beautiful as this world can be, Jesus is more beautiful still. The flowers eventually fade. Seasons change. Hard days still come. But Jesus never changes. His love, kindness, and faithfulness remain steady no matter what season of life we’re walking through.

I especially love the line, “He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing.” That feels so real to life. We all carry burdens—stress, grief, disappointment, uncertainty. Sometimes our hearts feel heavy in ways other people can’t even see. And yet Jesus has a way of meeting us right there in the middle of it. He brings peace when our minds are anxious and hope when life feels discouraging.

Psalm 27:4 says:

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord…” (English Standard Version)

David understood that the greatest beauty we can ever experience is the presence of God Himself. The beauty of Christ is deeper than anything we see in nature because His beauty reaches into our hearts and changes us. Today, let the beauty around you remind you of the Savior who made it all. The same God who created blooming spring fields is also the God who comforts weary hearts. And somehow, through His grace, He can make even a sorrowing spirit sing.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Suffering and Blessing

By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Cross And Crown

” Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 English Standard Version

Mick, who carved this cross and crown symbol for a church undergoing trials, knows what it means to follow Jesus under trial.  Losing his sight from a head injury and then losing most of his family because of the disability, Mick suffered loss and discouragement and grief.  It seemed that there was no hope.

But reaching out to other believers and putting his faith in God’s promises, Mick stayed steadfast in severe trials.  Mick knew the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.  He embraced the promise that “the man who remains steadfast under trial… will receive the crown of life…” Not falling into the temptation of self pity and bitterness, Mick placed his faith daily in God’s compassion and strong Word.

In a truly miraculous way, Mick received partial sight back so that he could rediscover his carving ministry.  Using this ministry to bear witness of the Good News of Jesus, he brought a message of faith in the midst of trials to many people.  And he has received wonderful fellowship with other believers and family as he remained steadfast in his faith.

Perhaps you are facing seemingly insurmountable trials and discouragement.  Perhaps you are tempted to fall into self pity and bitterness.  Place your faith in Jesus Christ who suffered all things, even death on a cross for you.  Place your hope in Jesus’ resurrection who gives eternal life for you.  Trust that God’s promises are true and that he who endures to the end will receive the crown of life!

In the very worst grief and loss, Jesus has not forgotten you.  He has loved you and made you one of his people in your baptism.  Trust the Lord’s promises to you and his good work in you, especially in the midst of suffering and trials.  His cross and crown shine through every circumstance.  Be steadfast and trust in the Lord! Amen!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado