Blog (Page 35)
Daily Devotions
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” vss, 2-4a Psalm 19 The psalmist believed that God was revealed in the creation. If we wanted to know God all we needed to do was open up our eyes and take a look around. And if…
Daily Devotions
And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” vs. 21 1 Peter 3:21-22 The story of Noah and the Ark had special significance for early Christians. It was here that they saw the first evidence of God’s saving grace, and they began to use the Ark as a symbol for the Church. In their estimation baptism…
Daily Devotions
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.” vs. 11 2 Kings 2:9-12 Some have suggested that this little story from the Hebrew scriptures is an ancient account of an alien abduction, that the chariot of fire was a spacecraft of some sort, and that Elijah was carried off to some unknown planet in a faraway galaxy. While that claim is…
Daily Devotions
The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’” vs. 5 2 Kings 2:1-8 Elijah was remembered as the first of the great prophets of Israel, one who vigorously defended the Lord against the prophets of Baal. As he grew older he was given an associate, Elisha, who became his partner…
Daily Devotions
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him.” vss. 35-36 Mark 1:35-39 Mark tells his readers that the morning after being besieged by the crowds in Capernaum, Jesus got up early, and went in the dark to a deserted place for prayer. Because the geography of Galilee has changed little in 2000 years we know that he…
Daily Devotions
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door.” vss. 32-33 Mark 1:29-34 Many congregations now have parish nurses on their staff, and people appreciate having skilled persons who can help them with the myriad of health issues that plague us as we age. Healing services are held regularly as a part of worship and people are glad for the opportunity to receive prayers,…
Daily Devotions
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” vs. 3 Psalm 147:1-4, 20c Probably everyone has dealt with deep pain in their lives. We have love relationships that begin well and end with despair and anger. Death seems always to be lurking in the wings and periodically reaches out to snatch a loved one away. Dreams are dashed with the loss of a job or the failure of choice investments. Circumstances vary but the feelings are the same, and…
Daily Devotions
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” vss. 30-31 Isaiah 40:27-31 Isaiah was exhorting his people to make a long term investment in the Lord, and his carefully chosen words have given hope to every struggling generation. As their early aspirations fall…
Daily Devotions
To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these?” vss, 25-26a Isaiah 40:21-26 Isaiah couldn’t understand why the people of Israel were so quick to abandon their trust in God. They got all roiled up with their worries about kings and rulers, and acted as though everything depended on them. We see the same thing in our own world. Elections are happening…
Daily Devotions
They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, ‘What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” vss. 27-28 Mark 1:25-28 The gospels all report that the casting out of demons was a part of Jesus’ healing ministry. In fact, encounters like the one Mark describes here caught people’s attention and boosted his reputation. We don’t…
Daily Devotions
They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” vss. 21-22 Mark 1:21-24 Capernaum was the hometown of the first disciples and Mark tells us that on the Sabbath they all went to the synagogue. Because he was evidently known by the leaders there, he was asked to teach, and the people were astounded. Unlike…
Daily Devotions
‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” vss. 8-9 1 Corinthians 8:1-6 Anything can become a divisive issue in a congregation! Among other things the Corinthians were struggling with whether or not it was appropriate to eat food that had been offered to idols.…