Posts from 2022 (Page 26)
Daily Devotions
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:1-8 The psalmist was no stranger to war and its devastating consequences. The city of Jerusalem was besieged and destroyed regularly and its residents were accustomed to seeing foreign armies camped on the surrounding hills and refugees flooding into the city. In recent weeks we’ve seen this same ugly scene unfold in our time as the people…
Daily Devotions
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…’” vs 18 Genesis 15; 7-12, 17-18 The Hebrews thought of themselves as a covenant people; they had an agreement with God that went all the way back to Abram, the first of their patriarchs. It had been symbolized by the cutting in two of three sacrificial animals by Abram, who…
Daily Devotions
And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” vs. Genesis 15:1-6 Abram is a significant figure for both Jews and Muslims. Both religions point to him as a mighty Semetic patriarch, some would say the first quasi-historical figure to appear in the ancient stories of scripture. He was born in the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia but began a nomadic search for a new homeland, traveling through most of the Middle East in…
Daily Devotions
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’’ vs. 12 Luke 4:9-14 Jesus had already received affirmation of God’s love following his baptism. It was an experience that he could never forget–and now a voice was telling him to ask for more, just in case he’d misunderstood the first time. We know what that’s like. As humans it’s never enough to be told something once, and if our lover has said “You’re…
Daily Devotions
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” vss. 1-2a Luke 4:1-8 Following his life-changing experience with the Divine after his baptism, Jesus didn’t immediately begin his ministry. For one thing, he probably didn’t have a clear idea of what that mission would entail–there were no job descriptions for the work of a Messiah, just a few assorted references…
Daily Devotions
because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” vs. 9 Romans 10:8b-13 In his effort to help the Romans understand that salvation is by God’s grace Paul describes what happens as a person comes to faith. It’s really simple, a matter of confession and belief–nothing more is required. And everyone is included, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. Unfortunately…
Daily Devotions
Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” vss. 6-7 Deuteronomy 6:1-11 For Jews the heart of the Law was found in these verses from Deuteronomy, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and…
Daily devotions
Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” vs.1 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Religions were developed by humans for some good reasons. They provided a way for people to worship and discern the Divine Presence in the creation. Through the centuries, worship practices were developed to give expression to faith, codes of ethics for community living took shape, and eventually particular writings and stories…
Daily Devotions
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” vs. 1 Psalm 51:1-17 There are likely few people who believe they never do anything wrong. Aside from the narcissists scattered among us most of us are deeply aware of our own sins and transgressions. We know that we have injured ourselves and others with hurtful words and deeds and are often troubled with feelings of guilt and remorse. Certainly…
Daily Devotions
If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” vss. 9b-10 Isaiah 58:1-12 For centuries the church has prepared for the season of Lent by indulging in one last festival of excess. Believers have reasoned that it’s the last chance for them…
Daily Devotions
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’” vs 35 Luke 9:32-36 In the church calendar the Transfiguration has been situated on the threshold of Lent as a foretaste of what will be coming at Easter. In Luke’s recounting of the mountaintop vision there is a mixture of light, glory, and fear that anticipates the wonder of resurrection. But there is even more than that. Luke chooses words that echo…
Daily Devotions
Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.” vs. 32 Luke 9:28-32 Luke doesn’t say anything about what the transfiguration meant to Jesus. While he does report that the two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking to Jesus about his departure, there is no reference to details. It could even have been the sort of thing Jesus experienced regularly in…