Blog (Page 187)
Daily Devotions: July 15, 2019
July 15, 2019 Genesis 18:1-5 … “The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him.” vss. 1-2a When Andrei Rublev, a Russian monk, painted the Holy Trinity in the early 15th century, he probably had no idea that it would become the most prized example of Russian iconography. His intention likely had been to preserve…
Daily Devotions: July 14, 2019
July 14, 2019 Luke 10:29-37 … “But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.” vs. 33 There are a lot of reasons for not getting involved when we encounter people in need, and none of them are acceptable when we claim to be followers of Jesus. His parable about the Samaritan who went the second mile in tending for the victim of violence, needs virtually no explanation. It’s obvious who…
Daily Devotions: July 13, 2019
July 13, 2019 Luke 10:25-28 … “And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’” vs. 28 One day, Luke writes, a man came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. It’s the kind of question that we continue to hear from time to time in our religious circles—maybe we’ve even asked it ourselves. And often, someone will offer a quick answer, “Believe in Jesus Christ…
Daily Devotions: July 12, 2019
July 12, 2019 Colossians 1:9-14 … “so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” vs. 10 Paul’s deepest desire for the Colossians was that they would lead lives worthy of the Lord. That remains the highest aspiration for any who claim to walk in the way of Jesus. We do this out of love and not obligation. God’s…
Daily Devotions: July 11, 2019
July 11, 2019 Colossians 1:1-8 …“Just as (the word) is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.” vs. 6b The number of believers grew quickly in those early Spirit-filled years. Paul hadn’t gone to Colossae but Epaphras had, and the results were stunning. We don’t know much about this Epaphras fellow, but he evidently had a good grasp…
Daily Devotions: July 10, 2019
July 10, 2019 Psalm 25:6-10 …“Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.” vs. 6 The psalmist has a close relationship with the Lord and knows very well that mercy and steadfast love have been attributes of God from the beginning. Like us however there were times when, because of external circumstances, he felt a need to remind the Lord that he needed a hug. That’s how it is…
Daily Devotions: July 9, 2019
July 9, 2019 Psalm 25:1-5 …“Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” vs. 5 This computer age that has come upon us without our permission or asking has done a number on our patience. Waiting for anything has gotten more and more difficult, e.g. when internet connections are slow we are driven to distraction…even a few seconds can seem like an eternity. That impatience…
Daily Devotions: July 8, 2019
July 8, 2019 For full passage click: Deuteronomy 30:9-14 …“No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.” vs. 14 The people of Israel were told by Moses that there was a correlation between their prosperity and their obedience to the law. What’s amazing about his instruction is that he believed that the word of the law had been written in their mouths and hearts. They didn’t need…
Daily Devotions: July 7, 2019
July 7, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 10:16-20 …“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning.’” vss. 17-18 The mission was a success! The seventy were not rejected. They’d been welcomed and the forces of darkness had been defeated. It was a good day for Jesus and those sent out to heal and proclaim the coming…
Daily Devotions: July 6, 2019
July 6, 2019 For full passage click: Luke 10:1-11 …“Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” vss. 8-9 It didn’t take long for Jesus to realize that the work of proclaiming the kingdom was too much for one person. He needed an army of disciples to meet the needs of the needy…
Daily Devotions: July 5, 2019
July 5, 2019 For full passage click: Galatians 6:11-18 …“For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!” vs. 15 Paul had gotten caught up in the circumcision controversy and there’s no doubt where his convictions lie. He was adamant! Those who wished to become followers of Jesus did not first need to be circumcised and those who insisted otherwise should go the whole way and castrate themselves. He wasn’t one to mince his words! But…