Month: May 2026

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Our Frustration of Seeing Grace

by Pastor Douglas Brauner

It’s Difficult to See Grace.

(If you haven’t had the opportunity to read yesterday’s devotion by Pastor Don Schatz, I would suggest you do as prep for this devotion. Here is the link to his devotion: Grace.)

The scar on this tree is obvious; it dominates our attention. As much as we’d like to see the vibrant green grass surrounding this scar and the tiny branch that grows from it, we see the wound. We fixate on this scar. It monopolizes our vision and our thoughts.

Sin has left its scar.

It’s difficult to see grace because of the predominance of sin in us and around us. Though we are the redeemed sheep of God’s flock with Jesus as our shepherd, we wander around in the mud of sin that seeks to break our bond with the Good Shepherd.

It’s difficult to see God’s grace because it is rooted in a promise.

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
Isaiah 11:1 English Standard Version

Even though grace is difficult to see, grace is real because of Jesus, the branch that grows out of the death of our sin, the world’s sin. I wonder how large this new branch will be in ten to twenty years. It is destined to grow, that’s what it does.

Grace is destined to grow even if we wrestle to see it.

Grace grows in struggling marriages when we focus on the promise that in Jesus our marriages bear fruit. Grace grows hope.

Grace grows in loneliness when we focus on the promise that in Jesus even in our aloneness his mercy bears fruit. Grace grows hope.

Grace grows in fear when we focus on the promise that in Jesus his mercy grows even in our anxiety about the future. Grace grows hope.

The righteous Branch forgives and renews us as we wrestle with our struggles, loneliness, and fears. The promise of God produces hope even as we see the wound that sin produces. Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection fulfill Isaiah’s promise.

God’s people live with a promise of grace active in a sin-filled world. And God’s people look to the fulfillment of Jesus’ final promise when sin will no longer keep us from seeing and experiencing the presence of God.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Grace

By Pastor Don Schaz

When You Get What You Didn’t Order

“For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version

Recently I ordered groceries and had them delivered.  As I unpacked the bags and put things away, I had a surprise.  I got a surprise . I found something I didn’t order.  I ordered Cottage Cheese.  I received a box of Strawberry Fruit Bars.  After a conversation with the store, we decided to leave things as they were.  My grandchildren were delighted.

No doubt you have heard the simple definition of “grace” from God:  When we get what we do not deserve.  Forgiveness, adoption as his children, salvation and eternal life.  No effort on our part is needed.  We do not even need to place and order with the Lord, then wait to see if we get what we wanted.  God knows about that better than we do anyway.  We would ask for whatever is the spiritual equivalent of cottage cheese.  I’m certain that differs for each of us.  But we all receive from the Lord the same thing.  The spiritual equivalent of Strawberry Fruit Bars.  Grace.  Work with me here, please.  And grace bears the sweet fruit of forgiveness, adoption, salvation and eternal life.  And more, frankly.  What about the blessing of fellowship in the Church?  What about eyes that see and ears that hear Jesus?  What about the Holy Spirit, continually whispering to our spirits that we are children of God.

Jesus liked to say, “If you know how to give good things to your children, how much more your heavenly Father?”  Our heavenly Father gives us Jesus.  He might even throw in the cottage cheese.  When we open our eyes every morning, we find Jesus, Immanuel, with  us.  We find grace waiting to propel us into the day.  We step out of bed, ready for something even better than Strawberry Fruit Bars.  What will you find in your spiritual grocery bag?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Clearer Days Ahead

by Desiree Bustamante

Even when times seem hazy, Christ’s promises are clear.

 

“You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised.
O Lord, listen to my cry;
    give me the discerning mind you promised.
Listen to my prayer;
    rescue me as you promised.
My eyes strain to see your rescue,
    to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.”
Psalm 119: 65,123,169-170 New Living Translation

When wildfires sweep across the country, smoke can fill the air even miles away from the flames. The wind carries it into our cities and neighborhoods, blurring the horizon and distorting what we see. What was once sharp and familiar becomes hazy and uncertain.

Life can feel the same way. Events at work, challenges at home, and unexpected turns can cloud our perspective. Fear and uncertainty drift in, and what once felt clear becomes difficult to discern.

But we aren’t meant to navigate by what we can’t see. God reminds us that He does not shift like shadows cast by drifting smoke. He is steady. He is our Rock, our refuge, and our fortress. His plan for the world—and for us—has not changed. He is still leading His people safely home. He will never abandon us to a hazy future.

When we remember this and place our trust in Him, clarity begins to return. Even when the path ahead looks dim, His presence becomes our guide. Look to the Lord for clarity and purpose and trust Him with your whole heart and mind. He will lead you through every uncertain place, just as He promised. There will be clearer days ahead with Christ!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado