DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 1, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Luke 9:62 — No one who puts a hand to the
plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
SCRIPTURE
Know and see that it is evil and bitter for
you to forsake the Lord your God. Jeremiah 2:19
Luke 18:22-23 — When Jesus heard this, he
said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and
distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then
come, follow me.” But when he heard this, he became sad, for he was very rich.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We
always had animals on our farm. Animals require commitment. By and large, once
they are under our care, they depend on us for food, water, shelter, and
anything they may need in medicine. Without proper care and feeding, animals
will get sick and die or attempt to escape, even at the risk of their lives.
Abandoned dogs and cats often made their way to our place, starved and fearful.
News reports tell of animals in dire conditions, abandoned, abused, or
neglected by their owners. It is so good to know that God doesn’t abandon or
neglect us. But, are we guilty of treating God with that neglect? We become so
involved in managing our own lives all by ourselves and accumulating treasures
of this world, forgetting the very God who makes it all possible. Then, when
God sends messengers to remind us of our responsibilities, we become defensive,
even offensive. May we not be found neglecting God but putting God at the
center of our attention!
PRAYER
How good it is, Lord, to have the assurance
of Your loving care for us, even when we wander off to do our own thing. Thank
You for the gentle—and not so gentle—reminders that all things are possible
through You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Hosea 8:12 — Though I write for him the
multitude of my instructions, they are regarded as strange things.
Romans 2:13 — For it is not the hearers of
the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be
justified.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I’m
unsure when I first heard the phrase “In
one ear and out the other!” It might have been the day I was told not to
play with the baby rabbits, but did, and they got out. Or was it when I was
told to study my spelling list but didn’t and got an F? I’m sure the
instructions were given and that I heard them, fully intending to carry them
out, but got distracted. We are distracted by many things, not necessarily all
bad. I’m sure it was a frustration for my parents and my teachers. It was undoubtedly
God’s frustration with the people to whom Hosea wrote, as well as the Apostle
Paul. Even good things can keep us from carrying out God’s commands. We may
have heard them with one ear, but God’s word was already out the other before
we did anything about them. It takes considerable concentration to make God’s
word and God’s will stick between the ears and settle in our hearts so that we
carry them out with more than lip service. How well have you been
listening?
PRAYER
Patient Lord, the distractions of our lives
become the only excuses we have for failing to follow Your Word and Your Will.
Plant Your instruction in our hearts, minds, and souls, and send us reminders
through those who love us, so they don’t simply go in one ear and out the
other. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 3, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy 5:32 — You must be careful to do
as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to
the left.
Matthew 22:37-40 — Jesus said to him, “‘You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second
is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
“Go
straight home after school!” Those were the words of my uncle, who had talked
to my grandmother, who had talked to my mom on the phone. I planned to do just
that after picking up a book from a friend. Unfortunately, he lent the book to
another friend, so I had to drive to the friend’s house. He wasn’t home, so I
had to go across town to where he was working on another friend’s car.... To
make an even longer story short, I didn’t make it “straight home” until after
my uncle from California had left, and I had missed him. God has given us
similar instructions. “Go straight Home! Don’t detour or dawdle. Take the
direct route which passes through loving God and loving neighbor!” Easy enough,
right? Then why do we deviate from God’s plan? Why do we take other routes and
shortcuts that lead us away from God? In so doing, we are opening ourselves to
the loss of something far greater than anything we might gain in this world.
So, this week, listen carefully and do not turn to the right or the left of
God’s plan. The straight route, the way of Love, is the Way to go!
PRAYER
Gracious God, Your instructions are not that
complicated. Love! That’s the whole of Your Law in a nutshell. Enable us to
center our words and deeds on that simple Theme. Give us the courage to reject
those distractions which lead us away from Your love for us in Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
1 Kings 19:18 — Yet I will leave seven
thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal.
John 8:16 — (Jesus said:) “Yet even if I do
judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the
Father who sent me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The
jungle hid many soldiers of fortune and other terrifying things. Several of my
fellow soldiers had been shot and killed by snipers. I had been lucky, but I
was also smaller than most of them and could crawl in places they couldn’t.
When Leon was captured, I thought it was all over. I thought I was the only
survivor. I was about to give up when Dick got my attention and silently
pointed to three other cousins hiding behind him. We still had a fighting
chance! I honestly think we could have won the war had my grandmother not
called us in for our family reunion lunch. Sometimes living the life of a
Christian seems like a losing battle. It seems as if everyone is using foul
language, everyone is cheating, and everyone is telling lies, everyone is greedy,
everyone is going someplace on Sunday and missing worship.... “Everyone”
translates into “I’m the only one who isn’t!” The fact is God has always held
on to a remnant of the faithful. We are not alone in being faithful, even if we
don’t see the rest of God’s “army.” Instead of surrendering to the forces of
evil, hold on to your commitment to God - who knows the truth and judges
accordingly.
PRAYER
Faithful Lord, You call us to be faithful to
You and Your Word. Open our eyes to see the saints around us who live out Your
call every day without fanfare or recognition. Give us the courage to join
their “army of the faithful” in living as Your body in our world. We pray in
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 69:32b — You, who seek God, let your
hearts revive.
Acts 16:14 — A certain woman named Lydia, a
worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a
dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was
said by Paul.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We
were really beat! We had finished the annual chicken coop cleaning. With
over-wintering about a hundred laying hens, it was pretty bad. The word
“gross!” fits reasonably well. It had taken two days, lots of breathing breaks
(the smell was pretty rank), and Dad’s driving force and encouragement, but it
was finished! After cleaning up and changing clothes, we sat around the table,
too tired to do much of anything. Then Dad said the words: “...fishing, picnic,
Ewing (a favorite fishing spot)” and it was as if we had been given a new lease
on life. We were up and ready to go! God’s spirit does that for anyone willing
to open their hearts to him. God has a pitcher of promises and power He wants
to pour into us. Sadly, too many have closed their hearts to what God offers so
freely, and it rolls off as liquid is poured onto an up-ended glass. God’s
great joy is to pour His love and grace into a receptive heart so that we might
be renewed in body and soul. Are you worn and weary? Need a spiritual lift? God
is waiting to pour His Spirit into you. How receptive are you?
PRAYER
Creative and Renewing Lord, when our spirits
sag from our daily grind and dealing with the “manure” of the world, breathe
You reviving Spirit into us. Give us new energy to love and serve You as we
love and serve those who need Your life-renewing Love in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 6, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 67:1-2 — May God ...make his face to
shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among
all nations.
Philippians 2:14-15 — Do all things without
murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of
God without blemish in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation, in which
you shine like stars in the world.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I
love “glow-in-the-dark” stuff. We received small crosses and stars that glowed
in the dark for one year of perfect attendance in Sunday School. They were
really neat at night! I once woke up from a nightmare in which this vicious
monster was wrapping me in a bag so that he could eat me later. In terror, my
eyes popped open, I took one look at my glow-in-the-dark cross, and the monster
disappeared! All I had to do was unravel the blankets and sheets he had tried
to wrap me in. I was still shaken up, but before I closed my eyes again, I took
a good long look at that cross and said my “Now I lay me down...” prayer again,
to be safe. The prayer of the Psalmist and the encouragement of St. Paul to the
Philippians is that God’s Light will make us “glow-in-the-dark” and be light to
the people of God. The monsters of the world—sin, death, and the Devil—attack
at will, but we are to shine like the stars so those who wake up in terror will
have someone to cling to for comfort and hope. We don’t have to swallow phosphorus,
a poisonous chemical so that we will glow. We only need to approach the throne
of Grace, Jesus Christ, so His Light can shine through us to others. “It only
takes a spark” of His Light. Let it shine!
PRAYER
Shine, Jesus, shine! Shine on me! Shine in
me! Shine through me! Let my light shine for all to see, both friend and enemy!
As the Light of the world, let Your presence in my life be known and seen
through all I do and say daily. I pray in Your holy name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
GOOD FRIDAY, April 7, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 10:3 — This is what the Lord meant
when he said, “Through those who are near me I will show myself holy, and
before all the people I will be glorified.”
John 19:26-27 — When Jesus saw his mother
and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother,
“Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”
And from that hour, the disciple took her into his own home.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Moms
are great, aren’t they? At least my mom was. Besides the obvious of bringing me
into the world, my mother never ceased loving and caring for me—even when I
became old enough to care for myself. I can only begin to understand the grief
I caused her over the years by my failure to communicate. As a parent myself, I
know the anguish of watching my children cut the apron strings and the agony of
losing a child who died. God experienced the anguish of severed apron strings
with each of His children since Adam and the agony of watching His Son suffer
and die. God knew the broken heart of Mary, even as He knows our broken hearts.
Thus God sends those who are near Him to share their loving comfort. Jesus, in
His dying hour, chose John to care for His mother. In our grief, we may not
recognize these “angels” of the Lord, or we may take them for granted, but they
are God’s hand of love. This Good Friday, let the love of the Lord help you
give thanks to God for His dying concern for His mother and for us.
PRAYER
God of love and compassion, as Jesus made
provision for His mother, give us hearts that have compassion for mothers of
all ages, especially those who weep for children for whom they have no means of
caring. Bless them with the assurance that in Jesus’ name, they are not alone.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 8, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 12:24 — Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it
bears much fruit.
SCRIPTURE
Amos 5:4 — Thus says the Lord...: Seek me
and live.
Matthew 7:7 — Ask, and it will be given you;
search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Years
ago, the bishop’s assistant asked me to recruit some leaders in the church to
conduct workshops introducing new Sunday School material. The person who had
that position before me explained how he had a tough time getting team members.
He sent out announcements of the need, but nobody volunteered. (Sound
familiar?) I don’t know that I’m a competent recruiter myself, but I started
cultivating a list of people from around the state and talking to them on the
phone. It took time and effort, but I had almost every team member I needed
within a couple of weeks. The only thing I did differently was to ask directly.
The same principle is true in our relationship with God. “We have not because we don’t ask.” God may know something we don’t
and lovingly say, “No,” or “When the time is right,” but God always answers. I
keep a prayer journal where I write my prayer requests. Then, once a month, I
check off the prayers that are answered. I am constantly amazed that it has far
more items checked off (answered) than are not. Yes, God knows our needs before
we ask, but one of our primary needs is to know our need for Him. Have you
been asking, searching, knocking? Have you been writing down your lists of
prayer requests for future reference? Maybe it’s time you did!
PRAYER
All-knowing God, who knows our requests
before we ask, but who also knows our real need better than we ourselves, draw
us daily to a close and intimate relationship with You. Please help us to see
the difference between our needs and our greed. Make us instruments of Your
answers to the prayers of others who ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 9, 2023
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 7:1 — O Lord my God, in you I take
refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me.
Colossians 1:13 — The Father has rescued us
from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his beloved
Son.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We
tried to gather all the eggs from all the nests, even those that certain hens
tried to hide from us, but there was always one hen that would outwit us. That
one hen, in particular, was a master at hiding her nest and disappearing for
long periods of time. Usually, this time in the spring, we would see her
leading her flock, sometimes as many as a dozen little chicks. She was a fierce
protector of her brood. Our dog, three or four times her size, knew better than
to get near her chicks. She would cluck at the slightest sign of danger, and
they would scurry under her protective wings, peeking out occasionally to see
what was going on. Like that mother hen, God guards and protects us, his brood,
in life and in death. The Easter Egg is a good reminder that even death cannot
defeat our Lord. The tomb was empty! The egg has hatched! We are born again!
Death cannot claim us because Christ has claimed us—forever, and ever, and
ever! Amen!!!
PRAYER
Happy Easter, Lord! What joy You must have
experienced when Your Son rose from the tomb. Give us a sense of that powerful
joy as we worship You and celebrate the amazing Gift You have demonstrated for
us in the resurrection of Jesus. Thank You, God! Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 10, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 142:7 — Bring me out of prison, so
that I may give thanks to your name.
Acts 16:25-26 — About midnight, Paul and
Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening
to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake so violent that the foundations of
the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and
everyone’s chains were unfastened.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Our
prison was made with sticks and twine. Its roof was the shade of a mulberry
tree whose trunk doubled as the major support for the wobbly prison bars. Its
door was a line drawn in the dust marking an invisible solid steel door even a
bulldozer couldn’t break through. With special permission, I once spent a long,
uncomfortable, sleepless night in another kind of prison—a city jail. I have also been given tours of a state prison and a
federal medical prison. In addition, I’ve visited self-inflicted prisons of sin
and addictions as people unraveled their stories in my office. Some people love
their prisons more than life. Others hate their prisons but feel helpless to
break out. Like our childhood “line in the dust and invisible steel door,”
their prisons keep them chained to sins, habits, and lifestyles they know are
wrong—even destructive, but they have
lost the key. Paul and Silas were stripped of their clothing, flogged, and
thrown into prison. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they prayed and
sang hymns to God. When the earth shook, their chains fell, and they were free.
What kind of prisons are you in? How are you dealing with them? Have you tried
the prayer, praise, and thanksgiving of worship? God loves to shake things up
on our behalf! Why not ask Him to do so for you, as He sets you free from sin,
death, and the Devil?
PRAYER
Gracious God, as You came to set the
prisoner free through Jesus, I invite You to set me free from those prisons
which keep me from loving and serving You with all my heart, mind, and soul.
Break the chains that bind me to anything that separates me from You. I pray in
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 71:9 — Do not cast me off in the time
of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
Romans 4:19 — Abraham did not weaken in
faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for
he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of
Sarah’s womb.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When
I was young, I thought my grandparents, in their 60’s, were really old!
They wore old clothes. They spoke in the dialect of the “old country.” They
remembered old “stuff” from ancient times before I was born. As I quickly
approach the 80’s, I’m amazed at how my image of “old” has changed! I am truly
blessed to be able to visit lots of older people. They have taught me that
“old” is a matter of the body, mind, and spirit. I have met some 60-something
people who are really old and ancient, with one foot already in the
grave. But, on the other hand, I have the great joy of working with 80 and
90-something people whose minds and spirits (and, in some cases, bodies) are
younger than mine! What a thrill it is to visit with them. They may
be retired, but they haven’t stopped living. They are the ones who, like old
Abraham, know that God hasn’t finished with them yet, and are looking for the
next great adventure God directs their way! How old are you—in REAL years—not just
chronological? Want to grow younger? God has a few ideas for those willing to
turn themselves over to Him.
PRAYER
Truly Ancient of Days, You were before the
world was created. As You are constantly creating and recreating, keep us young
in spirit so that we can follow Your example. Give us strength, energy, and
daily renewal of our bodies, minds, and souls so that we live for You in Jesus’
name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 50:23 — Those who bring thanksgiving
at their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way, I will show the
salvation of God.
Hebrews 13:16 — Do not neglect to do good
and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Teaching
children to say “thank you” is a continuous process. Parents who teach it best
have lived thankfully and modeled it for their children. I’ve been carrying
around a quote by Patrick Henry Reardon for several years. Perhaps it’s time I
shared it: “Suppose for a moment that God
began taking from us the many things for which we failed to give thanks. Which
of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and my
mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons
and things for which I have not given thanks, who or what would be left for
me?” Our thanks need to come from the heart. We need to be shown them with
more than lip service. Sadly, we don’t appreciate our health until we lose it.
For that matter, the same is true of our limbs, our friends, and our
co-workers. We may say thanks in worship, in serving those in need, and in
sacrificial living. What would God take from you if God were not merciful and
filled with compassion? Take time to thank God for the small things this day—in word and deed.
PRAYER
Most merciful and compassionate God, thank
you! As I think of every part of my body and of every member of Your Body with
whom I work and play, I give thanks. Help me to see and appreciate every gift
You give me, especially the gift of grace I have received through Jesus, my
Savior. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 13, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 71:20 — You who have made me see many
troubles and calamities will revive me again.
Matthew 21:15-16 — The blind and the lame
came to Jesus in the temple, and he cured them. But when the chief priests and
the scribes saw the amazing things that he did and heard the children crying
out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became angry and said to
him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you
never read, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies you have prepared
praise for yourself’?”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I
love children’s sermons. I loved to hear them when I was a kid. Pastor Ritzen
was great at giving them. I still love listening to them when I sit in a pew. I
love to give them myself. I even collected some of those children’s sermons in
a book—Let Them Answer. What makes
them fun is that the children preach them. I have learned that no matter how
well I prepare, the children can change the sermon entirely with a thought I
hadn’t thought of before. I truly believe the Holy Spirit loves to speak
through children. I even suspect the Holy Spirit uses the children to keep me
on my toes. They are so honest and willing to sing and talk about Jesus in amazing
ways! Sometimes, when they get going, I’d like to chuck the adult sermon and
see where the Spirit will lead us. (The adult in me remembers the hours I’ve
spent preparing the adult sermon and hates to waste it, but perhaps the mouths
of infants and children may have a more profound message.) May the spontaneous
faith of a little child keep you on your spiritual toes too!
PRAYER
Surprising Lord, how amazed the world has
been that You would be born as a child. You know the joys, the sorrows, and the
exciting adventures of a growing and learning Child. Help us remember that innocence and that faith in the lives of children
around us. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Christ Child. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 14, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 71:15 — My mouth will tell of your
righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all day long.
Romans 15:5-6 — May the God of steadfastness
and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another in accordance
with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When
we received the news that we would be the parents of our first child, we were
beside ourselves with joy. We had expected to return to the adoption agency one
more time before we would know if we were approved and if a baby was available.
But, to our happy surprise, we were approved and told that we could pick up our
bundle of joy the following day. We wasted no time and called everyone we knew!
After all the medical tests and the waiting, we were ecstatic with excitement.
Was our good news any more exciting than the Good News that Jesus died for our
sins so that we could be “born anew to a living faith,” or that salvation is
ours because of God’s love, which is ours in Christ Jesus? How well does your
mouth tell of God’s marvelous deeds? How often do you lift up your voice to
glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus? Maybe it’s time to start!
PRAYER
How good it is, Lord God, to share good news
with family and friends! How good it is to spread the cheerful happiness of
personal joys. Give us that same joy when we share the Good News of Your loving
grace, which comes to us daily through Your Son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 15, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Matthew 20:28 — The Son of Man came not to
be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 10:6 — There is none like you, O
Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might.
Matthew 6:9 — Our Father in heaven, hallowed
be your name.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When
we lived in Missouri, we were offered free tickets to some great shows in
Branson, by people who worked in the shows or behind the scenes—Bobby Vinton
and Tony Orlando were a couple of shows. All we had to do was mention the name
of the person who offered the tickets and they were there waiting for us. This
Christmas, we received some wonderful gifts. One really nice one was a gift
card for meals at a nice restaurant. All we had to do was present the card with
the person’s name, and our meals were paid for! What a fantastic experience it
was. In the name of a friend, we were entertained. In the name of a friend, we
were fed. It is great to know someone important. But, the most incredible fact
is that those who know Jesus have that kind of access before the throne of
grace! In the name of Jesus, He is present where two or more are gathered. In
the name of Jesus, our sins are forgiven, our healing is begun and completed,
and our salvation is assured. So, when it comes to His name, Jesus loves to
have us be “name droppers.” On whose name will you depend?
PRAYER
You, O Lord, give us permission and a
command to use Your name in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. We thank You for that
gift and ask that You help us guard Your name against misuse and abuse so that
we can keep Your name holy. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 16, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 32:40 — I will make an everlasting
covenant with them, never to draw back from doing good to them.
Matthew 26:27-28 — Jesus took the cup, and
after giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying: “Drink from it, all of you;
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the
forgiveness of sins.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
“Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a
needle in my eye!” With such solemn oaths, we joined the ranks of soldiers
marching off to fight the fiercest enemy anyone could face. We considered them
animals that showed no mercy when they attacked. After being sworn in, we
gathered our weapons and marched 50,000 miles across the burning desert,
through a raging river full of man-eating fish, and over the tallest mountains
in the world before we caught sight of the enemy. We crawled through snake-infested
underbrush to keep from being seen as we surrounded them. Then without warning,
we rounded the enemy up without a single casualty on either side and marched
our prisoners off, taking a shortcut that got us back just in time to milk the
cows. Jesus fulfilled a solemn covenant made by God to Abraham and all who
believe, facing an even crueler enemy than we ever imagined as children, taking
the brunt of all suffering, shame, and death upon Himself to win the victory.
His struggle with the powers of sin, death, and the Devil was not imaginary.
They were real. And when we receive His body and blood in Holy Communion, we
receive His real presence and His real forgiveness. Thanks be to God. We are
the victors because of the covenant Christ has fulfilled with His own
blood!
PRAYER
Thank You, Jesus, for fighting the true
enemy of our salvation on our behalf. Walk with us daily as we face remnants of
the enemy, still bent on capturing our allegiance and our souls. Guide us in
the Way that truly leads to eternal life with You. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 17, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Micah 5:2 — And you, O Bethlehem Ephrata,
who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one
who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is of old, from ancient days.
John 12:24 — (Jesus said:) “Unless a grain
of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if
it dies, it bears much fruit.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It’s
important for farmers and gardeners to keep the average “last frost date” in
mind. I’ve pushed the envelope several times and lost everything I planted.
However, I couldn’t resist planting some seeds the other day. I know they will
die in the dirt, but I also know that they won’t live unless they die. (I hope
they won’t die again because of a frost!) God plants seeds too. He planted them
in a nomad named Abraham. God planted them in a small clan called Judah in a
tiny little town called Bethlehem. God plants them even in you and me in the
hopes that they will germinate and become living words that we will pass on to
others. These seeds of promise may seem to die within us for a brief time, but
they are created genetically perfect by God to take root in the hearts of
anyone confessing Christ as Lord. The very nature of the seed is to produce
much fruit. We don’t have to worry about that part. The only thing we have to
do is keep it watered (remembering our baptism) and nurture it with God’s grace
(receiving Holy communion). Christ has done the rest by giving His body and
blood on the cross and leading the way for us through death to resurrection. The
seed is sown. How will you receive it? How will you “serve” it?
PRAYER
Holy Gardener, thank You for the seeds and
the soil, which reminds us of Your gracious care for all You created. Bless the
seeds we plant this season and the soil in which we plant them. Bless also the
seeds of the gospel we plant in Jesus’ name, that they may produce an abundance
of Harvest. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 9:10 — And those who know your name
put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Romans 5:5 — Hope does not disappoint us
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that
has been given to us.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My
father was a man of his word. I cannot remember a single promise he made that
he did not keep - for me or anyone else for that matter. Even when he knew the
fishing would be lousy right after a rain, he trooped over the muddy hill to
the dam with my sister, twin brothers, and me to keep a promise. I never
understood until after he died just how many people came to rely on him because
he was a man of his word. He was not a deeply religious man, but his knowledge
of scripture often surprised me. He knew the Lord behind the words in the Book
as One in whose name he could rely on through blizzards, droughts, crop
failures, and loss of valuable animals to disease. I have had the joyful
privilege of knowing and visiting with many others whose lives reflect that
kind of faith. By comparison, my own faith pales, and I have much to learn and
practice. How about you?
PRAYER
Faithful and Trustworthy God, I thank You
for people like my earthly father, who taught me the importance of promise-keeping
by their example. Instill in me a burning desire to follow their example, even
as they followed Yours. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 63:8 — My soul clings to you; your
right hand upholds me.
Matthew 9:25 — But when the crowd had been
put aside, he went and took the daughter of Jairus by the hand, and the girl
got up.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Our
neighbors had honey bees. We loved the honey they produced, and there was no
more in our honey jar. Following a rain, Dad took me with him to buy some honey
from the neighbors. To get to their place, we had to walk through the cornfield
behind our house, along the creek in the pasture, and over the narrowest part
of the creek. Crossing the creek was scary for a five-year-old. It looked like
a raging river after the rain. Dad crossed over, carefully choosing his path.
Then he reached his hand across as far as he could and told me to grab it. To
do so, I had to take a big step into the edge of the creek. Just as I reached
for his hand, my foot sank in the mud, but Dad made an extra effort, grabbed my
hand, and lifted me up, out of the mud and over the rushing stream. Jesus did
that for Peter when he attempted to walk on water. He does that for us too,
when we try to cross over difficult times in our lives. When we reach out our
hand to Him, Jesus lovingly takes our hand, lifts us up, and helps us to live
again. Need a hand? Jesus has one for you.
PRAYER
Jesus, Son of God and Hand of God, lift me
up when I am down, hold me up when I think I’m sinking, raise me up when I’m
afraid of going under. Give me the strength to reach for You and the courage to
take the next step, whatever or wherever it may be. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 20, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Micah 5:2 — He shall stand and feed his
flock in the strength of the Lord.
John 10:11 — (Jesus said:) “I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Shepherds,
in Bible times, were considered unclean, second-class citizens because they had
to spend the Sabbath with their sheep instead of at the temple. But anyone who
has raised sheep will tell you of the shepherd’s importance. A dedicated
shepherd could make or break a farmer, even today. The life and health of every
sheep is in their hands. The image of the shepherd in the words of the prophets
was no accident. Those of high standing may have rejected the shepherd, but it
was these very shepherds who risked and spent their lives to save the sheep.
Jesus did that for us! Though rejected, denied, and betrayed, Jesus entered the
battle for our souls at the cost of His own life. He who was in the beginning
of creation was there forming us in our mother’s wombs and providing for us in
every way so that we would have Life—not just an earthly “good life”—but the
abundance of eternal life. This Good Shepherd has been through the valley of
the shadow of death and comes out the victor. Who would you rather follow?
PRAYER
Our Good and Caring Shepherd, we give thanks
for Your self-sacrificing love for us. Give us hearts that follow Your example
in caring for the hurt and the homeless, the lost and the lonely, the fallen
and the fearful. Bless us so we can be blessings to others, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 21, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
2 Kings 13:23 — The Lord turned toward them
because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy
them; nor has he banished them from his presence until now.
Romans 3:3-4 — What if some were unfaithful?
Will their unfaithfulness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Just
because “everybody” is doing it doesn’t mean it’s right! When I was a kid, we
had an old abandoned car sitting in the trees. We used to drive that car all
over the world. On one of our trips through Russia, we were attacked by tanks
and a huge army, which we plowed through, barely escaping with our lives. One
of my visiting cousins thought we were getting low on gas, so we all piled out,
grabbed hands full of special fuel (gravel from the driveway), and carefully
poured it into the gas tank—until it was full! We then headed for a war with
the Zulus in Africa. When Dad decided to sell the old car, he was furious with
what was in the gas tank. Our attempts to say “everyone was doing it” did not
cut the mustard! Dad spent hours cleaning and repairing the gas tank before the
buyer arrived. I suggested letting the guy who bought it take care of it, but
Dad shook his head: “We don’t do things like that.” Even though we were
“unfaithful,” Dad was “faithful,” no matter the cost. So it is with God’s love
for us. Even our “unfaithfulness” does not divert God from being faithful to us
and keeping His covenant with us.
PRAYER
Faithful God, it is so easy to follow the
world’s example, even when we know it is not right. Guide us into the Way that
is right and leads us on Your path of loving faithfulness. Use us, Lord, as
reminders to others that “everybody” is not You, and their ways are not Your
Ways. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 22, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
John 3:14b-15 — The Son of Man must be
lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 26:12 — O Lord, you will ordain peace
for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us.
Colossians 1:20 — Through him, God was
pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by
making peace through the blood of his cross.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I
grew up at the end of World War II. I don’t remember many of the events when it
ended because I was too young to understand them. However, I do remember the
announcement on my grandparent’s radio of the end of the Korean War. It was
pretty noisy with static, but we could hear the horns blasting and people
cheering when it ended. I look forward to the day when there will be peace in
our troubled world again—here and in every land. Peace comes at a hefty cost in
lives and money. The Peace of God came at the cost of Christ on the cross, paid
for with His own blood. Until we who live in this troubled world are reconciled
with God, we will never know His Peace. We may live to see a day when nations are
not fighting against nations, but that is not peace - only a cessation of
fighting. Peace is a gift of God that reaches into the depths of our hearts to
bring reconciliation and one-ness with God and our brothers and sisters from
creation. That Peace may require God’s intervention on the Day of the Lord.
When that comes, may we be at Peace with God and one another.
PRAYER
Peace-giving God, all of Your creation longs
for the shalom (peace) that only You can give. Fighting and forcing ideologies,
prejudices, and doctrines on others, we all fall into the trap of the evil one.
Guard us against such thinking and guide us in the way of true peace with You
and one another, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 23, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 51:12 — I, I am he who comforts you.
Why are you afraid of a mere mortal who must die?
John 16:7 — (Jesus said:) “I tell you the
truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the
advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I
can’t say I’ve ever been afraid of death—ghosts, goblins, creatures of the
night, and the school bully, yes, but not death. Sue and I love to travel. We
were in Jerusalem when a bomb exploded on a city bus. We were in Egypt a few
days before an attack killed several people near the museum in Cairo we had
toured. We returned from Germany only a few days before the 9-11 attack. Some
might call our travel risky or even foolish, even though we use caution and
common sense in choosing our routes and destinations. However, I don’t believe
in stepping in front of a freight train, so we did cancel one trip because of
the threat of war. The certainty that God is in charge of our lives and souls
is at the heart of our confidence. Whether we live or die is in God’s hands
anyway. Jesus has sent His Spirit to be with us always, even when confronting
those who might be able to kill our physical bodies but have no power over our
spiritual bodies. They belong to Christ. That is the promise for those who
commit their lives to Christ. Who terrifies you enough to keep you from your
mission as a servant of Christ? May the love of Christ overshadow your fear
with confidence and joy!
PRAYER
O God, our Guardian and Guide, thank You for
watching over us in this life and the next. Keep us from making foolish
choices, but help us to trust in Your grace to see us through every difficulty.
Bless those whose lives in this world are ended by terrorists, accidents, or
weather. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 24, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am alive
forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Nehemiah 2:20 — The God of heaven is the one
who will give us success, and we, his servants, are going to start building.
Ephesians 3:20-21 — 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.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Mom
planted a garden in a weed patch that Dad had plowed the previous fall. The
year before, we had a drought, so planting anything in that dusty patch seemed
like a waste. But the garden went in anyway. That night at supper, we prayed
for our garden, asking for rain and a good harvest. We had to water everything
the first two days after planting to settle the dust and give the seeds a
fighting chance. Then, as if God said, “Stand back! Let me show you what I can
do.” it began to drizzle ever so gently. That was the last time we had to carry
water the whole summer! By the end of the season, we were giving away bushels
of tomatoes to anyone who would take them. We had a bumper crop of everything.
Some may say we were lucky because it rained that summer, but we knew the
truth: God sent the rains and nourished the seeds. God gave us strength to pull
all the weeds—and there were LOTS of them. Even as God could do what we could
not with our garden, God wants to do with each of our lives. God has a plan for
us, like a garden map, and success is guaranteed when we commit our lives to
His plan. What is your plan? Have you talked to God about it? Our ways are not
always His, you know!
PRAYER
Creative and Life-giving God, thank You for
the seeds, soil, rain, and sunshine. Let them all come together with Your
blessing so we may share their produce with those who have little or nothing.
Let Your hand rest upon us as we work in the garden caring for Your gifts, in
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 23:1 — The Lord is my shepherd; I
shall not want.
Matthew 9:36 — When he saw the crowds, he
had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Domestic
sheep are pretty helpless critters. Without a shepherd to lead them, they
wander aimlessly, get stuck in places they can’t get out of, are defenseless
against most predators, and die of thirst rather than drink from a moving
stream. Lambing season offers additional hazards for both the ewe and the
newborn. Our friends, Bob and Jackie Aue raised sheep for many years and, like
the biblical shepherds, would often spend entire nights in the barn when lambs
were about to be born. More than once, their compassionate hearts caused them
to carry a sick or orphaned lamb into the house so that it would not die from
exposure or be hurt by a mean-spirited mother sheep who saw this newborn as a
threat to their own lamb. The Lord is our shepherd in that same spirit,
compassionately leading us to safety and guiding our path through perilous
times. Our part is simple: follow the Shepherd. That’s all He asks. So may we
learn to know the Shepherd’s voice so we can follow where He leads us—to green
pastures, still waters, and Home.
PRAYER
Our Good Shepherd, with so many distractions
leading us away from Your voice and Your Way when we stray, gently guide us
back to You so we can enjoy the gifts of Your grace. Give us the voice of a
shepherd with the lost and lonely sheep of our world so we can lead them to
You. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 10:24 — Correct me, O Lord, but in
just measure; not in your anger, or you will bring me to nothing.
Luke 15:24 — (The father said:) “This son of
mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I
don’t know about you, but I find great comfort in the words of the father in
the parable of the prodigal son. I didn’t squander my father’s inheritance, but
I haven’t always been a good steward of my Father’s gifts. I have not lived a
wild and promiscuous life, but I haven’t always remained in intimate
communication with the One who is preparing a Home for me. No “sin thermometer”
declares one sin worse than any other, so I can’t compare my sins to anyone
else and puff myself up in pride, declaring that I’m not as bad as they are.
Instead, like the prodigal, I, too, must bow to my Father, admit my failures to
fulfill His plan for me, and accept His grace. The good news is that God makes
me alive even though I was (deservedly) dead. Even though I was lost in my own
godhood, I am found in His Godhood. May these words give you comfort and hope
also. That is God’s gift to all who return.
PRAYER
Loving Father, we thank You for standing at
the gate, longing to see us every time we stray. While we may be embarrassed or
fearful of returning to Your embrace, place in our hearts an overpowering
longing to return to You so that we may know the Love of Jesus again. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 27, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 1:3 — The righteous are like trees
planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their
leaves do not wither.
Philippians 1:9, 11 — And this is my prayer,
that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight,
...having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Our
farm had a spring-fed creek running through it. Even during a drought, the cows
always found water trickling along the meandering stream and pooling in low
places. It was also a place we loved to play because the water was cool, and
the willow, mulberry, and maple trees and raspberry and gooseberry bushes
growing along the creek were always green, providing shade and sweet treats
during those hot, thirsty summer days. Growing near the source of life, they
prospered. People whose souls grow close to the Source of their life discover
that truth also but often grow so accustomed to what they have that they don’t
appreciate it until they have moved away from God and find themselves thirsty
for more than the world provides. The Stream of Living Water did not move but
waits patiently for their return. It is here that droughts end, physically and
spiritually. It is here I am drawn when words fail. It is here that I am
renewed and made productive again. Here the fruits of righteousness fill our
cup to overflowing. In the midst of a spiritual drought? This Stream is always
flowing and free for those who seek to sink their roots into real Life! Come,
you who are thirsty! Come!
PRAYER
O Living Water, shower us with Your new and
refreshing life. When we are wilting from sadness, sickness, hurt, or hunger,
fill us with new energy and lift our sagging spirits. Renew within us Your love
for others who need to be refreshed and renewed also. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 28, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
Haggai 1:13 — I am with you, says the Lord.
Matthew 18:20 — (Jesus said:) “Where two or
three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Growing
up with a house full of brothers and sisters was a lot of fun. There was always
something to do and someone to play with. There was always someone to help with
difficult chores and scary trips into the storm cellar to get potatoes for
supper. While I grew up a social person who likes to be around other people,
there were times when I felt the need to be alone. So I found my secret place
under a huge cedar tree overlooking our winding creek. It was over the hill
from the house, so no one could see me except the nest of doves in my tree who
sang love songs to me. I usually went there when I was angry, sad, or just
tired of being with people. Here I could write adventures in my mind, pray
intimately with Jesus, or just sit and soak up the sounds of the creek, the
birds, and the breeze. I seldom spent more than an hour in my quiet place. It
refreshed me, but I needed people. I needed someone to touch me, hug me, say
they loved me, and even argue with me. God is with us always, even when we’re
alone, but I’ve discovered the joy of experiencing His forgiving grace in the
presence of others. Jesus, too, enjoyed time alone and always returned to be in
the fellowship of others. How about you?
PRAYER
Loving Lord, it is good to be in a quiet
place with You, but Your promise still holds true: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” In the
busyness of life, help us to remember the importance of both—alone time and together time. We pray in
Your holy name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 29, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Revelation 1:18 — I was dead, and see, I am
alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
SCRIPTURE
1 Samuel 2:1 — My heart exults in the Lord.
John 20:20 — Jesus showed them his hands and
his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We
thought she was as good as dead. Lady was foaming at the mouth and shaking from
the effects of a dose of anti-freeze she found in the neighbor’s garage. Dane
had been training her for the county fair, which was to begin the next day. It
did not look good when we raced her off to the vet. Emergency treatment
minimized the aftereffects. When we went to pick her up on the way to the fair,
we couldn’t believe our eyes. The veterinarian had given her a bath and had her
ready for the competition. I can’t describe the joy of a twelve-year-old, the
pleasure of seeing his dog returned from the edge of death, and the joy of
being able to show her at the fair. Perhaps I’m strange and unusual, but I can
tell tale after tale of the times I’ve had to stop, wipe tears away, and thank
God. It happened the day Sue and I were married, the days Dane and later Dan
came into our lives.... So even now, I feel a swelling in my throat as I think
of the day I will see Jesus face to face as I join the heavenly choirs. What
makes you rejoice?
PRAYER
Blessed Redeemer, thank You for those
incredible experiences in this life which prepare us for the joy we will
experience in Your presence. When we look dead on the outside and even feel it
a little on the inside, remind us of the Real Life awaiting us in the Place You
have prepared for us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 30, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Ephesians 1:3 — Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy, he has given us a new
birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead.
SCRIPTURE
Hosea 4:1 — Hear the word of the Lord! For
the Lord has an indictment against the inhabitants of the land. There is no
faithfulness or loyalty and no knowledge of God in the land.
John 17:15 — (Jesus said:) “I am not asking
you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil
one.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We
had some outstanding teachers in our country school. They usually only stayed a
year or two. Looking back, I can’t imagine how they managed 16—20 kids,
kindergarten through eighth grade. These teachers were janitors, nurses, mothers,
recreation directors, and teachers preparing and teaching every class without
help. It isn’t any wonder that they had some bad days. I think it was my fifth-grade
teacher who had the most temper tantrums. If she was having a bad day, we were
all on edge because she loved to take recess away from everyone if one person
got out of hand. God is not just a teacher having a bad day and a tantrum. God
observes and sees all, judging in our day, even as He did in Hosea’s day, the
lack of faithfulness among the people of our land. Jesus did not ask that we be
pampered but that we be protected from the evil one who rejoices that God’s
people have stopped studying His Word and worshiping His holy name. Being part
of the world, we may catch some of the flak from the judgment to come, but we
have the promise, and the guarantee paid for by our Savior on behalf of the
faithful. Are you living faithfully in the world, or are you just another part
of the faithless world?
PRAYER
Faithful
God, when we are faithless, lift our sights from ourselves to You. When we
fall, lift us up and help us to walk in Your Way. Give us hearts hungry for
Your Word and Your Guidance, so we are led back to a faithful relationship with
You. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
