Blog (Page 87)
Daily Devotions
Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven.” vss. 23-24 Psalm 78:23-29 The psalmist believed that the stories passed down about the wilderness experiences of Israel demonstrated the Lord’s faithfulness in every circumstance. Even when the newly freed slaves complained bitterly about the lack of water and food, the Lord did not respond in anger, but generously provided for all their…
Daily Devotions
I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” vs. 12 Exodus 16:9-15 As the Hebrews looked back on their time in the wilderness, their story centered on the ultimate graciousness of God. Even when they had complained to Moses and Aaron and wished they’d never been brought out of…
Dialy Devotions
The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’” vs. 3 Exodus 16:2-4 When Moses led the Israelites into the wilderness of Sinai he knew what he was getting into. He had spent 40 years of his life there, herding…
Daily Devotions
Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” vs. 11 John 6:10-21 When we read the feeding stories in the gospels we can’t miss the connections that writers are making with Holy Communion. In each account Jesus takes the loaves in his hands, offers a prayer of blessing, and then distributes them to the people. And they were satisfied! It’s…
Daily Devotions
There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” vs. 9 John 6:1-9 When Jesus asked the disciples where they could get food for all the people, they were incredulous. They didn’t see any way that it could be done. There were just too many hungry people. We know the feeling. We are besieged by agencies and organizations asking for help to feed the hungry people of the…
Daily Devotions
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” vss. 20-21 Ephesians 3:18-21 As Christ dwells within us we are being rooted and grounded in love–and that’s not just pious talk! In Christ the energy of the universe is working within us for good, and we…
Daily Devotions
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” vss. 14-15 Ephesians 3:14-17 For those who were accustomed to living under a patriarchal system it was very natural to think of God as “Father.” And although in our more egalitarian world the word seems limiting, we need to look beyond the usage to the underlying truth, which in this case is plain. Everyone of us, all persons…
Daily Devotions
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.” vss. 15-16 Psalm 145:15-18 The psalmist certainly had a benevolent view of God and credited the Lord for providing abundantly for every living thing. On the surface that’s a nice thought, and there are times when we will gladly echo those words of praise and thanks. And we should! There is gracious support…
Daily Devotions
All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you.” vs. 10 Psalm 145:10-13 Even the most nationalistic of the psalmists knew that the kings of Israel and Judah, no matter how rich or powerful, were nothing when compared to the Lord of the Universe. National rulers may sputter and fume, strutting for the masses in their fifteen seconds of fame, but only God deserves our thanks and our blessings. It really is…
Daily Devotions
A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, ‘Give it to the people and let them eat.’” vs. 42 2 Kings 4:42-44 The giving of first fruits is standard practice for all those who have been touched by the Light of Christ. It’s a recognition that everything we have comes from God and is intended to be shared…
Daily Devotions
When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.” vss. 54-55 Mark 6:53-56 Once Jesus had been identified as a healer, there was no holding back of the crowds. His plan to take a brief time away with his disciples went by the boards as the word spread about his ministry. Everywhere he went, as soon as…
Daily Devotions
He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” vs. 31 Mark 6:30-34 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples strikes a responsive chord even today. No matter what kind of work we have, even if it isn’t directly related to missional service, we’re bound to get worn out. And if we don’t have built-in breaks or respites, it can…