DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Thoughts to Ponder by Pastor Larry Sydow, Prayers by
Pastor Bruce Freeman
George Herbert – was born in 1593, was orphaned as a youth, studied
theology, was ordained in 1630, was known as “Holy Mr. Herbert,” and many of
his poems became hymns: “Teach me, My God and King,” “The King of Love my
Shepherd is,” “Let all the World in Every Corner Sing.”
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 7:21-34; Romans
4:13-25; John 7:37-52
SCRIPTURE
John 7:38-39 — Jesus said,
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink.
As the scriptures have said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of
living water.’”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The farm should have taught
me lessons my parents and teachers tried to teach me had I been paying
attention. Some lessons I learned and applied. Some, I drug my feet on but
finally applied (weeds reduce the yield of corn, and outlining sentences were a
couple). And there is a major lesson even God has been patiently trying to get
through my thick skull; a lesson which, if I had been observant, I would have
learned long ago. My wife, children, and congregations have patiently
(sometimes impatiently) tried to help the Lord teach me this lesson. I know
consciously it is true, but I have a hard time accepting it spiritually. In a
nutshell, it boils down to the following: You can lead a calf to water, but
you can’t make him drink! I know that! I’ve lived that! I’ve written about
it numerous times. So, why doesn’t the lesson sink in?! It was a lesson Jesus
tried to teach the disciples when he sent them out. It was a lesson George
Herbert learned the hard way by personal experience. In his teen years, before
becoming “Holy Mr. Herbert,” he spent time in prison, where he became thirsty
enough to want to drink from the “Water of Life.” As I let that lesson sink
into my thinking processes, I can look back at those times when I’ve been
impatient with the spiritual growth of others or even given up on trying to “make
them drink” that for which they were not yet thirsty. I have witnessed the
“rivers of living water” flowing from those who stopped resisting and finally
drank. Are you thirsty enough to drink? Do you know someone who needs to drink
the “water of life” but either doesn’t know it or won’t? Stop trying to force-feed
them and turn your energy to praying for their thirst. Let the Spirit make them
thirsty and quench that thirst with LIFE!
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I am dying of
thirst and can’t understand why nothing quenches it for me. Please forgive me
for refusing to come to the living waters in your body and your Word. Let me
drink thirstily in those refreshing waters and pray and wait patiently for
others to take the first sip. In your refreshing name, I pray, O Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, March 2, 2025—The Transfiguration of our
Lord
John and Charles Wesley were ordained priests in the Church of England in
1703 and 1735, respectively. John was a central figure in the rise of
Methodism, strongly influenced by the writing of Martin Luther. With Charles,
he went to Georgia to preach against the slave trade and gin. Charles was also
a prolific hymn writer. Together, they revitalized Christianity in England in
the 18th century.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 8:4-7, 19-9:6;
Romans 5:1-11; John 8:12-20
SCRIPTURE
John 8:20 — He spoke these
words while he was teaching in the treasury of the temple, but no one arrested
him because his hour had not yet come.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I never understood time when
I was young. I’m not sure I know much about it now that I am older. But in my
younger years, it seemed a total mystery to me why the fish at Hansen’s dam
were not biting after a rain, why, year after year, we had to chop sunflowers
and cockleburs in the same field during the hottest, muggiest week of summer,
or why Grandma had to die when she did. The list of mysteries could fill pages.
I concluded that everything had its own time, too, and there wasn’t anything we
could do about it other than cooperate. Had Martin Luther lived at the time of
John Hus, he would have been burned at the stake, and the Wesley brothers would
not have read Luther’s sermon on Romans. Had they put their spiritual heads and
hearts into spreading the gospel any sooner in history than they did, the
Methodist church might not exist, and the world would be poorer because of
their missionary work and hymns. Had his enemies arrested Jesus before “His
hour had come,” their charges would not have led to the kind of sentence
that was needed to crucify Him, nor fulfill God’s “Grand Plan.” As we ponder
time in our lives, it’s good to remember that as long as we seek to fulfill
God’s plan, God will set things in motion “when the time is right.” The gospel
writers repeatedly remind us: “When the
time had fully come, Mary gave birth...”
When the time had fully come, Jesus....” When the time has fully come,
may you be ready to serve your Lord!
PRAYER
Many things are a mystery
to me, O God, and things I do not understand. Lay your reassuring touch on me
and help me wait patiently for your timing and plan to be complete. I know
there will be a time when you will answer all my questions. In Jesus’ name, I
thank you. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, March 3, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 10:11-24; Romans
5:12-21; John 8:21-32
SCRIPTURE
John 8:22 — (Jesus) said
to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not
of this world.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Family reunions seemed to
occur every holiday when I was young. Aside from those who moved to other
states, most of my aunts, uncles, and cousins made every effort to attend, and
my grandparents’ homes were filled to capacity. If families from out of state visited,
it gave us another excuse to get together. It always meant renewing
acquaintances, especially for those of us who were younger. “Who are you and
where do you live?” were familiar questions for unrecognized relatives. (I
think it helps me ask the same questions when I see someone I don’t recognize
at church.) Sometimes, something they said jogged the memory. It often did with
my older relatives, who asked another question: “Who are your Mom and Dad?”
When I told them, they usually said, “Of course! You look just like your Dad.”
or “My, how you have grown!” Those questioning Jesus refused to “see” the
Father’s likeness in the Son. They refused to acknowledge their relationship with
Jesus; thus, Jesus declared they were not part of His world either. When people
look at you, do they see the “likeness” of your heavenly Father? Do your
actions and words reflect “who you are and where you come from”? Does something
need to change in your life so that you are seen to be a member of God’s
faithful family – one Jesus calls his friend?
PRAYER
Can others see you in me,
O Father? I desire that you help me be more in your image daily. Help me to be
more compassionate and less judgmental. Use me to bring a gentle touch and a
helping hand. Thank you for making me yours. I pray this in the name of Jesus,
my brother. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-17;
Romans 6:1-11; John 8:33-47
SCRIPTURE
John 8:42 — Jesus said to
them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God, and now
I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I didn’t always “like” my
brothers and sisters. As an older brother, I sometimes found them a real
nuisance. However, when anyone hurt them, I was all over them. I loved them
even when I didn’t particularly like them. When two classmates left my sister
to walk alone, causing her to cry, I confronted them. When one of the big kids
started picking on my youngest brother, I let him have it, even though it got
me in trouble. In my mind, it was OK for me to pick on them or tease them, even
make them cry, but anybody else had better watch their step. I also took pride
in pointing to them as my sisters or brothers when they got an award or
played exceptionally well in some game. Jesus recognized His “brothers and
sisters” as those who love Him. How well do you “show” your love for your
Brother, Jesus? How well do you “stick up” for Jesus when others wrongly put
Him down, use His name, or turn their backs on Him? It might be easy to say we
have no problem in that category until we remember that Jesus wraps His brotherly
arms around more than just those with whom we agree or who don’t need special
attention. He said, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers/sister,
you do unto me.” Does the shoe fit a little tighter? What could you do to
change that?
PRAYER
I am so thankful that I am
a member of your family, O God, and I have Jesus as a brother. I’m sorry if I
have ever been ashamed to call him by name, stick up for what I know is true
about him, and turn my back when others have mocked him. Forgive me and
strengthen me. In His Holy name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 — Ash Wednesday,
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 13:1-11; Romans
6:12-23; John 8:47-59
SCRIPTURE
John 8:58 — Jesus said to
them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I didn’t like history in
school because I had so much trouble keeping names, dates, and places straight.
I didn’t mind reading about the events, but I wasn’t good at keeping the
details on the tip of my pen. One of my best history teachers was a young college
professor who made history come to life. He didn’t dress up in costumes, show
slides, or movies; he told the stories of history as if he had been an
eyewitness. I got so wrapped up in some of his stories of the battles of the
Revolutionary War I lost track of time. After one class, I asked the professor
for more details on a specific skirmish. Although he wasn’t old enough to have
lived them, my mind and imagination convinced me he was. Obviously, he wasn’t,
but my question turned into an extra credit report assignment. Jesus, on the
other hand, was there at the beginning of time and at every time and age since.
His timelessness is impossible for us to comprehend, especially when our
existence is so short-lived. I can remember grandparents and vaguely remember
one great-grandmother, but I have only stories to tell me what took place
before them. Jesus identifies Himself as the Word, which was in the beginning,
the Word which made a covenant with Abraham, and the Word in His flesh. (Talk
about “time travel”!) When He told a story of HIStory, He did so as “one with
authority.” How well can you tell His
Story? Can His Stories come alive in you? Why not try to learn them and make
them personal?
PRAYER
I am in awe that you were
there when time began. You were the Word from which everything was created and
have seen everything there is to see. Help me to tell your wonderful story with
new insight and energy. It is a personal matter. After all, you have given me
LIFE. I pray this in your name, O Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, March 6, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 14:1-22; Galatians
4:21-26; Mark 8:11-21
SCRIPTURE
Mark 8:18 — Jesus said to
them, ...Do you have eyes and fail to see? Do you have ears and fail to hear?
And do you not remember?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Country schools are becoming
obsolete in most areas of the country. Gone are the days when sixteen to twenty
or more K- 8th-grade kids lived within a few miles of a one-room school house.
Gone are the days when one teacher could teach all subjects to all pupils
without assistance. However, I wouldn’t give up my early education for
anything. Every day, my ears heard the lesson from every class, and my eyes saw
the illustrations on the blackboard. I didn’t always understand everything, but
every year became a refresher course. I can still remember the words on page 49
of our science book: “Man will never be able to fly to the moon because, at
sixty miles per hour, the force of gravity will prevent a rocket from leaving
our atmosphere.” There are some things I learned which, I am glad to say, were
proven wrong, but I heard, I saw, I remembered. It is another reason why
regular worship, Bible study, prayer, and Sunday School are so helpful for
building our faith. Some of us - most of us - need to experience things several
times and practice them before they sink in. Why would we think our faith would
be any different? Yes, the Holy Spirit gives us faith, but faith is like a
muscle. If it is not exercised and challenged, it wastes away. What are you
doing to exercise your eyes and ears of faith so that you can remember and
fulfill your purpose in God’s plan?
PRAYER
Forgive me when I think
hearing or seeing your lessons once or twice is enough, O Lord. Sometimes, I am
a slow learner, and I think I’ve mastered everything you want me to know.
Challenge me in my thinking and let my whole being be for your purpose. In the
name of Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, March 7, 2025
Thomas Aquinas - a Dominican who taught in Italy and France,
transmitting the fruits of contemplation to others in the 1200s.
Perpetua and her
companions - In 202, Perpetua and
other African catechumens were imprisoned and executed for their conversion to
Christianity.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 16:1-21; Romans
7:1-12; John 6:1-15
SCRIPTURE
John 6:12 — When (the five
thousand) were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left
over, so that nothing may be lost.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Grandpa came from the “old
country” (Germany) when he was twelve. His family arrived in Nebraska with very
few possessions and 25 cents. Survival meant making every penny count. He was
always careful with his money and his farming. He hated to waste anything. I
rode with him to the field on the horse-drawn wagon one day. As we stopped to
open the gate, the horse took the opportunity to relieve herself. Grandpa
reached behind the wagon seat, pulled out a shovel, picked up the droppings,
threw them on the back of the wagon, and took them to the field, where he
scattered the “precious” fertilizer. Nothing was wasted! Isn’t it interesting
how Jesus, with full access to the storehouse of heaven and able to multiply a
few loaves and fishes into enough to feed a multitude, is concerned with waste?
Having blessed you with every spiritual blessing, would Jesus be saying that to
you about your time, money, mind, skills or talents, and life as a servant of
the Lord? His concern is not just recycling leftovers but also saving the lost
food/souls/lives that might have been thrown away. How good are you at
“gathering up the fragments left over so that nothing is lost”?
PRAYER
You have blessed me with
so much, my Father, and I have become accustomed to taking it for granted.
Forgive me for the waste of those valuable resources. Help me to use every
single one and to “spread” them into my church, community, and the world. I pray
this in the generous name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, March 8, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 17:19-27; Romans
7:13-25; John 6:16-27
SCRIPTURE
John 6:20 — But (Jesus)
said to (his disciples), “It is I; do not be afraid.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
For several years, when I was
in college and seminary, I lived in funeral homes. At the time, the law
required a “living” person on the premises at all times. Having a free bed and
enough salary to pay for food was great. Most of the time, it was a nice, quiet
place to study and not at all frightening. However, one of the scariest nights
was one on which we had no dead bodies in the building. I thought I was alone.
My roommate had gone to a football game. When I heard footsteps, I cautiously
went to investigate. I was startled by another noise. Finally, I asked, “Who’s
there!?” I can’t describe the relief I felt when my roommate shouted back,
“It’s me! I forgot my wallet!” Jesus hadn’t forgotten His wallet. He had been
busy praying and missed the boat. In the middle of a storm, He caught up with
His disciples out on the sea and tried to take away their fear by announcing
Himself. Jesus is willing to come into our most frightening “storms” to make
Himself known and to calm the winds and waves that threaten to sink our “boats.”
Our greatest challenge is to stop relying on our abilities and invite Jesus to
join us. He’ll even pick us up when we fall like Peter did. What is most
important is that we recognize the One who can walk on water and calm the
storms for us. Have you allowed the world around you to terrify
and even paralyze you? Why not welcome Jesus into your boat right now?
PRAYER
You are great and
wonderful, O my Christ! Save me from those times when I am afraid because it
might be “wrong,” or I might fall. Pick me up and give me the courage to step
boldly in faith. Come into my boat and use me. I am bold to ask this in your
Holy name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, March 9, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah18:1-11; Romans
8:1-11; John 6:27-40
SCRIPTURE
John 6:35 — Jesus said to
them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and
whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I love to eat! That is one of
my problems. I love to eat too much. I have also discovered that many of the
refined products I like to eat increase my hunger and my cravings. For the most
part, they are “empty calories” and “full of fat.” On the other hand, when I
stick to eating healthy meals, I notice the hunger pangs and cravings are less
intense. I’ve discovered a similar thing happening in the spiritual realm. The
more “junk food” I read and watch on TV, with all its “empty calories, the more
I want of it. The more I study the scripture, the more I participate in
worship, the more I seek to serve the Lord, the more “hungry” I am for more of
what the Lord wants to provide for me, and the more satisfied I am with His menu.
There are probably some who avoid getting involved at church because they are
afraid of being “contaminated” or “infected” by the power of the Lord working
in the Word and Sacraments. You may even be one of them. Maybe it’s time to
accept Jesus’ offer and receive the spiritual food that will take away that
hunger and thirst you can’t quite put your finger on - that
“standing-at-the-refrigerator-door-wondering-what-you-were-hungry-for” feeling.
What’s holding you back?
PRAYER
Wean me away from my unfulfilling
and unhealthy diet that consumes my day, dear God. Feed me your spiritual food
that can only come with your Word and Sacrament. Sustain me with my fellowship
with other believers and use me to spread the word about its benefit to others.
I pray this in the name of the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, March 10, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 22:12-23; Romans
8:12-27; John 6:41-51
SCRIPTURE
John 6:44 — (Jesus said to
them,) “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will
raise that person up on the last day.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Their super-secret meeting
place could only be entered with the proper password, which changed every time
they met. The only exception was me. When I was asked for the password, my Uncle
said, “It’s OK. He’s with me.” I was admitted. Of course, I had to raise my
right hand and swear on pain of horrible death, never to reveal the location or
any of the super-secret subjects my Uncle and his friends discussed. To this
day, I have kept that promise. I felt privileged and special to be where no one
else my age was ever admitted. God has a “club” like that, but it’s not a
secret. God has spread the Good News about it wherever His followers have gone.
The mystery of it is still there. The mystery is that everyone is invited, but
only those who know the Christ, know the “password,” or more correctly, have a
“Friend” who will vouch for them. All the jokes about waiting at the pearly
gates to be checked off and then admitted have it wrong. Only those who know
Jesus are even “drawn” to or bother to approach the gates of heaven. These are
the ones who will be raised on the last day. To what are you “drawn”? How well
do you know the One who holds your personal invitation?
PRAYER
Thank you for personally
inviting me to join you in your “club,” dear Jesus. Forgive me when I think its
membership is only for me and a few special friends. I ask that you help me
throw open the doors of my community of faith so that all may come in to know
you and praise your name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 23:1-8; Romans
8:28-39; John 6:52-59
SCRIPTURE
John 6:58 — (Jesus said)
“This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your
ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live
forever.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I love bread. It is one of my
many diet weaknesses. One of my fondest memories is waking up at my
grandmother’s house to the smell of freshly baked rye bread. Grandma Roenfeldt
baked bread every winter and summer day until Grandpa died. Grandma Sydow baked
often, too, but not as frequently. My mouth waters at the memory of her slicing
bread still hot from the oven, slathering it with fresh cream, and sprinkling
it generously with sugar! On our first trip to Germany, I discovered “real”
bread! Not this pasty stuff that passes for bread here in this country, but real
bread with substance and weight. I have yet to find a bakery in this country
that comes close to making real bread. Even that good bread pales in
comparison to the BREAD that Jesus offers. The bread my mother and grandmothers
baked and the bread our ancestors from Germany baked may fill my stomach, make
me fat, and satisfy my hunger temporarily, but the next time I smell bread, I’m
going to be hungry for more. This bread will only keep me going day by day. The
BREAD that Jesus offers is the only truly satisfying BREAD - Himself - which
will be eternal! Which bread would you rather have?
PRAYER
O dear Jesus, the bread of
life, fill me with your goodness and satisfy the hunger in my soul. Give me
nourishment to face the trials of the day and a feeling of generosity that I
may share this bread with others along the way. I look forward to that feast we
will share in your kingdom. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Gregory the Great was a wealthy man who gave it all up to become a
priest and was later elected pope. Gregory helped the church survive famine,
flood, pestilence, invasion, and political struggle. He sent Augustine to
England as a missionary, wrote on theological subjects, and effected essential
changes in the liturgy.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 23:9-15; Romans
8:1-18; John 6:60-71
SCRIPTURE
John 6:68 — Simon Peter
answered (Jesus), “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I learned early on that I
could count on certain people for the answers I wanted. Dad was an easy touch
for some things. If he wasn’t out in the field, I could get him to help me
build a fort out of junk machinery. On the other hand, if I wanted something
special to eat, I had to work on Mom or even one of my grandmothers. My Uncle
Orville was good for dangerous adventures, but I needed either Grandpa
Roenfeldt or my Uncle Norm for fishing. If I needed answers to major questions,
I learned that some pastors and some teachers were better than others at
helping me find the answers. Even today, I know that some people have the
answers to car problems, while others are excellent with musical, medical, and
computer problems. Not everyone can teach us everything about any subject. No
doubt Peter learned fishing from his father and grilling fish from his mother,
but when it came to questions concerning the Messiah and eternal life, Jesus
was the only one who “spoke as one with authority.” Jesus was the one on whom Peter
could rely for all his spiritual questions. To whom do you go for eternal life?
Are you on a “first name” basis so that you have instant access to the “Holy
One of God”?
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, it is so good
that you permit me to call you by name and that I may come to you with my life
questions. Be my teacher and instruct me in your ways and how you would have me
go. I am so bold to ask these things in your Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, March 13, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 23:16-32; 1
Corinthians 9:18-27; Mark 8:31-9:1
SCRIPTURE
Mark 8:34b — (Jesus said
to the crowd), “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I was about nine or ten,
I joined a 4-H club. Being a member was great - until I discovered what being a
member meant. It wasn’t just attending meetings. It also involved learning to
keep records, tie knots, learn the anatomy of different animals, and balance
animals’ diets, veterinary needs, and appearance. But it wasn’t just head
knowledge either. We had actually to do it. We had to keep records of
our projects. We had to prepare a balanced diet and feed and care for the
animals. We had to prepare them for the county fair. Wearing a 4-H emblem
involved a lot of hard work! Some people join the church much like they would
join a country club where nothing was expected of them – except to pay their
“dues.” They fail to hear Jesus’ declaration: If you want to be a member of
My Body, the Church, you must deny yourself, take up the cross, and follow Me!
What kind of church member are you? Are you taking Christ seriously, or are you
happy just letting someone else “carry your cross” for you?
PRAYER
It is a privilege and an
honor, O Christ, that you have chosen me to be your follower and have placed me
into a community of other believers. I pray that I might take my part in this
community seriously, working tirelessly for the good of your kingdom. Thank you
for always sharing the burden of the cross with me when I am discouraged. In
your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, March 14, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 24:1-10; Romans
9:19-33; John 9:1-17
SCRIPTURE
John 9:5 — (Jesus said,)
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The food was good. The games
were OK. The people who had been invited were nice people, but the party was
basically boring. Then Roy showed up. We knew that something had changed the
minute he walked in the door. Within minutes, the atmosphere in the room
changed, the food tasted even better, the games came to life, and so did the
people. The quiet, subdued crowd became a real party! Roy was literally the
life of the party. Without trying, his smile, jokes, and dumb puns sparked a
fire in everyone. The excitement was contagious! Jesus was like that, too. (I
don’t know if He was full of jokes and puns, but then again....) Wherever He
went, crowds gathered. He spoke, and every ear craned to hear more. Some wanted
to dump cold water on His exciting parade but couldn’t kill the flame. He even
told them that if they tried to be wet blankets and shut the people up, the
stones themselves would sing and shout! Jesus was the light of the world. Kings,
shepherds, peasants, and paupers felt the difference when His light entered the
world. Even blind people saw the light that blinded those unwilling to see.
Have you been paying attention to His light in your life? Does your life
reflect and pass on His light, or are you one who hides it under a wet blanket?
PRAYER
You truly are the light of
my life and the life of my days, my Jesus. When you enter, my spirit changes,
and everything is different. Please send your Spirit to be with me today so
that I see things more clearly and this day is filled with the excitement of
You. Use me to share your light with others. I ask this in your name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, March 15, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 25:8 -17; Romans
10:1-13; John 9:18-41
SCRIPTURE
John 9:30-31 — (The man
healed of his blindness said to the religious authorities,) “Here is an
astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my
eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one
who worships him and obeys his will.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Dad was not a rocket
scientist. He had comparatively little education. However, Dad had a head for
logic. He was often puzzled by neighbors who didn’t seem to be able to put
logic to use on the farm. For instance, some didn’t bother chopping cockleburs,
sunflowers, thistles, and bindweed. They just let them grow, year after year.
Dad knew those weeds spread rapidly and robbed the corn and other crops of
nutrients. The logical thing to do was to eliminate them every year so they
didn’t multiply. To him, letting them grow wasn’t rational. The man healed of
his blindness must have been a logical thinker, too. To him, most likely an
uneducated man, the religious authorities had put their brains on ice and
weren’t thinking logically. “God doesn’t listen to sinners. God does listen to
those who worship Him and obey His will. This man opened my eyes. So, where
else could He possibly come from?!!!” Faith does not require us to stop
thinking logically. Faith calls us to include God in all the logical equations.
How well does God fit into your rational mind?
PRAYER
Thank you for the gift of
my mind, O God. Thank you that I can use it to solve all sorts of problems,
sort through ideas, and process things logically. You truly have given me a
remarkable gift. I pray that I will use this gift for your glory and your
kingdom’s work. Increase my faith and my mind. In the name of the Holy One, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, March 16, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 26:30-38; Romans
10:14-21; John 10:1-18
SCRIPTURE
John 10:11 — I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Herding cows and herding
sheep are not the same. I herded many cows but never got attached to the cows
the way shepherds seemed to be with their sheep. Sure, I knew all the dairy
cows by name and temperament, but they didn’t return the favor. I’ve called
cows, only to have them reach for another mouthful of grass and then look
around as if to ask, “Who’s the fool making all that noise?!” They only headed
for the barn on their own when their udders were near bursting - and not always
then. We just never seemed to have any meaningful relationship. One of our
neighbors had sheep. I admired how those sheep respected him, came when he
called, and acted as if they liked him. Obviously, there was a mutual
admiration society between his sheep and him. He had helped bring many of them
into the world. He knew them by name, fed and watered them, and nursed them
back to health when they were sick. His relationship with his sheep was much
like the Good Shepherd’s relationship with us. To Him, we are not just a herd
of animals being pushed through the milk barn on the way to the slaughterhouse.
We are known to Him and loved by Him so much that He really did “lay down His
life for us.” How do you respond to that kind of love? What have you done to
nurture your relationship with Him?
PRAYER
Dear Shepherd, thank you
for this day that you have given me. Thank you for bringing me to life at the
time of my birth and every day after that. Be at my side throughout this day,
nurturing our relationship. I pray that my love for you will grow stronger
throughout the years. It is in your name that I ask these things. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, March 17, 2025
Patrick - was born in Britain and captured as an enslaved
person at age 16. He was taken to Ireland and served as a herdsman. After six
years, Patrick escaped and returned home, where he studied and was ordained. In
432, he was consecrated bishop and returned to Ireland to organize the
scattered Christian communities.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 26:1-24; Romans
11:1-12; John 10:19-42
SCRIPTURE
John 10:25-26 — Jesus
answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my
Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong
to my sheep.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It’s hard to believe now, but
when I was fifteen, I had a flat stomach with firm muscles that came in handy
when loading 80-pound hay bales. I preferred to pick up bales and toss them on
the wagon with a four-tined fork, but when a couple of my uncles showed up to
help, I got stuck on the hay rack, stacking. The first couple of layers weren’t
bad, but after that, my uncles couldn’t reach the bales up high enough for me
to grab. I told them to use a pitchfork, but they said it wouldn’t work. I
tried convincing them that it would, but they kept struggling. Finally, I got off
the rack, picked up a bale with a pitchfork, hoisted it over my head, and onto
the wagon. They couldn’t believe it! Dad had shown me how to do it without
breaking the handle, and I found it easier (after my stomach muscles got used
to it) than trying to throw them. When the load was that high, I could hoist a
bale so the pitchfork handle was balanced on my outstretched hand. I thought
nothing of it because I did what Dad taught me. That’s what Jesus was telling
the unbelievers, isn’t it? “I do what my Father told me to do. You can’t
believe it because you aren’t a member of my family.” The stories of St.
Patrick tell of a young man who was kidnapped and taken from his father, but
even under the worst of conditions, he came to know his Father
was always with him, working through him. How well do you reflect your Father’s
Word in your life?
PRAYER
Work through me, dear
Father, so that what I do will please you, and this work will increase your
kingdom. I pray that I will always be your child and that I will always listen
to your instructions for me. I ask these things in the name of your Son, the
Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 28:1-14; Romans
11:13-24; John 11:1-27
SCRIPTURE
John 11:21 — Martha said
to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My sister and I were training
our 4-H “baby beef” calves to lead. Each beast weighed several times what the
two of us weighed together. Standing on all fours, they were taller than either
of us. It was hot, tiring work. When I had finally coaxed my animal to a place
where I could tie him to a fence, I ran to the house to get a drink. Meanwhile,
my sister was struggling with her calf and losing. I heard her yelling at me at
the top of her lungs as I entered the house. In my opinion, she was always
yelling at me, so I just ignored her and took my time getting a drink. Before I
finished, she came storming into the house, crying and ranting about it being
all my fault. If I had been there, her calf wouldn’t have gotten away, so I had
better catch it and take it back to the barn! I won’t go into the gory details
of that little fight, but Mom had to intervene. Martha was upset with Jesus.
She had sent word that her brother, Jesus’ friend, was dying. He wasn’t that
far away. He could have come to help! So where was He when she needed Him?!
I’ve railed at Jesus about that a few times myself. We’ve heard echoes of that
complaint with the tremendous loss of life through natural disasters, wars, and
medical crises! We don’t know any easy answers. We can only trust and believe
that God always controls the final outcome. Jesus wept before raising Lazarus,
knowing that one day he would die again. Did Jesus know something no one else
knew about eternal life?
PRAYER
There are many things that
I don’t understand, dear Lord: why some things have happened to me, why people
who I have loved have not been made well, and why they have died. I have felt
that you were not there at those times. I ask, though, that you increase my
faith, knowing that you are a loving God and will be with me when I call you.
In the name of the Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Joseph was the husband of the Virgin Mary. He was a
carpenter. (Technically, he was a “builder.”) He was a devout, honest man who
cared for and protected his wife and Jesus.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 31:27-34; Romans
11:25-36; John 11:28-44
SCRIPTURE
John 11:35 — Jesus began
to weep.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
“Big boys don’t cry” was one
of the great heresies of my childhood. I can’t say that it kept me from
shedding tears, but it created conflict in my young mind. That came to a head
once when I saw my grandmother weep because of something one of my aunts said angrily.
Seeing Grandma cry was contagious. I wanted to cry, too, but I was five years
old. I was a big boy, and I wasn’t supposed to cry. When my parents came to
pick me up to go to church that morning, my distress came across as anger. It
wasn’t until Mom asked what I was mad about that my attempt to snap back at her,
that I wasn’t angry, turned into woeful tears. I couldn’t answer. I didn’t know
what to say. I just wept. At the grave of his friend Lazarus, Jesus wept, not
from the scolding He received from Martha, nor the pain of the loss of His
friend, but from the sorrow He felt at bringing His friend back from an
eternity of peace and joy, to a world of sin and chaos. I often wonder if
Joseph wept at the birth of Jesus - tears of joy at His birth and tears of
sorrow - knowing what Jesus was giving up and in anticipation of what He would
one day suffer. Do the sacrifices of Christ on your behalf - for your sins - or
the sacrifices of your parents and other saints who have given their lives for
you ever bring tears to your eyes?
PRAYER
O Lord, the thought of
your suffering and death on my behalf brings tears to my eyes. I am so moved to
think of your great love for me that you would even give up your life. Please
forgive me for those sins which continually nail you to the cross. In your
great name, I pray, O Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, March 20, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Zechariah 9:9-12; 1 Timothy
6:12-16; Matthew 21:12-17
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 21:14 — The blind
and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We didn’t go to the doctor
very often when I was young. Mom and Dad used a lot of natural home remedies,
which they learned from their parents, who learned them from their parents. I
am told, because I don’t remember it happening, Mom boiled some onions, let
them cool a little, then placed them on my chest while I was sleeping to combat
a hacking cough. We only went to a doctor when it was really bad – stitches,
high fevers, nails through feet, or profuse bleeding – those kinds of things. Undoubtedly,
those who brought the blind and the lame to Jesus had exhausted all of the home
remedies their family and friends could think of. They probably tried numerous
“old wives tales” as well, like tying a certain number of knots in a string,
turning one way or another, and then burying it for a length of time. Nothing
helped. As a last resort, they came to the temple, hoping the rumors about
Jesus were true. Thankfully, they were not just rumors but facts, and Jesus healed
them. It doesn’t matter what part of our lives - physical, mental, financial,
or spiritual - needs healing. Jesus waits for us to come to Him. His “cure”
will require us to be tuned in to His will and way. There may also be some
things we must change before healing can occur. Will you turn to Christ daily
to stay in tune with Him? Are you willing to make some changes? Or will you
wait until matters are desperate?
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, I am sorry
that I often come to you as my last resort rather than my first. I’m not sure
why I think I or others are the first line of defense when I know I should
immediately fall on my knees, asking for your care and for you to change me.
Touch me this day with your love. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, March 21, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 11:18-20; 12:1-17;
Philippians 3:1-14; John 12:9-19
SCRIPTURE
John 12:10-11 — So the
chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well since it was on account
of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
In second grade, we had some
“big kids” who gave the teacher a bad time. Marlin was usually the one who got
the brunt of Miss Robinson’s wrath. He usually deserved it. However, sometimes,
he was punished for things one of the other kids did. I saw John throw the
spit-wad that hit the blackboard about a foot from the teacher. Immediately
after the throw, the “big boys” buried their heads in their books. Miss
Robinson must have had eyes in the back of her head. As she slowly turned
around, she yelled, “John!” and then, “Don’t give me that innocent look! You
will clean this entire board - after school, and because Marlin put you up to
it, he will stay and clean the floor, too!” Jesus hadn’t thrown spit-wads. He
had told the truth and lived the part of the Messiah, a part which didn’t fit
the pre-conceived ideas of the religious establishment. Lazarus was the object
of one of His miracles. He was raised from the dead. The priests considered it
“better that one man, Jesus, should die than the whole nation perish, and they
decided Lazarus had to go too. It reminds me of the question, “If you were
arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
How well do you let your neighbors know you are a Christian?
PRAYER
I hope my actions
“convict” me as a Christian, dear God. If not, change my ways to have
compassion and love for others so they see you in my actions. Help me to be
honest as your follower in all that I do. It is in the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703. He enrolled in Yale at age 13, was
ordained in the Congregational Church, struggled to restore Calvinism, and was
a powerful preacher.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 15:10-21;
Philippians 3:15-21; John 12:20-26
SCRIPTURE
John 12:21 — (The Greeks)
came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we
wish to see Jesus.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I was fourteen, our
family went to California to visit relatives. While there, we went to
Disneyland. I was thrilled to discover that Spin, Marty, and Annette were
there, signing autographs. I loved watching their adventures on TV and
listening to them sing. Meeting them in person seemed incredible. I wondered if
any other “Mouseketeers” would be there with them. When we heard they were
there, I was in a hurry to find the shop where they were signing autographs. I
even asked one of the other salespeople in another shop if he could tell me
where they were. He sent us to the wrong shop, but that shopkeeper gave us the
right directions. The Greeks must have been excited and eager to find Jesus. No
doubt they had heard about Him. They traveled a long way to find Him and asked
around to see if anyone knew where He was. They were fortunate enough to ask
the right person. Philip was able to take them directly to the Lord. If someone
asks you about Jesus, even to introduce them to Him, would you be able to do so
without hesitation? Do you need to get to know Him better yourself?
PRAYER
Instead of searching high
and low for you, God, you have come to me and dwell within me each day. I pray
that you use me this day to point others to you, those who have not had the
privilege of being introduced to you. Thank you that you know me so well. It is
in the name of Jesus, the Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, March 23, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 17:5-18; Philippians
4:1-13; John 12:27-36
SCRIPTURE
John 12:28 — (Jesus
prayed) “Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have
glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It was the morning of a
thousand questions. At least, it must have seemed like it to my mother, who was
driving me to school. I was curious about the real meaning of some German
phrases, like “Gesundheit.” Mom didn’t remember her German very well. I was six,
and one of the older kids at school had made a report about how certain names
had different meanings if they were translated. Hanson was actually “Hans’ son.”
Peterson was really “Peter’s son.” I asked about our name. Did it have another
meaning? How about other names? As we approached school, I could sense her
exasperation with my rapid-fire questions, and I could tell she wished I hadn’t
learned to talk. Finally, she said, “No matter how your name is spelled, you
are a son of your father, and everything you do should show respect for your
name.” I’m not sure I understood her fully until much later. In His prayer
conversation with His Father, Jesus showed a deep desire to show respect and
glory for His Father’s name. He received the confirmation of that desire as He
heard God speak to Him. Do you glorify your father with your words and your
actions? Do you also honor and glorify your Father with all that you say and
do? What needs to change in your life to make it so?
PRAYER
O Father, thank you for
making me your child and putting your name upon me. I pray that I might make
the family name proud by my words and actions. Strengthen me and change me so
that this might be possible. I pray this in the name of Jesus your Son. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, March 24, 2025 — The Annunciation of our
Lord
The angelic announcement
to Mary of the birth of Jesus marked the beginning of the New Year since it was
the supposed date of “the conception of our Lord.”
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jeremiah 20:7-18; 1
Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32 John 17:1-26
SCRIPTURE
John 17:3 — (Jesus
prayed,) “And this is eternal life, that (my disciples) may know you, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I never fully understood
eternal life. I’m not sure I will in this life. As a kid, waiting for Dad to
come in from the field so that we could go to town seemed like an eternity.
Waiting for Christmas seemed like an eternity. Waiting for summer to be over so
we could return to school seemed like an eternity. When I was older, waiting to
leave school for the summer seemed like an eternity. The “forever and ever”
idea in the Lord’s Prayer was little more than fancy “church words.” I’m not
sure how old I was when the reality of eternity sank in. It must have been
about the time my grandmother died. It was such an abstract thought. I could
accept the idea of God living forever and ever, but Grandma? Me? I sometimes
got bored with the short periods I thought felt eternal. What would I do with
the real thing?!! Even now, my practical, logical, earth-bound mind wants to
struggle with the “Greek” question: “What will I do with all that time?” Jesus
answers my questions with His prayer. Eternal life means spending eternity
“knowing” God. The biblical “to know” means “to become one with”. Thus, we
become one with God. With Christ, our brother, we get “to know” God so
intimately that we join God in creating and recreating worlds we’ve never
dreamed of. The little boy in me can hardly wait!
PRAYER
Sometimes, it’s pretty
scary thinking about eternity, O God, but I know I won’t be aware of time
anymore when I am in your presence. Help me get to know you better in this lifetime
so that I will be reassured that spending forever with you will be the most
wonderful thing possible. Help me also to love others so we can anticipate the
joy of being with you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Genesis 22:1-14; 1 Peter
1:10-20; John 13:36-38
SCRIPTURE
John 13:37 — Peter said to
Him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Had I known my Bible better,
my youngest brother would have sounded like Peter. “Why can’t I go with you?
I’ll help with the float. I won’t get in the way.” I was going to town to drive
around with my friends. It was the night before the homecoming parade. We
planned to spend some time helping with our class float, but I wasn’t sure what
else we might want to do after that. We definitely didn’t want him tagging
along. Who knew what trouble we might find to get into, and I didn’t need his
“eyewitness” account repeated at home! Peter was not being a “tag-along”
younger brother. Like Elisha did not want to depart from Elijah until Elijah
was taken up to heaven, Peter wanted to spend every possible minute with Jesus.
He was so desperate to do that he made a brash promise doomed to be broken.
Peter had no idea what Jesus had in store for Him that night. We can easily sit
on our comfortable pews and Lazyboys declaring that we want to follow Jesus.
But are we ready to face the cross with Him? Are we willing to leave our
“comfort zone” to “take up our cross and follow Him”?
PRAYER
It is relatively easy to
follow you, dear Jesus, from the comfort of my surroundings, but I ask that you
enable me to follow you no matter where you lead. This day, I am especially
reminded of the cross you bore. Let it remind me of what it means to follow
you. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Job 19:21-27; Hebrews 4:1-16;
Romans 8:1-11
SCRIPTURE
Romans 8:5 — For those who
live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but
those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the
Spirit.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the boys in high
school was a car-nut. He knew every model of every car on the market. He also
seemed to know everything about them - size and engine type, speed, price, and
more. When some of us hid comic books in our notebooks, he had car magazines.
We also had some sports nuts who could tell you any play of any team of any
sport. (We just had baseball, football, and basketball in the “dark ages.”) It
seemed they ate, slept, and lived for those things where the rest of us only
had a passing interest. The apostle Paul knew people like that, who
concentrated their minds on the “things of the flesh” - sex, pleasure, money,
and otherworldly passions. Today, movies and TV are overloaded with people like
that. Hollywood’s message seems to be: “Look how fun, glamorous, exciting, and
profitable it is!” Anyone who has been addicted to any substance or any
“worldly” activity - drugs, alcohol, gambling, even gossip - knows how fun turns to panic because it’s not
available, glamour turns to surface glitz, excitement turns to terror, and
profit turns to bankruptcy. The result is self-destruction in one form or
another. On the other hand, the “things of the Spirit” do just the opposite,
leading to true joy, exciting adventure, the cross of Christ, and eternal life.
What will you set your mind on as we wait for the resurrection?
PRAYER
Forgive me, O Lord, when
my mind wanders into areas that are not so holy or when I neglect to think of
you. Forgive me for not putting you above everything and not thinking of my
neighbors as myself. Put my mind upon the things of the Spirit and your will. I
pray this in the name of the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, March 27, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Exodus 12:1-14; Isaiah
51:9-11; Luke 24:13-35
SCRIPTURE
Luke 24:30-31 — When
(Jesus) was at the table with them, He took bread, blessed it, and broke it,
and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him; and
He vanished from their sight.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have had a few “eye-opening”
experiences in my life. When I was six, our school visited a fire station in
Norfolk, Nebraska. I thought the captain looked familiar. I had seen him
somewhere. Then I discovered he was the husband of my cousin. I’ve had several
experiences like that, in which I attended a lecture where the speaker sounded
familiar, only to discover that I had read his books when I checked my
bookshelves. In the early ’70s, I was commissioned to write and present a
“contemporary funeral service.” When I went to present the service, I thought I
recognized the name of another presenter. It didn’t register at first. He was a
seminary professor who had written numerous books. I enjoyed visiting with him
when we first met. Just before I fell asleep that night, it was as if a light
clicked on in my head! He was the author of one of my major resources! It is pretty
amazing how startling such “eye-openers” can be. However, none of my
experiences are as incredible as that of the two disciples who invited their
“strange new friend” to their home in Emmaus. They had not been among the
twelve apostles but had been disciples who had followed Jesus and His “career.”
They were wrapped up in their concerns and their stories. But His story caught
their attention and “burned in their hearts.” They were so intent on reaching
home before sunset that they couldn’t make the connection until Jesus broke
bread. “Then their eyes were opened....” Don’t you wish you could
receive communion daily so that He could open your eyes? Christ is Risen!!!
PRAYER
Hallelujah! Our Lenten
journey is almost over, dear Jesus, but my journey is only beginning with you.
Open my eyes that I may truly see you in all things. Thank you for the precious
gift of your Last Supper, where my eyes are opened as I receive you in the
bread and wine. Let me never take it for granted, but it is something to
cherish as often as possible. In the name of the Risen Lord, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, March 28, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Jonah 2:1-10; Acts 2:14-32;
John 14:1-14
SCRIPTURE
John 14:12 — (Jesus said,)
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that
I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these because I am going to the
Father.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When Dad was a kid, he helped
my grandfather plow the fields with a team of horses. It was slow, tiring work.
Then Grandpa bought a tractor, which he never drove. Dad plowed the fields with
the tractor many times faster than Grandpa could with his team of horses. Dad
had a newer, more powerful tractor and a larger plow when I came along. The
largest plow we ever had was a three-bottom (three plows in one). Today, that
plow is an antique. Many farmers have retired plows and can plant their fields
twenty-four or more rows at a time without tilling. Had Grandpa been a prophet,
he could have told us about farming what Jesus told us about the spiritual work
we can do in His name. Jesus could only reach a few people with the good news
in Galilee. Today, with the help of satellites and science, the good news can
be instantaneously shared by evangelists in remote villages worldwide. Jesus
healed many people who came to him, some at a distance, but He was only one
person. Today, His body can bring healing to millions through the miracles of
medicines being discovered every day, through surgeries never dreamed of in the
1st century, and through loving, caring, compassionate people of
prayer who live each day as Christ’s body in the world. He went to the Father
so that He could send His Spirit to live, love, and serve the world through us.
How many “greater works” can you identify in your life?
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for the
many inventions and technologies that allow your message to be spread around
the globe. Thank you also for my purpose and that I can support people who are
spreading the good news. I pray that I, too, may impact someone by sharing my
faith with them. I ask this in the name of the Risen Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday of the Passion, March 29, 2025
Hans Nielsen Hauge - A lay preacher emphasized a person’s vocation as a
service to God and urged his followers to remain faithful to the national
church.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 30:18-26; Acts
2:36-47; John 14:15-31
SCRIPTURE
John 14:26 — (Jesus said,)
“...the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will
teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
John Peterson stands out as a
person for whom I had a lot of respect. When I entered our one-room schoolhouse
as a puny kindergartner, the “big kids” gave me a few weeks to settle in before
they started picking on me. Tacks, threats, spitballs, and other flying
missiles increased stress and irritation until John stepped in. He was one of
the “big kids” but often stood up for me when I couldn’t do it myself. He would
also warn me about things I shouldn’t say or do to keep on the “good side” of
the “bad guys.” The others respected him enough to stop most of the harassment
aimed at making me cry. I’ve always appreciated John’s “advocacy” for me. In an
even more powerful way, Jesus sends His Spirit to “stand up” for us. The Holy
Spirit is our “invisible Friend” - always leading us to learn what we need,
always putting words in our mouth to speak when needed. This Advocate, like
Tad, a lawyer friend, stands up for the most helpless people before the judge
to ensure true justice is done. My friend told me once that he feels frustrated
sometimes because the defendant he is trying to help fails to listen to him and
follow His advice. I can only imagine the Holy Spirit’s frustration with us
when we get out of the practice of listening to Him and then go off in the
wrong direction. How good are you at listening to your Advocate - the Holy
Spirit?
PRAYER
Dear God, you have sent
your Spirit to be my Advocate, and I thank and praise you for doing this. I
pray that I will listen carefully to what you have to tell me and that I will
follow. I ask that you use me to bring justice into an unjust world, helping
those who cannot help themselves. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, March 30, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Micah 7:7-15; Acts 3:1-10;
John 15:1-11
SCRIPTURE
John 15:1 — (Jesus said,)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I enjoy working with plants.
I always have. I can’t say I knew that growing up on the farm. Plants had to be
planted, cultivated, mowed, baled, stacked, combined, picked, pruned, or
otherwise harvested. They were working. I can look back and remember some
things I enjoyed about plants. I enjoyed climbing in trees. I enjoyed eating
the fruit. I even enjoyed some parts of the harvest and the satisfaction of
looking at a completed stack of bales or a full corn crib. More than forty
years ago, I developed a passion for growing things - especially herbs. Several
years ago, I even tried my hand at grapes, producing incredible fruit. I recently
encountered a wild grapevine choking and crowding out other plants. I decided
to get rid of it. The problem was figuring out which branches belonged to the
wild grape and which belonged to a tree. Sadly, the tree lost a few branches in
my search for the “true vine.” Jesus must have pruned grape vines at one time.
He knew the process. He also knew that “wild grapes” or “false grapes”
sometimes enter the vineyard. The vinegrower’s challenge is to distinguish
between the two. Are false gods or false values creeping into the vineyard of
your life? Sometimes, they look so good and valuable, but they choke and crowd
out the true spiritual values that find their source and reward in Jesus. A
trustworthy friend, a knowledge of scripture, and a worshiping community can be
invaluable in helping us choose the “true vine.”
PRAYER
Bind and entwine me into
your Spirit, dear Lord, that everything I do may be subject to your will. Help
me to distinguish what is your will and what is the will of those not part of
your vine. Prune me so that I bear beautiful, luscious fruit for you. I ask
these things in the name of Jesus the Risen One. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, March 31, 2025
John Donne - was born in 1673, raised Roman Catholic, and later
became a member of the Church of England. Following intense inner struggles, he
was ordained and was later named Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he became
the most celebrated preacher of his day.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts
3:11-26; John 15:12-27
SCRIPTURE
John 15:15 — (Jesus said
to them,) “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not
know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends because I have
made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the most memorable
moments in my training to become a pastor occurred while interning in Rockford,
Illinois. Interns are students – pastors in training. They are observers and
servants, doing what the senior pastor assigns them to do. To be called into
the senior pastor’s office was usually not a traumatic event. It simply meant
reporting what had been accomplished and being given new assignments. I knew
things were not “business as usual” when I was asked to come in, close the
door, and sit. Pastor O. came out from behind his big desk and took the chair
beside me. I had been with him for most of a year and was preparing to return
for my final year of seminary. Instead of reports and assignments between a
servant and a master, our time together that day was spent as two friends
sharing a joint ministry. He confided many of his hopes and dreams for the
congregation and his concerns. He also asked if I would consider returning
after seminary, not as an intern, but as his assistant. I cannot tell you what
the disciples felt when Jesus called them “friends” instead of “servants,” but
I can tell you the overwhelming joy I felt when it happened to me on
internship. All of us baptized Christians must remember that those who choose
to be faithful servants of the Lord receive His words and His “Friendship” from
their Lord and Master. How does that make you feel - friend?
PRAYER
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