DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, May 1, 2025
**Thoughts to Ponder by
Pastor Sydow, Prayers by Pastor Freeman
St. Philip, who brought Nathaniel to Jesus, was born in
Bethsaida and was one of the first Apostles.
He was martyred in Phrygia.
St. James was traditionally entitled “the less”. Buried with Philip
in Rome in 561.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 15:1-11; 1
Timothy 3:14 - 4:5; Matthew 13:24-34a
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 13:24b-25 — ...The
kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;
but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came a sowed weeds among the wheat and
the went away.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Dad was almost compulsive
about chopping cockleburs and sunflowers in our cornfields. I couldn’t guess
the miles and miles we walked, row after row, year after year - usually on the
hottest, muggiest days of summer. Our neighbors, on the other hand, weren’t
quite so conscientious. Their fields were a carpet of yellow blossoms or hidden
burrs. They didn’t intentionally throw weeds in our fields. The coyotes,
rabbits, and skunks did it as they passed through those fields to ours, where
they would clean themselves off. For the most part, our fields were fairly
clean, except for those patches where the animals left behind their
“souvenirs.” In Palestine, tares -
bearded darnel to be exact - looked exactly like wheat until it started
producing seeds, and then it was too late to pull them up without pulling up
the wheat too. The seed was slightly poisonous, so it had to be separated to
prevent spoiling the bread made from the wheat. (I wonder if Jesus got that job
as a kid?) In our day, we might compare it to a computer virus that can shut
down a whole system and even a business. Our journey to God’s presence can be
“infected” by the “weeds,” the “tares,” the “viruses,” the worries cares, and
sins in which we allow ourselves to be involved. The goodness of God is always
there, but it gets polluted by our “actions, and our failures to act” - by “our
thoughts, words and deeds.” Has the
enemy been successful in sabotaging your “field”? What are you willing to do
about it?
PRAYER
O dear Lord, forgive me
for those “tares and viruses” that I have let infect my thoughts, words, and
deeds. Even though it might be painful,
remove them from my life so that I may produce the kind of fruit that you want
for me. Thank you to Jesus, who has
forgiven me for all my sins. In his name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, May 2, 2025
Athanasius defended the divinity of Christ at the Council of
Nicaea and was known for championing Christian orthodoxy against heresies. The
Athanasian Creed is named for him.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 8:1-10; James
1:1-15; Luke 9:18-27
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:25 — Jesus said,
“What does it profit them if they gain the whole world but lose or forfeit
themselves?”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the farmers we knew
was a hard worker. Actually, he was more than a hard worker. He drove himself
morning, noon, and night. He had his chores done and was in the field before
any other neighbors, but he didn’t quit until it was too dark to see. Each
year, he added more land to his farm. He was considered to be a successful and
wealthy farmer. However, he alienated his family, had no friends, and had
trouble keeping hired help because he drove them equally as hard as he pushed
himself. I don’t believe he ever took a day off for anything, especially
worship. Then, one day, he had a heart attack and died in the middle of
harvesting a bumper crop, never having enjoyed any of his accumulated wealth.
He may have been an extreme case, but as I write about him, I wonder if I’m not
as guilty in other ways. I can become so driven to “do the Lord’s work” that I
forget I am part of “the Lord’s work” myself. We all need to make sure we put
quality time with the Lord first, even if some things we thought were so important
don’t get done. What is really important to you? Where does your relationship
with the Lord fit into your schedule? Are you being driven to the Lord or away
from the Lord? “When the roll is called
up yonder,” will you be there, or are you forfeiting your soul for gaining what
will not last? May we all discover the joy of knowing that God, not you, not I,
still ensures everything that needs doing gets done!
PRAYER
O most precious Redeemer,
you are more valuable than anything I could possess. Enable me to focus my life on yours instead
of mine and all the things that I seem to accumulate. I pray that I have the right priorities to
put you first. I pray this in your Holy Name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, May 3, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 8:11-20; James
1:16-27; Luke 11:1-13
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:13 — If you then,
who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will
the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had one heifer that was
mean and dangerous to be around. Dad thought she’d make a good milk cow if she
could be tamed down. We put her in with the other cows, hoping some of their
gentle ways would rub off, but either she was too thick-headed or too mean to
the core. It didn’t work. We were worried about what kind of mother she would
be and if she would kick and bump her calf the way she did us. When the
“blessed event” happened, we were happy that she was a very good mother.
However, the minute we stepped in to check out the calf, her meanness
multiplied, and she sent us scurrying for the fence! She could be gentle and
loving with her calf but was mean to the core with everyone else, including her
sister cows. Jesus noticed that quality in some people, too. They could be
kind, gentle, and loving to their children but vicious and cruel to
others. We saw examples of it in the
lives of the guards at the concentration camps during the holocaust of WWII. We
see it today in the lives of terrorists around the world. Jesus reminds us that
many are “mean and evil to the core” but have a soft spot for their children.
God, on the other hand, is “gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love”
- to the core! How thankful are you for the goodness of God - your heavenly
Father?
PRAYER
Gracious, Heavenly Father,
thank you for loving me with your whole heart. Thank you for Jesus, the Christ,
who loved me so much he was willing to go to the cross. Put your Spirit within
me so that others will see you through me and know of your love, too. In the
name of the Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Monica, the mother of Augustine, prayed earnestly for the
conversion of her playboy son and was able to witness that conversion before
she died.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 19:1-7; James
5:13-18; Luke 12:22-31
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:23 — For life is
more than food, and the body more than clothing.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I love to people-watch. While
Sue is shopping, I enjoy finding a place to sit and observe. Not long ago, we
were in a mall in Mexico, where I could sit and enjoy the crowd. There are the
wealthy and the poor, the hurried and the leisurely, the hunters (like me) who
are after their prey so they can get out and get home, the healthy walkers
doing their hearts a favor, and the babysitters watching the kids so Mom can
shop. It doesn’t take long to recognize that those who seem to have everything
are not necessarily happy. Jesus was
right: there is more to life than food, clothing, and money in the bank.
(I added that.) I don’t think the poor man walking hand in hand with his
three-year-old would trade his love for all the gold in Fort Knox. But Jesus
was talking about something even more precious, something for which He was
willing to suffer and die - our everlasting souls. Too many people “sell their
soul” for a lifestyle rather than adjusting their lifestyle to what would be of
value to their souls. Before his conversion, Augustine was a playboy, doing
precisely that. It was the constant prayer of his mother that God would reach
into Augustine’s heart to help him get his priorities straight. It was the
answer to that prayer that gave us Saint Augustine. Have you got your
priorities straight, or are you still giving more value to things in this world
than your soul? How about letting the
“Augustine” in your life come out and praying for the same to happen in the
lives of those you love - day and night?
PRAYER
I thank you for sending
St. Augustine and other saints to be examples and models of the life you want
for me. Help me to straighten my priorities. As you bless me, help me to be a
blessing to everyone who crosses my path. I pray in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, May 5, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 1:1-14, 24-28a;
Hebrews 2:5-18; Matthew 28:16-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 28:17 — When they
saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I was the chaplain for a
week-long camp for 4th through 6th graders. One evening,
we took a late-night hike. Before departing, the camp manager attended the
service and read one of the lessons to the campers. However, when we left on
the hike, he quietly slipped away and hid in the woods. As we were hiking, he made
noises from the trees, which kept the campers on edge. For the last leg of the
journey, one of the regular counselors slipped into the trees to make noises
while the manager ran back to the canteen where we were to have a snack. By
this time, many campers were convinced it was him, especially when they heard
the racket created by the counselor, who quickly slipped back among us as we
rushed to the canteen. The trick worked well. The campers were positive it was
the manager - until they saw him preparing the snacks, looking like he’d been
there the whole time! Doubts and concerns about what was following us on
our hike made for a very unsettled and subdued group of campers, some of whom
gave up plans for “escaping” after their counselor went to sleep. Jesus wasn’t trying to scare anyone. He was
Himself, inviting those who came to Him to examine what they saw with their own
eyes. Many believed, but many more doubted. “How could a man do these things?
Could God be in heaven and among us at the same time? Would God come to
this sinful earth in person?” Doubts are not bad. They help us grow in our
knowledge and in our faith. Are there times when you get stuck in doubt and
find it difficult to move from doubt to faith to worship? Why not turn your
doubts over to the One who graces you with faith?
PRAYER
Thank you, dear Lord, for
using those moments of doubt to strengthen my faith. Even though I question how
it can be done, thank you also for continually being with me and each of your
followers. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 1:28 - 3:3; Hebrews
4:14 - 5:6; Luke 9:28-36
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:29-30 — As He
prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and
glistening, and behold two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When we were young, my
parents occasionally took us to dances at King’s Ballroom in Norfolk, Nebraska,
where live bands performed. We sat in the section reserved for minors but
pretty much had the run of the ballroom. Mom and Dad didn’t go often, but it was
there that I learned to dance. One of the unique features I loved was the
“black light,” which made everything white appear bright and glowing. (I still
think it is misnamed. It isn’t “black”. It makes the white bright!) I would have been happy if they had kept it
on for all the dances. The first time I heard the story of the Transfiguration,
I was sure God flipped on the “black light” to make Jesus glow in the
dark! No doubt that same Light
brightened things up when Jesus ascended into heaven. My young mind had
memorized, “God is light.” Therefore, it seemed obvious to me that God was the
light that made Jesus, Moses, and Elijah glow. I’ve known many people with the
Lord's light living in them. To those who don’t pay attention, they look like
ordinary people, but people of faith who know what to look for light up our
lives. God’s light shines in their eyes. God’s light shines in their words.
God’s light shines in their actions. Does God’s light shine in you? Are you
willing to “dance with the Lord of the Dance of life” so His brilliant light
will shine in your life? Why not give it
a try? God would love to flip the switch and make His presence glow in you!
PRAYER
Come and dance with me
throughout my day and night, O God. Draw me ever closer to you so that I see
your light shine. By studying your movements, let me always follow your steps
and let your light shine in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 3:4-17; Hebrews
5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:40 — I begged your
disciples to cast it out, but they could not.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
A salesman got stuck in a
ditch about a half mile from our farm after a rain. He was trying to turn
around because the road was thinly graveled, and he backed too far. He came
walking to the house and asked if we could help. Dad wasn’t home, so one of my
brothers and I decided we could pull him out. We rounded up the log chain,
started up the tractor, and headed for his car with the salesman holding on for
dear life. He had tried hard to get himself out - a little too hard. He buried
his car deep in the muddy road ditch. We attached the chain to his car and the
tractor and tried pulling but started burying the tractor in mud, too. Fortunately, Dad arrived before it was really
bad. He unhooked the tractor from the chain, got it out of the rut we had made,
and repositioned it at a better angle, explaining why it had to be that way.
Then, he had the salesman get in his car, put it in gear, turn the wheels in
the direction he needed to go, and gently give it some gas. Almost as if by
magic, the car effortlessly followed Dad and the tractor out of the ditch. The
disciples had the basics of casting out demons, but they needed something more,
which Jesus was able to provide. In His instructions, He explained the missing
ingredients, and we don’t hear of the disciples having that problem again. Have
you been stuck with some demonic problems, pains, and pitfalls? If you’re not
progressing, why not invite Jesus to help and follow His advice?
PRAYER
O God of all answers,
teach me to listen to you and to accept your advice when I get into the mud
holes of life. I am sorry for the many times that I have tried to do things on
my own and have just made a mess. Forgive me. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, May 8, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 3:16-27; Ephesians
2:1-10; Matthew 10:24-33, 40-42
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:28 — Do not
fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can
destroy both soul and body in hell.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had a haunted house near
our farm. It had been a parsonage for a pastor when a church still stood across
the road. It had been my home for a few of my youngest years after the pastor
left and the church was moved. It had been rented out to some people from the
Ozark Mountains who trashed it before the sheriff evicted them. Finally, it sat
vacant on the hill overlooking our farm, dark, un-cared for, and foreboding to
children with fertile imaginations. We never actually saw or even heard a ghost
in our adventures there, nor did any adults ever claim there were. We tried,
unsuccessfully, to convince some of the neighbor kids and visiting cousins it
was haunted, but the best we could do was set up a few booby traps, with only
minor success in the scare business. Mom and Dad made us clean them up for fear
that someone would get hurt, not by the “ghosts” but by our traps. In the world
of the disciples and Jesus, demons, diseases, and dangerous people were a real
threat. The demons tormented and killed the soul. Diseases and people killed
the body. Jesus knew that only the Creator could destroy both in hell - the
place reserved for those who turned their back on God. Our spiritual disciplines should help us
strengthen our relationship with the One who can save us from the separation of
hell. May your daily walk with Christ help you to grow closer to your Lord and
Savior!
PRAYER
Bridge the gulf between
us, O my Redeemer, so that nothing will separate you and your love from me. Use
your Spirit to draw me closer to your will and your ways. Please change the
hearts of those who have heard about you but have turned their backs so that we
will be joined at the great feast. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, May 9, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 4:1-17; Hebrews
6:1-12; Luke 9:51-62
SCRIPTURE
Luke 9:51 — When the days
drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We planned a big vacation
when our kids were 10 and 12. We were living in Iowa at the time and had taken
short trips and long trips by car to visit relatives (“Boring!!!”), but never
anything they wanted to do. This trip, we agreed, would be different - something
we would all enjoy. With relatives in California, Disneyland became our target.
For more than a year, we sacrificed and saved. Every special gift or extra
paying job added to our “California fund.” Every month, we could see it grow.
By October, we had enough for a special price that became available for
airplane tickets. Once purchased, there was no turning back. The trip was real
to the kids, and they began to save in earnest. Every week, we added up what we
had and made more plans. The excitement grew. We took the trip the following
August and had the most memorable vacation with them. Almost twenty years
later, they still talked about it. Jesus was not headed for Disneyland,
although for many Jews, the annual trip to Jerusalem might have been considered
the equivalent. But for Jesus, it was a
bitter-sweet journey. He knew He was headed for a serious confrontation with
religious and political authorities. Granted, there would be the Passover
party, but the path to Golgotha was already prepared. His enemies were
gathering like vultures. The only roller coaster He would ride was emotional,
from the back of a donkey with crowds cheering to dragging His cross with
crowds jeering. His face was set to go, and nothing could distract Him. Have you set your face to go up to the
“heavenly Jerusalem”? How are you preparing yourself for that spiritual
journey?
PRAYER
Trips can be fun,
exciting, and adventurous, dear Lord, but they can also be exhausting,
dangerous, and tiring. This one I am on with you is no different, but I know my
destination will be the best of my life as long as you journey with me. Prepare
me by your Word and strengthen me with your Supper. I pray this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, May 10, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 7:10-15, 23b-27;
Hebrews 6:13-20; Luke 10:1-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:5 — Whatever house
you enter, first says, 'Peace to this house!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We didn’t have many neighbors
with kids to play with. The nearest lived across the creek, down the road, and
down a long lane unless we cut across the pasture and hopped the creek and the
barbed-wire fence. The next nearest neighbor with kids lived about a mile away
with a lane that was practically a half mile long. When we went to visit, one
of the many instructions we received from Mom was: “Don’t go into their house
unless you’re invited in!” It was a good rule that probably saved us and our
hosts a lot of embarrassment. Jesus added a really nice touch for his
followers. He instructs us to bless the houses into which we are invited.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all did that? I’ve been privileged to do a number of
official “house blessings” for people. It’s a great experience for everyone who
participates. So, why not start a trend to recover what Jesus started? Not only
do we wait to be invited in, but we bless the house with: “Peace to this
house!” bringing God’s grace with us into the conversation and into every
activity, play, or work that takes place. It doesn’t have to be formal or
“official.” With God’s grace and love, every house we enter will experience a
new spirit of peace and joy. When you go to visit people, have you ever
considered that you could make a spiritual difference to those living there,
just by your blessing, silent or spoken?!
Why not give it a try?
PRAYER
Thank you for all the many
people who have given me their gift of hospitality, O gracious One, and who
have invited me into their homes. Bless them and may your peace dwell among
them. Open my mouth so that I say a word of peace to all who welcome me. I pray
this in the name of the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, May 11, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 11:14-25; Hebrews
7:1-17; Luke 10:17-24
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:23b-24 — Jesus
said to the disciples privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you
see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the hundreds of my
favorite hymns was one I learned in music in country school. “Mine eyes have
seen the glory of the coming of the Lord....” It always stirs my blood and
makes me want to march. Every time I sing it, I am reminded of the glories of
this world that I have seen: Grandma’s cream puffs with real whipped cream, the
Nebraska State Capitol building, Disneyland, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic
Ocean, our nation’s capital, the Fjords of Norway, Legoland in Denmark, the
Austrian Alps, the Wartburg Castle in Germany, the Holy Land in Israel, the
lush gardens of Paraguay, the rolling wheat and corn fields of the mid-west, my
most precious helpmate... My list (and yours) could go on and on. Many are
beautiful sites which my ancestors never dreamed possible to exist or to see.
But if our lists end with the glories of this world, we are most to be pitied!
For “the glory of the coming of the Lord” will make all other glories seem
dull, tedious, monotone, black and white, and fuzzy by comparison. This is the
glory the disciples saw in Jesus when He broke bread with them. This is the
glory “many kings and prophets” longed to see. What a joy we have in store for
us, in this life or the next, to experience living in the presence of the
Living Lord. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of Him in the sparkle of my love’s
eye, in the innocent and happy laughter of a child, in the music of a symphony,
in the words of scripture, in the sharing of communion, or even in the hug of a
friend. Have you kept your eyes open to experience the glory of the coming of
the Lord to you?
PRAYER
My eyes long to see your
glory, dear Lord! Thank you for coming to me through the breaking of the bread,
the wonders of your world, and in the eyes of the ones who love me. I pray that
I will never take your wondrous glories for granted but appreciate each one. I
pray this in the name of your most wondrous glory. Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, May 12, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32;
Hebrews 7:18-28; Luke 10:25-37
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:25 — Just then, a
lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I
do to inherit eternal life?"
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I struggled in the hot summer
sun trying to get the tractor lined up so that the belt from it to the feed
grinder would run smoothly and stay on. I had seen Dad do it hundreds of times,
but every effort ended in the belt flying off before the grinder would budge.
After an hour of frustration, I was ready to give up. I finally went to find
Dad to see if he could get it to work. When I told him my problem, he said he’d
show me how. With a few simple pointers, I could line things up according to
Dad’s directions, and it worked! All I had to do was ask and then follow
directions. The lawyer had that in his favor.
At least he asked the question, even if for the wrong reason. He may or
may not have been willing to follow Jesus's instructions, but the solution to
his question was simple: “Love your neighbor.” What he did with the answer
isn’t known. We assume he was angry that the Samaritan in the parable Jesus
told was the hero and was the neighbor who “loved his neighbor”. But, then again, maybe he accepted the instruction.
For our generation, as it was for those living in lawyer’s day, they don’t
bother asking the question, possibly for fear of hearing the answer they don’t
want to hear. Why not try asking the tough questions concerning your eternal
life today? Listen to the Lord’s answer and follow the instructions that the
Word provides.
PRAYER
Jesus, my Master and
Teacher, your instruction is simple but challenging: “Love my neighbor. " Forgive
me for my lack of compassion for others and for my unwillingness to forgive.
Give me the power that I need to follow your command. In your Holy Name, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 34:17-31; Hebrews
8:1-13; Luke 10:38-42
SCRIPTURE
Luke 10:40a — But Martha
was distracted by her many tasks....
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As the oldest of six
children, I became a babysitter early. I was thirteen when my youngest sister
was born and was probably a decent sitter by then, but under normal
circumstances, I would have been fired many times for my methods of taking care
of the other four when I was younger. My principle practice at age five, when
Mom went out to help Dad or to do some chores, was to keep them busy with a
game. I found that if they were busy, they wouldn’t miss Mom and thus would not
get into trouble. My idea of trouble and Mom’s were different, so some of her
gray hair probably came from me. The knife sticking in the window frame, the
shoe polish on the kitchen floor, the mountain made of pots, pans, and
chairs... Well, you get the idea. Distractions can serve a useful purpose but
can also cause us to miss some very important happenings. I’ve missed trips to
my grandparents' homes, snacks and meals, telephone calls, visits from
relatives, and even television shows I wanted to watch because I got too
distracted by busyness. Some distractions were senseless activities or games.
Some distractions were day to day routines that got in the way of what was
important. That was Martha’s problem. She was so busy being a hostess that she
failed to be a friend and listener. What distracts you from worship and Bible
study? Do you get too busy with “things” in the present to appreciate what will
have eternal significance? What could
you do to take your faith more seriously?
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, my constant
companion and friend, forgive me when the “busyness” of my life gets in the way
of truly listening to you speak to me. I pray that you remind me of your
importance to me by focusing more upon your word through worship and study of
your Holy Book. It is in your name
that I ask all these things. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ezekiel 43:1-12; Hebrews 9:1-14;
Luke 11:14-23
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:19 — But if it is
by the finger of God that I cast out the demons, then the kingdom of God has
come to you.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The highway ran along the
south side of our farm, a mile from our house. Between the highway and the
farmland, there was a grove of trees. One summer, the radio reported an inmate
had escaped from the prison in Lincoln. My ten-year-old mind whirred into overdrive.
What if he was hiding in that grove of trees?! I discussed it with the posse,
my sister, and my twin brothers. We agreed that he was hiding out there. We
talked to Mom, who wasn’t impressed, but agreed to take us over to investigate.
She didn’t seem too worried that all we had was a pellet gun, but we walked the
length of the grove, keeping our eyes out for anything suspicious. The finding
of the day was the remains of a long-dead campfire. That further fueled our
imaginations. If it wasn’t the “murderer,” who was it? Our logical deductions
were content to stop there. He had been there and was gone. Jesus wasn’t
playing a child’s game. His declaration should have sent shockwaves through the
whole world. Satan wouldn’t cast out demons, or he’d divide his kingdom.
Therefore, it had to be by the “finger of God.” If it was the “finger of God”
then God was present. If God was/is present...!
Have you spent time thinking through what you believe? I mean, REALLY
thinking it through? If God is your creator, Jesus died for your sins, and the
Holy Spirit is God’s presence with you at all times, what does that mean for
your daily life? What does God’s grace mean for the way you spend your time,
the way you give, the way you serve, the way you live? The good news is that it
is true! How do you respond?
PRAYER
Am I truly living my life
as you would have me live it, dear God? Am I caring enough for your creation?
For others? To study your word? Because you have died for me and forgiven me of
all my sins, I pray that I will strive to be different in all that I do. In the
name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, May 15, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 11:1-9; 1 Corinthians
2:1-13; John 14:21-29
SCRIPTURE
John 14:28 — You heard me
say to you, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you
would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than
I.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I hate farewells. Sometimes,
they seem so permanent. It was true the night we visited Grandma. I was five or
six. She was in bed with a heart problem and refused to go to the hospital
because “people go there to die!” There was a much-hushed conversation that
night before we were allowed to go in to say good night and goodbye quietly. It
was our last goodbye to Grandma because that night, my favorite Grandma died.
I’ve had the sad experience of saying my last goodbyes to many relatives and
friends. Some have moved away or gone home, and some have died and gone Home.
Whatever the destination, I know we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Perhaps we’ll get to see them again at a family reunion, or one of us may die
first. It is a gloomy thought. I much prefer the German version: “Aufwiedersehen”,
which is translated as “Until I see you again.” Isn’t that what Jesus was
telling His disciples? He was going away, but they would meet again one way or
another. One way or another, thanks to Jesus, there will be a Grand Reunion
with Him and His friends. I still hate farewells, but I love “Aufwiedersehens”!
How about you? I’d love to see you again sometime soon, but I look forward to
seeing you around our Father’s table at HOME!
PRAYER
I thank you that you have
turned all of my sad goodbyes into “Aufwiedersehen” and “until we meet again,”
dear Lord. It is because of you that death does not have the final word and
that we will all be together once again in my final home, where I might live in
joy with you and all those who have shared their lives with me. In the name of
Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, May 16, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 63:7-14; 2 Timothy
1:1-14; Luke 11:24-36
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:25-26 — When (the
unclean spirit returns), it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and
brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and live
there; and the last state of that person is worse than the first."
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The first house I remember
living in, a former parsonage, sat empty for a few years after we moved to a
newer house two miles west of the “home place.” Mom and Dad made numerous trips
back to the old house to keep it nice and clean, even when no one lived there.
When a man from the hills of Arkansas - “a real Hill Billy” - came through
looking for work and a place to live at harvest time, Dad was happy to give him
a job and offered him the “parsonage” to live in. Dad didn’t know that he was
moving in with his entire clan - wife, three kids, sister, brother-in-law, and
their four kids, an uncle, and two dogs. They loved the house but, within a
month, totally trashed it. When the sheriff got them to move, it was in sad
shape. It took most of the winter to haul out piles of garbage and trash and
air the place out. The burn marks on the floor where they started a fire
required the replacement of some boards.
Several broken windows also had to be replaced. Some friends recently
told a similar horror story about a house they owned in Montana. If we can
fully understand Jesus’ illustration in a physical house, it will be easy to
see the similarity in our spiritual house. If we don’t fill the “emptiness” in
our spiritual lives with spiritually uplifting things, the Devil and his
cronies have plenty of friends who will enjoy “trashing” what was made clean in
the waters of baptism. Are you filling your spiritual house with good things,
like worshiping regularly, Bible study, and quality time spent in prayer? Why
not read a spiritually uplifting book or give yourself the gift of a spiritual
retreat like Via de Cristo or Walk to Emmaus?
PRAYER
Keep me filled with
spiritual things that please you, O God, so Satan will not dwell within me.
Thank you for those opportunities that I have had to fill my spiritual house
with your good things. Use me to invite and encourage others to retreat and
study. Thank you also for spending time with me in prayer. I ask this in Jesus’
name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, May 17, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 63:15 - 64:9; 2
Timothy 1:15 - 2:13; Luke 11:37-52
SCRIPTURE
Luke 11:42 — But woe to
you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect
justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without
neglecting the others.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Dad served on the church
council for a while when I was growing up. It seemed to be a real “eye-opener”
for him. I do not doubt it had a profound effect on his commitment. Though he
never mentioned names or amounts, he often talked about the “Dollar-a-weekers”
who seemed to think that’s all it takes to keep a church alive. To Dad, the
church was more than “paying the preacher’s salary and keeping the doors open.”
I never heard him complain that the synod wanted too much for missions and
education. They were our responsibility, too. If it meant selling a pig or an
extra load of corn to help out - so be it. If he ever had regret, it was that
he couldn’t do more. On the other hand, the Pharisees had devised a whole
system of giving to look good without actually doing good. They would
meticulously weigh out mint and rue and other herbs to give. (I raise herbs and
can tell you that a pound of dried mint takes a big, impressive sack!) Meanwhile, no social service program provided
food stamps or vouchers for those in need. Instead, the hungry, the homeless,
the widows, and orphans begged at the Temple gates for anything that would help
them survive another day. Have you examined your giving lately? Are you giving
for show or for the love of the Lord who gave His all for you? Why not try
giving joyfully to Christ's work and mission through His body, the church, so
that the Good News can be spread far and wide?
PRAYER
Make my heart a giving
heart, O God. Change me when I do things for show or my own well-being into one
who gives generously and with love for you and others. Thank you for giving me
the means to help and share with others. In the name of the Son, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Erik IX, ruled Sweden from 1150-1160, and was considered the
patron saint of Sweden.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 65:1-12; 2 Timothy
2:14-26; Luke 11:53-12:12
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:7 — But even the
hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value
than many sparrows.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Mom usually cut my hair. She
was good at it, although she had only one style - butch. My brothers and I all got the same close-cut,
almost bald look each time she finished. Since we didn’t know any other style,
we were satisfied. The downside of Mom’s haircuts was the hair down the neck.
Mom usually cut our hair just before a bath, so it was a short-lived
irritation. However, with three brothers in line for haircuts, too, I would
sometimes have to take my bath while I waited. I hated having my haircut after
a bath because it meant a scratchy irritation all day long. No matter how hard
Mom tried not to let it happen, those little hairs would fall down my neck.
That happened the Sunday morning before church when the pastor read this
passage of scripture. My mind slipped into overdrive, and I wondered if God
would mind picking those sharp little hairs out of my neckline as He counted
them! God didn’t, of course, so I must admit I didn’t feel sorry for Him having
to count every little hair. My hair is thinning on the front and top of my head
now, and I go to an excellent professional barber, who still occasionally drops
a few sharp hairs down my neck. They remind me of Mom’s haircuts. But even
more, they remind me that if God counts all the hairs on my head (and I think
God includes all the sharp little pieces that fall down my neck), he must
consider me of great value to Him. Even when we feel worthless, God thinks we
are worth more than hair or sparrows - enough to die on the cross for us. How
do you share your value with others?
PRAYER
It is so good to know that
you value me, Heavenly Father. To you, I am not just a number, an empty face,
or an unknown; you know me intimately. I pray that I may know you as well as
you know me. Help me see the value of others and share that value with them. In
Jesus’ name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, May 19, 2025
Dunstan was a strict ascetic who completely reformed the
monastery at Glastonbury, making it famous for its learning. He was made
Archbishop of Canterbury in 959 and carried out a thorough reform of the church
and the state. He is also known as a musician, an illuminator, and a
metalworker.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 65:17-25; 2 Timothy
3:1-17; Luke 12:13-31
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:15 — And he said
to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for
one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I had an advantage many young
people don’t have today. I grew up without a television for my first nine
years. Even when we got one, the reception wasn’t always good enough to watch,
and what we watched was severely limited because it was believed that “Those TV
rays would ruin your eyes!” What few commercials there were didn’t tremendously
impact our “greed index” at the time. In a half-hour news program, for
instance, we actually received about twenty-five minutes of news with a
commercial at the beginning, one in the middle, and one at the end, and they
didn’t cram eight to ten of them in at every break. Our “greed index” did rise
a little when the Sears catalog came. That was better than any TV commercial!
However, at home, with parents to guide us, reality checks were good at
bringing us back to earth. We already had the things that really mattered. We
had food, clothes, and love. The other “things” were fun to dream about, but we
could live without them - even if the neighbors bought a new car or tractor.
Even if our friends had a new toy of some kind. Since most of them were “dirt
poor” like we were, it was not a big problem. Jesus knew the dangers of greed.
It is greed for land and riches that causes wars and family feuds when people
forget what is really important. Tithing is an excellent way to do a “reality
check” on our “greed index.” The biblical model reminds us that everything was
created by and belongs to God. Have you got your priorities straight? Try
tithing (giving 10%) so that you can keep your possessions in their proper
perspective.
PRAYER
Thank you for giving me
all that I truly need, dear Father. Help me to see the difference between what
I want and what I actually need and to set my priorities
straight. Help me to trust in you enough to give out my first fruits rather
than what is left over. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 66:1-6; 2 Timothy
4:1-8; Luke 12:32-48
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:40 — You also must
be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Some things on the farm could
be put on a calendar fairly accurately. Within a week or two, we knew when the
cows would have calves, the pigs would farrow, and the baby chicks would
arrive. It gave us a timeline by which we had to have pens and barns cleaned
and ready. The baby chicks probably required the most concentrated effort since
walls, ceilings, and floors had to be scrubbed and sterilized, as did the feed
and water troughs before the chicks arrived. One year, they arrived a day too
early. We had cheeping little chicks in our house under heat lamps for two days
and nights as we prepared their home for them. Many Christians have stopped
preparing for the coming of the Son of Man. They forget His warning that He
will come without further warning at any hour.
How well prepared is the “brooder house” of your soul? Has it been
scrubbed and cleansed with confession and forgiveness? Have you lined your life
with the scriptures and surrounded it with prayer? If Jesus were to come before
you have this devotion read, would you be ready to invite Him in? Would worship be so familiar to you that you
could worship Him without further preparation?
PRAYER
Send Your Holy Spirit into
my heart, O God, and prepare me for Your arrival. I pray that I will be ready
at a moment’s notice. Thank You for the opportunities that surround me for
studying Your word and worshiping You throughout the day, especially in the
company of others on Your holy day. I pray this in the name of the Son. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
John Eliot, 1631, was a missionary to American Indians. His
Indian translation was the first complete Bible printed in the colonies. Daniel
Takawambpait, the first Indian minister, was ordained in 1981.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Isaiah 66:7-14; 2 Timothy
4:9-22; Luke 12:49-59
SCRIPTURE
Luke 12:56 — You
hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why
do you not know how to interpret the present time?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We were pretty good weather
forecasters back on the farm. Dad and Mom could often out-guess the
“professionals” on the radio. There was the standard: Red sky in the
morning, sailors take warning; red sky at night, sailor’s delight. We also
watched the Nebraska sunset for more than its beauty. We knew that “if the
sun sets behind a cloud on Friday, it will rain before Monday. There were
signs to be read in the trees and plants, in the way the animals acted, and in
the smell of the air. Sometimes, I thought Mom cooked and baked with similar
but different signs - she measured things out but often added a pinch or a
fistful of something “because it didn’t look right or feel right.” The prophets
of the Bible were keen observers of social and national trends. They “spoke
forth” God’s truth based on what they observed. As one of the greatest of those
prophets, Jesus was amazed at how people could predict the weather (or bake a
loaf of bread) using their common senses but couldn’t read the signs of the
times in their own lives and the lives of their nation. What does it take for
God to wake us up? If the level of violence, corruption, and injustice
continues, where will it lead? It doesn’t take a “rocket scientist” to figure
it out. But have we? Has our nation? Have you?
What is one thing you can do to right the wrong thing before it is too
late? Jesus knew the pain of this
world’s peace. But having experienced the joy of heavenly peace, He turned the
cross into a sign by which we have hope! Thanks be to God!
PRAYER
Sometimes, when I look at
all the wrong within the world, O God, I think I can do nothing. Forgive me for
not taking my call seriously as your disciple. Use me this day, in even a small
way, to spread your world of peace and salvation. In the name of the Messiah, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, May 22, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 6:1-15; Ephesians
4:1-16; John 1:1-18
SCRIPTURE
John 1:14 — And the Word
became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a
father's only son, full of grace and truth.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I lay on the bed I shared
with my youngest brother, gazing out the window at the stars, pondering the
deep theological questions of a nine-year-old. What happened to my bicycle
tire? Where did God come from? Where did all the extra crayons in my cigar box
come from? Why do some people have to die? Was the moon really made of green
cheese? What was it like for Jesus to give up Heaven to be born as a
baby? My questions didn’t keep me awake; they just floated in and out of my
thoughts as I drifted into sleep. I still ponder many of them. The shock of
going from the Creator of all to a created infant who couldn’t even change His
own diaper must have been incredible. There are stories in some books, not in
the Bible, that tell about His “growing up years” but most of them are pretty
far-fetched. In my mind, I came to believe that all of the potential and power
of God was in Jesus from birth, but He gave it up for our sake to become one of
us. When the Holy Spirit came upon Him at His baptism, He began to discover and
use His power. The fantastic thing is that in all biblical stories, Jesus never
uses His power to help Himself. The will of God always came first. How do you
use the gifts and powers God has given you? Are you willing to learn from the
Word who became flesh and lived among us?
PRAYER
Even with the incredible
mind you have given me and others, it boggles my mind when I think of your
greatness and how you gave up everything to live among us, dear Lord. Live
within my heart and mind, teaching me all of your commandments and will. In
your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, May 23, 2025
Ludwig Nommensen, the apostle to the Bataks, was a man of deep faith,
courage, and prophetic vision who developed the church among this large tribal
group.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ruth 1:1-18; 1 Timothy
1:1-17; Luke 13:1-9
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:8-9 — Sir, let it
alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good;
but if not, you can cut it down.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
After Dad left the farm, he
liked to grow unusual plants - unusual to Nebraska. One year, he grew cotton.
Another year, he grew peanuts. It was a challenging hobby for him. He only grew
a few plants of each, but it gave him an idea of what the plants were
like. Following in his footsteps, I grew
fig trees when we lived in southwest Missouri. I tried various prescribed
methods of keeping them alive through the winter. I was sure the poor fig tree
was dead the first spring, so I trimmed off all the branches and waited for a
replacement tree to arrive. As I prepared to plant the new tree, I discovered
buds on the old stump. That year, I had two trees to try to keep alive the
following winter. Sadly, the fruit on the trees only began to ripen about the
time of the first frost. There might be a hundred little figs on each tree, but
only a handful ripened enough to be harvested. Jesus knew the habits of the fig
tree well enough to use it as an object lesson. God has a great deal of
patience with us and will nourish us with every spiritual blessing, but there
does come a time when we must either produce the fruits of righteousness or be
lost. Have you considered how you stand
in the Father’s vineyard? May you be found producing fruit in proportion to the
grace God has showered on you!
PRAYER
Nourish me at your table
with your body and blood, dear Lord, and help me grow by your word. Use me
today to bless others and bear much fruit. Let this fruit be pleasing to you.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Leonhard Euler, 1783, one of the founders of the science of pure
mathematics. Despite becoming blind, he made significant contributions to
mechanics, hydrodynamics, astronomy, optics, and acoustics.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ruth 1:19-2:13; 1 Timothy
1:18-2:8; Luke 13:10-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:13 — When he laid
his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The wheel on my tractor
broke, so I took it to Dad. He admitted it looked like a serious problem. He
finished his coffee, picked up the wheel, and headed for the tool shed with me
right behind. At that time, his tool shed was about the size and shape of an
outhouse. Rummaging through an assortment of odd bolts, nuts, and screws, he
came up with just the thing. He inserted it into the wheel sprocket and
attached it to the tractor I had in my hand. It was as good as new! Dad had a
gift for fixing things. He also had a unique touch with animals. Several I
would have given up on, he nursed to health. One of them became one of our best
milk cows. Dad was an excellent example
to follow. Jesus loved to reclaim and renew those who had been given up for the
loss - lepers, blind, deaf, demon-possessed, arrogant, adulterers, sinners of
all kinds. As with Leonhard Euler, God sometimes used their infirmity to help
them see more than those whose eyes were working properly. Those who turned to
Him were lifted from their infirmity to live joy-filled, productive lives of
praise. Imagine being so bent over that for years, you could only see the ground.
But the touch of Jesus changed all of that in an instant. How would you
feel? Has Jesus touched you recently?
Have you been desperate enough to ask? Lift up your head! It’s time to rejoice.
PRAYER
Touch me, dear Lord, and
reclaim me, a lost and broken person. Use even my infirmities for your good so
that people see your works and glorify you. Thank you so much for your great
love and care for me. I will forever rejoice in that fact. I pray these things
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Nicolaus Copernicus studied mathematics, law, astronomy, and medicine. He
advanced the belief that the earth is not the center of the universe. He was a
humble and compassionate man.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ruth 2:14-23; 1 Timothy
3:1-16; Luke 13:18-30
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:21 — (The Kingdom
of God) is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of
flour until all of it was leavened.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
May could be a beautiful
month on the farm. I loved the first really warm spell when we could open the
windows at night and gaze out at the stars before falling asleep. I usually searched the heavens for some sign
of God’s Kingdom. Have you been looking
for the Kingdom of God? Some look to the infinity of space. Some look to the
beauty of the forests or grand sunsets. Jesus reminds us that we don’t have to
look so far. The Kingdom of God, like the yeast in bread, is within every
believing heart. It is small but nurtured; it will grow and multiply for the
next “batch” of believers with whom it will be shared. Like her mother before
her, Mom baked a lot of bread. She did a lot of baking for people and groups in
her community for many years. She would have been the first to tell you how
important good yeast is. It only takes a little to leaven several batches of
bread and rolls. It was very unusual for a batch of her dough to fail to rise.
From years of experience, she instantly checked the yeast to make sure it was
working. Jesus must have helped His mother bake bread, too. Mixing the yeast
into a small amount of flour and other ingredients made it rise and gave it
life. It didn’t take much. Just a little. So, Jesus declares, “The Kingdom of
God is like that!” May the yeast of the
Spirit multiply in you.
PRAYER
It’s easy to see your
Kingdom in the beauty of a sunset or the roaring of the ocean and in the wonder
of your creation, but sometimes it’s hard to see your Kingdom living within me,
O God. As bread rises on a warm day, increase your Kingdom within me so I may
share the goodness with others. All this I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, May 26, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ruth 3:1-18; 1 Timothy
4:1-16; Luke 13:31-35
SCRIPTURE
Luke 13:34 — Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to
it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers
her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Those of us who grew up on
farms learned first-hand the fiercely protective love of mother animals. The
sow that was easy to care for before she farrowed would rip your leg off if you
got near her piglets. The usually contented cow would charge anyone or anything
coming near her calf. One of my city cousins still remembers the painful lesson
she learned when she picked up a baby chick in sight of the mother hen! At the
least sign of trouble, the mother hen would cackle a certain way, and all of
her scattered chicks would come running to scurry under the protection of her
wings. Those chicks that heeded the hen’s call were usually safe on the farm.
Those that didn’t were often lost to predators. I find it interesting that
Jesus describes Himself as that kind of “mother hen” whose most fervent desire
is that all of the children of God would be gathered together under God’s
protective care. Have you been paying
attention to our “mother-hen-God”? God’s
grief over the loss of even one lamb, piglet, chick, calf, or child is
profound. I have felt that grief in our very personal loss, so I know a
fraction of God’s grief. Are you staying close to your Creator, Lover, and
Protector? Listen carefully to the Word, which will call you Home.
PRAYER
Open my ears, Lord, so
that I may hear your voice calling me. Shelter me in the protection of your
wings and keep me from all harm and danger. Thank you for your tremendous love
that runs so deep within me. Let me, too, rejoice when someone new hears your
calling and comes running into your waiting arms. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
John Calvin, a French reformer and theologian, broke with the
Roman Catholic Church in 1533 after a religious experience in which he believed
he had received a mission to restore the church to its original purity. He was
a logical and systematic organizer.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ruth 4:1-22; 1 Timothy
5:17-25; Luke 14:1-11
SCRIPTURE
Luke 14:10 — But when you
are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes,
he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the
presence of all who sit at the table with you.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Sometimes, we like to kid
ourselves and claim that Lutherans are more humble than other denominations.
After all, see how we choose the back seats at worship, leaving the front seats
for “more deserving” Christians! However, I’ve noticed every other denomination
has the same “humble” Christians crowding into their back pews, too. Such false
humility is an excuse for wanting to “escape” before everyone else. When I was
a kid, our family claimed the back pew so that Mom or Dad could “straighten us
out” if we got out of line. My dear wife discovered that sitting toward the
front allowed our active children to see what was going on and created less
need to “straighten” them out. Jesus was attending a banquet when He witnessed
the typical fight for the best seats in the house. Those were the ones who got
to eat the first and best food before it got cold and drink the best wine
before it was diluted to make it stretch. Because of our sinful nature, we have
all slunk to the back as if to hide. But our forgiving Jesus lifts us up and
says, “Come! Sit up front with me!” Many people miss Jesus’ invitation
to all who have ears to hear (or eyes to read). “Friend, you don’t have to
sit in the back pew. Join me up here in front.” I hope you’ll consider that
invitation when you choose where you sit at worship this Sunday. Are you ready
to make the move?
PRAYER
Thank you for inviting me
to sit up close to you, dear Jesus. It is good to sit at your feet, listening
to your Word and being close to the table where we share the feast you gave me.
Change my heart so that I will be concerned for new people who have not heard
you calling them to the front. It is in your Holy Name that I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 1:1-8; 1 Timothy
6:6-21; Luke 14:12-24
SCRIPTURE
Luke 14:23-24 — Then the
master said to the slave, 'Go out into the roads and lanes and compel people to
come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were
invited will taste my dinner.’
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had planned a feast for
friends. Truthfully, Sue did most of the planning, cooking, and preparing.
There would only be the four of us, but we had enough food to feed an army. The
aromas wafting through the house made my mouth water. I happily offered what
little assistance I could, hoping in vain for a taste or two. Neither of us
finds cooking great fun, so any big meal is a big deal at our house. Amid our
frantic preparations, the phone rang. Our friends called to say they were
sorry, but they couldn’t come. There had been an accident, and one of their
parents was critically injured. They were on their way to the hospital in a
distant city. After our concern for their parents, our first thought was, “What
do we do with all this food? It won’t
keep!” Then we picked up the phone and
called anyone we could think of who might not have a meal on the stove yet.
Ultimately, we missed our friends and prayed for his father, but we invited
enough other people, and there were very few leftovers. In addition, we had a
fantastic time. Imagine God’s sadness on Sunday morning. He has sent out
invitations to all His dear friends - those for whom He suffered and died - to
feast on His Word. If the pattern holds, two-thirds or more of His friends
won’t attend. They won’t even bother to send an excuse. Jesus aimed this
parable at the religious establishment, which was unwilling to come to Him and
live. But each of us has a responsibility to take this parable personally. How
many Sundays have you ignored Christ’s invitation to His feast? The warning has
been given: “One day, Christ will ignore those who ignore Him and invite
those who are hungry for His feast.” Are you hungry?
PRAYER
I am excited and pleased
that you have invited me to share in your feast, O Holy One. I look forward to
praising you at worship along with my congregation. Let me offer your
invitation to someone else today, even sharing a ride with them so that they
will not miss out on this banquet. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, May 29, 2025
ASCENSION DAY
Juraj Tranovsky, the “Luther of the Slavs,” was the father of Slovak
hymnody.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Revelation
7:1-4, 9-17; Matthew 12:33-45
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:39 — But he
answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no
sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I was blessed to grow up on
farms with meandering creeks. The first one was the most mysterious and held
the most incredible adventures. Of course, I knew it best when I was seven when
we moved two miles east to the “home place.” This creek wasn’t deep, but there
was a quicksand pit at one end, which we were warned to avoid. On one of our
adventures, my sister and I were looking for clues to who had made tracks in
the mud. We carefully followed the tracks, getting appropriately wet and muddy.
Our theories ranged from a madman who escaped from the Norfolk State Hospital
to cattle rustlers checking out our cows. The tracks were fresh, so we
followed, creeping low so we wouldn’t be seen. We heard movement in the tall
grass ahead and froze, both of us burying our heads in our arms. When we peaked
up again, the biggest clue of all was tower over us, as big as a mountain. It
was Dad! Jesus chided the Pharisees for
seeking clues in all the wrong places. The biggest clue was standing before
them, towering over them, and they couldn’t see it! The sign of Jonah was not that he spent three
days in the belly of a sea monster. The people of Nineveh didn’t know anything
about that! The sign was Jonah himself - the man of God willing to speak the
word of God to foreign pagans when His people wouldn’t pay attention! What
signs are you looking for in your hunger and thirst for righteousness? Will you
settle for a baptism with water and the word? Is His body and blood enough? Or
have you, too, become blind to the signs of God’s presence among us every day?
PRAYER
Help me see the signs of
your presence surrounding me, dear God. You are present in the eyes of someone
who loves me, in the touch of someone who cares, in hearing your word, and in
the wine and bread. For these wonderful things, I thank you and ask that others
might also see you in me and what I do this day. It is in the name of Jesus
that I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, May 30, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 4:9-14; 2
Corinthians 1:1-11; Luke 14:25-35
SCRIPTURE
Luke 14:24 — Whoever does
not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I was in kindergarten, I
loved school. Aside from a few annoyances from the “big kids,” I was thrilled
to learn new things. Learning to read was a marvelous joy that opened a whole
new world. When I came home from school, I could hardly wait to line up my
sister and brothers to play “school”. I
read about Dick and Jane, Sally and Spot until they were bored stiff and
drifted away. I was upset, knowing that if they didn’t pay attention, they
wouldn’t know what happened to Dick, Jane, Sally, and Spot. How could they ever
learn to read themselves without that vital information? No doubt Jesus
understood that problem, too. As He taught His disciples (learners), their
attention spans were not the best. They got things confused again and again.
“Carrying the cross” involves more than blindly suffering and dying for a great
cause. It means becoming so involved in the mission and identifying with the
Teacher that, like an anxious “kindergartner,” you can hardly wait to learn
more so that you can share more. Carrying the cross is as much a state of mind
and heart as a physical act. How anxious are you to learn the Way of Christ?
Are you willing to carry the cross?
PRAYER
Open my heart, dear Lord,
that I might have such a desire to know you that I am constantly hungry for
more. Let me be so full of your Spirit that I eagerly share your love with
others. Help me not be discouraged when others seem not to pay attention but let
me continually hold them in prayer so they, too, might catch your Spirit. In
the name of Jesus, the Christ, I ask these things. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, May 31, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Deuteronomy 4:15-24; 2
Corinthians 1:12-22; Luke 15:1-10
SCRIPTURE
Luke 15:7 — Just so, I
tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than
over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When our ten-year-old son did
not show up at the appointed time and place at Disneyland, we went through some
moments of panic. It happened just before the evening light parade, and we
could not move in any direction because of blockades and wall-to-wall people.
We were sure he would be at the “Lost Parents” location we had pointed out to
him earlier, but there was no way of knowing. When the light parade ended, we
had to wait through the fantastic fireworks display, and then we raced as fast
as the crowd would allow in search of our lost son. He was there! And we were
so overjoyed we didn’t remember to be angry that he hadn’t stayed with his
cousins. *(To set the record straight, I was informed that they
deserted him; he did not desert them.) That’s the joy Jesus describes that
will occur in heaven every time one of God’s lost children turns around and
comes Home. Can you imagine the joy God feels every time you return to Him?
Just think of the heavenly celebration God has planned for your return! If God
is like the extravagant father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the finest
robes, the most beautiful ring, the best cut of beef (or broccoli for
vegetarians), and the most astounding music are waiting. It is one more example
of God’s amazing grace!
PRAYER
Amazing grace how sweet
the sound! Thank you for missing, wanting, and forgiving me, dear Heavenly
Father. When I have hurt you or others by my actions, it is so good to imagine
you with open arms, waiting for my return. I pray that I may also be grace-filled
to those needing grace this day. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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