'Power' Tagged Posts
Daily Devotions
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” vs. 20 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 Each day we see reports about the heart-breaking loss of innocent lives in a seemingly endless cycle of wars and revolutions. There seems to be no end to our capacity to inflict suffering on one another, and most distressingly, there seems to be no end in sight.…
Daily Devotions
But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” vs 13 2 Peter 3:11-13 Prior to the testing of the atomic bomb in New Mexico in 1945, hundreds of scientists were working in labs all around the country to see if such a bomb could be built and delivered. Using mathematical formulas a few physicists projected a doomsday scenario in which the unknown forces generated by an atomic explosion…
Daily Devotions
See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him…He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” vss. 10a, 11 Isaiah 40:9-11 When our faith ancestors were in a tough spot they eagerly looked for the coming of the Lord, so it’s not surprising that the prophet assured the people that the Lord was on the way,…
Daily Devotions
Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” vs. 19 Matthew 18: 18-20 There are some folks who believe that when they pray in agreeance with another person for anything that is in accord with God’s will, their prayer will be answered. Whatever they have prayed for will be done for them! Accordingly, whenever they have a need, they will find…
Daily Devotions
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” vs. 24 Matthew 16:24-28 It must have appeared to the disciples that Jesus had performed a classic “bait and switch” on them. They had begun to follow him because they believed him to be the messiah, the one who would restore Israel to its former glory. As his initial followers then, they seem to have felt…
Daily Devotions
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” vs. 19 Matthew 16:17-20 While actual historical evidence is lacking, there is no doubt that Peter was associated with the community of Christians in Rome and probably died there as a martyr. As centuries passed and the bishop of Rome gained greater authority, Peter was widely believed…
Daily Devotions
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.” vs. 13 Matthew 14:13-14 John the Baptist had been killed while in the custody of King Herod at Machereus, a palace east of the Dead Sea, and it didn’t take long for the news to travel to where Jesus was doing ministry at the north end of the…
Daily Devotions
And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.” vs. 7 1 Kings 3:5-8 Reading in scripture about the accession of Solomon to the throne of David is like reading an excerpt from a mafioso godfather’s diary. It was a bloody affair, to say the least. Solomon was not David’s eldest son, but…
Daily Devotions
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” vss. 8-9 Psalm 145:8-10 For many in the United States the Fourth of July is a time for speeches, flag waving, and family gatherings–a festive day, often capped off in the evening with concerts and fireworks. Some will recall the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence, and there will…
Daily Devotions
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn; he will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.” vs. 3 Hosea 5:15-6:3 During the 8th century BCE, Hosea was called to bring a word from the Lord to the rival kingdoms of Israel and Judah. They had begun to think they were pretty special and had become enamored of wealth and power. In…
Daily Devotions
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.” vss. 5-6 Psalm 112:1-9 Life goes well with people who are righteous and generous; their love of justice and mercy will be remembered forever. That’s the way it’s always been, the psalmist assures us, and that’s the way it will always be. Some would call this ancient observation a universal truth, a…
Daily Devotions
And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” vss. 22-23 Ephesians 1:15-23 From the beginning, the church formed by the followers of Jesus has been understood to be the Body of Christ. We’ve grown accustomed to that designation and have come to take it for granted, but it really is an audacious claim. We…