DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Thoughts to Ponder by Pastor Larry Sydow, Prayers by
Pastor Bruce Freeman
NEW YEARS DAY
– The Name of Jesus
Note: As the new church
year began (December 1, 2024), we began offering a list of scriptures you may
wish to read in a plan to read through the Bible in two years. From that list,
I have chosen a passage from the Gospel on which I’ve based my “Thought To
Ponder.”
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Genesis 17:1-12a, 15-16;
Colossians 2:6-12; John 16:23b-30
SCRIPTURE
John 16:24b — Jesus said,
“...Ask (for anything in my name), and you will receive, so that your joy may
be complete.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It had taken Dad and me both
to disassemble a piece of equipment and move it to the field I was working in.
When I finished that field, I was supposed to move it to another field. Dad
said he would be back to help me. However, when I finished, Dad was nowhere to
be seen. As a fifteen-year-old, I figured I was smart enough to get the job
done without him. With a knot on my head, three skinned knuckles, and a nasty
cut on my arm, the job of preparing the machine I was to move was accomplished –
just as Dad pulled up. I must have looked like a mess – although I have to
admit I was a proud mess. “Why didn’t you wait for me to help?” he asked.
“Because,” I replied, “I thought I could do it myself.” I knew he was proud of
my effort but concerned about my wounds, wounds I could have avoided with his
help. Throughout biblical history, people have made the same mistakes I made.
They forget to call on God until it is dangerously late. Jesus reminded His
disciples that they were not alone in the world. They could call on His Name.
As we begin a new year, may we re-discover the joy of having “God-with-us”
– Emmanuel – available to help 24/7!
PRAYER
As I begin this new year,
fill me with your Spirit and guide me throughout the coming days and months, O
God. It is good to know that you are always with me, no matter what the problem
that might arise. Thank you for being Emmanuel. In the name of Jesus, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, January 2, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 62:6-7, 10-12; Hebrews
2:10-18; Matthew 1:18-25
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:24, 25“— Then
Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him
and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her
firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I understand Joseph. Like his
Old Testament counterpart, he was a dreamer of dreams who paid attention to his
dreams. I know Joseph because I am a dreamer of dreams, too. I haven’t always
paid attention to what God is trying to tell me through my dreams. For a time,
I wrote them out as soon as I woke up enough to write. The more I wrote, the
more vivid my memory became. Over time, I began to see patterns in my dreams’
symbols and events. Then I got lazy and stopped writing them down, and guess
what? I stopped having dreams! Truthfully, the dreams didn’t stop. I can still
vaguely remember some of them, and sometimes, I have a nagging feeling that I
should be remembering something, but it just doesn’t come. I need to start
paying attention to those dreams! What if God tried to tell me something
through them, and I wasn’t paying attention? If the Bible is right, and I
believe it is, God has been speaking to me (and you), but I/we haven’t listened.
Joseph probably didn’t write his dreams down, but in a crucial test of his
faith, he accepted the message of his dream as being from the Lord. He then
acted accordingly. He married Mary, gave Jesus, not his name as was customary,
but JESUS (He will save), and raised God’s Son as his own. Has God been
having trouble getting through to you, too?
PRAYER
Dear Lord, you speak to me
in many different ways and at various times: in prayer, in your Word, in the
voice of a brother or sister, and even in dreams. Help me be alert and aware of
your voice and what it is you would have me do. Let every action be for you and
your glory. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, January 3, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Genesis 28:10-22; Hebrews
11:13-22; John 10:7-17
SCRIPTURE
John 10:9 — I am the door.
If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find
pasture.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
While I was away at a
conference, my wife stayed with some friends on a ranch in western Nebraska.
When the cattle got out, Sue offered to help and joined the family in
attempting to round them up and get them back in the pen. She asked what she
was to do. They told her to stand in one of the openings and wave her hands so
the cattle wouldn’t go through the wrong opening. City girl that she was, when
the first of the cattle approached, she panicked at the sight of huge cows
stampeding toward her. She threw up her hands, screamed, and ran for the fence, allowing the cattle to
escape. Her “gate” didn’t keep them in but let them out instead. In Jesus’ day,
the shepherd laid across the entrance to the cave or sheep pen, not so much to
keep the sheep in as to keep predators out. They would fight off any who
attempted to harm the sheep, even at the risk of their lives. Jesus declares
that He Himself is the Good Shepherd, the one who will lay down His life for
us, His sheep. As the “Door-keeper,” Jesus will invite everyone who believes in
Him to enter and leave, and feast at His table. All others will be turned away.
How will you enter His gates?
PRAYER
Thank you for being my
Good Shepherd, O Holy One, and for laying down your life for me. Let me enter
into your presence so that I will be close to you. It is wonderful to sit down
at your table with other believers, sharing in your gifts. Use me to bring
others into your fold. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, January 4, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Exodus 3:1-15; Hebrews
11:23-31; John 14:6-14
SCRIPTURE
John 14:6 — Jesus said to
(Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It helps to know someone who
knows someone important. When I was ten, I thought I could become rich by
selling religious wall hangings. At least, that was the impression I got when I
ordered the sales kit. The hangings were about the size of a sheet of typing
paper, and the words were made of glittering silver and glued to the dark blue
cardboard. Mom was a reluctant but easy sale. However, I had to sell them all
to pay for the others and make a profit. When we went to town, I went door to
door. I soon discovered that there weren’t as many eager buyers as the
advertisement claimed. I was pretty discouraged until I came to a house where
the woman recognized me as Esther’s son and Grandma Roenfeldt’s grandson. She
bought two of the posters and sent me next door! She called ahead, and that
woman bought one. That was the break-even sale (and also my last). Jesus offers
to be the Someone known by the ONE who counts. We don’t have to pray to Mary or
the Saints. Jesus Himself is the way, the truth, and the life. The great news
is that He invites and encourages us to drop His name anytime. Whose name will
you use?
PRAYER
Are you saddened or
amused, Dear Jesus, when I “name-drop” impressing others with my knowledge of
others? Forgive me when I neglect to drop the most important name of all – yours.
You are my life’s purpose, so help me tell others about you. In your Holy Name,
I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, January 5, 2025 — First Sunday after
Christmas
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Joshua 1:1-9; Hebrews 11:32 -
12:2; John 15:1-16
SCRIPTURE
John 15:5 — (Jesus said)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears
much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Horses and horsepower have
one thing in common on the farm. Without them, not much got done. Grandpa
depended on the horses for most of his crop farming and took good care of them.
They allowed him to carry heavy loads to and from the field. With a good team
of horses, Grandpa could plow, harrow, seed, mow, and harvest far more crops
than he could have done with his bare hands and aching back. When the tractor
with horsepower came on the scene, the horses lost their importance to farming
(until morning when my father couldn’t start the tractor). Without horsepower, we
could accomplish very little. Those who grow grapes understand the importance
of the vine. The branches are useless without the vine. The branches are
actually “disposable.” The vine can produce more branches that will be even
more productive if trimmed. Jesus is the vine - the Source of life and the
fruits of the Spirit. Our usefulness as His branches is entirely dependent on
our relationship to Him. How much life and energy we draw from Him depends on
how much we allow Him to nourish us with His Word and sacraments. If we don’t
feel productive or “successful,” maybe we need to re-examine your relationship
with our Vine. How close are you to the Source of your fruitfulness?
PRAYER
You are my root and stock,
dear God. My ability to produce fruit comes only from being firmly attached to
you and your love. Nourish me at your table and in your Word so I may grow into
the productive kind of disciple you desire. I ask this in the name of Christ,
who is the vine. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, January 6, 2025 — THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 52:7-10; Revelation
21:22-27; Matthew 12:14-21
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:14 — Then the
Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I tried developing the
pictures from my old camera once. My problem was creating a totally dark room.
No matter how much black plastic and duct tape I used, there was always a
sliver of light. Thinking I fixed one leak, I would discover another. The
developing I was doing required absolute darkness. Without that condition, my
negatives all had a shadow of light or were a bit foggy. I couldn’t keep out
the light, so I finally gave up the effort. In the beginning, the Light
separated from the darkness, and chaos gave way to the order of creation. The
light of a star led wise men from the East to the Light of the world. His Light
could not be snuffed out, even by a cruel, vicious king. The Pharisees plotted
to quench its flame by destroying Him, but He was the world’s true Light.
Epiphany marks the coming of Light into our world at creation and in the New
Creation - Jesus Christ. How do you respond to the Light? Do you hide in its
shadows or welcome Him to “cast out all darkness and enter in?” May the Light of Epiphany reveal His love for
you!
PRAYER
Do not take the light of
your presence from me, O Holy One, but shine your light so that I may see your
way. May I discover your presence in all my days. Let your light shine in me so
that others will see and glorify you. In your blessed name, I pray, O Jesus.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 52:3-6; Revelation
2:1-7; John 2:1-11
SCRIPTURE
John 2:10 — And (the
master of the feast) said to (the bridegroom), “Every man at the beginning sets
out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You
have kept the good wine until now!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It is simply human nature.
When a friend asked me to help serve a dinner for the hotel he worked in, I
agreed, thinking I’d at least get a free meal! We set the tables and began
serving the best-looking plates of food. There were others to choose from, but
the meat wasn’t cut straight, the potatoes landed on the plate wrong, and the
vegetables weren’t as colorful. So, the hotel manager set them aside. When we
ran out of good-looking plates, we started using those. “The important people
always eat first. They are the ones we want to impress.” he declared. It wasn’t
that the food was bad. I know because after we served everyone, and before we
picked up dirty dishes, we ate those “set aside, less appealing” plates of food,
and mine was delicious! The master of the feast at the wedding in Cana must
have expected as much with the wine. However, Jesus became the new “ingredient”
that made the ordinary extraordinary. Why not invite Jesus into every part of
your life so that the ordinary in your life can become extraordinary?
PRAYER
Thank you for your
extraordinary love for your people, O Father. By your Spirit, change me into a
different person who loves even more deeply and shows that love by caring for
others. Thank you for Christ making a difference in my life. In His Holy Name,
I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 59:59:15b-21;
Revelation 2:8-17; John 4:46-54
SCRIPTURE
John 4:47 — When (a
certain nobleman) heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went
to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point
of death.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When our children were small,
we discovered that they reacted badly to many of the medicines doctors
prescribed for them. At least two doctors tried to tell us it was all in our
heads, but he didn’t have to spend all night calming a child who, according to
the doctor, “should get very sleepy.” The only ones who got sleepy were the
parents! We prayed, almost without ceasing, for some relief, asking God to
guide our search. We couldn’t just do nothing! We followed every lead to find
an alternative to the medicines that drove the kids wild, with varying degrees
of success, until we found someone who could help. We thanked God profusely! Undoubtedly,
the nobleman loved his son enough to spend lots of money on doctors and, in
desperation, decided to do what we did. Hearing that Jesus had healed others,
he asked Jesus to heal his son, and his son was healed. How sad it is that some
of us wait until we, or someone we love, is “at the point of death” before we
take it to the Lord. Why not take time right now to raise your most urgent
concerns with the Lord in prayer? He may be waiting for you to invite Him to
“come to my house, Lord” so He can answer you.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, come into my
heart and home and listen to my pleas and concerns. I know that you are aware
of them, but I also know that you yearn to hear them from me, and I will
include you within the innermost reaches of my life. Help me to be still and
hear your answer. In Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, January 9, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 40:1-11; Hebrews
1:1-12; John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34
SCRIPTURE
John 1:1 — In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
A mysterious and valuable
piece of lost treasure floated down the raging river that ran through our
“ranch.” It had washed ashore near the wooden bridge that was dangerously close
to collapsing after the previous day’s torrential rain. As seasoned explorers,
my sister and I decided that this treasure was only the beginning of what we
would find if we followed the river to its source. We grabbed our weapons,
enough ammunition to wipe out a small army, and a Snowball cupcake each, which
General Mom had packed for us. We followed the river’s meandering course back
as far as the dam without finding anything. We then retraced our steps to take
the other, lesser explored tributary running through the treacherous Swenson
“Game Preserve.” We became so involved in shooting charging elephants,
ferocious lions and tigers, and head hunters that we never did find the
treasure or the beginning of the river. We ate our Snowball cupcakes and went
home empty-handed. The writer of the Gospel of John doesn’t lead us through jungles,
raging rivers, or animal parks to find the Source - the Beginning. He “shoots
straight and true” to tell us where the Beginning and the Treasure are - at the
beginning. We may have many “adventures” on our way to discovering it, but it
was always, is always, and always will be right there - “in the beginning.”
Have you been searching in the wrong places? Have you let the “battles” of the
world distract your search? Jesus declared, “...where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also.” What more do you need?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am
sorry that I have been looking in so many wrong places to find the source of
life when you are the source of my very being. Fill me with the deepness of
your love, letting me overflow into everyone I meet. I pray this in the name of
your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, January 10, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 40:12-24; Ephesians
1:1-14; Mark 1:1-13
SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:7-8 — And (John the
Baptist) preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized
you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
A neighbor invited us to a
surprise birthday party for a friend. It was fun “sneaking” into the party
room, knowing he was with some of his family in a room nearby. We had to be
quiet - an almost impossible assignment for adults. As the time drew near, the
noise level seemed to grow. Our anticipation increased with each person who
came in. Someone else came through the door at one point and almost got
“surprised,” but we caught ourselves when we saw that he wasn’t the one. The
one we wanted to surprise was still coming - soon. Just before the guest of
honor arrived, the lights went out, and the room became silent. In an instant, we
sprung the surprise! Imagine John’s excited anticipation as he is preaching and
baptizing in the Jordan! He knows! He has been told from early childhood! But
he has had to keep the surprise all those years of growing up. Now, the
surprise party is about to begin. Only John, and maybe Jesus, know that the
guests in the baptismal party are about to get the thrill of their lives. The
One they’ve been waiting for, the one their ancestors have waited for more than
four hundred years – this One was here now! Shocked by the surprise, some went
away grumbling, some became skeptical, but some, no doubt, were thrilled to the
core. How about you? Would it surprise you to know that you don’t have to wait
for the “sweet by-and-by”? Jesus is ready to baptize you with the Holy Spirit –
and fire – right now, this very instant. All you have to do is make the
invitation! “Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! Amen!” May you be surprised by
Jesus’ joy!
PRAYER
Come, Lord Jesus, and with
your Spirit enter my heart. Fill me with such love for you that I have to share
that love with others. Surprise me with your joy and give my startled body and
soul new life. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, January 11, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 40:25-31; Ephesians
1:15-23; Mark 1:14-28
SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:17-18 — Then Jesus
said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately
left their nets and followed Him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I went to stay with my
city cousins in town, I had to be a follower. They knew the town. They knew all
of the great hiding places. They knew all of the best shortcuts. They also knew
they could lead me into trouble. One of my cousins led me through so many muddy
culverts my aunt made us wash off with a hose before she let us in the house to
take baths. However, when these same cousins came to stay with us on the farm
or for a visit, I became the leader. Where I led them too often depended on my
memories of the trouble they got me into. (It’s not exactly a good “golden
rule” story!) Without much effort, I could always lead them through some
“shortcut” that would force them to step in something. Thankfully, Jesus
invites us to follow Him for a more love-directed reason. He offers to lead us
even through the “valley of the shadow of death” to a place already prepared
for us in His Home. He doesn’t say the path will be easy, nor that we won’t
“step in something” on the way, but he intends to make a seasoned disciple of
any willing to commit their whole life to Him. Who will you follow?
PRAYER
Be my guide and my
strength, dear Jesus. Lead me, and I will follow. Give me the courage and
ability to follow you no matter where you want me, even onto rough paths and in
places I don’t want to step. Make me into the disciple you intend for me to be.
In your name, I ask these things. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS— 1st Sunday after
Epiphany
Sunday, January 12, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 41:1-16; Ephesians
2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45
SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:42 — As soon as
(Jesus) had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
There was something neat
about being “it” for a game of “Mother, May I,” especially for a kindergartner.
We had to take orders from the “big kids,” the teacher, and parents most of the
time. But in that game, in that position, when I was “it,” everyone playing the
game had to ask my permission to move. When I gave the word, they would move.
It was great fun to say, “Everyone may
take one step forward!” and watch everyone move in unison as if controlled by
my words. I quickly learned that some moved more than one step without my
permission and without my seeing them. I had to watch them very closely. When
the WORD Himself walked among people, His Word made the living death of leprosy
leave, demons flee, and the dead live. His Word can do the same with us, even
today. Jesus wants to speak through us to the living dead, the sick and
sorrowful, the dying, and those injured in body, mind, or Spirit. He wants to
speak through us to bring new life and love immediately. Are you well enough
versed in His Word and faithful enough in His Will to speak for Him? If not,
why not promise yourself you’ll begin right now? You may! You have my
permission! But more importantly, you have His permission and His command!
PRAYER
Speak, Lord, and I will be
made whole and cleansed. Take away from me my sin, the unwillingness to listen
to and speak your word to those in need. Nurture your love in me so that I may
truly love others. In your most gracious name, I pray; Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, January 13, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 41:17-29; Ephesians
2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12
SCRIPTURE
Mark 2:10-12a — But that
you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. He said to
the paralytic, I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.
Immediately, he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them
all....
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The one-and-a-quarter-mile
road from our country school to our farm was not graveled. In wet weather,
traveling on steep, hilly roads was almost impossible. When the road was dry or
frozen solid in the winter, my Mom would take us to school. At times, the
temperature was just warm enough to make the road “iffy” at best. Our old ‘48
Dodge got stuck on the return trip several times, and Dad had to bring the
tractor to pull us out. The car would get “high centered” in the ruts, dragging
its bottom in the mud. In a sense, the car was paralyzed. It could not go
backward or forward. It was stuck. The man Jesus healed was stuck on his bed
with physical paralysis. It took more than a powerful tractor and chain to move
him again. It took the powerful Word of Jesus. If you’ve ever thought of your
life being “high centered” or “stuck,” it may be time for you to call on the
One with the power to release you from your “mud” and “muck.” However, be
prepared to move “immediately.” When Jesus speaks, even the paralyzed are moved
- immediately! With His help, all things are possible!
PRAYER
I know that all things are
possible with you. Even if I don’t see myself as “stuck,” dear God, many times
you probably do. When I am, use your great power to release me from my
paralysis and send me on my way to do your will and rejoice in your love. In
Christ’s Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 42:1-17; Ephesians
3:1-13; Mark 2:13-22
SCRIPTURE
Mark 2:14 — As He passed
by, He saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office. And He said to
him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The principal came into the
study hall shortly after the period began. His presence was never seen as a
good sign. It usually meant someone was in trouble. He scanned the room, and
his eyes focused on the table where I was studying. He walked toward us, then
pointed at three of us, quietly saying, “You, you, and you! Follow me!” I don’t
know about the other two, but my heart began to pound, and my life (at least
the first four periods of the school day) passed before my eyes. If I was in
trouble, I could think of no reason! Blindly, like sheep led to the slaughter,
the three of us followed Mr. Andersen into the hallway, where he stopped,
turned, and told us he needed us to help some guest performers move their
things in from a truck. We were three lucky dogs, and we knew it! When Jesus
called Levi, an ordinary day became a life-changing day. When Jesus called me,
I was a teenager at camp and too wet behind the ears to know the direction of
my life had changed. Jesus calls everyone “who has ears to hear.” It is a call
to ministry of some type. It may be as a pastor, a teacher, a mechanic, a
doctor, a nurse, a friend of the poor, or a hundred other ministries. Jesus
knows the gifts He has given you. He knows your potential better than you. Will
you arise “and follow Him” like Levi?
PRAYER
Open my ears, O Heavenly
Father, so I hear your call. Show me all the gifts that I have. And I am sorry
for those I am aware of but neglect to use. Help me to use them in ministry to
others and to follow you like Levi. Hear my prayers in the name of your Son,
Jesus the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN
TWO YEARS
Isaiah 42:18 - 43:1-13;
Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 2:23 - 3:6
SCRIPTURE
Mark 2:27 — And He said to
them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When my father was a kid, the
church he went to was on the opposite corner of the farm where he lived. He
used to play with the pastor’s kids a lot. However, Sundays often became a
problem. The pastor was very strict about the Sabbath. The kids were not
supposed to play. Needless to say, Dad and his brothers were not very helpful
in keeping the pastor’s kids “faithful” to the Sabbath and got them into
trouble many Sundays. For that very strict branch of Lutheranism, the Sabbath
was made for worshiping, sitting, visiting, and reflecting - only! Chores and
cooking were the only exceptions, and even they were to be the minimum
possible. When I grew up, Dad taught his kids to enjoy the Sabbath, but if
something needed to be done, we were expected to do it. He liked this verse.
Some Sundays, after church, while cleaning out the chicken coop, I thought he
liked it a little too much! These are two extremes. I believe Jesus intended
for us to rest and recuperate on the Sabbath, but not at the exclusion of
worship or service to those in need. Our problem is that we treat Sunday as
“just another work day” or as a day for fun and games. God’s gift of the
Sabbath was explicitly aimed at worshiping and remembering Him in all we do.
How will you “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy?”
PRAYER
Thank you for your
precious gift of the Sabbath, O Maker and Creator. I pray that I will always
keep it as you intended: to refresh me by centering on your word and to praise
you. Let my actions on your Holy Day be those for others and pleasing to you. I
ask these things in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, January 16, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 43:14 - 44:5;
Hebrews 6:17 - 7:10; John 4:27-42
SCRIPTURE
John 4:34 — Jesus said to
(the disciples), “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish
His work.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When Grandma sent me out to
gather eggs, it was a mission I took very seriously. She had taken me with her many
times to help, but when she trusted me with the job by myself, I felt special.
She had shown me all of their hiding places. Some nests were in the loft over
the old shed between the hog shed and the chicken coop. Some were in the back
seat of an old abandoned car in the trees. Most of them were in the nests in
the chicken coop, which they guarded with razor-sharp beaks and claws. But
Grandma had entrusted me, a five-year-old, with the “secret” of getting the
eggs without getting bloody! That was a mission to live for and bleed for if I
had to; I was proud to be her helper. God sent Jesus into the world with a more
daunting and dangerous task. He came to share good news and “gather” all the
“eggs” (the people) and bring them to the Father. Jesus knew many were hiding
from Him. He knew some wanted to make Him bloody and kill Him. He knew some
would hate Him. But Jesus was committed to paying the price. The very mission
gave Him the energy of heavenly food. Have you signed on to be His helper? He
needs all the helpers He can recruit. Why not join me in gathering the good and
the rotten “eggs” of the world for the Father in Heaven?
PRAYER
Sign me up, O Father, and
use me to help you gather those you love to be in your presence. Just use me
wherever and whenever you need to, and I will let you decide who the “good” and
“bad” eggs are. Use me today to recruit others to do your bidding. Through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, January 17, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 44:6-8, 21-23;
Ephesians 4:1-16; Mark 3:7-19a
SCRIPTURE
Mark 3:11 — Whenever
unclean spirits saw (Jesus), they fell down before him and shouted, “You are
the Son of God!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My first experience in gym
class in high school was an intimidating one. In our country school, we all
played together. The big kids often helped the younger ones with challenging
games. In gym class, however, it became evident that some were more
experienced, more sophisticated, and more athletic than others. Those more
athletically challenged (we didn’t call it that then) congregated in one area
apart from those more gifted. We looked longingly at those more talented,
wishing we could do the things they did with as much ease. When the Light of
the Son confronted darkness-filled unclean spirits, they could not help
themselves. I don’t think they fell down in mockery. I believe they did so with
the awe of an athletically challenged teenager, meeting face to face with a
gigantic superstar for the first time - one they had only heard about or seen
only on TV! The God-created part of them craved the Light from which they had
deprived themselves. In the same way, there is a part of every one of us that
craves with longing desire for the One who can wash us clean and make us whole.
Is there something missing in your life? You may not be as far gone as the
unclean spirits or as athletically challenged as I believed myself to be, but a
part of you is magnetically drawn to the One who can make you whole again. Why
not invite Him to take up residence in you?
PRAYER
I long for your closeness,
dear Lord. I welcome you to come into my heart, soul, life, and very being, O
God of Light. Shine in me so that others may know you and your greatness. In
the name of the One who came as the light of the world. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, January 18, 2025 — 2nd Sunday
After Epiphany
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 44:9-20; Ephesians
4:17-32; Mark 3:19b-35
SCRIPTURE
Mark 3:35 - (Jesus
said), “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I was blessed to be born into
a large family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. When I went to town on
Saturday night, I knew who my relatives were. I knew which ones I could depend
on to “squeal” on me if I did something I wasn’t supposed to. But I also knew
who would be there for me if I needed help. I knew the difference between “us
and them” - those who were members of my family and those who were not. There
were a few relatives we didn’t claim or tried to avoid. There were others we
pointed out with pride and happily acknowledged as OUR relatives. Jesus opened
the circle wide enough to include everyone who does God’s will as members of
His immediate Family. Isn’t it good to know that Jesus wants to include us? Not
only does He include us, but He also goes to the pain of dying for us and
preparing a place, especially for us! Saying that “Jesus loves us” and “Jesus
calls us ‘friends’” is the greatest privilege and the most wonderful Good News
anyone could receive. Because we are brothers and sisters of Jesus, He is the
big brother who promises to share His inheritance with us! Can you think of
anything more exciting?
PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father,
for making me a part of your family through my baptism. Thank you for choosing
me to be a part of your greater family. Help me to follow Jesus by bringing
others to you so that you can make them my brothers and sisters. I pray that I
may make you proud to call me yours. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, January 19, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 44:24 - 45:7;
Ephesians 5:1-14; Mark 4:1-20
SCRIPTURE
Mark 4:9 - And Jesus said, “Let anyone with ears to
hear listen!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It never fails! I spent ten
minutes making announcements and giving assignments at the end of confirmation
class, only to have someone raise their hand and ask, “Where am I supposed to
go?” The nasty part of me wanted to send them to the outer limits, but I took a
deep breath and said, “As I have said
twice already....” I know of people who have a condition called “hearing
dyslexia,” so I am sensitive to students who are trying to understand but
can’t, as opposed to those who are too busy talking to friends to listen.
Hearing dyslexia is similar to dyslexia of sight, where some letters and words
get scrambled from the eye to the brain - or, in this case, from the ear to the
brain. Imagine receiving instructions to “Love the Lord your God... and love
your neighbor as yourself,” only the verb - “love” - is scrambled. Or suppose
all the verbs in your instructions on lighting candles and assisting with
communion got scrambled? Jesus isn’t speaking to a whole crowd of people with
hearing dyslexia. (A very tiny percentage of people actually have it.) But many
people are so distracted by sin, the devil, and/or their world that they never
really hear Jesus at all. That is why regular worship and Bible study with
other Christians is essential- ensuring we hear the Word correctly.
(Please read that last sentence to at least three different people today and
ask them to repeat it to you so you make sure you got it straight yourself.)
“Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”
PRAYER
I am sorry that so many
times I let the noises and clutter of my life prevent me from truly hearing
what you say to me, dear Lord. Like a rude student, I sit talking to others
instead of listening to your instructions. I pray that I will use this and pay
attention to you by my worship and study with others. I pray these things
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, January 20, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 45:5-17; Ephesians
5:15-23; Mark 4:21-34
SCRIPTURE
Mark 4:25 - (Jesus
said) “To those who have more will be given; and from those who have nothing,
even what they have will be taken away.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of my regrets is that I
never really told my parents how amazed I was with their accomplishments.
Growing up, I just took them for granted. However, I often questioned why so
many neighbors came to them for help. We always got our own work done, but it
seemed, as a kid, as if Dad and sometimes Mom were in the neighbor’s fields
helping them an awful lot. When one of the renters of the farm across the road
moved, Dad was the one the owner came to just before it was time to plant,
asking if we would farm it for him. Adding what we already had to farm with a
four-row planter and a two-row corn picker, we ended up with over 640 acres!
(Today, with the huge equipment used, that would be a drop in the bucket.) For
Dad and Mom, it was crazy hard work and lots of extra-long hours, but it got
done. When the hospital needed to expand, they came to Dad to help raise money.
When our country school needed cleaning, Mom was right there organizing. When
neighbors needed anything, you guessed it. They were there. The more they had
to do, the more they were asked to do. It is no surprise that when something
needs to be done in the church, we call on those who are already busy. Have you
ever been envious of someone who seems to keep increasing the size of their
farm or business? If you observe them, as I have, you’ll see that they have
more because they do more with it. They don’t just sit on it and hope it will
grow. The same principle is true of our faith and our spiritual growth. Have
yours been increasing or decreasing? Memorize this passage from Mark. What are
you doing to encourage your spiritual growth?
PRAYER
Thank you for the gift of
my faith, O Holy One. I pray that you will help me grow in that faith and my
spiritual life by using me to help others in their need. Open my eyes so that I
may see the needs of my neighbors and increase my giving to them. I boldly ask
these things in the name of Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 45:18-25; Ephesians
6:1-9; Mark 4:35-41
SCRIPTURE
Mark 4:39 - He woke up and rebuked the wind and said
to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My “side-trip” into
counseling began with a visit to the center I had been asked to join to “add a
spiritual dimension” to healing. I went to observe, but the staff quickly
enlisted me to help. A foster mother brought in four of her “profoundly and
severely disabled” children; about the same time, two brothers and their mother
wrestled an adult with extreme mental problems into the clinic. If that was not
enough, a car-load of students from Maharishi University sat in the waiting
room with their long list of physical, mental, and spiritual complaints, making
everyone else nervous with their mantras and meditations. That was in addition
to the “regulars.” My assessment of the situation was absolute chaos! It felt
like my experience in an emergency room in a large hospital in triage where
doctors were treating victims of a major disaster! By the end of the day, I was
drained. The staff was smiling and full of life. One of them declared, “I sure
hope you’ll join us! You have no idea how much peace you brought into our lives
today!” I was dumbfounded! Peace? In
that chaos?! The administrator assured me that was precisely what the rest of
the staff experienced, also. They were feeling calm assurance and hanging on
for dear life. If it was real, it could only have been the Jesus in me because
I myself did not feel it. Have you allowed the Jesus in you to bring calm and
peace to someone’s stormy life?
PRAYER
It’s been almost a month
since I celebrated your birth, O Immanuel; God with us. I know that you are
indeed with me this day. Give me peace, knowing you are here, creating order
and wonder out of chaos. Use me to give peace to someone else today whose life
is stormy. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 46:1-13; Ephesians
6:1-24; Mark 5:1-20
SCRIPTURE
Mark 5:9 - Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
At one time, name brands
meant something. “Butternut Bread,” advertised by the Cisco Kid, was made in
Omaha. “Eskimo Pies” were made in Onawa, Iowa, where they were invented. Fords,
Chevrolets, Farmalls, and John Deeres were all made in the good old USA, where
we knew the manufacturer would stand behind his products. Gurney seeds were
packaged in Yankton, SD. “Made in Japan, China, or Taiwan” was unheard of when
I was a kid. I’m sure people used aliases back then, but that was mainly in the
movies. My uncle was the town cop for many years. He made it a point to learn
the names of all the kids in town and most people who spent time there. It gave
him power and authority when they stepped over the legal line. Being able to
put a name with a face, a car, or a way of walking or talking gave my uncle the
edge. He knew they might try to run from the law, but he had their name, number,
and address. Jesus confronted a man possessed by a whole legion of demons. Once
He had their name, he had authority over them and the power to cast them into a
herd of pigs. Sometimes, we need to be able to name our demons so that we can
invite Jesus to take authority over them to cast them out, or at least to give
us the power to resist them. These demons were not made in some foreign
country. They were made and welcomed into our own lives. In Jesus’ name, we
have the authority to cast them from our lives if we are willing to let go of
them. Any you’d be willing to let go of?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, you have
so many children in this world, but you know me by my name. You also know the
demons that dwell within me: anger, jealousy, and an unforgiving heart or one
of any number. I submit them all to you. Cast them out with your power and make
me whole. I am brave to ask this in the name of Jesus your Son. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, January 23, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 47:1-15; Hebrews
10:19-31; John 5:2-18
SCRIPTURE
John 5:8-9 - Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your
mat and walk.” At once, the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began
to walk. Now, that day was a Sabbath.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Sunday morning at our house
was often like a mad scramble. With four boys, two girls, Grandpa, Mom, Dad,
and one bathroom! Chores had to be finished, breakfast eaten, and baths taken
in shifts. Then, before the mad dash for the car, we scrambled to find Sunday
School lessons and the Bible. By some unspoken word, the back pew was always
saved for the Sydows, with other spots kept for my sister and me since we
couldn’t all fit into one pew. Our “Sabbath” day was not exactly peaceful or
painless. But during that hour, the chaos of the journey settled down so that
the Word of God could settle in. The chaos of the paralyzed man waiting on his
mat for years, waiting for the waters to move, waiting to beat the traffic jam
to the Pool of Bethesda, came to a head as Jesus walked by. Jesus proved to be
more than just “moving water.” He was the true “Living Water” of life. At a
Word from Jesus, the long wait was over, the journey to the pool became the
beginning of a journey of freedom to go into all the world. We may all be
paralyzed by the chaos of our times in one way or another. We all need to feel
the movement of the Living Water and hear His instructions to take up our mats
and walk the walk of those who have been healed to the core of our souls. What
are you waiting for?
PRAYER
Bathe me this Sabbath day
in your Living Waters, O Christ. Open my ears so that I might truly hear your
Word and let it live in my heart. Take away my paralysis of inaction and move
me toward being the kind of disciple you would have me. Thank you for your
healing touch. In your Holy Name, I am asking for these petitions. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, January 24, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 48:1-11; Galatians
1:1-17; Mark 5:21-43
SCRIPTURE
Mark 5:27-28 - (A
woman suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years) heard about Jesus and came
up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch
his clothes, I will be made well.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
A lot can be discovered from
the touch of a hand. The touch of my father on the shoulder of a skittish cow
was calming. The touch of Grandma as she rocked me to sleep was the touch of
peace and security. The hand of my mother on my feverish brow when I was very
sick, was a touch of comfort and reassurance. The touch of the pastor’s hand on
my “Butch-waxed” hair at confirmation conveyed the feeling of authority. The
touch of the handshake of various Branson performers produced a variety of
feelings, from wimpy and wishy-washy to strength and confidence. The same thing
often happens at the door when I greet people after worship. Some touches sap
me of life and energy, leaving me feeling empty. Some send life and energy,
leaving me feeling alive and renewed. The suffering woman was desperate for a
touch. She was desperate enough to break the laws of Moses concerning such
illness and risked being out in public. She had heard stories of the amazing
touch of Jesus and, in her desperation, broke another law by touching the hem of
his cloak. And she was healed! What kind of touch do you seek? What kind of
touch do you give? Have you touched the hem of His cloak in worship and the
study of His Word? Have you allowed Jesus to fill you so much with Himself that
others may be energized, even healed, or brought back to life by your touch?
PRAYER
I long for your caring
touch, O Savior. Touch me now by your Word, in worship and study. Remind me
that the touch of others is like touching the hand of God because you live in
them as well as me. Give me energy and power so I may go out and share it with
others longing for you to touch them. In Your Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, January 25, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 48:12-22; Galatians
1:19 - 2:10; Mark 6:1-13
SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:6a - He
was amazed at their unbelief.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
After trying to ride a
neighbor kid’s bicycle for the first time, my shins were bloody, the knuckles
on my left hand were skinned, and my pride was shattered. I couldn’t believe he
made it look so easy. Yes, the bike was two sizes too big for me, and the ruts
in the schoolyard made riding rough, but he did it. Why couldn’t I? It may have
been similar disbelief another friend expressed in me after working all weekend
on an algebra problem that I bragged I solved on my first try. (I was not an
algebra genius. I just followed the formula to the letter and guessed at the
right combination.) Physical and mathematical “miracles” are easy enough to
accept and explain, but spiritual matters are something else. The crowd Jesus
preached to in His hometown found it impossible to believe that this
“carpenter’s son,” whom they had watched grow up, could be anyone as important
as the Messiah. It is easy to imagine their minds dismissing Jesus as just
another hometown boy who comes home for an alumnae banquet - with a big head! Could
we miss the greatness in our own “hometown” people, thinking with Nathaniel,
“Can anything good come out of ......?” If we believe His promise, we should
instead salute the Jesus who lives in “all who believe and are baptized”! How
easy is it for you to believe that Jesus lives in you? Or your neighbor? Or
that kid down the street?
PRAYER
Please forgive me, O God,
when I fail to see your works in others around me. Open my eyes to see your
goodness and greatness in others and praise you for them. Thank you for my
baptism and living within me as you do in others who bear the sign of your
cross. In the name of my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, January 26, 2025 — 3rd Sunday
After Epiphany
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 49:1-12; Galatians
2:11-21; Mark 6:13-29
SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:16 - But when King Herod heard of (Jesus’
ministry), he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I saw the ghost of a ten-year-old
boy who died in the house in which we were meeting. (Yes, I know! All you
theological types don’t need to deluge me with e-mails reminding me of what I
learned about the subject in seminary! I know what I saw and no philosophy or
theology can explain it away.) It was not “spooky” or frightening. He was
kneeling beside one of our friends, simply listening. I only found out later
that a ten-year-old boy had died in that house many years before, and a chill
went through me when they described him. It was him, right down to the baseball
cap he loved to wear! I can only imagine what stories of Jesus must have done
to a paranoid like King Herod, who had ordered the beheading of John. Guilt and
insane fear must have nearly driven him over the edge. Even ordering and
participating in the death of three of his sons didn’t have this impact. But in
the case of Jesus, Herod’s fear was misplaced. He had reason to fear the
judgment to follow far more than a concern about a ghost or a resurrected
headless prophet. Our Lord reminded us in Matthew 10:28 - “Do not fear those
who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who can destroy
both soul and body in hell.” Real or imagined ghosts cannot hurt us, but
sin, guilt, and shame can. Jesus willingly took all of them with Him to the
cross - at least for those who believe in Him. Are there any ghosts or guilts
in your closet? Why not give them to Jesus right now?
PRAYER
It is scary when I open
the closet of my heart and let all my sins be brought out into the open, dear
Master. I give them to you so they will not control my life and thoughts. Give
me peace knowing that you are capable of removing all of them. Thank you. In
the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, January 27, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 49:13-26; Galatians
3:1-14; Mark 6:30-46
SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:48 - When (Jesus) saw that they were straining
at the oars against an adverse wind, He came towards them early in the morning,
walking on the sea.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I had no clue what danger I
was in the day the blizzard hit our country school. It was in the “ancient
days” before Doppler radar and satellite weather forecasts. I was in
kindergarten. To me, it was just another snowstorm. I was puzzled by the
commotion of the older students when Mom dropped me off. About noon, one of the
fathers walked in, covered with snow, to walk his two kids home, a distance of
about two miles. I thought it was funny that he tied them together with a rope.
The howling wind and driving snow rattled the windows more and more with each
hour. It looked pretty dismal until another father came with a car to take the
rest of us home. Worry and concern grew when the car got stuck in the lane and
we had to walk back to the school. Night came on, and the excitement dimmed
even more at the thought that we would have to spend the night without blankets
and food. There was a pounding at the door! A farmer appeared, coming to our
rescue! He had seen the light and worried about us. He went home again on his
tractor to bring FOOD and blankets. We were saved from a night of misery!
Looking back, he was like Jesus to us. He didn’t walk on water. He drove his
tractor across the snow drifts through the blinding blizzard. He calmed our
storm. Jesus offers to do that for you, too. Jesus also asks His followers to watch
for the storms in other people’s lives so that they can be His presence in
their “storm-tossed seas.” Are you willing?
PRAYER
Calm my Spirit and the
storms that rage within me, O Savior. Rescue me from the worries of the day and
the darkness of the night. I pray that You help me see others tossed by storms
in their life and use me to bring them your peace by what I say and do. In your
name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 50:1-11; Galatians
3:15-22; Mark 6:47-56
SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:54-55 - When they got out of the boat, people
at once recognized (Jesus) and rushed about that whole region and began to
bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When we lived in Missouri, President
Bush visited a nearby community. Most people, Republicans, and Democrats alike,
flooded the small town for this historic event. Everybody brought their
political agenda in hopes of touching the hem of the president’s coat sleeve
while reaching through the protective arms of his guardian angels - the Secret
Service. I watched the TV report of the president’s visit with fascination.
People came from miles and miles around, people who seldom left their
neighborhoods, all to see a world leader. How far would you go to see Jesus?
Wherever He went, the word spread like wildfire. Friends and enemies alike
flocked to see Him. But my question is, “Would you?” Perhaps a better question
is, “DO you?” How much time, energy, and effort are you willing to invest in
getting to know Jesus as more than a Bible storybook character you’ve heard
about secondhand? Have you ever gone on a spiritual retreat where the only
agenda was getting to know Jesus better and having the time to listen? The year
is still young! Why not promise yourself that you will attend a Via de Cristo
(Crucillo, Walk to Emmaus) weekend as a first step in growing closer to the
Lord this year?
PRAYER
Forgive me when I don’t
take the time or energy to get to know you, O Lord. It bothers me that I may go
out of my way to see some world figure I admire but feel inconvenienced when it
takes effort for you. If I have attended a weekend to grow closer to you, open
my mouth so that I might encourage others to go, and if I haven’t, help me seek
out someone who has. I pray this all in the name of Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 51:1-8; Galatians
3:23-29; Mark 7:1-23
SCRIPTURE
Mark 7:15 - “There
is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that
come out are what defile.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Jesus wasn’t living in an age
of pollution. Aside from a little clean dust, foods could be eaten in the field
without worrying about the chemicals sprayed on them or fed to them in the
soil. No concern existed for poisonous runoff, toxic waste, or radiation leaks.
Today, we have to worry about what goes into us - physically. What Jesus is
getting at is the toxic waste that comes out of our mouths. God has given us a
fantastic brain filter for cleaning up what we receive from our senses before
spewing them out. God has also given us an excellent guide, a Book, through
which we can sift bits and pieces of information. Jesus encourages us to use God’s
gifts so that what comes out of us is pure and holy. What is coming out of you?
Sometimes, we need someone else to tell us we have BO! Do you have someone you
trust who can be truly honest with you about how your words and actions do or
do not glorify God? Just as an overload of cholesterol-laden foods can cause a
buildup in our arteries, so an overload of negativity, bad jokes, and evil
intentions can cause vomiting forth of words and ideas that do not glorify God.
Is it time to consider what is going on in your life? Is God’s Word getting
first place over the world’s words?
PRAYER
Clean my thoughts and
mouth, dear Lord, so that nothing impure is kept within my mind or comes out of
my mouth. If I have trouble seeing how I look to others, send someone who will
deal with me as an honest friend. I ask that I may not be too shy to tell
others how their words may sound to others. In the name of my Savior, I pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, January 30, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 51:9-16; Hebrews
11:8-16; John 7:14-31
SCRIPTURE
John 7:16-17- Then Jesus answered them, “My teaching
is not mine but His who sent me. Anyone who does the will of God will know
whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have to admit that I was a
very gullible Kindergartner. I believed one of the big kids when he told me
there was candy in one of the desks in the storm cellar he wanted me to get for
him while he held the cellar door. I believed one of the girls who told me the
teacher would be happy if I brought the frog into school and left it in her
desk drawer. I believed a lot of dumb things because I trusted people older
than me. Needless to say, as I grew up, I also grew wiser about their lies. I
didn’t believe everything they told me and often checked it out with the
teacher before accepting what they told me. One of the reasons I seldom listen
to preachers on religious radio is that I am constantly studying the
scriptures. Far too often, these preachers only have an ax to grind, money to
raise, or their understanding of words taken out of context. The only way we know
who the authentic spokespeople for God are is to study and understand God’s
Word. Worship and Bible study are two pillars that give us knowledge and the
Spirit’s blessing, but we also need the fellowship of other believers with whom
we can “check out” what we are thinking to make sure it is what God wants us to
hear. We, too, can be gullible enough to believe only what we want to hear
rather than what God intends for us to hear. Worship, Bible study, and a
fellowship of believers are critical to our spiritual growth. Are you involved
in all three?
PRAYER
I pray that I will not be
so gullible as to believe everyone who has an opinion about you and what you
want us to believe. O Father. Please help me study with others and understand
your words. Lead me to Bible Studies and worship with other believers that are
truly pleasing to you. Give me a thoughtful mind that questions when someone
tries to lead me astray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, January 31, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 51:17-23; Galatians
4:1-11; Mark 7:24-37
SCRIPTURE
Mark 7:33-35 - He took (the deaf man) aside in
private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and spat and
touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him,
“Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately, his ears were opened, his
tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I was having trouble hearing
out of one ear. It felt and sounded like “swimmer’s ear,” except I hadn’t been
swimming. I tried home remedies, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, I went to
the doctor. He looked in my ear and said some “dark stuff” was in there. He
washed some of it but had to scrape the rest to discover that the “dark stuff”
was dried blood. Further examination showed I had a perforated ear drum and an
infection! (I had been on a very noisy airplane, and my ears hurt, but I hadn’t
thought about it.) The infection cleared with the help of an antibiotic, and my
hearing returned. I was incredibly thankful for the miracle of modern medicine.
People I know who were born deaf have difficulty learning to speak and
enunciate clearly.
I can only imagine what it
must have been like for the deaf man Jesus healed. For him, there was a double
miracle. Not only could he hear again, but he could also speak plainly. Jesus
offers to “unplug” our ears so that we can hear the Word of God, the good news
that God loves us, and Jesus offers to “release” our tongues so that we can
SHARE that same good news to a world that often plugs its ears. Are you ready
for a miracle? Are you willing to listen? Are you willing to speak for Christ?
May you experience that miracle “soon and very soon!”
PRAYER
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