Posts from 2025 (Page 13)
Daily Devotions
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’” vs. 24 John 10:22-24 Jesus had gotten the attention of large numbers of people in the course of his ministry, and some believed him to be the messiah. But others, even those who had heard and seen the same things, wanted more proof. They had no patience with mystery and wanted a definitive word…
Daily Devotions
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” vs. 17 Revelation 7:13-17 While we would love for everyone to enjoy the blessings of this life in all their fullness, there are many who seem to reap a full measure of brokenness in the course of a lifetime. They never catch a break, no…
Daily Devotions
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.” vs. 9 Revelation 7:9-12 As John’s vision continued a new scene appeared before his eyes. Again there was a great multitude standing before the Lamb, all robed in white and with palm branches in their hands. What’s striking…
Daily Devotions
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” vs. 4 Psalm 23:4-6 Since we all will walk through dark valleys in the course of life’s journeys, particularly when our enemy death casts its ugly shadow, this verse brings enormous comfort. It’s good to know that the Shepherd is always near and travels with us through tough times. But the psalmist says that our greatest comfort…
Daily Devotions
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” vss. 1-3a Psalm 23:1-3 Only the misguided in our world claim that they need no leader, and it’s sad when such people actually become our leaders. The wise will always acknowledge their need for a leader and will search until they find one that is trustworthy. The psalmist had done that and had learned to…
Daily Devotions
So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them.” vs. 39 Acts 9:36-43 The Christians had been driven out of Jerusalem by Saul’s campaign to search and destroy their community. Of course his efforts were unsuccessful and served only to increase their influence. Many had settled in Joppa…
Daily Devotions
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’” vs. 15 John 21:10-19 It’s not surprising that this was the chosen gospel text for the funeral of Pope Francis. Not only does it testify to the resurrection, it focuses on Peter, the disciple considered by many to have been…
Daily Devotions
That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the lake.” vs. 7 John 21:1-8 Chapter 21 appears to be a kind of an epilogue that was added to the gospel of John sometime after it was completed. It consists of an account of another resurrection appearance by Jesus, this time in Galilee, and could have…
Daily Devotions
And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” vs. 5 Revelation 22:1-5 Occasionally people will fall into an illness which brings them to the brink of death. Doctors will advise family and friends that there is nothing more that can be done, that their loved one is in a coma from which there is likely no return. And…
Daily Devotions
…singing with full voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!’” vs. 12 Revelation 5:11-14 When the door of heaven is opened and the Seer is taken up in the Spirit to view its wonders, we are quickly introduced to the slaughtered Lamb of God, a metaphor for the Christ that is used 28 times in the book of Revelation. Obviously the early Christians were…
Daily Devotions
As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.’ By your favour, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain; you hid your face; I was dismayed.” vss. 6-7 Psalm 30:6-12 The psalmist had been confident in his relationship with the Lord, and, in his estimation, he had been blessed. Like many people he believed that there was a link between faith and prosperity, and since he had wealth, he anticipated that the good times…
Daily Devotions
For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” vs. 5 Psalm 30:1-5 Most folks don’t consider that their unfortunate circumstances have come because of God’s anger. They recognize that in a broken world there is bound to be suffering, tears, and pain, and that those moments aren’t necessarily connected to our behaviors or actions. The psalmist did believe that God could be…