'hope' Tagged Posts (Page 4)
Daily Devotions
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” vs. 6 Isaiah 9:2-7 The coronation of a new king was, for the people of Jerusalem and Judah, like celebrating the birth of a child, a son sent from God to be their righteous ruler. As early Christians read Isaiah’s words in their scriptures, composed for just such an…
Daily Devotions
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you Iwait all day long.” vs. 5 Psalm 25:1-10 The psalmist didn’t have the convenience of artificial intelligence or social media, so when he wanted to know the truth he turned to the Lord. The question is, if we wanted to do the same thing, where would we go and what would we do? Would we pore over scripture? Since many of us…
Daily Devotions
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” vs. 3 Daniel 12:1-3 Even though many have little interest in the apocalyptic messages found scattered through scripture, when we take the time to read them we can find what might be called “hidden gems.” Such is the case today with the vision recorded in this section of Daniel. These are words that those…
Daily Devotions
He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more…” vss. 3b-4 Revelation 21: 3-6a Many people wonder about their loved ones when death occurs, and questions abound. We would love to have concrete answers but the best we can do is speculate. Some are comforted by accounts reported by folks…
Daily Devotions
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.” vss. 3-4 Psalm 24 The psalmist had some high standards for those he adjudged to be fit for admission to the sanctuary of the Lord. His reasoning was logical. Since the Lord was the epitome of holiness, those who came…
Daily Devotions
For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.” vs. 28 Romans 3:19-23 Paul believed that all people had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But he also held that they had all been justified by God’s grace as a gift, through the redemption that had occurred in Christ Jesus. He further adds that the benefits of this great gift are made effective in faith. Paul’s add-on has frequently…
Daily Devotions
Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.” vs. 19 Romans 3:19-23 At one time humans put a lot of trust in the law. They really believed that the brokenness of this good world could be resolved if people would be obedient to the extensive set of ordinances and commandments found in their sacred…
Daily Devotions
Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” vs. 10 Psalm 46:6-10 More than once in this election season many have felt like echoing this psalm and wishing that the politicians would just be still. If only we could have even a moment’s relief from the ongoing diatribes and accusations, it would be wonderful. But even when we turn off our social media, the loud voices interrupt our…
Daily Devotions
Therefore because you trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not live in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.” vs. 11 Amos 5: 11-15 Amos called out the people living in the prosperous cities of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He knew exactly how they had gained their wealth! They had gotten rich from their relentless taxation and exploitation…
Daily Devotions
They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.” vs. 10 Amos 5:6-7, 10 If Amos could somehow be transported to our time, and given a chance to observe our economic and political practices, he would feel right at home! Behaviors haven’t changed a whit since he marched into the land of Israel to bring a word from the Lord. Liars abound and the economy favors the rich. Money can buy…
Daily Devotions
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” vs. 10 Hebrews 2:5-12 The many references to suffering in our scriptures reflects its universal presence in the human community. Every generation has struggled with both personal and communal encounters with violence, injustice, oppression, and torture, and those concerns are lifted up in all parts of the bible. The writers were…
Daily Devotions
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” vs. 16 James 5:16-20 Because the world is good, and broken, the healing that comes with forgiveness will always be a central part of our life together. That’s why so many of our congregations will take time for confession of sins in each weekly worship service. It’s a moment, scarcely long enough, for…