DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, June 1, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Psalm
66:20 — Blessed be God because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his
steadfast love from me.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
29:11b — May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Ephesians
2:17 — So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to
those who were near.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Will
the world ever be at peace? I grew up at the end of the Korean War, hearing
brief descriptions of the fighting on the radio, and I had nightmares about it.
I can’t even imagine the trauma caused by the live television coverage beamed
into homes “in living color”! When we played “war” as kids, we called a truce
at lunchtime or chore time, the dead were resurrected, and the wounded were
instantly healed. Peace meant no more fighting. Sadly, sin has turned people
into killing machines whose dead and wounded cannot get up to eat lunch or do
chores. As long as people stray far from God’s will and continue raising their
own versions of the truth, peace will never be. The Lord is the only source of
peace in any arena. God’s Peace will bring genuine peace between enemies, both
animals, and humans. It can only begin within our hearts when we are reconciled
to God through Christ. Christ has fought the fight for us, and He wants us to
experience His peace. Will the world ever really be at peace? Yes, on the Day
of the Lord, when everyone, near and far, will have to answer for their failure
to make peace with their neighbors and their enemies. “May the peace of God
which surpasses all human understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ
Jesus, our Lord.”
PRAYER
Peace-loving
Lord, enter my heart and mind today to begin the reconciliation process with
me. Enable me to recognize those things that separate me from You and others.
Give me the healing balm of forgiveness so that true peace for our world can
begin with me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, June 2, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Psalm
66:20 — Blessed be God because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his
steadfast love from me.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
54:8 — “I hid my face from you, but with
everlasting love, I will have compassion on you.” says the Lord, your Redeemer.
(Jesus
said:) “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9:13
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Before
Grandma Sydow died, I loved staying with my grandparents. I usually stayed
there by myself. It was my one opportunity to be away from my sister and three
brothers. There was something neat and exciting about their farm, located only
two miles from ours. The buildings were old and provided great adventures to be
investigated. The rule was that I was not to go so far from the house that I
couldn’t hear Grandma call. On one of my adventures, I climbed up into the loft
of a machine shed. It was a storage area for some straw and a favorite hide-out
for hens wanting to set (incubate their eggs and become mother hens). After
investigating all the nooks and crannies, finding a hen who didn’t appreciate
my meddling, and a pile of discarded harness parts that held great promise for
future weapons of war, I couldn’t find the ladder! There were several holes
along the sides, but I got confused about which side of the shed the ladder was
on. I began to panic as any four-year-old might! I couldn’t hear Grandma call.
Had I gone too far? Had she gotten angry with me and left me alone? Then I
heard her! I yelled to tell her I couldn’t find the ladder. Her voice led me to
where it was and helped me down. What a relief! I didn’t go into that loft for
several days after that! We can stray from God’s voice in much the same way.
Doing our thing, we can lose sight (and hearing) of God’s thing. The good news
is that God is always with us, even when we don’t realize it, calling us, his
straying sinners, back to an intimate relationship with Him. Do you long to
hear His voice? That, in itself, is God’s call. Listen to it and return to the
“ladder,” which will lead you to the presence of God!
PRAYER
Loving
Lord, as a shepherd in search of lost sheep, you search for us, even when we
lose ourselves in our search for adventures or “greener pastures.” Help us hear
Your voice and follow it, especially when You cause our hearts to long for You.
We pray in the name of our Shepherd, Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, June 3, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Psalm
66:20 — Blessed be God because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his
steadfast love from me.
SCRIPTURE
Daniel
9:7 — Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame.
Philippians
4:8 — Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is
pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Early
in life, I learned that certain people made me feel good and other people were
not fun to be around. I had lots of aunts and uncles. Some were favorites I
loved to be with, while others were people I avoided as much as possible. Much
of it had to do with their attitude toward life in general. As I write, I do so
in a safe environment. However, innocent children and adults are dying, even
while I write. Some from the continuing strife in Ukraine and the middle east,
some from HIV, some from hunger, and some from domestic violence. At the same
time, many others are dying mentally and spiritually. My lament about our
sinful world could go on and could become the focus of all of my attention. All
of this could easily lead to depression, panic, fear, and a multitude of other harmful
lifestyles. However, another focus will lead to a more positive approach to
life. What we focus on will determine our attitude and our direction. St. Paul
urges his friends to think and strive for that which is positive, uplifting,
and worthy of praise. Now, there is a man who would be a favorite uncle if he
were still alive. He could have focused on his numerous beatings,
imprisonments, shipwrecks, or rejections by those to whom he preached the
gospel, but instead, He lifted his sights to the positive model which Christ
provides. What is your focus?
PRAYER
God
of hope, love, peace, and joy, help me concentrate on the positive things in
life, even as I am confronted by the negative. Give me the wisdom and the
resources needed to help others experience the honorable, pure, pleasing,
commendable, excellent things worthy of praise. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, June 4, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Job
33:28 — He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my life shall
see the light.
John
11:26 — (Jesus said:) “Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
my first years in the ministry, I developed an infection of the duodenum, the
opening between the large and small intestine. Aside from the severe pain and
weight loss, the doctor believed it was caused by stress, so he prescribed some
pills which left me so depressed I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was the
closest I have experienced to being on the fast track to the Pit. I could not
pray. I could barely think. All I saw was darkness. Something in me knew the
cause was the pills, so I stopped taking them. Within days the darkness left.
(Yes, I should have talked to the doctor before stopping, but I was
desperate!) The Lord had redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my
life saw the light again! The doctor confirmed my suspicions and told me not to
resume taking them. He may have caught the symptoms eventually, but I credit
the Lord who spoke to my muddled mind in my darkness to draw me back to
Himself. Our Great Physician wants to redeem us and keep us healthy. He requires
a believing heart, a listening ear, and a willingness to follow His
prescription—His roadmap from the Pit to His kingdom.
PRAYER
Dr.
God, thank You for Your healing hand and Your life-restoring prescriptions.
Help me to hear and follow them so that You can redeem me from the pit of
despair. Lift my spirit when I am down, and give me the courage to encourage
others when they are down. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, June 5, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Numbers
14:20 — The Lord said, “I do forgive, just as you have asked.”
Matthew
6:9-9, 12 — Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in
this way ...And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I was in high school, I needed a car. I didn’t just want a car. I really
needed a car to take my sister and me to town for high school. I knew
Dad knew the need, but he didn’t say anything. Finally, I talked to him about
it. It was as if he was just waiting for me to ask. He agreed it was a real
need and then gave me a lecture on the importance of being a responsible driver
and caring for the car. God knows our needs too, but asks us to pray for them,
not so that we can change His mind, but so that we will align our will and our
mind with His. Prayer is like tuning in one of those old radios. When our will
aligns or is tuned in to God’s will, God’s power is released. That old ‘51 Ford
had a cantankerous transmission. The clutch had to be in just the proper
position to allow a shift of the gears. God is not a cantankerous old car, but
our sin often puts us out of “synch” with God’s will. Prayer, if appropriately
done, aligns us with God so that His power can make things happen. Forgiveness
is often the “adjustment” that is needed. Need a little fine-tuning? Pray about
it, and let God transform your heart, mind, and soul so His power can be
released through you.
PRAYER
Forgiving
Father, bring my heart and mind into alignment with Your will. Help me see the
difference between want and need. Thank You for saying “No.” to those things
that would not be helpful to me or others. Grant me those things You know would
be good for me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 8:6 — You have given them dominion over
the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet.
Ephesians
4:15 — Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is
the head, into Christ.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
He
planned to turn the farm over to his oldest son. Starting small, he gave his
son responsibility for a few pigs and bucket calves (those that still needed
milk from the bucket). Each year a few more responsibilities were added. Finally,
when he was old enough to drive a tractor, his father took him to the field to
show him how it was done, then turned the Farmall M over to him. Each year he
showed his son more things to do and turned more of the farm over to his son’s
care, just like his father had done for him. But it was not to be. No matter
how hard the son tried to be a farmer, he wasn’t happy with it. His son’s heart
was not in the care and dominion of the farm and its harvest. Instead, he felt
the call of God to another kind of harvest. As heartbreaking as it was, my
father encouraged me to listen to the voice of God, and he began cultivating
his other children to take over. And me? I have never been happier and
fulfilled! I have looked at other possibilities from time to time, but I’m
always drawn back to what I believe God has given me to do. In this way, I have
grown up into Him, who is the head, Christ Jesus, my Lord. What has God given
you dominion over? Are you happy and content with the work you do? If not, is
it possible that your Father in heaven has another field prepared for you? Have
you been listening?
PRAYER
Loving
Lord, You call us to follow You and to be Your holy people, using the gifts You
have given us. As You call fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, and business
people with every skill they need, You call us—sometimes to fish, collect taxes, farm, teach, or
preach. Help us heed Your call, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
30:21 — When you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears
shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Matthew
7:14 — For the gate is narrow, and the road is hard that leads to life, and
there are few who find it.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Following
cow paths through the weeds or tall grass could be an adventure when we were
young and short. North of our house, near the creek where we liked to play, the
cattle made paths through the trees, the weeds, and the pasture. The paths were
often meandering and occasionally branched off in various directions, sometimes
ending in a dead-end where they found some shade and lay down to rest. We saw
the paths as the trails of wild and ferocious beasts we hunted with our
homemade stick guns. We were always successful in shooting them before they
could eat us, but we had lots of narrow escapes. The paths were also like a
maze, at least to short kids. It seemed that way to my sister and me one hot
August afternoon when we went lion hunting. We lost track of where we were and from
which direction we came. My sister panicked and started to cry. If truth be
known, I was pretty close to that state myself. Fortunately, Mom had come out
to check on “the cattle” (I’m a parent now, so I know the real reason.) She had
watched from the bank of the hill next to the creek and called us to tell us
which path to take to find her. It is so good to know that God does that for us
too. Always with us, God sees what we cannot see and guides those who will
listen through the narrow gate onto the road which leads to Life with Him. Not
everybody listens. Not everybody finds the path. So God sends mothers, fathers,
prophets, pastors, mentors, teachers, and friends to speak His words of
encouragement. Are you listening? Are you willing to take the narrow gate,
often the more difficult road, in the direction God has in mind for you?
PRAYER
Guardian
of my life, thank You for watching over me, especially when I lose myself in
the mazes of this confusing world. Speak clearly to my heart to guide me in the
way that will lead to You. Let me be Your voice to those who live in confusion
and fear. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, June 8, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs
10:19 — When the words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent
are restrained in speech.
Acts
2:4 — The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other
languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
were in the guard tower (on the roof of the chicken coop) waiting for the next
raid by renegade Indians when we saw him coming down the lane we never used. He
had crawled over the fence with his suitcase, dressed in a white shirt, tie,
and suit coat. For a hot July day, his approach on the unfamiliar lane and his
dress were dead giveaways that this man was either escaping from the advancing
tribe of renegades or was one of them in disguise. We weren’t sure, so we held
our fire until we could decide. He wasn’t expecting us to be hiding, so when we
challenged him with a shout of, “Who goes there!” he must have jumped a foot.
He identified himself as the magazine salesman, and we let him pass, but we
escorted him at gunpoint to the house where General Mom could interrogate him.
He was the fastest talker I had ever heard—much faster than the pastor! It was
hard for her to get a word in edge-wise. By the time she did, he was out of
breath. She didn’t buy his magazines but did give him a cool drink of water.
Those filled with the Spirit of God can speak the good news in any language as
the Spirit gives them the ability. They will be words that will truly satisfy
and enrich those with ears to hear. Listen, then, to those who are not just
fast talkers but speak the good news with love in any language.
PRAYER
Gracious
Lord, You give us the gift of speech. Help us use the words You give us to
glorify You and bless others, even if it is only a glass of cool water on a hot
day. Guard our tongues against speaking evil or hurtful things to those longing
for a word of grace. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, June 9, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
SCRIPTURE
Leviticus
19:34 — You shall love the alien as yourself.
John
13:35 — (Jesus said:) “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if
you have love for one another.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Occasionally
we had a cow die while giving birth. When we saved the calf, we had an
additional problem taking care of it. The mother’s milk during that first week
was vital to the calf’s immune system. There was usually another mother cow
with a newborn with more than enough milk to spare, but she would push this
alien calf away, even kill it, if we didn’t introduce the calf properly. Dad
usually had to rub the calf down with the new mother’s milk or urine—anything
that smelled like it came from her. Once accepted, she would treat the new calf
equally to her own and protect it as if it had been her calf all along. It is
hard for humans to accept foreigners—people of other cultures, races, and
backgrounds. But God commands us to make every effort to do so. Jesus goes so
far as to say that the true test of discipleship is if we love one another—even
our enemies—as He loves us. What kind of disciple are you?
PRAYER
Gracious
God, be with those who are strangers in a land that is not their own. Help me
to love others as you have loved me. Save me from my fear and prejudices that
separate me from those who are not like me. I pray in the name of the One who
came to save all people. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, June 10, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
John
12:32 — (Jesus Said:) “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to myself.”
.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
30:1 — I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up.
Mark
9:25-27 — (Jesus said:) “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and
hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” ...The boy
was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him
by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
was in third grade when David brought his four-year-old younger brother to
school to observe. He seemed like a nice enough kid, about my youngest
brother’s age. Billy sat on a chair next to David through the morning, joining
us at the sandbox at recess. After recess, he fell on the floor, began to
writhe about, and foamed at the mouth. David very calmly moved things out of
his way so he wouldn’t hurt himself and got something to put in his mouth to
keep him from biting his tongue. Then it was over. He just lay there as if he
were dead. When he opened his eyes, David helped him up and cleaned him up.
Whether the boy Jesus healed had epilepsy, like David’s brother, or there was
an actual demonic spirit causing him to fall down, writhe about, and even throw
himself into the fire, leaving him deaf and dumb, we don’t know. What we do
know is that Jesus had the authority and the power to heal both afflictions.
Jesus still does today, and if we are the body of Christ, that power can flow
through us when our lives are aligned with His Word and His will. Like Jesus’
disciples, we are a faithless generation, unable or unwilling to bring our
wills under the power and into tune with Jesus. Like the strings of a guitar,
we need to be tuned. May our prayer be: “Tune us to Your will, O Lord, even
when the tension is uncomfortable or unpopular.”
PRAYER
Tune
us to Your will, O Lord, even when the tension is uncomfortable or unpopular.
Make us instruments of Your healing love and forgiving grace so that others can
experience Your living presence in us. We pray in the name of our Lord, Jesus.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, June 11, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Zephaniah
3:7 — (You) shall fear me; (you) will accept correction.
Acts
18:9 — One night, the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but
speak, and do not be silent.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Silence
was demanded and, for the most part, was adhered to in our country school. With
nine grades in one room, silence was essential since all classes for every
grade were held at the same small table in front of the room. Hand signals were
acknowledged with a nod. A full hand meant a student had a question or needed
the teacher to look at something. One finger asked permission to go to the
outhouse, and two fingers meant you wanted to get a drink. Occasionally other
signs were used, but not a word could be spoken without permission, or dire
consequences resulted. Fortunately, God doesn’t require that silence of us, nor
does God keep silent. God spoke to people in the past much the same way He
speaks to us, in dreams, visions, revelation, a still small voice, or even
through other people. So, while God doesn’t expect us to be “school room silent,”
God does expect us to pay attention so that we can hear His voice and
distinguish it from all other voices that clutter our senses. I’m sure God
often wakes me up in the middle of the night with ideas, songs, sermons, and
directions (which I must write down, so I don’t forget). Like Paul, I have
learned to pay attention to those sleepless times and remember the impressions
God is trying to make on me. Has God been trying to speak to you? Pay attention
to those sleepless nights, those odd feelings, those flitting ideas. God may be
trying to get through to you.
PRAYER
Like
young Samuel in the Temple, I wake up some nights unable to sleep, Lord. Help
me make the best use of those times to listen to Your guidance. With Samuel,
let me say, “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening!” Then, Lord, help me to
listen with my whole heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, June 12, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
26:9b — When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
learn righteousness.
John
9:39 — Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do
not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Our
city cousins came to stay with us for a couple of weeks one summer. It was
right at the time when we had to walk corn for chopping cockleburs and
sunflowers. They wanted to go along, so we gave them each four rows. That meant
they were to walk down one row and watch two rows on either side. Unfortunately,
they missed so many cockleburs that we had to limit them to one row on each
side. As a result, they were blind to anything that wasn’t right in front of
them. After about an hour, they began developing an eye for weeds, and we were
about to give them more territory to cover. However, by then, they were too
tired to go on. They sat at the end of the rows and waited for our return,
trying to guess where we would come out on the return trip. Sin, like weeds, is
not always easy to see. Some people become so accustomed to it or so complacent
about it that they are blind to it. Even very religious people can become
calloused to sin to the extent that they overlook it or ignore it entirely.
They become “ blind” to sin, while those new to the faith, who were blind to
sin before, can “see” the evil. How are your “glasses of righteousness”
fitting? Have you become blind to sin, or can you see what others cannot? In
our blindness to sin, we may well discover the hammer of judgment is over us
and ready to fall. May we keep our eyes “seeing” what God sees.
PRAYER
Gracious
Lord, many things separate us from You (sin). Help us to see them in ourselves
with eyes of faith. Give us hearts that long to turn back (repent) to You so
that our relationship with You will grow stronger and will not falter. We pray
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
41:13 — For I, the Lord, your God, hold your right hand, it is I who say to
you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”
Revelation
1:17 — When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he placed his
right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
had some wonderful climbing trees in our “jungle.” Unfortunately, they were
old, bent, and gnarled. As a six-year-old, I loved exploring and finding the
best climbing trees. While my sister and brothers were napping (I was supposed
to be too), I slipped out of the house, took Tipper, my not-so-trusty dog, and
went on an adventure into the wild jungle. My search for the perfect climbing
tree was a success—probably too successful. I climbed to one of the top
branches that felt like it could support me, and when it began to sway, I
decided to go back down. My foot slipped, and I fell but was fortunate to be
caught in one of the lower branches, where I held on for dear life. I yelled
for help. I couldn’t get down by myself. Dad had been working in the corn crib
nearby, heard my cry, and came running. He couldn’t reach me, so he had to
climb up to where I was stuck. Dad told me to take his hand. I remember the
instant feeling of relief when my small, weak hand was grasped by his big,
strong, calloused hand as he lowered me to within a foot of the ground. I
landed in the pile of leaves he had made just for me. Someone said the human
body runs on energy that flows from left to right. It enters on the left and is
passed on through the right. In the scriptures, God’s right hand is a hand of
power. Jesus places His right hand on those He helps, blesses, and heals. Since
we are His body in the world, may the power of God flow through us to others
whenever we extend the right hand of peace, love, joy, forgiveness, blessing, and
healing!
PRAYER
Strong
and trustworthy God, thank You for coming to our rescue again and again. In
Jesus, You reached out to love, forgive, heal, and redeem us. In Your Word, You
reach out to bring Your healing touch to all who are willing to read or have
ears willing to hear. Let Your hand rest upon us that Your power may flow
through us to others, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
4:5 — When you are angry, do no sin.
Ephesians
4:26, 27 — Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for
the devil.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Anger
can be a helpful emotion that gives us the courage and strength to stand up and
defend ourselves or others. It may also lead us to make necessary changes in
our lives to avoid conflict. However, it doesn’t take long to learn not to make
animals angry. Hens, geese, cattle, cats, and other animals will use every
ounce of their weight and every sharp object at their command to teach that
lesson very painfully and sometimes even fatally to those who cross the line.
Anger can turn a quiet, loving dog into a killing machine in a second. Animals
react by instinct to protect their young and themselves. Once the attack is
started, they are hard to stop. Humans can be animals in much the same way. We
have been given rational minds, but we may have a gut reaction that can be
harmful, painful, or even fatal because we stop thinking. In many respects, anger
can indeed cause us to lose our rational minds. Anger may have both positive
and negative effects, and as an emotion, it is neither right nor wrong.
However, unresolved anger can eat us up and lead to destructive behavior. It is
not wrong to feel anger, but what we do with that anger does have consequences.
Paul urges his friends not to go to bed angry, telling them that they make room
for the devil when they do. May we turn our anger over to the Lord so that it
will not lead us to sin.
PRAYER
Loving
Lord, help us to examine our anger before we act on it so that we do not hurt
ourselves or others by our words or deeds. Give us insight into the cause of
our anger, and show us the best way of dealing with it. May our actions and
words reflect the love of Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, June 15, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Hosea
12:6 — Return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually
for your God.
Romans
12:8 — If your gift is encouraging, then encourage; if it is contributing to
the needs of others, then give generously; if it is leadership, then govern
diligently; if it is showing mercy, then do it cheerfully.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
took the kids to Disneyland in California when they were ten and twelve. My
brother and his family lived about ten miles from there. They had season
passes, so they went with us. We decided to have all the kids report to a specific
location every hour. The problem came when one group didn’t show. We would have
to send someone out looking. In the meantime, they showed up, and we had to
send someone looking for the searcher. After wasting a half hour on the first
check-in, we decided that wouldn’t work. We showed everyone where we would be
at the next meal time and told them that they had better be there if they
wanted to eat. We also gave them the lecture about being good, courteous, and
obedient to the attendants. It worked. God wants all His children to stick
close to Him and often return so He can strengthen them and feed them at His
victory feast! To that end, God has given each Child of God the “gifts” needed
to carry out the work He wants them to do on the return journey. Whatever that
gift is, we are to use it to the best of our ability to glorify God. How is
your “return” trip going?
PRAYER
Patient
and loving Father, we wander about like prodigal children, getting lost in the
busy life and the multitude of distractions. Help us hear Your call to return
to You so that You can shower us with Your loving grace. Let us speak Your
words calling others to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, June 16, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Judges
5:31 — May they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.
Matthew
13:43 — (Jesus said:) “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the
kingdom of their Father.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Flashlights
were fun tools for us to use to hide under covers to read when the lights were
supposed to be out. In one night-time game, we shined the light up at our faces
and pretended to be “glow in the dark” monsters. Can you imagine what it would
be like to be a “glow-in-the-dark” Christian? Evidently, Moses was like that
for a time after coming from the presence of God; only he even glowed in broad
daylight! He shone so much that the people made him wear a veil. The presence
of God lights up our lives in ways we may not even see for ourselves. After a
Marriage Encounter weekend, several people commented that Sue and I had a
certain glow about us that made them want what we had. Those who love the Lord
have that kind of glow about them as the light of Christ illuminates their path
in this dark world. From imagination to reality, we can become the “righteous”
who shine like the sun in God’s kingdom. With God’s light shining in us, we
could be drawing others to Christ, like the flame that attracts moths. What do
people see when they see you and your lifestyle? Do you block the light of
Christ with sinfulness? Or is it something they long to have for themselves?
May we truly reflect His love and His grace?
PRAYER
Light
who brings Life to our lives, cast out all darkness from us so that nothing can
block Your light from us. Shine on us and in us so that others will be drawn to
Your love through us. Make Your love radiate from our every word and deed, in
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, June 17, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Zechariah
4:6 — Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
49:23 — Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who wait for me shall not
be put to shame.
Philippians
1:20 — It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in
any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now
as always in my body, whether by life or by death.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
A
pastor friend offered to preach on a Sunday when he would be coming through our
town. I was happy to have him do so and marked it on my calendar. As the date
got closer, I publicized the fact that he would be coming. I got a little
concerned when he didn’t respond to my note or answer my telephone calls. Since
I hadn’t heard from him that Sunday morning, I began thinking about what I
would say in a sermon without preparation if he didn’t show. He still had not
arrived by service time, and I had to “wing it.” It was one of those
embarrassing moments. When I finally got through to him on the phone, he
apologized. They had changed their travel plans, and he forgot to let me know!
Humans make errors like that. Fortunately, God always comes through for us.
Those who are God’s children have come to trust in His dependability. The
promises of God are sure, and we can proclaim them without fear of being put to
shame. The ultimate test will be in eternity when we can be confident we will
be able to celebrate the joyful fulfillment of every promise God has made. Our
fellow humans may stand us up, but we can be sure we can depend on God.
PRAYER
Dependable
and faithful God, we thank You for rescuing the Hebrews from slavery,
delivering the Israelites from exile, and coming in person to rescue us from
sin, death, and the devil. Help us to trust in Your redeeming love that comes
to us through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, June 18, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Exodus
23:8 — You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the officials and subverts
the cause of those who are in the right.
1
Corinthians 13:5 — Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable nor
resentful.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
He
was a “big kid” (an eighth grader), and I was a first grader. I hid near him,
but my bright red jacket gave me away. I was caught and had to return to home
base. Before I stood up, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a cookie, and
handed it to me. “Don’t tell anyone!” he whispered. I had never been bribed
before and was taught never to lie. I didn’t know what to do. According to the
rules, those who were caught were supposed to point out those still in hiding.
I returned to “home” and nibbled on my cookie, not saying a word. Everyone but
Schwendt (we went by last names) had been found. Everyone, except me, was out
searching. Then someone recognized the cookie I was nibbling. “That was
Schwendt’s cookie! Where did you get it?” I was silent. Fortunately for me,
they didn’t ask any more questions. They quickly put two and two together and
ran to the place where I was hiding, and, sure enough, further into the
underbrush, they found Schwendt. I felt relieved but also guilty. I took the
bribe. It tasted good. I didn’t follow the rules. I didn’t lie, but I didn’t
tell the truth either. God knows how a few “cookies” can cause people to
“subvert the cause of those who are in the right.” Love for God and others will
cause us to avoid the bribe, even if—especially if—it benefits us at the
expense of another or the expense of truth and what is right. “Cookies” come in
all sizes and shapes. What “cookies” are tempting you to bend the rules?
PRAYER
God
of Truth, forgive us for accepting “cookies” and failing to follow Jesus’
example of truthfulness, even when the crowd came to arrest Him. Speak to our
hearts and help us to speak the truth in love, not to hurt our neighbor, but to
lift our neighbor up. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, June 19, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs
23:26 – My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
James
5:7 — Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer
waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it
receives the early and the late rains.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
“Now,
pay attention! I don’t want you to cut yourself!” With those words of
introduction, Mom handed me a very sharp butcher knife. We were cutting up
about sixty chickens that had been scalded, plucked, singed, and washed. She
usually did the butchering herself but had accidentally sliced into her hand.
Dad was in the field, and I was the only one old enough to do it. With a
plastic bread wrapper covering her wounded hand, she showed me the basic cuts
on one bird while I followed suit with another. I could tell it hurt her to use
that hand, but she wanted me to see how it was to be done. After about ten
chickens were gutted, cleaned, and cut up, I got pretty good, but I knew that
Mom could have finished all fifty in the time it took me to do ten. God is
patient like that with us in hopes that we will learn and live His will for us.
God asks us to “give Him our hearts” —pay attention—so that we will observe,
learn, and practice the art of loving God and loving our neighbor. God doesn’t
want us to be hurt, so He patiently waits, like a farmer waiting for the seeds
to sprout, mature, and produce. Have you been “paying attention” to God’s
instructions?
PRAYER
Patient
Lord, we are often slow to listen and slow to learn when it comes to Your Word
and Your Will. Forgive us for acting like hard soil or stiff-necked students.
Nurture Your spirit within us so that it will multiply to produce the fruits of
the harvest for which You created us. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Haggai
2:5 — My spirit abides among you. Do not fear!
Luke
24:49 — (Jesus said to the disciples:) “And see, I am sending upon you what my
Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with
power from on high.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
For
a very short period of time, when I was in college, I played the organ (the
closest thing we had to a keyboard then) in a small dance combo. I loved
playing the organ, but playing for dances was a much different experience than
I expected. We were not a well-known group, so some places we played were
pretty seedy and sparsely attended. One particular place was especially rowdy.
We didn’t have to duck bottles, but I wasn’t sure what we would encounter. It
was a very tense night until I heard a familiar voice call my name. I didn’t
think anyone there knew me. It was one of my older cousins, a big strapping man
who played with my brothers, sister, and me when we were younger. This was a
man who took guff from no one! He smiled and waved at me with a nod that told
me I had nothing to fear. He would make sure of that. With eyes of faith, we
have that promise from our Lord also. “My spirit abides among you. ...I am with
you always....” What a blessed gift—to know that in any and all circumstances,
we are not alone! His love and strong arms are there for us when we call on His
name. We have reason to rejoice in all circumstances!
PRAYER
Thank
You, Lord, for assuring us that You will be with us always and will never
abandon us. When we feel lonely or deserted by family or friends, send us
friendly reminders that You are as near as a prayer. Let us be Your presence
for others in the same way. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Exodus
19:4 — You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagle’s
wings and brought you to myself.
Philippians
4:19 — My God will satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
For
weeks after attending a stage magician’s performance, I shared my amazement at
what he did with friends. Even years later, some of the astounding things flit
through my mind—things that appeared and disappeared, things that seemed to
float with no visible means of support. These were things I knew were
illusions, tricks of the eye and the mind. What amazes me is that the people
who had witnessed the plagues selectively striking the Egyptians while they
were untouched; the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites but rolling back
to drown their enemies; or food from the sky and water from rocks in the
wilderness! If those didn’t impress them, what would? Yet, they grumbled, much
like we do. Not everything they asked for was granted. They still had struggles.
They still had to work. They still had to eat and drink the same thing day
after day. It was easy to forget that God had provided them with everything
they needed for their “flight” from Egypt. In the same way, God
provides for everything that we need on our “flight” from this world to the
wondrous Home He has prepared for us. Have you remembered all the good things
with which God, in Christ, has filled your cup to overflowing, or have you been
grumbling because your cup of worldly goods is only half full? Take time to jot
down the things for which you should be giving thanks when you remember to do
so.
PRAYER
Thank
You, Lord, for giving me all that I am, all I have, and all I’ll ever need.
When I feel like grumbling, send me reminders that I really have nothing to
grumble about. Help me set my sights on the amazing grace I’ve received and the
joys still to come. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, June 22, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
127:3 — (Children) are indeed a heritage from the Lord.
Matthew
18:5 — Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
was working with a group of youth when one of the other adults informed me that
I needed to “yell” at certain kids more—meaning be more strict with discipline
and call them on the carpet when they weren’t behaving! It reminded me that I yelled
“at my two kids when I thought they needed it. They’d probably tell you I
yelled way too much! I loved them and became upset when they broke the rules or
acted up. I loved them too much to let them get by with it. So, why didn’t I
“yell” at this group? In honesty, I loved them too, and I didn’t want to lose
them. I didn’t want them to think I didn’t love them. Does that make sense? Not
really. My logical mind tells me that they will know I love them, just like my
children did, even when I “yelled” at them, as long as I do it lovingly. Jesus
loved the little children, both youth and adults. He had to “yell” at his
unbelieving disciples. He had to “yell” at the rich young ruler. He had to
“yell” at those about to stone a woman to death. Jesus even had to “yell” a
word of forgiveness from the cross—“Father, forgive them, for they know not
what they do.” Children are indeed a blessing from the Lord, in need of our
welcoming love and our loving “yells,” reminding them that we care what happens
to them. May we love our children with the love of Christ so that they will
know how much He loves them too!
PRAYER
Gracious
Lord, Your “yells” are often gentle reminders that nudge us into the path You
want us to take. When we don’t get the message, “yell” a little louder to get
the message before we find ourselves cut off from Your love. Open our ears to
hear You. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, June 23, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
62:3 — You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal
diadem in the hand of your God.
1
Peter 3:3-4 — Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair and by
wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the
inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very
precious in God’s sight.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
A
friend of ours wore a toupee. I was not observant enough to see it. We had been
friends for several years when he joined me for a retreat with his son and some
other youth. He showed up without his toupee! I was shocked. (I hope I kept
that emotion to myself.) During the retreat, I came to know what I already
thought I knew—He was the same old Bob inside, even if his “outside” looked
different. There is a story about a woman who caused some confusion at the
pearly gates. She had had so many facelifts and plastic surgeries that St.
Peter didn’t recognize her! Obviously, it is not what is on the outside that
counts but what is inside that matters. The same thing holds true with our
spiritual life. Doing all the outward “things” may make us “look” Christian,
but it is what (Who) our heart, mind, and soul are committed to that really
counts before the throne of grace. May our “adornment” be of lasting beauty
that is precious in God’s sight. After all, God sees the very core of our
being. We may be able to fool some people. We may even be able to fool “mother
nature” some of the time. But, we can never fool God. And God is the One who
counts!
PRAYER
Creator
of all that is pure, beautiful, and holy, thank You for making me the way I am.
Help me to develop a spiritual and holy beauty on the inside, which is
reflected on the outside without “adornments.” Let Your beauty shine through me
to spread Your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, June 24, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Isaiah
6:3 — Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his
glory.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
34:7 — The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers
them.
Matthew
2:13 — An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up,
take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell
you.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
childhood, I heard about angels in Sunday School. I never met one that I know
of. My grandmother died when I was seven, and I thought maybe she was an angel
hovering over me to protect me. In my child-like faith, it was a comforting
thought. I almost resented learning the truth in the Bible—that angels are not
humans sent back to earth, but specially created beings, created by God to be
His messengers. So, Grandma wasn’t an angel in the pure, strictly biblical
sense. But in many ways, she was angelic, a messenger of God’s love and grace.
Angels, the real ones, weren’t always recognized as such in the Bible until
they made their presence known. We may have all experienced their presence and
received their messages from God many times. It is also possible that when we
weren’t listening or paying attention, they whispered in someone else’s ear to
pass the message along. They are not to be worshiped, but they are to be
listened to—as messengers of God. Imagine what would have happened if Joseph,
Mary, or Paul had ignored their messages! There are those around us who may be
angels in disguise or angelic. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that we
listen to the message God wants us to hear and obey. Have you been
listening?
PRAYER
Holy
and loving God, thank You for sending angelic messengers to speak to my heart.
Open my mind to receive Your messages, whether they come from a written page, a
friend, a neighbor, a sermon, or even a stranger. Let my heart burn with
certainty that You are speaking to me. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, June 25, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy
31:8 — It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not
fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Matthew
9:9 — As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the
tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Dad
led the way through the scariest haunted house I had ever entered. It was dark.
All he had was a match—several matches—that kept going out. It wasn’t scary
during the day. We played there when there was plenty of light. But it was
dark! We had left one of Dad’s tools in the house when we played, and I had to show him where it was. I held on to
the back pocket of his overalls so that I wouldn’t get lost or be grabbed by
one of the many terrifying demons that came out after dark, especially for
eight-year-old boys! We went in single file through the empty kitchen, into the
deserted living room, and up the creaking steps to the second floor. At the top
of the stairs, we turned left down a dreary hallway and walked noisily into the
room with a hidden panel (our description of a small attic door), where we had
our secret hide-out. We retrieved the tool and retraced our steps, breathing a
great sigh of relief once we escaped the demons. With Dad leading the way, I
survived every terror of my fertile imagination. I took his hand and didn’t let
go until we were safely in our house across the road and down the hill. God
offers to walk with us, even through the valley of the shadow of death. In
Jesus, God came to be Immanuel— “God with us” —to lead all who will
follow through difficulty and danger, and he promised to be with us always!
Will you follow Him?
PRAYER
Savior,
like a shepherd, lead us through every challenging, scary, and terrifying time
in our lives. Give us Your assuring hand to walk confidently with You so that
we may accomplish our mission in this life, following Your example as our
Savior. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, June 26, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy
2:7 — The Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.
Luke
22:35 — (Jesus asked the disciples:) “When I sent you out without a purse, bag,
or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Going
away to school created some real hands-on learning experiences for me. While I
was home on the farm, I was expected to pitch in and help with the chores and
field work without expecting a paycheck. However, gas in the car, food on the
table, clothes, and toiletries were always available. I didn’t receive a salary,
but the money was found when I needed (not just wanted) something. Once I
started making money and living on my own, budgeting became necessary. I never
appreciated how much my parents did for me until I had to do it for myself. The
Israelites wandering in the wilderness discovered a very generous God, but they
began to take God for granted. Only when they were challenged to remember did
they get it straight: God provides everything you need! Jesus drove that lesson
home with a question to his disciples after they returned from a mission trip
on which they were to take nothing. Even without a purse or extra pair of
sandals, they lacked nothing. Why is it so hard for us to trust God in the same
way? Have you ever considered tithing—giving God 10% of your income? Nine
chances out of ten, it’s because you don’t trust that God can or will provide
for what you really need! I have yet to meet anyone who tried tithing and
stopped because they couldn’t afford it. Why not put God to the test? Start
small, say 2% or 4%. Each year ask yourself if there is anything you lack. Then
increase your giving another percent until it feels good. God doesn’t need our
money. But you and I have a tremendous spiritual need to give and remember WHO
gave it to us in the first place.
PRAYER
Outrageously
generous God, thank You! Help me to grow in faith enough to trust that You
always provide more than enough for all my needs. Give me the courage to tithe,
not because You need it, but because I need to remember Your loving grace. I
pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
34:2 — My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Romans
15:17-18 — In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God.
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished
through me.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
am told that at age three, I got out all of Mom’s pots and pans and banged on
them with a big spoon while singing at the top of my lungs! I don’t remember
that. But, at that age, I probably didn’t know how good or bad it sounded, nor
how good or bad I was. Like all young children, I was letting my soul sing
praises that had to come out. Jesus told his detractors that if the Palm Sunday
crowd kept quiet, even the stones would shout. I believe that was why Jesus was
so fond of children. They are not inhibited in their “joyful noises.” I thank
God for a good ear and a good voice. I thank God for my ability to write,
speak, sing, listen, organize, and carry out. So every facet of my life is a
gift of God that I needed a whole page in my prayer journal to give thanks. I
could pat myself on the back, but I am genuinely aware that any one or all of
the gifts with which God blesses me could be gone at any time. I am humbled by
the knowledge that God has entrusted them to me. I am humbled, even by
compliments, and it is not false humility. I have trouble saying “Thanks.”
without qualifying what I did. However, I’m also learning to say “Thank you.”
to God. Everything I am and every ability I have comes from God. Like Paul, “I
have no reason to boast except for what Christ has accomplished through me.”
How about you?
PRAYER
“Amazing
grace, how sweet the sound,” my Lord. Thank You for every gift and every skill
You have given me. Some of them seem small, some seem so easy, and some seem
like a struggle, but I thank You for them. Thank You, especially, for the greatest
gift of all—Your forgiving grace
in Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah
17:13 — All who forsake you shall be put to shame; for they have left the
fountain of living water, the Lord.
James
3:12 — Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives or a grapevine
figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
uncle was an excellent winemaker. I’ve tasted some of the best wines at his
kitchen table. Part of his success had to do with the fruit he used. He
searched for the best and sweetest fruit available. He also grew his own
grapes. I stopped by before moving south, and he showed me the small vineyard
behind his house, explaining, in loving detail, each variety and what they
would do for a batch of wine. He also showed me some empty spots where he dug
up those that didn’t produce or whose fruit wasn’t to his taste. Like a chef in
an expensive restaurant, he had developed a knowledge of what is good and what
isn’t, of what produces what. Bad fruit does not make good wine, no matter how
you doctor it. You and I are like those vines and fruit trees in the way we
live our lives. God plants good seed within each of us. How we nurture and
cultivate that seed with worship, prayer, and Bible study will determine the
kind of fruit we produce. We need a constant source of “living water” from the
Lord to produce the good fruit of the Spirit. In what kind of spiritual soil
have you taken root? What kind of spiritual fruit are you producing? The Lord
of the harvest is at hand.
PRAYER
Gracious
Gardener, thank You for planting the best seeds of spiritual growth in me. Feed
me with Your Word and Your meal of grace. Nurture me so that I will produce the
finest fruits of the spirit that I can for Your kingdom. I pray in the name of
Jesus, my Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, June 29, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
43:21 — The people ...I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Matthew
28:5-7 — The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are
looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as
he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his
disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
my younger years, before I was old enough to help him with fieldwork, Dad hired
help. Sometimes they were neighbors or relatives. At other times they were
strangers. No matter what the relationship, Dad had to instruct every one of
them on what and how he wanted things done. Dad sometimes would get frustrated
and tell Mom he could do it better himself! Through the years, I have had the
difficult responsibility of interviewing, hiring, and training secretaries,
janitors, and musicians. I understand my father’s frustrations. Even with the
best-written job descriptions, some workers just don’t get it. Imagine God’s
frustration with the people He created to declare His praise! The
messengers of God gave the women at the tomb an instruction to share the good
news of Christ’s resurrection with the disciples. It was a simple job
description. Jesus gave the disciples a mission. They took the instruction
seriously. Again, it was a simple job description. They shared the good news
with their friends, neighbors, countrymen, and the known world, even with the
fiercest persecution and opposition. How well are you doing on that awesome,
exciting, and blessed mission? Need a better job description?
PRAYER
Heavenly
Father, You call, gather, and enlighten us, giving us a mission in this world.
Open our minds and hearts, and give us the passion for carrying out that
responsibility to the very best of our abilities. Strengthen us to be Your body
in our world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, June 30, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Matthew
11:28 — Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I
will give you rest.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
22:22 — I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters.
Matthew
28:8 — (The women) left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to
tell his disciples.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Growing
up on a farm, we loved to go “to town.” For us, “town” was Stanton, Nebraska,
population—of about 1200. It was a friendly little community where everyone
knew everyone else. It was a safe environment for us. With more than a dozen
aunts and uncles (and numerous cousins) in town, there was always someone
around to keep an eye on us and report our activities. No matter where we were
in town, someone was nearby to report on our activities, good or bad. When I
arrived at my grandmother’s house after a trip downtown, my mother wanted to
know why I went into the tavern! Someone had talked to someone who had seen me
go in or come out. (If you must know, I needed to use the bathroom.) Wouldn’t
God be happy if each of us took responsibility for spreading the good news of
the resurrection with that much intensity and speed? The women leaving the
empty tomb did, as did the disciples. We are those disciples now. We have heard
the Word. We have been instructed to “go into all the world....”, and now it is
up to us to treat the world like a small town and let everyone know: He has
risen!
PRAYER
Risen
Lord, You bless us with Your Word and with Your eternal presence. Give us the
energy and the willingness to speak Your truth in love to all who have ears to
hear. Make us instruments of Your love and Your grace so that others will be
drawn to You through us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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