Posts from July 2021

Posts from July 2021

Daily Devotions

Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.’” vs. 26 John 6:24-27 Jesus was no fool. He had a pretty good understanding of human nature and he knew folks were more interested in free food than they were in him. For many that’s still how it is! They turn up at church or tune into religious services not to get a…

Daily Devotions

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.” vs. 14 Ephesians 4:11-16 Not so long ago, as we began to enter the Age of Computers, there were some who hoped that the rapid dissemination of information and news would usher in a time of unity and peace. Since virtually everyone had instant access to all the accumulated knowledge of historians, scientists,…

Daily Devotions

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” vss. 1-3 Ephesians 4:1-10 Followers of Jesus from the beginning have understood themselves to be his living presence in the world. Early on they began to speak of living…

Daily Devotions

Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven.” vss. 23-24 Psalm 78:23-29 The psalmist believed that the stories passed down about the wilderness experiences of Israel demonstrated the Lord’s faithfulness in every circumstance. Even when the newly freed slaves complained bitterly about the lack of water and food, the Lord did not respond in anger, but generously provided for all their…

Daily Devotions

I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” vs. 12 Exodus 16:9-15 As the Hebrews looked back on their time in the wilderness, their story centered on the ultimate graciousness of God. Even when they had complained to Moses and Aaron and wished they’d never been brought out of…

Dialy Devotions

The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’” vs. 3 Exodus 16:2-4 When Moses led the Israelites into the wilderness of Sinai he knew what he was getting into. He had spent 40 years of his life there, herding…

Daily Devotions

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” vs. 11 John 6:10-21 When we read the feeding stories in the gospels we can’t miss the connections that writers are making with Holy Communion. In each account Jesus takes the loaves in his hands, offers a prayer of blessing, and then distributes them to the people. And they were satisfied! It’s…

Daily Devotions

There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” vs. 9 John 6:1-9 When Jesus asked the disciples where they could get food for all the people, they were incredulous. They didn’t see any way that it could be done. There were just too many hungry people. We know the feeling. We are besieged by agencies and organizations asking for help to feed the hungry people of the…

Daily Devotions

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” vss. 20-21 Ephesians 3:18-21 As Christ dwells within us we are being rooted and grounded in love–and that’s not just pious talk! In Christ the energy of the universe is working within us for good, and we…

Daily Devotions

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” vss. 14-15 Ephesians 3:14-17 For those who were accustomed to living under a patriarchal system it was very natural to think of God as “Father.” And although in our more egalitarian world the word seems limiting, we need to look beyond the usage to the underlying truth, which in this case is plain. Everyone of us, all persons…

Daily Devotions

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.” vss. 15-16 Psalm 145:15-18 The psalmist certainly had a benevolent view of God and credited the Lord for providing abundantly for every living thing. On the surface that’s a nice thought, and there are times when we will gladly echo those words of praise and thanks. And we should! There is gracious support…

Daily Devotions

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.” vs. 10 Psalm 145:10-13 Even the most nationalistic of the psalmists knew that the kings of Israel and Judah, no matter how rich or powerful, were nothing when compared to the Lord of the Universe. National rulers may sputter and fume, strutting for the masses in their fifteen seconds of fame, but only God deserves our thanks and our blessings. It really is…