Blog (Page 2)
Daily Devotions
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.” vs. 33 Psalm 104:31-34 The psalmist didn’t know how many more years he would have to enjoy God’s marvelous creation. None of us do! In our early years we assume that there’s a lot more time allotted to us–some even appear to believe that they will live forever. There’s not a hint in their talk or demeanor that…
Daily Devotions
When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.” vs. 30 Psalm 104:24-30 The psalmist likely had a different worldview than most of us, but he believed with all his heart that the fingerprints of the Lord were everywhere and were quite obvious to discerning eyes. All things from great sea monsters to tiny hummingbirds owed their existence to the breath of God. And year after year, as one season rolled into…
Daily Devotions
But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!’” vs. 29 Numbers 11:24-34 According to the Book of Numbers, Moses was feeling the burden of leadership in the wilderness and complained to the Lord. He was instructed to gather 70 elders from among the people, and the Lord put his Spirit on them and they then began to prophesy. But…
Daily Devotions
And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.” vs. 11 John 17:6-11 We know that a sense of unity is integral to any successful marriage. Not only is it scriptural, but references to the importance of “two becoming one” are also heard at secular or…
Daily Devotions
And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” vs. 3 John 17:1-5 It’s not unusual for believers to think of eternal life as the new life that awaits them after death. And sometimes they then wonder what they’ll be doing with all that time on their hands. After all, singing in a great heavenly chorus could be fun for a while, but imagine doing it for all…
Daily Devotions
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” vss. 6-7 1 Peter 5:6-11 One of the frustrating things about the myriad of problems facing humanity is that there is little that any of us can do to fix anything. In general, all the ugly things plaguing the world are systemic issues, and it’s demonically difficult to change systems. And…
Daily Devotions
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” vs. 12 1 Peter 4:12-14 From the beginning, people have tended to believe that if they began to walk in the Way of Jesus, life would be immeasurably better for them. That’s not a surprising assumption, because often that’s what they’ve been told. But Peter was not that kind of teacher. Instead of promising…
Daily Devotions
O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens; listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; and whose power is in the skies.” vss. 33-34 Psalm 68:32-35 Today is Constitution Day, or Syttende Mai, in Norway… a day of parades, flag waving and celebration, and a day remembered with affection by Norwegian emigres throughout the world. A few of those scattered ethnic communities may use the occasion to reflect on…
Daily Devotions
Father of orphans and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God gives the desolate a home to live in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious live in a parched land.” vss. 5-6 Psalm 68:1-10 When they were at their best, Israel championed the cause of widows and orphans in their midst. And they didn’t forget that their ancestors had come as immigrants through the wilderness into a land filled with milk and honey.…
Daily Devotions
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” vs. 8 Acts 1:6-14 For a couple of decades following his death and resurrection, followers of Jesus eagerly anticipated his return in glory to complete what he had begun. They were still looking for the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. But when Luke wrote his gospel…
Daily Devotions
I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.” vs. 18 John 14:18-21 It’s not unusual for people to have mixed feelings about their mothers. Occasionally children will blame them for any number of their emotional or psychological hang-ups, but more often they are held in deep regard and honored as a prime source of warmth and love. As a result, Mother’s Day has become the primary “Hallmark Holiday,” and outside of Christmas and Easter, is often the…
Daily Devotions
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” vss. 15-16 John 14:15-17 Sometimes it can seem as though the world could care less about love, at least the brand of love that was at the core of Jesus’ ministry and that he commanded his followers to practice. Instead we are served up a steady diet of lies, deceit, and self-serving manipulation.…