DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 1, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
SCRIPTURE
Genesis
8:21 — The Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because
of humankind, for the inclination of the human heart is evil from youth.”
Romans
8:1 — There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
am shocked and disgusted when I read about people having pigs as pets. Aside
from the fact that I liked ham sandwiches and pork chops, I always found pigs
to be a noisy, smelly, nuisance. As a kid, I had to feed and water our pigs
every morning and evening. There was never an easy way to do it. Their watering
trough was always full of mud, often overturned, and had to be hosed out before
filling, which some of the pigs considered great fun as if I were their
personal shower attendant. If I couldn’t throw their feed to them over the
fence, I became their best friend until I could dump it in their feeder,
meaning I’d get my jeans muddy from their pushing and rubbing against me. More
than once, their exuberance caused me to drop the buckets and fall into the
muck. I once complained about the pigs, but the only sympathy I got was a
simple fact: “Pigs are pigs. What do you expect?” No doubt God sees our
human nature in much the same frame of mind. What amazes me is that God was
willing to die to clean up our “hog wallow”—our sin—to make us clean and
acceptable for fellowship with Him. Have you shown your thankfulness lately?
PRAYER
Lord
and Lover of Your children, forgive us for returning to the “pig pens” of sin.
Wash us in Your baptismal waters every time we remember our original washing,
for we know how desperately we need Your grace. Thank You for the gifts You
give us because of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 2, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
80:19 — Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be
saved.
Luke
24:4-5 — Suddenly, two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women
were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them,
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
The
loss of our third child—a miscarriage—was a painful event in our lives,
especially since we were so happily excited about having this child. I can genuinely
say that I understand grief from the inside. Friends and neighbors were
wonderful about helping us with simple things, which seemed so very hard to do.
It would have been tough to get through that kind of trauma without their help,
encouragement, and frequent notes and comments reminding us of the gospel
promises. Healing took time. It didn’t happen all at once. Even though we knew—as
did the women at the tomb—that the one we loved was with God, our loss was
still just as real. Many years later, a pang of grief still comes and goes,
obviously not as intense, but just as real. We have been restored, not as we
were, but more mature in our faith and anxiously awaiting the day when we will
be reunited with the one for whom we grieved, in the presence of the One who
rose as the “first fruits” of those who have gone before. Our great consolation
is that He was there to cradle our child for us, and in Him, we can give
thanks. Has grief touched your life? Then do not look for the living among the
dead. Look to the One in whom the dead are raised to eternal life!
PRAYER
Risen
and victorious, Lord, it is hard to function in times of loss and grief. Thank
You for those who walked with us through those difficult times. Thank You
especially for Your comforting hand and the assurance we have because of Jesus
our Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
103:2 — Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.
Luke
17:15-16 — Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back,
praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and
thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
enjoy reading science fantasy, especially about people who can travel back and
forth in time. I wish I could go back in time to say “Thank you!” to people who
may never have known how grateful I was and still am. I would thank people like
my parents and grandparents, who loved me and showed me how to love; Hattie
Fulner and Auggie Becker, my first Sunday School teachers; and B.P. Osborn, my first piano teacher, all
of whom have since died. Perhaps my prayers of thanks to God for their
influence, and that of many other people in my life, will reach their special
place in Heaven. In many ways, we are all forgetful of all God’s benefits and
blessings. Every day, we should take time to give thanks for what God has done
and is doing for us through others whose lives touch ours, as well as for the
multitude of blessings we take for granted. If even an outsider like the
Samaritan can remember to give thanks, surely we who are insiders - the body of
Christ - should be able to take time to give God thanks. Why not make a list of
those who touched your life? Then, make another list of the ways God has
blessed you, and give thanks?!
PRAYER
My
lists are long, Lord; it grows longer with every year I live in this world.
Thank You for placing those people in my life. Let me live a life of
thankfulness and joy for You, remembering the greatest of all Your gifts I have
received in Jesus, my Lord. Thank You! Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
1 Peter 5:7 — Cast all
your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 33:18 — Show me
your glory, I pray.
Romans 6:4 — Therefore we
have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in
newness of life.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Aunt Liz came from California
to visit the family from time to time. She would stay with my grandparents
while they were living, and when they died, she would often stay with us. It
was always fun to hear of the glories of California and life at the edge of
adventure. At least, that was the way my fertile imagination thought of it. On
a visit Aunt Liz made when I was about 16, she rode with me to church one
Sunday morning. We had some light sleet and a light dusting of snow during the
night. So, to be safe, instead of driving to the highway and taking the paved
road the rest of the way to town, I took the graveled “ridge road.” Our little
church was located in Stanton, a small community nestled in the Elkhorn River
valley. As we approached the town from the northern rim of the valley, Aunt Liz
exclaimed, “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful in all your life!?” So I
looked again and saw the little town I saw practically every day, resting
peacefully and covered with that frosting-like coat of snow. Then I saw what
she saw—a beautiful, peaceful village blanketed with pure white cleansing snow
that covered all its faults and failures! It had been there all the time. I
just didn’t have eyes to see it. Our promised resurrection is much the same
way. We are reminded again and again of God’s glorious plan for giving us a new
and improved life in Him, made pure and spotless by His precious and holy
blood, shed just for us. Have you got eyes to see?
PRAYER
Open our eyes, Lord. We
want to see Your glory. Give us the vision to see Your Hand in all creation and
Jesus in every person we meet. Then remind us to say, “Thank You, Lord.” Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 5, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
107:9 — For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.
Luke
24:30-31 — When (Jesus) was at the table with (the disciples in Emmaus), he
took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were
opened, and they recognized him.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Food!
I love it! Growing up with lots of aunts and uncles on both sides of my family
living nearby meant lots of family potluck dinners. Over the years, we could
tell who made what from the first taste because each had their favorite
seasonings and spices. Sometimes we made it a guessing game, but some of the
cousins cheated—they watched who brought which dish so they could tell just by
seeing the color or shape of the container. God sends food and drink to us
every day in all sizes, colors, and shapes of containers. Sometimes we
recognize and thank the “Master Chef” and the hands that prepared it. Other
times we take it for granted or give credit to the wrong “cook.” Grief-filled
disciples didn’t recognize the One who brought new light into their darkness
and new life into their death watch until they tasted the bread He blessed and
broke! We, too, may fail to fully appreciate Christ’s presence and
participation in our lives until we “taste and see” that the Lord is good. Therefore,
I would appreciate Holy Communion every day, or at least every Sunday, so the
“Master Chef could open my eyes.” How about you?
PRAYER
Bread
of Life, we give You thanks for giving Yourself to us. We thank You for the
ingredients that go into giving us life in this world and the next. Thank You
for the Bread You give us, which conveys to us the eternal presence of Jesus to
live in us, to provide us with true and eternal Life. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 6, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
28:9 — O save your people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and
carry them forever.
John
10:7,9 — Jesus said to them, “I am the gate for the sheep.... Whoever enters by
me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
first experience as a youth minister, just out of college, before starting
seminary, was taking a station wagon load of youth from Baltimore to Washington,
DC. I soon realized the tremendous responsibility it was to keep watch on
“someone else’s kids.” Fortunately for me, they were a good and reasonably
cooperative group. However, twice I lost track of two of the boys at the
Smithsonian Institute and nearly panicked. It is a massive museum with many fun
and fascinating exhibits. I first had to round up the group I hadn’t lost and
instruct them to stay together in one place while I searched for the “lost
sheep.” The lost were found each time, but my nerves were severely frazzled by
the time we reached the car and headed home. Imagine God’s task of keeping His
multitude of “sheep” within
safekeeping!! Jesus offers each of us the gift of His saving protection, taking
the position of the gate. In ancient days, shepherds acted as gates for the sheep’s
safety by sleeping in the door-way of the cave where they penned the sheep for
the night. Nobody could get to the sheep without going over or through them.
Who is the gate to your life, now and for eternity?
PRAYER
Keeper
of all “gates” and Guardian of our souls, forgive us for wandering away from
Your protective grace. Thank You for sending “shepherds” to lead us and guide
us through difficult paths, many of our choosing. Thank You for Jesus, our true
Shepherd. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 7, 2023
WATCHWORD FOR THE WEEK
2 Timothy 1:10b — Christ
Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to life through
the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 85:6 — Will you not
revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you?
John 4:14 — (Jesus said:)
“Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The
water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to
eternal life.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
In July, it appeared we would
have a repeat of the drought of the previous four years. Some crops were
beginning to show stress, gardens and lawns were drying up with large cracks
appearing, and one of the nearby rivers was bone dry. Then it happened, at
least in some areas. Rain! That which was nearly dead came back to life, and
spirits were lifted in those communities. Water, even irrigation water, can
revive crops thought nearly dead. God gives rain to the just and the unjust
alike, so we don’t know God’s plan or why it rains in one place and not
another. But we know there is a “water of life” that is even better than
physical rain or irrigation. This “Water of Life” fills the emptiness we feel
without God’s Spirit, the hunger and thirst for something we can’t find in the
water fountain or the refrigerator. This “Water of Life” lasts beyond the next
need for food or drink. It will last into eternity and be so abundant that it
will be like water gushing forth in a barren desert, reviving and renewing that
which seemed dormant or dead. Are you thirsty yet? Water is good, but the
“Water of Life” really satisfies!
PRAYER
Let the Water of Life flow
over us and fill us with new life, Lord. As the rains wash leaves and land, You
washed us in our baptismal water, making us new creatures. Thank You for the
reminders You give when the rains do fall. Thank You for Jesus, who showers us
daily with eternal life. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 8, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
118:17 — I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
2
Corinthians 6:4, 9-10 — As servants of God, we have commended ourselves ...as
dying and see - we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful,
yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Sometimes
I joke to myself about growing up on a poor farm. We were a poor farm family
with a relatively large debt on a farm that produced a decent crop two or three
years out of ten, but we didn’t know we were poor. We had everything we needed.
Our mealtime and bedtime prayers didn’t center on what we didn’t have, but we
thanked God for what we did have and the possibility that God would be even
more gracious in the coming days. We were happy and content, not knowing how
bad we had it. Whenever any of us felt down because we didn’t have the clothes,
the toys, or the “things” some other kids had, we were reminded to “count our
blessings.” It didn’t take away the desire for more or better, but it put it in
perspective. We had what we needed and more. So, while we were poor, we were wealthy,
and we made others rich by our positive outlook and willingness to share what
we had. Dying, being punished, sorrowful, or poor? Is your glass half empty or
half full? With what is God blessing you?
PRAYER
Generous
Lord, You provide for our every need. The advertisements feed our every greed,
and we find ourselves wanting more. As we count our blessings, help us give
thanks for what we have and bless us with the willingness to share with those
who have even less, as Jesus did. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 9, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Judges
8:23 — Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you...; the Lord will rule
over you.”
Matthew
23:11 — (Jesus said:) “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
One
of the fun learning experiences at confirmation camp was called “Co-op.” In
“Co-op,” the counselor gave the group a challenging task to perform and set up
the rules that had to be kept to accomplish the task. If one of the rules was
broken, the group had to start the exercise all over. For instance, all 10 of
our confirmands were crowded onto an old quilt. Without anyone touching the
ground, they were to flip the quilt so that the bottom side was on top and they
were all standing on it. It took numerous failed attempts before they decided
that they had to work together and follow one person’s instructions at a time.
It still took several failed attempts, but eventually, they worked together and
accomplished their mission. God has given us a mission with objectives,
obstacles, and rules to follow. Wise leaders of the past have acknowledged that
God, not them, is the real ruler. When leadership goes to a person’s head, the
battle is lost because they stop seeing themselves as fellow servants of the
Lord. They stop looking to the Lord for their marching orders. If an alien
landed and told you to: “Take us to your leader!” who would you take them to?
Would you point to God, or have you allowed someone or something else, even
yourself, to be more important?
PRAYER
Ruler
and Leader of all humankind, as earthly rulers fail and nations and churches
stumble, open our eyes to see You as the one and only true “Ruler of the Universe”!
Give us the will to cooperate with You and Your plan, as Jesus did, rather than
fumble and fall from Your grace. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
16:8 — I keep the Lord always before me.
Colossians
3:23 — Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not
for men.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Some
of our local school’s young athletes have school T-shirts with the school
emblem on the front. On the back, in bold letters, are the words: PLAY WITH
PASSION. I thought about ordering one for every member of the congregation,
but unless they saw someone else’s back, they wouldn’t get the reminder
themselves. (If we got one in each liturgical color, we could have a “T-Shirt
Sunday,” encouraging everyone to wear their T-shirt to worship!) The difference
between winning and losing a game between two equally matched teams is a matter
of passion. The same thing is true for anything we do in life, especially the
work of the Lord. A passion for a project, a talent, an occupation, a dream, or
a goal enables people to overcome obstacles that others find to be barriers.
Putting themselves into sharing the good news, as if it was being done for the
Lord, enabled the early Christian church to survive through severe hardship and
persecution and grow at an incredible rate. They believed—they knew in their
hearts—that as long as they kept the Lord foremost in their lives, nothing
could defeat them, not even death! With such passion, the Christian church can
and will overcome the present declines and difficulties and once again “soar
like the eagles!” Why don’t you consider it your theme for the
next 12 months? “Play with Passion!” keeping the Lord with you
and putting yourself 100% into the work God has given you?!!!
PRAYER
Passionate
Lord, You gave us the perfect example in Jesus. He could have gotten by in this
world, doing the minimum, avoiding challenges, and playing it “safe.” But for
our sakes, He put himself totally and passionately into defeating sin, death,
and the devil. Give us that kind of passion. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel
16:8 — I pledged myself to you and entered into a covenant with you, says the
Lord God, and you became mine.
Luke
22:20 — And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that
is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
addition to the other important things I learned on my first day in
kindergarten, I was introduced to the “Pledge of Allegiance.” WWII had ended,
but the Korean War was still going strong, although I didn’t comprehend the
meaning of war. Miss Bussey reminded us that the Pledge of Allegiance was our way of being
patriotic and supporting our country. (She must have reminded us often, or it
wouldn’t be so clear in my mind today.) God has pledged Himself to be our God
and to guard, guide, protect and provide all we need. God has always been
faithful. We are the ones who need to revisit the idea of our confirmation—our
commitment—our pledge to be God’s people faithfully. Perhaps we should come up
with a daily promise to God. In His last supper, Jesus reminded us of His
pledge to us in the bread and the cup. Mealtime would be an excellent time to
take time to remember to “Pledge Allegiance to God.” Why not give it a
try?
PRAYER
I
pledge allegiance to You, O Lord, this day and every day. As You pledged Your
life to me and went to the cross to prove Your loyalty to me for my salvation,
let me live my life totally committed to You in thought, word, and deed. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 12, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
2
Timothy 1:10b — Christ Jesus has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to life through the gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel
34:30 — They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they,
the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord God.
Romans
11:1 — Has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a
descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Sue
and I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend a month living and traveling
in Germany. Whenever we travel, we try to immerse ourselves in the culture and
“live like the natives do” rather than insist on American food, American
service, and American everything. As a result, we often enjoy blending in and
being treated like one of the natives. Most of the time, primarily because we are
not exceptionally fluent in German, it is easy to remember that we are
American, living in another country, but with the American embassy to turn to
in case of an emergency. I wonder what it would be like to live in another
country for many years. Would we still feel “American” or our American
connection? In many ways, all Christians are sojourners residing in a foreign
land. Our real citizenship is in Heaven, and it is easy to forget who we are.
God continually reminds us that no matter where we live, He is still our God,
and we are still His people. He is with us wherever we are. He never rejects
us, even though we often forget and reject Him. Worship should be a weekly
renewal of our true citizenship. Have you been as faithful to the Lord your God
as He has been to you?
PRAYER
Great
God Almighty, it is hard to remember that in baptism, You adopted us, not as
peasants, serfs, or slaves, but as Your own dear children—brothers and sisters of Jesus! Our true home is
not here but in a close and intimate relationship with You. Therefore, as we
worship, help us remember. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 13, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
44:22 — I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like
mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Matthew
9:11-12 — When the Pharisees saw this, they said to (Jesus’) disciples, “Why
does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this,
he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are
sick.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Some
friends have a son who announced that he was gay. They have dealt with the
situation exceptionally well and have continued to keep a loving relationship
with their son. They have another son who is “straight.” Although they said he
is very conservative, he has remained close with his brother and his brother’s
friend. He admitted, however, that at first, when he was with them in public,
he felt some embarrassment at the thought that someone might think he was gay
too—guilt by association. It makes me wonder if the disciples felt that kind of
embarrassment when Jesus associated with tax collectors and sinners. Who really
needs our love more? Those who are already surrounded by people who love them,
or those the world judges as sinners and turns their backs on? I know of no one
in scripture with whom Jesus refused to associate or to whom Jesus refused to
take the Good News. Should it be any different for us? We don’t have to agree
with what they do, but we can love them with the love of the Lord so that they
may experience what they may have been searching for in all the wrong places.
We may be their only link with that Love. With whom do you associate?
PRAYER
All-encompassing
and All-compassionate Lord, forgive us for judgmentalism that feeds hurt and
hate. As You showed Your love to sinners like me through Jesus, let me show
love to those with whom I disagree or feel embarrassed. Thank You, Lord, for
loving me, sinner that I am. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 14, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy
33:27 — The eternal God is your refuge.
Romans
11:36 — From him and through him and in him are all things. To him be the glory
forever.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
looked out into space last night to see the multitude of stars, some of which I
remembered seeing when I was a kid. Stars in the Big and Little Dipper were
some about which we created our own stories. We were sure that somewhere in Heaven,
God created those Dippers to remind us that He would pour good things on us,
especially if we were good kids. (The idea of grace wasn’t in our vocabulary
yet, nor was the concept of space.) It was a real dipper, filled with good
things waiting to be poured out. One day we’d take a rocket to the Big Dipper
or the Little Dipper to collect some of them if God didn’t get around to giving
them. We planned the trip and were confident God would send us a message of
some kind to tell us when to come. If any enemies came to shoot us down, there
would be lots of God’s angels and soldiers hiding in both Dippers, waiting to
pop up and shoot them down to protect us. In our child-like (and childish)
faith, we had no problem believing that all things came from God and that God
was our ultimate guardian and protector. I’m older now. I know about grace,
stars, and space. But the little child in me still believes in the One from
whom all things come—and the adult in me does too! How about you?
PRAYER
Gracious
God, thank You for our childhood fantasies and visions of Your generous,
undeserved gifts. Forgive us when we take Your gifts, especially Jesus, for
granted. Give us new and exciting visions of opportunities for sharing Your
gifts with others and for serving You. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 15, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah
11:10 — On that day, the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples;
the nations shall inquire of him.
Matthew
2:1-2 — Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child
who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and
have come to pay him homage.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
my herb garden, at one time, I had several varieties of St. John’s Wort. It’s
an herb credited with various healing properties, especially for depression.
Legend says, and it has generally proven to be true, that it blooms on St.
John’s Day, July 24, or that the sap of a broken branch will be red on that day
in remembrance of John’s beheading by Herod. Last spring, one of my favorites
looked dead. Every day I went out to check for any signs of life, but none
appeared. Finally, I gave up on it and purchased a replacement. I was about to
dig up the dead one when I noticed new green leaves on the stem. The root was
alive! Old Israel kept looking for the Messiah to come and had given up on it.
Most of them stopped looking for signs. Then, foreigners, pagan astronomers,
came from the east. They saw what everyone else missed. The “child who was to
be born king of the Jews” was alive, and even the stars in the sky had led them
to Him. What are the signs of spiritual life in you? If a stranger were to
search for signs of Christ, could they find the signs in your actions and your
words?
PRAYER
God
of Promise and Faithfulness, thank You for the signs You give us of Your
presence, Your love, and Your coming again. Open our eyes to see those signs,
and keep us from apathy which gives up without searching. Let Jesus’ birth,
death, and resurrection remind us of Your grace. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 16, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
71:20-21 — From the depths of the earth, you will bring me up again. You will
increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Matthew
9:20, 22 — A woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years
came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak. Jesus turned, and
seeing her, he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And
instantly, the woman was made well.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
“Sometimes
I’m up. Sometimes I’m down. Sometimes I’m almost to the ground....” With those
words, a camp song reminds us that life is often a series of ups and downs,
with lots of bumps and bruises along the way. I felt terrible at age seven when
my grandmother died, but by my next birthday, when I got the cowboy hat I
wanted, life was good again. I was in the pits when I failed an English test on
diagraming sentences, but I returned to the living when I figured out how to do
it and got 100 on the next assignment. I was in the pit of grief when we
learned that Sue’s long-awaited pregnancy was a miscarriage, but I found great
joy in the two children God had already given us through adoption. God’s
lifting us from the depths did not eliminate the pain of loss, but each time we
were renewed and refilled with joy. The psalmist and the woman suffering from
hemorrhages could rejoice in the Lord, knowing that, at long last, their
prayers were answered. Sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down, but in
Christ, we are made whole. Have you need of touching the fringe of the Master’s
robe today? He will gladly “increase your honor and comfort you
once again!
PRAYER
Blessed
Redeemer, thank You for being there for me when I’m up and with me when I’m
down. Place Your healing hand on my woundedness and Your comforting arm around
me when I need support. Give me the confidence to be Your servant to do the
same for those who need Your grace. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
63:9 — Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on
a balance, they are nothing; together, they are only a breath.
John
19:11 — Jesus answered (Pilate), “You would have no power over me unless it had
been given you from above.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I went from country school to town, I discovered something I hadn’t noticed in
a one-room school. Some of the students in town were “a cut above the rest of
us peasants.” Why do some people leave us with the attitude that they are so
much better or more important than we are? In every place I have ever lived,
and in every church I have ever served, one or two people give the impression
that they are “snooty”—their noses are in the air. On the other hand, some seem
so down and out that nothing we say can lift them up. Both extremes are difficult.
They can both drag us down and depress us. One because they make us feel like
dirt and the other because they pull us down to the dirt with them. The
psalmist discovered the truth: both extremes are but a breath. We are all
created of the same dust, and without the Breath of God and the Spirit of God,
we are nothing. Without God’s power from above, the lowliest worm of a person
is just a breeze passing by. Without God’s power from above, the world’s
loftiest, most politically powerful person is a bag of hot air. Have you
remembered the source of your real power? You are no worm, but you are also no
royalty, except in Christ, where we all become “a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, God’s own people....”
PRAYER
Thank
You, Holy Father, for creating me and everyone else out of the dust of the
earth. Give me a vision of what You want me to be for You, and gently mold me
into Your faithful servant. Give me the words and the energy to pass the love
of Jesus on to those who need it most. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
40:9 — I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Romans
1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation
to everyone who has faith.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
really liked Mrs. Klima, my fourth-grade teacher. It was not an infatuation as
much as admiration. She was firm but encouraging, smart, and able to explain
things in the simplest way. I was not the teacher’s pet - that honor went to
Marlene. I was just one of her 16 pupils in nine grades. My appreciation of her
did not end after six months either, as it often did with other teachers. Even
by the end of the year, I was willing to do just about anything for her, and I
didn’t care what anyone else said when I did. That was the kind of “delight”
the psalmist had with the Lord. There was nothing and no one more important to
him than God. In the same way, Paul took pride in the gospel, and its power for
salvation, willingly taking any abuse because of his love of the Lord. How deep
and wide is your love of the Lord? Does it embarrass you to pray in public or
let others know you are a Christian? May we all find delight in the Gospel of
Jesus Christ!
PRAYER
Awesome
Lord, thank You for the salvation You have worked in me through Jesus. Increase
in me my admiration of and infatuation with You. Let it increase daily and
spread to those around me in all my work and all my play. Make me a witness to
Your gracious love. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 19, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 5:4c — This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith.
SCRIPTURE
Zephaniah
3:15b — The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster
no more.
Luke
12:32 — Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
The
meeting of the camp counselors took longer than expected. The boys in cabin six
were supposed to be preparing for bed but sat on their bunks telling ghost
stories. It didn’t take long before their imaginations got the best of them and
the “screaming domino effect” took over. By the time the counselor arrived,
these “fearless” third-grade boys were hysterical, and many were in tears. John
and I had been with them for three days, and they trusted us. As soon as we
walked in the door, they raced to cling to us, and within minutes we had them
calmed down and preparing for bed. Having us in the cabin took away their
fears. God offers that same assurance to us. God is in our midst. We
don’t always remember that God never leaves us, but God is with us, and in
Jesus, we are reminded that we have nothing to fear. Nothing in all creation
can separate us from Him. So, be cool! Be calm! Be collected, little flock. The
Spirit of Christ is with us always to give us the kingdom in exchange for our
fears and tears. Are you ready to trust Him and turn your concerns over to
Him?
PRAYER
Ever-present
God, thank You for the reminders that You are with me and the words of St. Paul
that remind me that nothing in all creation can separate me from You. Create in
me a new and vibrant spirit so that I can live confidently and pass that
assurance on to others as Jesus did. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 20, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Nahum
1:3 — The Lord is slow to anger but great in power, and the Lord will by no
means clear the guilty.
1
Corinthians 10:13 — God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond
your strength, but with the testing, he will also provide the way out so that
you may be able to endure it.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
father was a quiet, gentle man who was “slow to anger,” but when he reached the
boiling point, we knew we were in trouble! He put up with a lot of mistakes
when he was teaching us how to load and unload wagons, disk corn stalks, stack
hay, and do hundreds of other farm chores. His patience was pretty vast.
However, even that ran thin when he was in a hurry to open up a portion of the
corn crib he had told me to nail up the previous fall. I grabbed the first
nails I found in the shed, the biggest nails on the bench. Instead of searching
for some smaller, more appropriate nails, I used two 16-penny nails. (They are
huge!) I received a lecture on nails and the task of fixing the damage
caused by the boards splitting when he tried to pry them off! God is infinitely
patient with His people! The Old Testament Hebrews messed up again and again.
And again and again, God forgave them and returned them to their mission.
However, they rightly saw the exile as the end of God’s patience. From the New
Testament side, we can see that even then, God was merciful. Now it’s our turn.
How long will God’s patience hold out for us? Will we learn from our mistakes
and those of others, or will we continue to try God’s patience? There is a Day
of Judgment!
PRAYER
Patient
and Merciful God, our failures to be all that You intended us to be, are
numerous. Forgive us, Lord, and guide us back to the path You want us to take.
Place within us a burning desire to be Your people, fulfilling the mission You
have given us to draw all people to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 21, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah
27:5 — It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the
earth, with the people and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to
whomever I please.
Romans
14:8 — If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so
then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
No
wonder Jesus told us to receive the Kingdom like a little child! Like all small
children, I knew to whom I belonged as a little child. I stayed with my grandparents
and aunt and uncles from time to time, but I knew I was the oldest son of
Leonard and Esther Sydow. When I was just a little twirp in kindergarten, I
knew which farm to call “home.” When I was at huge family reunions and playing
with a multitude of cousins, I knew which of the “look-a-likes” were my
parents! I knew in much the same way a baby animal will search out its mother
and know where to go for dinner! How sad it is when God’s people forget Whose
they are and the source of all power! Disciples of all ages must constantly
remind themselves that they belong to the Lord from beginning to end. We are
not our own. This is not “my” body to do with as I choose! This is not “my”
brain! This is not “my” time! What we do with them does matter.
From beginning to end, from the top of our heads to the end of our toes, from
the moment of conception to the day of our death, we belong to the Lord. The
world may have other ideas and attitudes, but in the end, we are
the Lord’s! May we live every moment reflecting our relationship with our
Creator, Redeemer, and Savior.
PRAYER
Creator,
Redeemer, and Savior of all, thank You for making me “me” and for the unique
gifts You have given me for serving You in our world. Help me to recognize
those gifts and to use them to glorify You. Keep me from self-centeredness,
which does not follow the example of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 22, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
1
Chronicle 29:9 — With single mind, they had offered freely to the Lord.
2
Corinthians 9:7 — Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Dad
served on the church council for several years. When it came to church
finances, he never talked about specific people, but he often commented that
the best givers in the church were often the poorest and those who could afford
to be generous were often the stingiest. More than 50 years in the ministry
have confirmed my Dad’s observation. Of course, there have been exceptions, but
those who are blessed with more often think of it as their own instead of as a
blessing from God. The Hebrews in the wilderness remembered what God had done
for them and joined together in giving freely—without holding back—to the work
of the Lord. Paul reminded the wealthy in Corinth of their responsibility to do
the same—cheerfully, not because they had to, but out of joyful
thanksgiving to the Lord for what Jesus did for them on the cross. What price
would you put on the eternal salvation of your soul? A dollar amount may seem
impressive, but proportionate giving says much more. Is thankfulness for your
soul’s salvation worth a tithe—or even more? Can you trust the God who gave you
all that you have—who saved your soul from hell by freely giving His life for
you—to continue to be gracious and generous with you? Remember, God loves
a cheerful giver!
PRAYER
Gracious
and generous God, we can never out-give You. Forgive us when we try to keep our
time, talents, and treasures all to ourselves. Give us hearts willing to grow
in giving and sharing what You have first given us. As Jesus gave fully of
Himself for us, let us learn to do the same. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 23, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel
13:3 — Alas, for the senseless prophets who follow their own spirit and have
seen nothing!
1
John 4:1 — Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the
world.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
One
of the games at church camp involved a biblical scavenger hunt. Teams were
given Bible clues which they were to follow to various sights for more clues.
However, they encountered obstacles they had to overcome. Some counselors had a
sock filled with flour, which was used to mark a member of the group,
“wounding” the whole group, which then had to call on a “medic” who prescribes
a “remedy”—reciting a scripture, hymn, or children’s song—before they could
continue. The difficulty came when a false medic appeared pretending to be the
real thing, making them do the same things, but when they thought they were
free, they marked them again and made them start all over. This “game”
highlights the Christian life. We, too, must know the Lord and know His Word—not
just select verses here or there—so that we are not led astray by every whim.
Jim Jones, David Koresh, and many others have led people to mass suicides and
firey deaths. Groups like the Mormons and Jehovah’s witnesses take their
distorted views of scripture to unsuspecting people, even claiming to be
Christians. If we do not study the scriptures as a whole, how can we know the
context of the proof texts used to lead many astray? Even well-meaning
Christians can lead us astray by focusing on a single passage taken out of
context. The warnings of scripture are good. How are you preparing to meet the
challenge? May we get involved in the study of God’s word.
PRAYER
Word
of Life, You have been from the beginning and have guided our ancestors to the
present. Give us a burning desire to truly know and love Your Word so that we
are not led astray by those who twist and distort it. Make us strong in Your
Word to do Your will as Jesus did. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
18:46 — The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock.
1
Peter 2:4 — Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals, yet chosen
and precious in God’s sight.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
had a young professor in seminary who had a reputation for being tough and
unbending. I never had him in any of my classes during my first two years in
seminary and was determined to avoid him at all costs. However, I had no choice
when I returned after a year of internship for my senior year. He was teaching
a course I wanted and needed. So, with dread, I bought the required books and
went to my first class. Contrary to everything I had heard, he was an excellent
teacher with a deep spirituality I very much appreciated. Instead of dreading
that class, I looked forward to “sitting at the feet of a master” whose love of
the Lord and his students was so evident. Some people see God in the most
negative terms, dreading any contact with the Holy One as if God were some demanding
unbending professor bent on making life difficult and making sure they flunk
and go to hell. In Jesus, we see God as the One who cares enough to send the
very best because He loves us and longs for us to join Him in Heaven. In Jesus,
God says, “Come! Come, let me love you!” May we discover that side of the One
who was and is chosen and precious in God’s sight!
PRAYER
Holy
and precious Lord, thank You for loving us enough to “send the very best.”
Enable us to get to know You better as a loving and doting Father, and help us
share Your love with those who still don’t know how gracious and kind You are
to us, even when we least deserve it. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs
17:3 — The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord
tests the heart.
Romans
12:2 — Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
It
doesn’t take long for kids to wise up. We learned early on that some things we
could test only by smell. If milk smelled bad, we didn’t bother tasting it.
Some things, however, could only be tested by taste. For example, we had two
pear trees. Both pears looked good. However, one tasted great, but the other
would pucker your mouth and numb your tongue! Sometimes you could use the test
of sight. Mom used that a lot when she was checking on our honesty. She had an
“inner” sight that saw through the best denials. In many ways, it’s a lot like
the test God uses to judge us, only God’s vision into our heart and soul is
100% accurate. There are thousands of medical tests, each with a specific
purpose. It is possible to “fool” some of the tests if you know what you are
doing. But, there is no cover-up possible with God. Knowing that fact, St. Paul
encourages us to be renewed in our minds and to live accordingly. The world may
be fooled by “cover-ups” and make-up jobs, but God isn’t. What kind of tests
will you pass on the day of Testing? Are you ready to do what is “good and
acceptable and perfect today?”
PRAYER
Perfect
and Just Judge, forgive our arrogance in thinking that somehow we can fool You.
Thank You for Your overwhelming mercy and grace showered upon us when we return
to confess and change our ways. Guide us in the Way of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 26, 2023
WATCHWORD
FOR THE WEEK
1
John 4:22 — The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must
love their brothers and sisters also.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm
119:63 — I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
Hebrews
10:25 — Do not let us neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encourage one another.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
It
has taken many years to discover what we should have known all along: saying we
want to get together more frequently doesn’t make it happen. Several times my
wife and I exchanged those words with friends and family, only to discover that
years went by before we got together. I pulled out my calendar and asked, “What
is the next day you’d like to meet? At your place or ours?” Shortly after we
returned to Nebraska, we met with some very dear friends we’ve known for most
of our married life. It was great! When we were about to part, we agreed we
should get together monthly. We wrote down the dates and, except for illness,
didn’t miss a month until we moved away again. A lot of Christians who join the
church make that covenant with God. “We should get together at least once a
week for worship!” But the commitment to do so ends there. God has always
been willing to bless us with His presence, but too often, we find too many
excuses, and before we know it, months—even years—have gone by, and our
friendship with our Best Friend begins to fade. If we are genuinely friends in
Christ, we should all encourage one another to keep our worship date with the
One who loves us enough to give the very best of Himself to us each day. Have
you been keeping your appointments with God?
PRAYER
Faithful
God and Friend of those willing to call You Friend, thank You for the
invitation to join You wherever two or more are gathered in Your name. Stir up
within us a burning desire to join You regularly and help us avoid the excuses
and obstacles which keep us apart. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 27, 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
Psalm
40:17 — I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
Romans
7:24-25 — Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
sister and I visited a classmate who lived on the other side of the section a
couple of miles from our farm. Taking the road would have meant an extra two
miles, so we decided to take the “shortcut.” That involved crossing through a
cattle yard. The part that burned in my memory is both of us trudging through
manure over our ankles and losing a shoe! Since they were reasonably new shoes,
I had to fish in the muck until I found it and then wondered how we would clean
ourselves up and get home in time for chores. The only thing we could do was
crawl over the fence, walk to the farmhouse of a neighbor we thought of as
being “mean,” and ask for help. To our amazement, she was very kind. She helped
us hose off the worst of the manure and called Mom to pick us up. (Needless to
say, Mom was unhappy with us, and her lectures made a lasting impression!) Even
a brief review of the stories of the Bible reminds us that, as bad and sinful
as we are, God comes to our rescue repeatedly. Wretched people that we are, God
still loves us and sent Jesus to wash us in baptismal waters, to feed us at His
table of grace, and to bless us eternally with His presence. Are you up to your
ankles (or neck) in trouble? Give thanks to God for Jesus, for He will rescue
those who call on His name.
PRAYER
Holy
Jesus, forgive us for wading into the stench of sin again and again. Thank You
for the waters of baptism, the blessing of renewal in You, and the meal that
gives us a foretaste of the Feast to come. Lead us on a path that brings us to
Your saving grace. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 28, 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
Psalm
118:8 — It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in
mortals.
Hebrews
3:6 — Christ, however, was faithful over God’s house as a son, and we are his
house if we hold firm the confidence and the pride that belongs to hope.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
had a well with a windmill. It was a beautiful sight for anyone who was
thirsty. Even when the wind wasn’t blowing, we could still pump water from the
well. However, even the best leathers wear out, and bolts and nuts rust. When
they did, we had to call the “well man.” That meant waiting. He was a busy man,
and anyone who has ever done any plumbing knows a simple job can become very
complex and time-consuming if a part breaks or doesn’t fit. When we called the
well man, he promised to be there before noon—always a good move for those who
knew they’d get to eat at Mom’s table! Noon came and went. Our thirst
increased. Dishes piled up in the sink. The animals were restless, and we had
to haul water for them from the creek. One of the neighbors heard about our
problem and came with a cream can full of 15-20 gallons of fresh, delicious
water for us to drink and clean up. The “well man” didn’t arrive until the following
day. Depending on any “mortal” can be risky. Fortunately, the Lord is faithful
with those who trust Him. He provided a path through the sea, water from a
rock, manna from Heaven, a feast from a few loaves and fish, and resurrection
from a dead body as a promise of what we can look forward to. In whom do you
put your trust?
PRAYER
Trustworthy
and Faithful, Lord, we are impatient people, especially when we are
uncomfortable, worried, or in pain. Therefore, give us a double measure of
patience and the strength and stamina to endure until the time comes when our
prayers are answered. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 29, 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
Psalm
111:4 — He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and
merciful.
Luke
22:19 — Then (Jesus) took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he
broke it and gave it to them, saying, “this is my body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
With
tears running down his scarred and weathered cheeks, my friend began his
“buffalo dance.” In his Native American dance tradition, it was important to remember
what the dance reenacted. I didn’t understand until he explained that for his
people, “to remember” meant to “relive” the events and the
emotions of the dance of his ancestors. Placing himself in their moccasins, in
memory, he wept for the people who would starve to death during the coming
winter because previous buffalo hunts were unsuccessful. Charles had entirely
captured the Hebrew meaning of the words of Jesus: “Do this in remembrance
of me.” We would do well to learn that meaning in our own lives and worship
practices. How much more meaningful it would be for us to honestly remember
that Jesus took our place on the cross, shed His blood for our salvation, and gave
Himself to us for our eternal life each time we “eat this bread and drink
this cup.” If we truly remembered, we would want to receive
the benefits of His presence—forgiveness, life, and salvation—every time we
gather for worship. How often do you need forgiveness, life, and
salvation?
PRAYER
Awesome
and Amazing Lord, it is easy to go through the motions of worship rituals
without truly remembering what they mean. Burn into our memories the true
meaning and emotions of Your life, sufferings, death, and resurrection. Thank
You, Lord, for caring for us that much! Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 30, 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
Hosea
13:4 — I am the Lord your God. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior
but me.
Philippians
2:7-9 — Christ Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in
human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became
obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also
highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Our
college choir director was fantastic but very demanding. He made it clear from
the first day that he was the director, and when he stood on the podium,
our attention was to be on him and him alone! Our eyes were to be on him for
the downbeat and either on him or the music throughout. If he saw our eyes
wander, even for a second, he would stop and chew us out. Noises, people
passing through, and even people passing out were not our concern! They were
his concern—if indeed they needed to be concerned about. Our only concern was
for following his direction to the letter. God expects that kind of
single-minded attention in all of our lives. Mr. Nelson was not God, but, in a
sense, God gave him a mission to teach us what it meant to keep our eyes on the
Lord! Jesus was so committed to a single-minded devotion and obedience to His
Father that He emptied Himself of all self-centeredness. Centering instead on
the mission of His Director, Jesus was highly exalted. What or Who is the focus
of your attention?
PRAYER
Director
and Lord of all, let us keep our attention focused on You so that the “music”
of our mission will reflect the harmonies of Heaven. Sing Your songs in our
hearts and souls so that Your Word of Life can be sung by us in all we say and
do, even as was and is done by Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Reformation Day
Tuesday, October 31, 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
60:18 — Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or
destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation and your
gates Praise.
Revelation
21:10-12 — (An angel) showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven
from God. It has the glory of God.... It has a great, high wall with twelve
gates.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Stories
of Martin Luther’s early years tell of terror-filled nightmares of demons and
devils attacking and devouring sinners. I identified with Luther and his fears
when I was a young child. Our country school stood on the highest hill in the
area with a view of the entire countryside. Not far from the boy’s outhouse
were the ruins of an old horse barn that had collapsed, but its decaying
remnants made great hiding places for our numerous wars. In those early years,
the Korean War was raging, and I had some nightmares of hiding in that old shed
and being overrun by Asian-looking soldiers with sharp bayonets. I woke up
terrified and shaking several nights. Unfortunately, such violence occurs in
many places worldwide every day. We long for a reformation of the human heart,
which will bring peace instead of pain. The vision of the prophets of the Old
Testament and the angels of Revelation give us a glimpse of what such reform
will bring. Within the walls of God’s perfect Kingdom, we will find the
Salvation and the Glory of God, which will cast out all nightmarish demons and
terrors, leaving only Light, Life, Love, and reason to Praise the Living God.
Are you ready to be “reformed?”
PRAYER
Strong
and Mighty God, the walls we build are as paper compared with the Mighty
Fortress of Your protective Love. Help us keep our sights on Your gracious,
encircling arms, reminding us often of Your Victory over sin, death, and the devil as described in the
last chapters of Revelation. Amen.
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