Blog (Page 76)
Daily Devotions
He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins…” vs. 3 Luke 3:3-6 John may not have been a member of the Essene Community at Qumran but he was undoubtedly influenced by its practice of ritual immersion for cleansing and renewal, a practice that became the central feature of his ministry. For him the baptism was a sign of repentance and was connected to the forgiveness of sins. It was…
Daily Devotions
..during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.” vs. 2 Luke 3:1-2 After a mostly poetic preface to his gospel Luke launches his third chapter by giving his best shot at describing John’s historical context. He might not have gotten all the details exactly right, but there’s no doubt about where John began his ministry. He’d left the corruption of religious Jerusalem and had probably found refuge…
Daily Devotions
It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” vs. 7 Philippians 1:7-11 When we read that the Philippians held Paul in their heart some will assume that he is speaking figuratively, that such a connection is not literally possible. The problem with that assumption is…
Daily Devotions
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you…” vss. 3-4 Philippians 1:3-6 Perhaps Paul is exaggerating here. Could it be that he constantly prayed in every one of his prayers for all of the Philippians? Based on our own prayer lives we’re likely to say “no, he couldn’t have possibly done that.” But then again it’s very likely that Paul devoted considerable time to prayer–there…
Daily Devotions
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1: 76-79 All we can really do is marvel at these ancient words from the Song of Zechariah! They so perfectly encompass all the hopes and dreams of humans from every time and place. Luke begins by ascribing “tender…
Daily Devotions
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.” vs. 68 Luke 1:68-75 As Luke studied all the writings available to him following the destruction of the temple he came across the song of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and there he found exactly the word of hope he had been looking for. For centuries the people of Israel had considered themselves the Chosen Ones of God, but with…
Daily Devotions
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” vs.1 Malachi 3:1-4 Advent is here! One candle has been lit and we’ve thought a bit about the Day of the Lord that was so much on the minds of the prophets. They were a remarkable group. Israel and Judah had wandered from the way of righteousness again and again through the centuries but the prophets…
Daily Devotions
Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap.” vs. 34-35a Luke 21:20-36 The apocalyptic sayings of Jesus as recalled by Luke make reference to “the day of the Lord,” that moment when God would act in a decisive way to bring salvation to humanity. Jesus tells his disciples that they should be able to discern when that day…
Daily Devotions
People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” vs. 26 Luke 21:25-28 For the past few years we watched as the nation of Yemen has been virtually destroyed by constant tribal warfare and unrelenting air attacks from Saudi Arabia. Thousands have been killed, disease is rampant, and, because relief efforts have been blocked, starvation is widespread. No end to the conflict seems imminent! Yemen’s situation…
Daily Devotions
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.” vs. 12 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 It’s a holiday weekend and, while many of us are with family and friends, some are not. For one reason or another, perhaps pandemic related, we haven’t been able to join in the feasting and football watching–we’re separated from those we love. Such was the case for Paul and his…
Daily Devotions
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” vs. 25 Matthew 6:25-33 People have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance these last few days. It’s Thanksgiving and they are not about to be kept from celebrating with family and friends any longer. Many have traveled long distances and…
Daily Devotions
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.” vs. 10 Psalm 25:6-10 Through the millenia humans have invented a remarkable variety of religions, some of which have prospered and grown as their adherents have spread across the globe. Many have comprehensive doctrines and scriptures to provide instruction to successive generations. Most members of these various religious groups believe that what they believe and teach is superior to any…