DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
ALL SAINTS DAY
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Jeremiah 17:14 — Heal me,
O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel
34:11 — For thus says the Lord God: “I will search for my sheep, and will seek
them out.”
Matthew
18:12 — What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them
has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in
search of the one that went astray?
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Every
morning and every evening at milking time, we took inventory. We may have had
fifty-something cows to milk, but if one was missing, one person kept the
milkers going while everyone else scattered to search. It wasn’t just the milk
that was important. It was the cow herself. Each one was important to the whole
herd. My parents taught us to be concerned for the health and welfare of each
since sickness, accidents, or predators could affect the other cows too. Indeed,
one lost cow would not have caused us to starve for lack of milk, nor would one
lost sheep have caused the shepherd to go broke, but it could have signaled
trouble for all of the others. What a joyous relief when the lost is found!
What a joyous celebration God plans for all the saints when they come Home
saved and redeemed! Have you given your Father in heaven reason to fret and
stew because of your absence, or do you know of neighbors who do? It would be
great if each of us took God’s call personally to bring home the lost sheep -
not just so there will be more of them, but so that God’s joy will be
increased!
PRAYER
Seeker
of the lost, we thank You for giving us a Good Shepherd who showed us Your
great love for us. When we wander into trouble or stray into harm’s way, lead
us back to the path that will bring us back to You. Give us the opportunity to
be shepherds for others in Your name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 2, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Jeremiah
17:14 — Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel
34:27b — They shall know that I am the Lord when I break the bars of their yoke
and save them.
John
11:27 — Martha said..., “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son
of God, the one coming into the world.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Seasoned
tour leaders responsible for groups of people often have some unique feature or
gadget that helps the group identify them. On one trip, we were all given
bright yellow hats. On another trip, a woman had a gaudy purple umbrella. These
leaders could be identified from a distance with just one quick glance. On
another recent trip, I was to meet someone in a very busy building. Neither of
us had met before and hadn’t given very helpful instructions. We told each
other the time and place to meet but not what to look for. Because of the weather,
the location and time were changed, and I mistook another man for the one I was
to meet. Fortunately, the man found me anyway, and we were able to move on.
Those waiting expectantly for the coming of the Messiah had many descriptions
to go by, but in the end, the one who counted most was the description that
unveiled itself in their hearts. It is a relief to finally find the person we
are looking for in a large crowd. What a blessed relief it is to find the One
who has been searching for us also. This One breaks the barriers, saves the
lost, and reveals Himself in our hearts and souls! Do you know for Whom you are
looking? Are you watching for all the right signs?
PRAYER
How
good it is, Lord, to know that You know us more intimately than we know
ourselves and that You have no problem finding us. Forgive us for turning our
back on You in our search for Your love in the wrong places. Help us repent—turn
around to find that You have never been lost. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 3, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Jeremiah
17:14 — Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
45:12 — It was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all
their host.
John
13:3 — Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into his hands and that
he had come from God and was going to God.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Several
years ago, I wrote in my diary in mid-August, “I am locked in pain—literally.
A pinched nerve in my back has had me near tears for three weeks, sent me to
the emergency room twice, through numerous tests, and left my head feeling
“spacy” from pills that aren’t cutting it. The sun is shining on my wilting
garden suffering from the drought with the other crops, and I’m reminded of my
Creator and His promises with scriptures like these? At this very minute
(literally!)—sunshine, pain, drought, and all—there is thunder!!!
I have to check it out! Yes!!! A beautiful rain cloud is rolling in where I
least expected to see it. I’m reminded again (and again....) God—not my
pain, not my drought, not my unbelief—God is still in charge. God still
has the whole world in His hands! Even when I don’t see it, God has a
plan. So here, God! Here is my pain. Use it to glorify your name. Here, God!
Here is my dry garden. It always was yours. Use it, use me, use everything that
is in your Hands, to glorify Your holy name.” Today I am without pain, my
garden is living, and my joy is in the Lord.
PRAYER
Here,
merciful Lord is my life. “Take my life, and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to
thee....” How wonderful it is to sing those words, and yet how dangerous the
words of that song are for those who want to control every part of their lives.
All that I am. All that I’ll ever be, I offer now to You. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 4, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
Jeremiah
17:14 — Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.
SCRIPTURE
Amos
9:13-14 — “The time is surely coming,” says the Lord, “when the one who plows
shall overtake the one who reaps, and the treader of grapes the one who sows
the seed: the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow
with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall
rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and
drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.”
Revelation
22:1-2 — The angels showed me..., on either side of the river, ...the tree of
life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the
leaves of the tree are for healing of the nations.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Before
we got our first black and white TV, the neighbors invited us over to watch
their new set. That night, through the “snow” and station interference, we
watched “I Love Lucy” for the first time. It was the episode I’ve seen a dozen
times, where Lucy and Ethel get jobs in a chocolate factory, wrapping
chocolates. All was well until the chocolate came out faster than they could
wrap, eat, or hide it! I remember my Dad nearly falling out of his chair
laughing so hard - we all were laughing, for that matter. With that kind of
good humor, God describes the productivity of the land when His people return
to their senses and to Him - the guy plowing the field, tapping the harvester
on the shoulder to see if he can move a little faster! I love God’s generous sense
of humor, but I love God’s faithfulness even more. What amazing gifts He is
longing to have His faithful people harvest. Imagine ... gathering twelve kinds
of fruit from one tree and using the leaves to bandage any ailment! Now that is
a tree that would be fun to climb! (If you haven’t read Shell Silverstein’s The
Boy and the Tree, give yourself a treat today.) Make a list of all the
“fruit” God has already placed in your “tree” and give God thanks that it is
only a “foretaste of the feast to come.”
PRAYER
Generous
and eternal God, thank You for the abundance of gifts You have already given
me. I am awed by the multitude of gifts You promise when the Time is fulfilled.
As I enjoy the blessings I already have, place Your generous spirit in me so
that I can share with those who have so little. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 5, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Nahum
1:7 — The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who
take refuge in him.
2
Timothy 2:19 — God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: “The
Lord knows who are his,” and, “Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
turn away from wickedness.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
By
age twelve, I was a veteran of many wars, some of which were in faraway places,
but most were fought close to the center of the known universe—our farm.
The advantage I had, and probably the reason I survived so many battles, was
that I knew all the enemy. Most of them were cousins, classmates whose
disguises weren’t very convincing, or figments of my imagination. I could tell
at a glance who was on my side and who wasn’t. The one exception was when we
had three wars in one day, and by chore time, we weren’t sure whose side we
were on! The difficulty of many real wars, fought with real bullets, is that we
can’t always tell who is for us and who is against us. How confusing it is for
children who don’t know the good guys from the bad guys, true priests and
prophets from false priests and prophets. The phrase, “only God knows for
sure,” seems to fit. God does know who belongs to Him and has turned away from
wickedness with more than words. May we always be “in that number” and, in
every way, find ourselves on God’s side.
PRAYER
Commander
and Chief of all who struggle with evil and strive for true Peace, keep us on
Your team. Guide us through the “minefields” of sin and death, and strengthen
us to fight and resist the enemies of Your grace. Like Jesus, make us true and
faithful to Your Word and Your Will. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 6, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
43:5 — Do not fear, for I am with you.
Luke
21:14 — So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
seminary, I was grouped with two other students to carry out a project and
report our results at a unique student-faculty program. The instructor working
with us told us not to get carried away but to do our research on one
particular portion of Paul’s theology and leave it at that. Since we were to
present our findings before the whole school, we spent hours and hours
preparing. We lost a lot of sleep, trying to cover every possible angle. Finally,
on the day of the presentation, the professor took the lead and made a
fantastic presentation with only a single reference to any of our research.
When questioned about it, he reminded us that he, not us, was on the spot. He
was expected to produce a credible paper, and he had no intention of making us
suffer for the work he had to do himself. “Remember, the Holy Spirit is with
you in the same way. He will always be with you; as long as you do your best,
He will provide the rest!” Worried about what to say to an unchurched friend or
neighbor? Stop trying so hard. The Holy Spirit will give you the words at the
right time. When they come, speak with them in love. God will do the rest!
PRAYER
Loving
Lord, we long for a thousand tongues to sing Your praises, especially to those
who don’t know You. Help us boil all those words down to their simplest form so
that we don’t bore people with our words. May Your Words speak through us, even
as they spoke through Jesus, Your Son. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
65:4 — When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
Luke
7:47 — (Jesus said:) “Her sins, which are many, have been forgiven; hence she
has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Mud
volleyball! Now there is a game worth a brief thought—not much more. I’m sure
the philosophical and theological thinking that went into the game’s invention
could be worthy of a doctoral dissertation. My first introduction to it came at
church camp, where the obvious reference to the need for baptism surfaced as
fast as the muddy ball from the slippery, slimy pit beneath the net. Kid I am, I
entered the free-for-all, made no points, pulled a muscle, and longed for a
cleansing baptism. No one, not even my best friends, wanted to come close to
me. Even a pressure hose couldn’t clean me up very well. By the time I slogged
to the showers, everything I touched needed a shower too! (Sin is contagious?)
It took half a bar of soap before the water on the shower floor cleared up
again! Fortunately, I had taken a clean towel and clothes in a plastic bag so
that I could step out of the “waters of the flood” as a new man dressed in new
(clean) apparel! Everyone should have the experience at least once to know how
wonderful it is to be made new again! The cherry snow cone on which we communed
after our “rebirth” never tasted so good! Sin is not funny. It is a sad state
of affairs separating us from God and other people. Like mud, it clings. A
little dust on our hands is hardly noticed. But before we know it, we’ve
grabbed the ball and sunk under the “mud.” Those who are washed thoroughly
clean by Christ have much for which to give thanks. How about you?
PRAYER
Forgiving
and cleansing God, thank You for washing me clean in my baptismal waters and
renewing that cleansing when I confess and repent. Lead me out of this swamp of
sin to the wonderful fresh springs of Living Water promised us by Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
45:6-7 — I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create
darkness, I make weal and create woe; I, the Lord, do all these things.
Matthew
26:39 — Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me;
yet not what I want but what you want.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
As
a child, I had a pretty fertile imagination, but the one disadvantage (?) was that
I didn’t have an imaginary friend! Imagine that! An imaginary friend or a whole
bunch of them could have taken the blame for a lot of trouble I caused. That
was probably the thinking of some ancient, and a lot of not-so-ancient, people
who had gods for everything. There were bad, good, and indifferent gods. There
were helpful, hurtful, and horrible gods. There were gods for every occasion.
Then GOD—the One and Only—stepped up and admitted: I’m the One! Do you like
it? I created it! Don’t you like it? I created it too! There are no other gods
because they aren’t needed. I did it all. I do it all. I AM. God has big
shoulders and is willing to have us lay all the blame at His feet or on His
shoulders on a cross. Can you imagine any other being who wouldn’t point the
finger in a different direction rather than shoulder the cross and the blame?
PRAYER
Awesome
and amazing, Lord, I thank You for Your vast creation. Some of it is so vast it
is measured in “light years.” Some are so tiny we don’t yet have instruments to
see them. Thank You, Lord, for loving and caring for all that exists and for
Jesus, who showed us that love. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 9, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Daniel
10:19 — Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous.
Matthew
5:11-12 — Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter
all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for
your reward is great in heaven.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
lived (and still do) a sheltered life. Tyrannosaurus Rex disappeared before I
had to worry about him. Jesse James was buried and made a legend before I lost
any money in bank robberies, and we could still openly ask God to help us in
high school final exams. The fringe of my comfort zone was brushed by Hitler’s
attacks on Jews and people who disagreed with him. I have seen the devastation
of 9-11 and wars and conflicts worldwide from a distance, but, by in large,
life was (is) good, and God was (is) always with us. History is ripe with
examples of those who have had to stand up for what they believed in and
sometimes die for it. God understands. He came to do just that Himself in
Jesus, to show us we are safe in Him beyond a shadow of a doubt. We may be
rebuked, reviled, and renounced for believing in God, but in the final count,
we have already won the victory in Him. What, then, is there to fear?
PRAYER
Of
all the shelters I experience in this world, Lord, the refuge of Your loving
arms is the one in which I can trust without fear. Help me to cling to that
shelter when times get tough. Give me the courage to share Your shelter with
those who live with fear and anxiety, apart from Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 10, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Nehemiah
9:31 — In your great mercies, you did not make an end of them or forsake them.
2
Corinthians 4:9 — We are persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
deserved the most severe punishment she could dish out. While she was in the
cellar shoveling coal into the furnace, one of the “big kids” dropped the
cellar door and latched it while the rest of us played “desk mix-up,”
scattering to claim a desk in another part of the room. The commotion from
below must have been like a stampede. That was nothing compared to the volcanic
eruption which took place when she reached the cellar door to find it latched!
Her demand that it be opened “IMMEDIATELY!” was quickly obeyed by one of
the first graders, and the tirade began in earnest. For all we knew, we’d lost
recess for eternity, we’d be staying after school every night, Bobby’s birthday
party was off, and our parents would give each of us painful reminders never to
mess with a teacher! After what seemed like an eternal sermon, Mrs. Anderson
cooled down and took a deep breath. She paused and calmly explained why what we
had done was wrong and never to be done again. When we all agreed (with
adequate remorse), she took another deep breath, and classes continued. We had
missed the afternoon recess, but no more was said. Finally, at 4 o’clock,
instead of staying after school to work in stony silence, she brought out
Bobby’s birthday cake, and we had a party! I can’t think of any better
illustration of God’s grace to us in biblical times and our own times. Even
when we deserve it, we are not forsaken or destroyed. God’s great mercy rules
the day! Thanks be to God!!! (And thank you, Mrs. Anderson!)
PRAYER
“Amazing
Grace, how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me!” What more can we say,
Lord, than “Thank You!” When the rest of the world would punish us mercilessly,
You love us relentlessly. Give us hearts to be as forgiving and grace-filled as
You as we follow Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 11, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Micah
6:9 — He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require
of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your
God?
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
9:6 — For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon
his shoulders.
Matthew
2:11 — On entering the house, (the wise men) saw the child with Mary, his
mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
enjoy reading about the Middle Ages, of kings and queens and chivalry! If
family history is correct, many of my ancestors were knights (basically
mercenary soldiers, paid to do what a wealthy nobleman wanted). That part, and
the part about lowly serfs in the feudal system, I don’t enjoy. I always favor
the underdog. My imagination is caught by the stories of the births of royalty
and the pomp and ceremony surrounding them. The prophet Isaiah caught a glimpse
of the birth of a royal child—the Son of the Great “I AM”! At first sight, He
is an ordinary child, but with a difference. Some are born with titles and
privileges. This One is born with authority! It was an authority that
could only be discerned by those “with eyes to see and ears to hear.” It took
wise men from far away to recognize Him for the One He was and is. Worldly wise
business people have already capitalized on His coming celebration in this
world. Worldly wise theologians capitalize on quirks of politics and
history to predict His end Time. People of faith pray for the Godly Wisdom
to recognize Him in every day and every age, to kneel down and pay proper
homage to the One with the real authority over life and death, heaven and hell.
Have you kept your eyes and ears of faith open so that you will not miss His
coming?
PRAYER
Lord
of all, Who came and is coming again, bless us with Your presence daily so that
we may serve You joyfully and be a blessing to others. Grant us holy wisdom to
discern the Truth from the doomsday predictions of those who have only
distorted scriptures to guide them. We pray as Jesus prayed, “Our Father....”
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 12, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
50:7 — The Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced.
1
Timothy 2:4 — God desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of
the truth.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
He
was “a little slow on the uptake,” as the saying goes. It wasn’t so much that
he was disoriented or unstable but that no matter how hard he tried, he could
not memorize more than a few simple phrases, which were limited. I was new in
that parish and had to prepare his class for a confirmation “question night,”
in which the students stood before the congregation and answered questions
concerning what they had learned in two years of classes. There was no human
way he could experience anything but embarrassment without some help. After
much prayer and mental anguish over his situation, I arranged the students in
the front pew and did not require them to stand facing the congregation. In his
case, I also “cheated” by reviewing numerous times with him before the meeting
only the questions I planned to ask him. He performed almost flawlessly, to the
absolute joyful amazement of his very nervous parents and grandparents. That is
God’s approach of grace with us. God does not want us disgraced before the
judgment seat. God desires that everyone will pass and be welcomed into His
inner circle. Worried about finals? When it comes to the Eternal Final Exam,
remember, we have God on our side!
PRAYER
Heavenly
Judge and Merciful Lord, thank You for loving me enough to take my side,
guiding me through every trial and test of faith with which I am confronted.
You save me from those times of difficulty. Give me the courage to follow the
example of Jesus and guide others to Your heavenly throne. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 13, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
1
Kings 19:5-8 — An angel touched (Elijah) and said to him, “Get up and eat.”
...He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food
forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.
John
6:33-34 — (Jesus said to them:) “For the bread of God is that which comes down
from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this
bread always.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Standing
on the drawbar between the mower and the tractor, Dad watched intently as I
made my first trip around the alfalfa field, offering few comments. Then he
traded places with me and explained what he did to avoid wasting time, missing
hay, and making wavy lines that looked like either the tractor or its operator
were drunk. “Now you try it again,” he said, and we traded places. Satisfied,
he had me stop to let him off and gave me the signal to go solo. When I learned
to fly a plane, my instructor did much the same thing before my solo flight.
Times of preparation and instruction are scattered throughout the Bible and
marked by the number forty. Every time we find a period of forty days, nights,
or years, we discover they are times when God is preparing His people for some
great and mighty deed. It is true, both in the Old Testament and in the New
Testament. We may not speak in terms of forty days now, but our lives are
punctuated by periods of preparation and instruction also. They may seem to be
periods when nothing much is happening - even times of hunger and thirst for
something we can’t put our finger on. But, during those “forty” days, nights,
hours, years... God is feeding us with what we will need to fulfill His
mission. We don’t have to go it alone. God is always with us to strengthen us.
Has your ministry been strengthened yet?
PRAYER
God
of patient instruction, thank You for those times in my life when You were
preparing me for the mission You have for me. Thank You, especially for those
who, like my father and Leonard Nelson, took the time to guide me on my “flight
path” to loving service in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
33:9 — For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
John
1:3 — All things came into being through him, and without him, not one thing
came into being.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
It
is not unusual for farmers today to have no neighbors for miles in any
direction. However, “when I was a kid” (ever heard those famous words before?),
having five or six neighbors within a mile or two of one another was not
unusual. They often became an unofficial cooperative, helping one another from
time to time and sharing equipment. With such close neighbors, we got to know
one another well—sometimes too well. We had one neighbor who was quite a
talker. He was never at a loss for words, but he was not necessarily a doer. We
could never depend on anything he said because it just didn’t happen half the
time. On the other hand, my parents were well-known in the neighborhood as
“doers.” If they spoke, if they said they would do something, it was as good as
done. Having had my parents as role models and examples, it has never been hard
to see God as my heavenly Father and “Doer.” God speaks, and it is done! So
shall it ever be! I may have to wait, but it will be done. It may happen while
I’m not paying attention, but I can be sure what God has said will be
and already is! So may we discover God’s dependability in our lives today, my
friends and neighbors!
PRAYER
Friend
and Neighbor to all who call on Your name, thank You for the dependability of
Your Word and Your Grace. Enable us to follow the example of Jesus in reaching
out to strangers and neighbors alike to serve You by serving them. Make us
dependable bearers of Your Love. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
118:28 — You are my God.
Matthew
16:16 — Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
While
traveling in Poland, where we could neither read nor understand the language,
we discovered additional stress as we boarded the train. At the time, four
years after the fall of communism, very few Polish people spoke English, so
confirming that we were on the right train to take us where we wanted to go was
difficult. When we finally found someone who could speak our language, it was a
relief to hear them say, “Yes, this is the right train.” In our spiritual
journey, there is such a blessed peace once we confirm for ourselves that God
is God, that we are on the right “train,” and that our destination is certain.
Too many people struggle and stew about who the “engineer” in their lives is,
often mistaking themselves, a boss, or an idol for the “real thing”!
Once we can make the same great declaration Peter made, we too can stop stewing.
At that point and from that day, our souls are in the Hands of the Man who is
the great Engineer, the Master, and the Pilot, with both the ability and the
authority to take us home for eternity. So, sit back and “leave
the driving to God!” But remember, leaving the driving to God doesn’t mean neglecting
our responsibility to be His body in the world!
PRAYER
Jesus,
Master, Pilot, Shepherd, Messiah, and Guide, thank You for living with us,
dying for us, and rising to show us the Way. Place the certainty of Your great
love in our hearts so we can confidently guide others to You. Help us to serve
as Your body in the world. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 16, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
52:7 — How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who
announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to
Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Acts
10:36 — You know the message that (God) sent to the people of Israel, preaching
peace by Jesus Christ - he is Lord of all.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In July 2008, my mother was in intensive care from severe
reactions to some medications. The doctors inserted a breathing tube to prevent
her air passage from closing up. By the next day, her face had swollen even
more, including her tongue, which looked like a fist. It was not a pleasant
sight, nor were the doctors’ reports encouraging. That day, we surrounded her
with prayer. The nurses thought there was some improvement the next day,
although we couldn’t see any. So, we prayed some more. The following day, we
received a call from the emergency room that she was ready to be released and
sent home! After the initial shock and disbelief (Yes, “O me of unbelief!”), I
can’t describe the joy of having witnessed a miracle. From intensive care to
home in a day was amazing! The prophet Isaiah saw a people on the verge of
death, brought to life by the power of God, and rejoiced at the “feet of the
messenger.” You and I have the rare privilege of being those messengers of good
news. All we have to do is open our mouths and share the good news of God’s
love seen in Jesus Christ. May each of us be among those whose feet are blessed
each day!
PRAYER
Amazing
and Awesome God, thank You for the miracles of healing that are visible. Thank
You also for those that are not visible but real. Thank You for the privilege
of being messengers of the even more amazing miracle of resurrection which
Jesus demonstrated. Help us speak Good News. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, November 17, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
57:18 — I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will lead them and
repay them with comfort.
Luke
19:41-42 — As (Jesus) came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If
you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!
But now they are hidden from your eyes.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
“Vandalism”
was not in our vocabulary as I grew up. Then the word was “pranks.” These were
usually funny things carried out by the older kids who had nothing better to
do. Things like getting the neighbor’s bull up into his hay mow, setting a car
on concrete blocks, so the tires didn’t quite touch the garage floor, or
decorating the entire front yard with signs gathered from all over town. Mostly,
these “pranks” were neither destructive, expensive, nor dangerous—mostly
annoying. (I’m not sure where “outhouse tipping” fits in that list.) God weeps
over more than mere “pranks.” Even “vandalism” seems like a tame word to
describe the violence in which God’s people have participated. Taking after
other gods, signing unholy treaties, taking advantage of the poor and oppressed,
and abusing the orphan and widow, they ignored the Word in favor of doing their
own thing. Even at the time of Jesus, things had not changed. And Jesus wept!
How He longs to return spiritual vandals to their divine purpose! But their
eyes are hidden. They don’t want to see it. Are we guilty of the same sins?
What will it take to get us to “return to the Lord our God”?
PRAYER
Humbly
we come before You, O Lord, knowing that our spiritual waywardness has caused
You pain. Forgive and guide us on the Way that leads back to Your Way instead
of our distorted way. Help us keep our sights on Jesus, who “emptied Himself
and became obedient....” Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 18, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 6:2b — See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of
salvation!
SCRIPTURE
1
Samuel 3:18 — It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.
Matthew
19:26 — For God, all things are possible.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
have a scar above my eyebrows from a strand of barbed wire I was attempting to
jump over. It was a painful lesson to remind me that I could not do everything
my uncle could. I’ve learned similar lessons over the years. Fortunately, or
unfortunately, many of them left lasting scars which jog my memory, reminding
me that I am mortal and easily wounded. There are things I cannot do. Some
things are impossible for me, which only God can do. My scars also remind me
that while I have limitations, God does not. All things are possible for God.
Virgin birth, resurrection, forgiveness, eternal life, and the creation of new
and amazing universes out of nothing are just a few. Sadly, in our religious
fervor, we try to limit God, declaring how He creates, what He creates, and
even who God can shower His grace on. But God cannot be kept in our tidy little
“God boxes.” Like “Aslan” in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe, God is not a “tame lion”—a “tame God.” Can you trust God to
answer even your “impossible” prayers? Only God can do so. So why not try
God?
PRAYER
God
of the impossible, open our eyes and ears to the possibilities rather than the
impossibilities. Lift our vision to see what You have done, are doing, and will
do in the future. Then, when confronted by the impossible, draw us to You for
answers only You can give, as You did in Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 19, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
67:1 — May God be gracious to us and bless us.
2
Corinthians 13:31 — The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
can never remember when I wasn’t thrilled to have my parents attend or
participate in one of my events. That never changed, even when I became an
adult. When I was in high school, it seemed so foreign to hear one of my
classmates putting his parents down and hoping they wouldn’t come to the
recognition events. At the time, I didn’t know that his father was an alcoholic
who frequently got so drunk he had to be carried out. It was an embarrassment
to the whole family. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate even more how very
blessed I was to have parents I longed to see in the audience and was proud to
say were mine. I have that wonderful blessing when I look out in a crowd and
see my beloved Sue, whether in a small group or a large gathering. Her presence
blesses me, encourages me, and energizes me to do my best. I’m the same way
with God! There is nothing better than knowing God is with me, for God does
bless me, encourages me, and energizes me in all circumstances. In “the
communion of the Holy Spirit,” I know I’m not alone. God my Father, Jesus my
Brother is with me! What more could anyone ask?
PRAYER
Loving
Father, thank You for Your presence and participation in every aspect of my
life. You are gracious and merciful, blessing me when I least expect it and
least deserve it. Give me the strength and courage to pass Your blessings on to
those around me who need them most. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 20, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
19:7 — The decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple.
Romans
8:16 — It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are
children of God.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
must have been four when I went with Grandpa Sydow to the chicken coop to
gather eggs, a job Grandma usually did. I was his “big helper,” and he taught
me the fundamentals of rapid retrieval—“take aim, shoot your hand under the
hen, and pull it back before she has time to peck!” He was really good at it.
I... gained experience and several sore wounds. However, even he was not fast
enough for one hen whose beak connected with the egg he was retrieving,
cracking the shell. He shook his head, finished cracking the egg, dumped its
contents in his mouth, and swallowed. “Grandma doesn’t like cracked eggs,” he
declared. His decree was like a decree from the Lord Himself to me. So, the
next time I was sent to the chicken coop to gather eggs, I followed Grandpa’s
example ... and thought I’d die! Nothing Grandma could say could ever have been
as bad as that raw egg tasted! Why is it so easy for us to follow human
practices but find it so difficult to practice the decrees of the Lord? The
Spirit of the Lord leads us not to swallow raw eggs but to “taste and see that
the Lord is good. It reminds us to “take and eat... this is My body....” The
Spirit offers us a “yoke that is easy” not one that makes us gag. Whose decrees
are you following?
PRAYER
Lord,
Your decrees give Life to the living and hope to the hopeless. As Your Spirit
surrounds us with Your presence, keep us aware of the opportunities we have to
follow the example of Jesus in being obedient to You in all things. Make us
instruments of grace to all those around us. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah
23:35 — Thus shall you say to one another, ... “What has the Lord answered?” Or
“What has the Lord spoken?”
1
Thessalonians 5:11 — Encourage one another and build up each other.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Mom
and Dad were a team. They worked together. They played together. They made
decisions together. They let us think, from time to time, that “Dad said....”
or “Mom said....” but by the time I was in high school (possibly earlier), I
knew they were in “cahoots”—they had already talked about it, and their
minds were made up. I made the mistake of griping about Dad’s declaration that
I couldn’t go to a school dance because something needed to be done at home. Mom
clarified exactly why Dad “made that decision within a heartbeat.” They were a
team, and we were expected to respect the team and become part of it—like it or
not! Sadly, too many people forget to consult the “Trinitarian Team.” We plunge
off into making decisions based on what we want or think instead of asking what
the Lord wants or what the Lord thinks—probably because we already know the
answer and don’t want to hear it. As members of the “body of Christ,” each of
us is part of that “Team” called on to encourage and build one another up in
the Word of the Lord. Thus each of us has an opportunity to reflect on the
Word, as well as speak the Word with love and compassion. What kind of “team
player” are you? Whose “team” do you represent?
PRAYER
Lord
and Head of our Heavenly Team, You enlist, instruct, and guide us through the
maze of troubles in our world. When we fail to follow Your leading, draw us
back to You and help us follow the example of Jesus, passing Your loving grace
on to all who will receive it. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
51:7 — Do not fear the reproach of others, and do not be dismayed when they
revile you.
Romans
8:34 — Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, yes, who was raised, who
sits at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
One
of the difficult early lessons I learned from my uncle was when I was very
young, possibly four or five. I wasn’t familiar with the games of “city kids.”
When we were visiting my grandparents, we went out to play “cops and robbers.”
I was on the robbers’ side with one of my uncles. I think we were supposed to have
robbed a bank, but we skipped that part and went straight to being chased by
the posse. The problem came when the posse started shooting words at us. The
bullets I could handle, but the words stung my sensitive hide; words like
“yellow-bellied-scum-sucker” and many others I can’t remember. I started to cry,
and when my uncle found out why, he told me, “It’s just a game! They don’t mean
anything by it.” But then he gave an order: “Knock off the name-calling, or the
game is over!” It didn’t help, but I wiped my eyes and hid so they wouldn’t
catch us. People can say some very cruel things and tell outright lies about
us, but the Word reminds us that there is only One who can truly condemn us.
The words of others may sting and cause havoc with our emotions, but those who
are in Christ have the One who knows the Truth and is the Truth to speak up for
them. Who can condemn you now?
PRAYER
Lord
Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Help me remember that fact
whenever I open my mouth to speak, as well as when I hear others abusing Your
name. Keep me in Your Truth so that I can lead others into the Way and the Life
You graciously promised. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 23, 2023
THANKSGIVING DAY
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs
3:29 — Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you.
Romans
13:10 — Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Except
in my imaginary games and adventures, I’ve never beaten anyone up. I’ve never
murdered anyone, robbed a bank, or stolen anyone’s pension plan. I’ve never
committed adultery or testified falsely in court. You might say I’m as good as
anyone else. In one sense, I am. Probably everyone who reads these words can
claim the same thing. However, I’m also as guilty as everyone else because I
haven’t made special or sacrificial efforts to feed the hungry, stand up for
the underdog, and risk life and limb for the homeless or imprisoned. I’ve done
the minimum and let it salve my conscience, hoping that the “least of these, my
brothers and sister” would be taken care of by “someone else.” This
Thanksgiving, when we have so much for which to give thanks, why not consider
one or two ways of going beyond the “minimum” to give our neighbors, who are
hurt or in need of love, a reason to give thanks also? I thank God Jesus went
all the way for me. May I have the courage to do the same for others He calls
his “beloved?”
PRAYER
God
of all creation, we thank You for the many blessings we enjoy and appreciate
this Thanksgiving. As we eat our food, help us remember those who have nothing
to eat. As we drink our drinks, help us not forget those who have no water to
drink. Bless us to be blessings. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
CHRIST THE KING
SUNDAY
Friday, November 24, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
53:5 — He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.
1
Peter 2:24 — By his wounds, you have been healed.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
uncle Buster was a hero in WWII, where he was wounded by enemy fire, and in our
county, where he caught some chicken thieves and had them arrested. There is
still a mystery surrounding his death, but my favorite theory is that the
chicken thieves who threatened him for turning them in carried out their
threat. Like many other military people and good citizens, he was willing to
suffer for the sake of others. Like his Lord and Savior, who chose him in
baptism, Buster died for others. But, unlike Jesus, he had no power to prevent
the wounds he received. Jesus had the power but chose the way of suffering so
that we would be saved. It took great courage for Buster to live the life of a
hero, but it took great courage and determination for Jesus to absorb the
weight of our sin rather than escape painlessly. I give God thanks for heroes
like Buster, even as I give God thanks daily for our Hero of heroes, Jesus
Christ. May our lives be lived thankfully for forgiveness, life, and salvation
- the healing of our souls!
PRAYER
Thank
You, Lord, for those who give their lives for the sake of others. Bless their
friends and families with Your comforting and healing love. Thank You, Jesus,
for loving us enough to choose the way of the cross, even though You are the
King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, November 25, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah
4:3 — Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.
Matthew
13:22 — (Jesus said:) “As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who
hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the
word, and it yields nothing.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Thistles,
sunflowers, and cockleburs were the enemy we were trained to eliminate from our
corn fields. Dad even taught us to carry an old feed sack in the tractor
toolbox so that if we came upon a patch gone to seed, we could carry it home to
burn it. Such weeds spread rapidly, crowded out healthy corn, sucked up
nutrients and moisture intended for our crops, and were a menace to society (at
least our society). Sunflowers and cockleburs were bad, but thistles were worse.
Not only did they produce thousands of seeds, but their tap root reached deep
down and survived, even when chopped off. Jesus must have spent time in the
fields as a kid chopping thistles because He knew how bad they could be. His
comparison of thistles to the cares of the world and the lures of wealth makes
perfect sense. They spread their seeds and reach deep down into our very souls
like thistles. Before we know it, they crowd out our God-given purpose, our
love of God, and our love of our neighbor, so that the only thing important to
us is a self-centered “what’s in it for me.” Do you need to do some weeding in
your life so that what is really important in your life can thrive as God
intends?
PRAYER
Master
Gardener, thank You for nurturing me in ways that will make me a productive
servant in Your mission “field.” Strengthen my resolve to eliminate the “weeds”
which suck the life out of me, preventing me from enjoying real Life in
partnership with Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, November 26, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Luke
12:35 — Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.
SCRIPTURE
Zechariah
2:11 — Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day and shall be
my people.
Matthew
28:19 — Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I was preparing for seminary, the interviewers asked me where and what type of
church I thought I would like to serve. My thoughts at the time were of a
mission in Africa where I would preach the gospel to people who had never heard
it. My romantic illusion saw whole villages converted to Christianity almost overnight.
Now, more than fifty years later, I have been to Africa and South America,
where I met missionaries who spent many years with few converts. Meanwhile,
I’ve been preaching the gospel to people whose families came from Denmark,
Norway, Sweden, Germany, Africa, Asia, Russia, and dozens of other countries.
Granted, some are second and third-generation people, but they need the good
news as much as their ancestors—maybe even more. In many ways, I am amazed to
discover the fulfillment of the scriptures as I baptize and teach, commune, and
preach in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Someday, I’d
like to revisit Africa and South America, but I thank God that I’ve been
privileged to make disciples wherever I am. Are you waiting to go to Asia or
South America to fulfill Christ’s great commission? You don’t need to wait, you
know. Christ is bringing them to us, also, so let’s not miss every opportunity
to carry out His Word.
PRAYER
Lord
of all people in all the world, You call us to share the good news wherever we
are planted. I give thanks for those to whom You have sent me. I ask Your
special blessing for those with special skills You send to faraway places. Give
them the wisdom and love of Jesus to share. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, November 27, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Luke
12:35 — Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
29:24 — Those who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who
grumble will accept instruction.
Hebrews
5:12 — In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone
to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk,
not solid food.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Growing
up as the oldest of six kids—three brothers and two sisters—I learned a lot
about feeding infants. It was excellent preparation for raising two children of
my own. The scary part was when one of the younger ones started eating solid
food and tried to swallow something too big or not well-chewed. Fish bones were
another problem leading to gagging, and probably the reason I’m not a great
fish lover, even today. The transition from liquid to solid food can be
difficult in the maturing process of life. That is also true in our spiritual
maturity. The majority of Christians have never graduated from spiritual milk.
They are under an ancient delusion, most certainly planted by Satan, that once
they got through confirmation or adult instruction, they knew all they needed
to know about God. They haven’t been to Sunday School or an adult Bible study
since. It is sad because most of those who do, return again and again to learn
more and more; in the process, they mature more and more in their faith. Are
you ready yet for some real spiritual meat? Don’t put it off any longer! Dig
out your Bible and join a study group. You’ll be in good company!
PRAYER
Father
and Provider of all that is good, we grow weak on spiritual “baby food.” Open
our hearts and place within us a burning desire to graduate to a more mature
“feast” that will enable us to grow and mature spiritually. As You fill us with
good things, enable us to help others grow in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday,
November 28, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Corinthians 5:10 — All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
51:3 — I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Matthew
11:28 — (Jesus said:) “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying
heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I answered the doorbell, I was surprised to see our four-year-old neighbor
holding a fist full of flowers, some complete with roots, looking really sad.
Behind him stood his mother, looking angry and upset. “What do you need to
say?” she prodded him. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, beginning to cry. To my
puzzled look, she informed me he had picked some of my flowers without
permission. His guilt was right there before him. I accepted his apology, got a
pair of clippers, clipped off the excess foliage and roots, and returned them
to him. I told him that whenever he wanted to give his mother flowers, I would
be happy to help him pick them. “But,” I said, “always ask for my help so we can
cut them and not tear out the roots.” Like those stolen flowers, we cannot hide
our sins from the Lord. Before Him, we are truly naked. Still, with His great
compassion Jesus, our Lord and King, invites us to come with every ounce of the
burden so that He can put our hearts and minds at ease. Carrying around more
than you care to carry? All you have to do is “take it to the Lord in
prayer....” He’ll do the rest!
PRAYER
Gracious
and forgiving, Lord, thank You for taking our sin with You to the cross. Take
our gifts, like stolen “flowers,” and bless them to Your service. Create in us
hearts that long for Your holy touch, bringing cleansing, healing, and
wholeness to all of life. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Luke
12:35 — Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
36:7 — You save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
Matthew
6:26 — Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into
barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
The
farm was a great training ground for life. I have felt great pity for those who
never had the privilege of growing up on one. At the time, I felt oppressed and
“underprivileged” to grow up on a farm. Now, however, I thank God for the
lessons learned and the memories which are burned into my heart and soul. I
learned that even when things don’t go the way I want them to go, God is good.
I learned that God provides what is needed, not necessarily what is wanted. I
learned that animals have feelings too, and that we need to be concerned about
the feelings of both animals and people. I learned that food is provided and is
to be shared. I learned that when it is not, pigs (both the animal and the
human variety) are pigs, causing some to get fat while others die of
starvation. I learned that God provided me to feed the animals so that they
could live and fulfill their destiny. I learned that God gave me the resources
needed to help others reach their potential. I learned that God, whose
sacrificial love is our model in every area of life, is at the heart of
everything we are and everything we can do. (Sounds like a book. “Everything
I needed to know about life I learned on the Farm.”) Jesus understood. Can
we learn from Him - and the animals too?
PRAYER
Great
God and Father of all life, thank You for the lessons we can learn wherever we
have the privilege of growing up. Thank You for the animals You love and care
for and the lessons they have to teach us. Open our minds to the opportunities
You give us to follow the words of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, November 30, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
Luke
12:35 — Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
63:6 — I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the
night.
Romans
13:12 — The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works
of darkness and put on the armor of light.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I believe
that good marriages are made in heaven. God is the Chief Matchmaker who has the
perfect person in mind for each of us. That match is not dependent on hormones,
urges, or convenience but on something beyond our human understanding. God
“arranges” for us to meet, date, and fall in love when the time is right.
Sadly, some people jump the gun and forget to include God in their equation.
But when the right time comes, the person God has for us will be on our minds,
night and day, and it will seem as if the wedding day can’t come soon enough.
That is how it was for me. Perhaps that is why the writers of the Bible use the
marriage relationship to illustrate the relationship God longs for with us. The
Psalmist tosses and turns all night, thinking of only one thing—his Beloved,
who is the Lord. Paul compares this
relationship to one who has been asleep and awakes to a new day in which the
darkness is replaced by the light when Christ the “Bridegroom” returns! Where
is your relationship with the Lord? Have you been courting Him the way you
would a spouse, or have you taken your relationship with Him for granted the
way too many do their spouse? “...The day is near!” There is no time like the
present to start.
PRAYER
Heavenly
Bridegroom, thank You for “courting” us. Thank You for the relationships You
want for us to have. Give us a burning desire to keep our relationship with You
fresh and exciting. Renew the passion we have with the spouses You sent to us
or are directing us to. Amen.
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