Posts from 2022 (Page 25)
Daily Devotions
The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land, and the Israelites no longer had manna; they ate the crops of the land of Canaan that year.” vs. 12 Joshua 5:9-12 The writers of Israel’s history believed that God had led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and had given them the land of Canaan as their territory. Most of us simply accept the story and are impressed by the generosity of God–we’ve heard about…
Daily Devotions
He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” vss. 8-9 Luke 13:6-9 When we study scripture we tend to fall into the either-or trap–either this is true or that is true. For example, either we’re saved by grace or we’re saved by works, and we choose whichever “truth” suits our fancy…
Daily Devotions
He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?’” vs. 2 Luke 13:1-9 Occasionally we catch a glimpse of everyday events in scripture, a little window into what kind of things happened perhaps on a daily basis. In this little fragment saved by Luke we find out that there had been some deaths in the city of Jerusalem, several caused by an act of terror by Pilate,…
Daily Devotions
These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” vss. 11-12 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 Paul was obviously a brilliant person, but he seems hopelessly naive in thinking that the Corinthians are going to learn lessons from the behaviors of their ancestors. If they did learn anything, it would…
Daily Devotions
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, and they were struck down in the wilderness.” vs. 5 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 Paul was anxious to remind the Corinthians that just because they were baptized and gathered regularly for Holy Communion they didn’t need to worry about leading lives pleasing to God. He points out that their Hebrew ancestors had all passed through the sea and had eaten manna in the wilderness and had still managed to screw up…
Daily Devotions
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 63 Almost a half century ago, back before amplifiers replaced acoustic guitars, folks in evangelical congregations regularly heard the song “Thy Loving Kindness” and loved its catchy harmonies. “Thy Lovingkindness is better than life, Thy Lovingkindness is better than life. My lips shall…
Daily Devotions
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” vs. 9 Isaiah 55:6-9 Even though the prophet regularly refers to God as the Lord, it’s likely from what he says that he would also be comfortable with “Divine Mystery” as a way to think of God. The Israelites had been struggling for hundreds of years to get a handle on God but times kept changing and…
Daily Devotions
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” vs. 2 Isaiah 55:1-5 The prophet was an astute observer of his peers and had discovered that a large number were dissatisfied and unhappy. It wasn’t that they were broke and unemployed. Like many of us they had jobs and earned a reasonable wage,…
Daily Devotions
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13:31-35 When it comes to metaphors we love to talk and sing of God as being like an eagle, one who lifts us up out of danger with strong wings and amazing strength. But that’s not the metaphor Jesus…
Daily Devotions
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.” vs. 1 Philippians 3:19-4:1 Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians–it was a regular thing in his life–but this time it seemed serious. He was awaiting trial and wasn’t sure how that would go. In those days, prisoners could receive visitors, letters, and gifts and Paul had gotten all of…
Daily Devotions
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” vs. 17 Philippians 3:17-19 No matter what our background in the faith, no matter how strong our commitment to Christ, we all have to crawl out of bed in the morning, pause for a cup of coffee, and then figure out how we’re going to use all the hours we have at our disposal through the day. And if we’re…
Daily Devotions
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” vss. 13-14 Psalm 27:9-14 Sometimes as we read the psalms it seems as though the writer of a particular psalm was living under the proverbial black cloud. There were enemies on every side and even family members could not be trusted. Everywhere the psalmist turned it seemed…