'connection' Tagged Posts
Daily Devotions
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—” vs. 1 1 John 1:1-4 The three letters of John come from the same period as the gospel of John and were likely sent to believers living in Asia Minor, the area we know as Turkey. Unlike other epistles in the New Testament, this writer…
Daily Devotions
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1 Hebrews 12:1-3 In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews gave a definition of faith that is worthy of memorization. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” He had then gone on…
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
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” vss. 31-32 John 8:31-33 From the beginning many more people have been attracted to Jesus than have actually remained with him. It was true during his Galilean ministry, and it remains true today. The most typical example can be found in the hundreds of crusades…
Daily Devotions
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God…” vss.15-16 Romans 8:12-18 When we, by the grace of God, begin to lead lives that bring us joy and that are a blessing to others, it’s not because we have somehow found the strength in ourselves to…
Daily Devotions
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’” vs. 38 John 1:37-42 The question Andrew was asked is one that searchers of every age have been hard-pressed to answer. Certainly that’s true in our time. People are looking for something, but they often have no idea what it is. Some think they want material prosperity, but are disappointed when…
Daily Devotions
After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.” vs. 9 Revelation 7:9-12 While certainly not to be taken literally, John’s vision, as seen through heaven’s open door, provides an expansive glimpse at the never-ending resurrected life that is ours in Christ. Here there are no great…
Daily Devotions
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, ‘To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” vs. 13 Revelation 5:11-14 When we read the book of Revelation our little minds are overstimulated by John’s visionary account of heavenly happenings, and it’s easy to get caught up in apocalyptic thinking.…
Daily Devotions
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more…Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.” vss. 4b, 7 Philippians 3:4b-7 It’s no accident that Paul was a recognized leader in the early Church–he had exceptional qualifications and was brimming with confidence. And he certainly had no ego issues–he was proud of his ancestry and never backed away from controversy. Yet as he sat in prison, thinking…
Daily Devotions
Psalm 89:19-24 “Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance;” vs. 15 Only a week or so until Christmas–three candles are lit on our Advent wreaths and final plans are being made. For some the cancelling of family gatherings will accent the already present pandemic loneliness. Others will find it strange not to be able to sing carols in a crowded sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Nominal churchgoers are being…
Daily Devotions
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 … “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” vss. 2-3 This letter of Paul to the Thessalonians is the oldest section of the New Testament and gives a glimpse into the inner life and concerns of the earliest Greek followers of Jesus. As such,…
Daily Devotions: April 27, 2020
April 27, 2020 Acts 2:42-45 … “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” vs. 42 As places of worship have closed their doors through the course of this pandemic, leaders have regularly reminded believers that the Church has not been closed, and they’re one hundred percent correct. The Church has never been about steeples, sanctuaries, or classrooms, and Luke’s description in Acts remains accurate to this day. The Church…