DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
2 Kings 11:1-20; 1
Corinthians 7:10-24; Matthew 6:19-24
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:21 — For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
At age twelve, my parents
gave me a very important assignment. My grandparents had dug a basement room
under an addition to the old farmhouse. Only a portion of the house had a
cement floor and concrete block walls. A rickety old door separated the
unfinished dirt portion. The room had become the resting place for old canning
jars, worn-out pots and pans, and many old, broken, and discarded household “junk.”
It was “off limits” for play because of the dirt floor and walls, which were
dry and crumbly. Therefore, it was also an exciting place for adventures when
we could play there. My assignment was to clean the room and haul the “junk” to
the ditch Dad was filling to stop erosion. This task took several days, during
which Dad occasionally looked over what we had in the large wagon. There were
the strange manual windshield wipers, the vibrating mechanical shaver - that
still wound up and sort of worked, and the roll-down shade with tasseled fringes
for a Model A car. They almost didn’t make it to the ditch, but, in the end,
Dad gave them a toss. While they had sentimental value and would one day become
museum items, they were just “junk” to Dad. His heart was not wrapped around
them. His family and his Lord were far more valuable. Only once did I hear him
point to an old razor in a museum and say, “Maybe we should have kept that old
thing we threw away. Maybe it would have been worth something.” Isn’t it great
to know that our true treasure is still waiting to be revealed to us in
heaven?!!!
PRAYER
Forgive me, O God, when I
store up all sorts of things here on earth and count them as treasure. Help me
clear out all of that kind of “junk” from my heart so that you, my true
treasure, can reside there. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 2, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
2 Kings 17:1-18; Acts
9:36-43; Luke 5:1-11
SCRIPTURE
Luke 5:8 — When Simon Peter saw (the
large catch of fish), he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from
me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Before my wife and I married,
we read “I Loved a Girl” by Walter Trobisch. It was an excellent little
paper back each of us kept on our shelves. After marriage, we combined our libraries
and discovered we had the same book. Years later, we were invited to the home
of a very gracious widow who, along with her deceased husband, had been a
missionary. During the evening, our conversation kept nibbling at my memory,
making me think there was something I was not connecting. She went to her
kitchen to bring us a bowl of ice cream, and then it hit me. She was the author
of another book Sue had told me about and the widow of the author of the book
Sue, and I had both read before we were married, the books we had two of on our
shelf! I didn’t fall to my knees (she would have been embarrassed), but our
conversation took on new meaning. It was also the beginning of a close
friendship. Jesus hadn’t written a book, but He was the Word. When Peter
witnessed the miracle of the fish, he made the connection. Jesus was no
ordinary man! This Jesus was possibly the long-awaited Messiah. Peter would
later put it into words, but on this day, this crude fisherman felt unworthy to
have Jesus on his boat. Scriptures remind us repeatedly that God often comes to
us in surprising ways - even as “the least of our brothers and sisters.” Jesus
has probably been to your house, especially if you’ve invited Him. He loves to
visit sinners and bless them with His presence. Keep your eyes open!
PRAYER
Keep my eyes open, O
Jesus, that I may see you in the least of those I meet today. I can only fall
on my knees sometimes, asking for your forgiveness for not treating you with
the kindness and love you deserve. Come again, Lord Jesus. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 3, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
2 Kings 17:24-41; 1
Corinthians 7:25-31; Matthew 6:25-34
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:34 — So do not worry about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough
for today.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I didn’t have much to worry
about in my country school days. Food, clothes, shelter, and love were the
basic needs that were met daily. Even when the blizzard struck while I was at
school, I wasn’t worried. Some might say I wasn’t old or wise enough to be concerned,
but I was safe, warm, and secure in our one-room school. For me, it was not a worry.
It was an adventure. The older I grew, the more I “learned” to worry about
going to the dentist, taking a test, getting my chores done in time to go
swimming, and so on. Probably the best lesson I ever learned came relatively
late in life when the airline canceled the first leg of a flight to Germany,
and we had to be re-routed. My wife and I decided in the airport that each
potential problem we faced on our journey would be an adventure. From that
moment on, we enjoyed every “adventure” on every trip. We met people we never
would have met. We saw things we never would have seen. We had experiences that
could not be matched - once we stopped worrying about “tomorrow” and enjoyed
the “day”! Jesus knew that worrying about tomorrow never changed anything. Even
in the Garden of Gethsemane, He could pray that the cup would be taken away,
but Jesus was not paralyzed by what was to come. Instead, He took “the next
indicated step,” as one of our dear friends encouraged us to do. What is your
“next indicated” spiritual step? Do not worry. Be assured Jesus will walk with
you every step of the way.
PRAYER
How foolish I am, dear
Jesus, when I spend my time worrying about problems and situations, knowing
that your Spirit is always with me. Help me enjoy this day, no matter what
comes, and live this life as you intended. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 4, 2025
The church celebrates
Theodore Fliedner as the
renewer of the diaconate and responsible for the founding of deaconess
societies in Germany, France, and the United States. He laid the groundwork for
a hospital and nurses’ training school in Jerusalem.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
2 Chronicles 29:1-3; 30:1-27;
1 Corinthians 7:32-40; Matthew 7:1-12
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:5 — Hypocrite! First remove the plank from
your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your
brother’s eye.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When my Aunt Liz visited, I played in the grove of
trees near the house. I had built a small village in the soft dirt in the shade
of the trees. When Mom called to announce her arrival, I ran toward the house.
My sister heard the call from a playhouse we built with sticks and branches. As
we both arrived, I told my sister she had leaves in her hair. Aunt Liz howled
with laughter. I couldn’t understand what was so funny about leaves in my
sister’s hair. When she stopped laughing, she noticed my puzzled look and said,
“You should look at yourself in a mirror.” When I did, I laughed too. I had
smears of mud and dust all over my face where I had rubbed away an itch or
batted a fly. The leaves in my sister’s hair were nothing compared to me! It
was truly a sight. We can be like that with sin in our lives, noticing the
leaves of sin in the hair of others but not seeing the nest in our own. Martin
Luther once said you can’t stop the birds from flying over your head, but you
don’t have to let them build a nest there. Jesus pointed to very religious
people, for whom self-examination had become superficial. They picked up on
“specks” in others but missed their own “logs.” The good news is that no matter
how muddy or big the log is, we can be forgiven, washed, cleaned, and healed.
All we need do is acknowledge the sin, confess it, and return to the One who
makes us whole again. May you experience that joy today!
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I turn to you with a humble heart. Help me see
what I do wrong and not worry so much about the sins of others. Forgive me for
my lack of judgment, for not acting as I should toward others, and for looking
down on others who are forgiven just like me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 5, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 18:9:25; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Matthew 7:13-21
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:18 — A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can
a bad tree bear good fruit.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the many lessons of farming that has proven
true so many times is that the better the seed, the better the plant will
produce. We planted potatoes on Good Friday every year. One of my first
responsibilities was helping my grandmother cut up the seed potatoes. Grandma
would always look for the best potatoes, convinced they would provide the best
starts and thus produce the best potatoes. When Mom transplanted strawberries,
she sent us in search of the biggest and best-looking plants. The healthiest
baby pigs and calves came from the biggest and best parents. While an
occasional “runt” might be born, the majority would be outstanding. Another
related lesson came from two pear trees. One bore sweet, juicy pears. The other
bore pears that were so bad they made your mouth numb. No matter what we did,
we couldn’t change the nature of the bad tree; we could only improve the flavor
of the good one with extra water and a healthy dose of manure. Jerry Baker, a
TV gardener, wrote a book entitled “Plants are Like People!” Jesus would say, “People
are like plants.” The type of people we are can be seen in what we produce. Do
we produce hate, anger, unforgiveness, and evil, or do we produce goodness,
peace, love, forgiveness, and joy? Why not look within yourself and ask that
question? May you discover the pleasure of producing the fruits of
righteousness (right-ness with God)!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for planting your Word and
Spirit within me. I pray that the fruit I produce might be good in all
respects. Forgive me when I lose my patience, and help me produce fruits of joy
and love that are so needed in your world. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 6, 2025
William Tyndale conceived the idea of translating the Bible into
English. When the Bishop of London refused support, Tyndale settled in Germany,
where most of his work was published. His translations from Greek and Hebrew
were the basis of the Authorized Version and the Revised Standard Version. He
was arrested as a heretic in 1535, imprisoned, strangled, and burned at the
stake. His last words were: “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 18:28-37; 1 Corinthians 9:1-15; Matthew 7:22
-29
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:28-29 — When Jesus had finished saying these
things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one
having authority and not as their scribes.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I enjoy browsing in stores with electronic gadgets and
computer attachments. To me, it’s like walking through a wonderland of stuff
that is almost magical. I am always amazed by recent developments and the
things that are being projected for the future, those that made my relatively
new computer outdated the day I opened the box and set it up! I discovered that
salespeople can tell me little more than the gadget’s price in those stores.
But from time to time, I am happily surprised to find a person who actually
knows the equipment and how it works. They may be self-taught, but they are
authorities. It’s not difficult to distinguish between those who think they are
authorities and those who are not. The scribes were the supposed authorities on
the Law in Jesus’ day. They were the lawyers who studied and argued the Law
with one another. However, the people who heard Jesus speak concluded that
Jesus was the true authority. He knew the Law and lived it, while the scribes
only taught it, referred to it, and bent it to suit their wants and desires.
When Jesus spoke, people listened. To what authority do you pay attention? Have
you allowed the news media or the authors of secular books to become more important
to you than God’s word? Why not give the Word of God another look and listen
this week to discover the One who “speaks with authority”?
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, I pray that I might become immersed in
your Word so that I come to know you better each day. Even more so, I pray that
my knowledge of you may be used for your service and the service of others. In
your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
The Lutherans in Germany sent Henry Melchior
Muhlenberg to America in response to the request of congregations
for a pastor. He labored for 45 years, setting the course of Lutheranism for
generations.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 19:1-20; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Matthew 8:1-17
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 8:8 — The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not
worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant
will be healed.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The religious world of our day has put great effort
into bringing Jesus down to our level. In one sense, it’s good to think of
Jesus as the Friend who is with us always, but in another sense, it is
unfortunate that we have sacrificed our sense of awe for the “things of God.”
When I was six or seven, the chancel was not a place in the sanctuary to play.
That thought was impressed upon us by every adult. During a practice for a
Sunday School Christmas program, I was a shepherd stationed beside the altar.
In my boredom, waiting for my lines, I began to play with the fringe on the
altar hanging. My Sunday School teacher quickly reminded me that the altar was
dedicated to God and should not be played with! I was embarrassed by the
reprimand but also sorry because I believed it was true. In my imagination, I
believed Jesus was hiding within the altar, and He wouldn’t be pleased with me.
Even as a grown-up with a more mature understanding, I cringe when I see anyone
doing anything unnecessary with that piece of furniture. It is holy, set aside
for a special purpose. In the same way, some people deserve special respect.
The centurion was a highly respected officer who commanded a hundred soldiers,
but when it came to matters of faith, he knew the One who deserved the
recognition. We don’t know the centurion’s background, but we do know he believed
Jesus was a man of God deserving of his respect. He did not feel worthy to
enter the same door with Jesus and requested only a word of healing for his
servant. How is your reverence and respect for God and the things of God? Is it
time to renew your appreciation for them and the One who is with you always and
everywhere?
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, my Lord and Master, it is with awe that I
can come before you and worship you. As I approach your altar this weekend, let
it remind me that you are indeed present and have set this place aside as a
holy place. Thank you for those you have sent so I might hear of your grace. It
is in your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 19:21-36; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Matthew
8:18-27
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 8:26 — And he said to them, “Why are you
afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea,
and there was a dead calm.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When I was little, I feared the “Boogey Man.” I’m
still not sure what he looked like. I never caught a glimpse of him, but I was sure
he was hiding in shadows and places I didn’t want to enter. I knew that if he
caught any little kid, he’d eat them on the spot! His hiding places became
fewer and fewer as I grew older until they disappeared entirely. I wondered if
he wasn’t hanging around, afraid to show himself. When I was little, the
instant cure for getting rid of him was Mom or Dad. Sometimes, a flashlight
would do it, too, because he was deathly afraid of the light, as much as I was scared
of the dark. The fear which the disciples were experiencing was not that of a
child’s imagination. It was a real fear of an actual life-threatening event
that had taken the lives of other fishermen caught on the Sea of Galilee during
a wind storm. They feared the sea as an entrance to the “place of the deep” or
“Sheol,” sometimes translated as “hell.” To be lost at sea was a terrifying and
genuine prospect. These fishers of men failed to consider that the “light” in
their darkness was already in their boat; the one who had power and authority
over demons and disease also had power over the wind and the waves. They needed
to believe in Him and ask for His help. Have you remembered that Jesus is in
your “boat” as the wind and waves of the “storms” rock your boat? Take heart in
knowing that you are not alone. He can bring peace and calm, even into your
worst storms. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Call on Him. He will not let you
down!
PRAYER
Come to me, Lord Jesus, and reassure me that you are
my constant companion. When the fears of this world overwhelm me, please remind
me of your power and authority. Increase my faith so I will never fear the
unknown again. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 9, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 20:1-21; Acts 12:1-17; Luke 7:11-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:17 — This word about him spread throughout
Judea and all the surrounding country.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Depending on your point of view, there was an
advantage or a disadvantage to living on a party line or in a small town. We
lived on a party line. That is, we shared a telephone line with several of our
neighbors. We knew that certain of our neighbors were “rubber-necks.” They
listened in on every call. Therefore, they knew everything that was going on in
our area. There are grapevines of male and female gossip in small towns,
neither of which are 100% accurate. By the time word reached my ears,
sometimes, a simple test at the hospital had become a complete-blown octuple
bypass with brain damage and the possibility of losing lungs, heart, liver,
both kidneys and spleen! (This is a slight exaggeration, but you get the
point.) Again, we have the advantage or disadvantage of telephones and cell
phones, which the people of Jesus’ day did not. However, scripture and other
literature of the day indicate that information spread almost as rapidly then
as it does now. Who knows how exaggerated people thought the stories of Jesus
were by the time they received the news? But that didn’t stop them from
checking it out for themselves. In the 70s, there was a song I enjoyed singing:
“Keep the Rumor Going That God is Alive!” Perhaps we should revive it as: “Keep
the Rumor Going That Jesus Still Lives!” What Jesus did for people in ancient
times, He is still doing today. Sometimes, He uses doctors. Sometimes, He uses
pastors. Sometimes, He even uses you as an instrument of His healing,
forgiving, loving grace! Are you willing to “Keep the Rumor Going.....”?
PRAYER
I often hear the rumor that you, O God, are just a
figment of people’s imagination. I have experienced your marvelous creation, love,
and incredible power, and I know you are alive. Open my lips so I will not be
afraid to “keep spreading the rumor” that you are alive and well in our world.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 10, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 21:1-18; 1 Corinthians 10:14 - 11:1; Matthew
8:28-34
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 8:34 (After the demons entered the swine and
stampeded over the cliff,) the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they
saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The church building has long since been moved away.
The old parsonage still sits on the hill across the road east of our farm. (A
tornado destroyed all the buildings in 2014.) I lived in that parsonage for a
few of my younger years. The old parsonage sat vacant when we moved to the
“West Place,” 2 1/4 miles west. Dad let a hired man live there during harvest.
It didn’t take long to see that he moved his extended family in with him. When
he asked Dad to come to fix a broken window, Dad was shocked to see the damage
they were doing to the house. They were basically “living like pigs.” Harvest had long since ended, but they
settled in instead of moving on as they had said they would. It took the
sheriff to finally “encourage” them to leave. (It seems there were some
outstanding warrants with which they preferred not to deal.) Jesus cast demons
out of a man who was probably “living like a pig.” I think pigs would resent
that remark. The people of the area seemed to prefer his demon-possessed state
over losing a herd of pigs, who had panicked and plunged to their deaths in the
sea rather than live with the legion of demons. They didn’t have to call on the
sheriff to send the demons away. However, the community was terrified of the
power that could cause such action and financial loss and sent Jesus away
instead! Are there “demons” in your life you’d rather live with than let go of?
Invite Jesus to cast them out and bring healing and wholeness to your life.
PRAYER
Letting go is hard because I want to hold on to those
things that possess me, O Holy One. I know that only you can command the demons
in me to leave. I ask you to do so and make my spirit and body whole once
again. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October
11, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 22:1-13; 1 Corinthians 11:2-22; Matthew 9:1-8
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:2 — And just then, some people were carrying
a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the
paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The man I mentioned yesterday reminded me of several
other hired men who worked for us at harvest time before I was old enough to
help. Some were reasonably normal people. Some were relatives. But several were
total strangers who just needed a little extra cash. One who comes to mind had
been shell-shocked (now called PSTD) in the war (WWII). He was a good worker,
but sometimes, a noise or something he would see would cause him to stand,
stare, or duck and hide. For a time, fear paralyzed him, and he looked like a
statue. When he came out of it, he would sweat and shake all over for five or
ten minutes. Once, after a spell, I saw him crying and drying his eyes. Then,
he was fine again. He must have noticed me staring at him because he quickly
straightened up and said he had some bad memories. Like the man brought to
Jesus by his friends, our hired man was paralyzed by what he had seen or
possibly what he had done in the war. Jesus saw the heart of the problem and
knew the man could never be healed until He forgave the man. Both men were
dramatic examples of the paralysis sin can cause. Our own may be far less
dramatic but just as painful. Are there times when you are unable to do or say
something that is needed, times when you are “paralyzed”? Why not let Jesus
heal you, too? Nothing would make Him happier!
PRAYER
Fear is a terrible thing, dear God, paralyzing me from
doing what you commanded. I am afraid to help others for fear of being taken
advantage of. I fear making a true commitment of my money and time because I
think I won’t have enough. Take away my fear and paralysis so I may be healed
and do your bidding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 12, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 22:14-23:3; 1 Corinthians 11:23-34; Matthew
9:9-17
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:9 — As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man
called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And
he got up and followed him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Most people are familiar with the game “Follow the
Leader,” in which everyone does what the leader does and goes where the leader
goes. There is also an exercise called a “blind walk,” in which a person is
blindfolded and asked to walk through an obstacle course with the assistance of
another person who can only give verbal directions: “Straight ahead, now turn
left, stop, turn right again....” It’s not bad if the person giving directions
can be heard clearly, but it gets confusing and often frustrating when four or
five others are directing others in the same area. Matthew may have felt
himself called by Jesus to follow Him blindly through an obstacle course.
However, Matthew didn’t hesitate to get up and follow. Over the years, the
course must have felt challenging and dangerous. What in Matthew caused him to
leave a financially profitable business behind to follow Jesus? Jesus didn’t
offer him a contract or salary benefits. On the surface, it looks as if Matthew
has nothing to gain and everything to lose. On closer examination and knowing
the “rest of the story,” we can see that Matthew saw eternal life as more
valuable than all the wealth he could accumulate by collecting taxes. The way
through the obstacle course through which Jesus was leading him might be
difficult, but the heavenly reward was worth it! Have you set your priorities
straight? Jesus speaks to each of us each day, inviting us to follow Him - in
loving God and loving our neighbor. What joy awaits those willing to follow!
PRAYER
You have called me in my baptism to follow you, dear
Christ. Give me the courage to make other things secondary and to go where you
would have me go. Thank you for those like Matthew who have gone ahead so I may
be given strength to do your will. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 13, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 23:4-25; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Matthew
9:18-26
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:20-21 — Then suddenly a woman who had been
suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the
fringe of his cloak, for she said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I
will be made well.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have a niece who was an outstanding gymnast. Vicki
practiced hard and entered numerous competitions. Then, as sometimes happens,
she was injured. Her parents took her to specialists who concluded that surgery
would be required. She was an active teenager at the time, and the thought of
surgery was not pleasant. In addition, there would be long and painful physical
therapy to follow. The idea could have paralyzed her, but Vicki and her parents
chose to trust the Lord. They prayed for the surgeon and the therapist to
provide the healing touch of Jesus and went ahead with the surgery. After
recovery, therapy, and regaining strength, Vicki won several gymnastics awards.
The woman who touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak had tried everything and was
desperate. She was willing to do anything to be healed. The “physicians” of her
day tried everything they knew and failed. What they lacked, what Vicki found,
and what this desperate woman found was the healing touch of Jesus. In one case,
it was done through a surgeon and physical therapist, and in the other, through
the fringe of His cloak. Wouldn’t you like to touch the fringe of Jesus’ cloak?
Next time you go to a doctor, pray for him or her before you enter the building
and silently while you are being examined and treated. Pray for your therapist
in the same way. Invite Jesus to touch you through them. You will bless them
and be blessed indeed yourself.
PRAYER
Thank you, O God, that you have sent doctors, nurses,
therapists, and others in the medical profession and that you often use their
healing touch for those they serve. I ask that you be with my doctors and
caregivers so they may truly know your power and grace. In the name of my Lord
Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
2 Kings 23:36-24:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Matthew
9:27-34
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:30b-31 — Then Jesus sternly ordered (the
blind men whose eyes had been opened), “See that no one knows of this.” But
they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
If we wanted to surprise Mom, the words, “Now don’t
tell Mom,” were a waste of breath on my youngest sister. She would get so
excited she would either give Mom hints or say it without thinking. We got to
the point of telling her the wrong thing, which we considered a white lie, or
we didn’t tell her anything. Some news is just too good to be kept to
ourselves. The birth or adoption of a baby, a promotion or an award, the
purchase or sale of a house, a marriage engagement, the publishing of a book or
a manuscript, the miracle of healing, and the gift of God’s grace, along with
many other exciting things, are obvious examples. The blind men whose eyes had
been opened were probably so excited they would have burst if they hadn’t discussed
it. Besides, what do you think would be your reaction if three people you knew
to be blind as long as you knew them suddenly met you on the street and complimented
you on how nice you looked?! I can only imagine the questions they could not
avoid answering. Perhaps Jesus knew their joy and only jokingly asked them not
to tell. Whatever the reason, the outcome was the opposite. Do you get excited
enough about your relationship with the Lord and the minor and major miracles
God performs in your life to blab it to everyone you meet? Why not count your
blessings and get excited!? Jesus is still with us, and He is still opening the
eyes of the spiritually blind - even you and me!
PRAYER
I am sorry that many days go by, dear Lord when I have
not had the least bit of excitement telling others about the great gifts you
have given me. Stir me as when I first experienced your love to share that
excitement with those I encounter. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 35:1-19; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3; Matthew 9:35-10:4
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 9:37-38 — Then he said to his disciples, “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the
harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Many farmers are finished or almost finished with
harvest already. Even with more than a thousand acres of grain to harvest, the
large equipment makes it possible to finish early in the season. “Back when I
was a kid” - the famous words - I remember a year when the weather was terrible,
we kids were too young to help, and Dad couldn’t find anyone to hire. He pulled
the last load of corn in from the field on Christmas Eve Day. For a farmer who
has invested so much time, energy, and money in the crop, watching it go to
waste in the field is a sick feeling. What little profit there might have been
is quickly whittled away until the amount borrowed for seed and fuel is more
than the grain will bring. The harvest Jesus refers to is not a harvest of
grain but of souls. But the Father who created the souls and invested the life
of His own Son in it weeps for the lack of laborers willing to help with the
harvest. When we read “the rest of the story,” Jesus sent inexperienced people to
do the job in His name. Do you remember being hired for the job the day you
were baptized? Your “salary” has already been paid by the death and
resurrection of Jesus. What you do now, what you invest, the One you proclaim,
is your way of saying thanks to God! You have been saved by grace. In response,
you share that good news with others, either in person or by encouraging those
with the gifts to do it. Wouldn’t it be great if we joined the “labor force”
and/or adopted someone, giving ample support and encouragement to those with
the ability?! Pray about it!
PRAYER
What would you have me to do, O Lord? Help me
understand that no matter my age or physical condition, I can still be a worker
in your fields. Sign me up, show me my gifts, and help me use them. I ask this
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 16, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 36:1-10; Acts 14:8-18; Luke 7:36-50
SCRIPTURE
Luke 7:39 — Now when the Pharisee who had invited
(Jesus) saw (the woman anoint Jesus’ feet with oil), he said to himself, “If
this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is
who is touching him - that she is a sinner.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Occasionally, an animal on the farm would adopt a
newborn of another species, like the hen we had who accepted a duckling she
hatched as her own. I’ve also read of dogs adopting tiny chicks and cows
adopting lambs. An outsider would wonder if these “mothers” were blind or had a
screw loose. But motherly love is motherly love. And God’s love is the same
way. The reputation of this woman of the streets was well known. It is doubtful
that even a stranger to the town would have missed her by how she dressed. Yet
Jesus does not send her away. He accepts her ministry and forgives her. It
bothers me that the church that bears His name is not always as accepting of
“outsiders” and other sinners. I’ve searched the scriptures and have yet to
find Jesus refusing to heal a Samaritan because he didn’t believe exactly what
Jesus did. I don’t read anywhere in scripture that Jesus segregated a portion
of the 4000 or 5000 hungry people into a “not members of my Jewish sect” group.
Jesus loves us all - the good, the bad, and the unwanted, men, women, and
children. Can you think of any better and more loving message of Good News you
would want to hear? Why not share it?!
PRAYER
I can’t tell you thanks enough, O God, that you have
adopted me and made me your own. Thank you for taking me just as I am and
continually changing me into what you want me to be. Use me to share that
message of forgiveness with others. In the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 17, 2025
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, was sentenced to death and was sent to Rome for
execution. During the journey, he wrote letters that shed light on Christian
faith and practice, urging his readers to unity and faithfulness to the
Eucharist. He was thrown to the beasts in Rome.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 36:11-26; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Matthew
10:5-15
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:14 — If anyone will not welcome you or
listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house
or town.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had a lot of traveling salespeople stopping at the
farm. They sold everything from Fuller brushes to Watkins products, stainless
steel cookware, and caponizing equipment. I never paid much attention to most
of them unless they passed out free samples. I had two excellent teachers when
it came to selling things while working in the music store when I was in
college. One was very positive and helpful. The other was persistent and
untiring. Tom Hughes, the store owner, probably impacted me most because of his
wisdom and deep spiritual commitment. Tom helped me understand that there are
shoppers and there are buyers. “Let the shoppers shop. Concentrate on the needs
of the buyers.” Although he didn’t use the words of Jesus, he was saying the
same thing Jesus was about evangelism. Some
will listen. Some won’t. Don’t get bogged down with those who aren’t
interested. Concentrate on those who are. It almost seems harsh, but I’ve
discovered Jesus and Tom were right over the years. As followers of Jesus, we
may have felt guilty about not spending more time on the inactive and the
uninterested, but take heart! They will listen when the time is right and when
the Spirit speaks. Until then, we are trying to sell furnaces to people living
on the equator. Rejoice! Jesus sends us to share good news with those who want
to hear it!
PRAYER
It feels so good when someone is eager to hear your
Good News and accepts it willingly, O God. Focus my attention on those willing,
and I will let you work on those not yet ready. I pray this in the name of
Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 18, 2025
St. Luke, the Evangelist, was a Gentile physician, a follower of Christ, and a
companion of Paul. Scholars credit him with writing the gospel by his name and
the book of Acts. His symbol is the winged ox.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 36:27-37:2; 1 Corinthians 14:1-12; Matthew
10:16-23
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:16 — See, I am sending you out like sheep
into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Going from country school to high school in town was a
major adjustment for me. It was eased somewhat by the fact that I was in the
band. Mom or Dad drove me into town (six miles) for band practice twice weekly,
so I knew some other students. However, my first day still put my nerves in
high gear. I went from being a “big kid” to a nobody in no time flat. These
were the days of “freshman initiations,” rumored to be challenging and
embarrassing. Fortunately, they weren’t all that bad for me. I didn’t go out for
football, but horror stories circulated about what happened to freshmen in
football initiations who did, and they weren’t very nice. They were confirmed
by a good friend who had difficulty sitting for a few days afterward. In a
sense, we were like innocent sheep led to slaughter. But Jesus wasn’t talking
about innocent first-year students led through an upperclassmen’s gauntlet.
Jesus was talking about any of His followers who agreed to share His good news
in a world bent on fostering bad news. The darkness does not like the light of
Christ, and Jesus knows it will attack those who carry the light. It takes
courage to be a follower of Jesus. Are you up to it? His special good news to
you is that He will not abandon you. He will be with you - always!
PRAYER
I am amazed at myself, O God when I think that
following you will be easy. Lead me in your light so I may go out, unafraid of
what might lie ahead. No matter the hardships, I am thankful you are with me
and will not abandon me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 19, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 37:3-21; 1 Corinthians 14:13-25; Matthew
10:24-33
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
There were some things we had to teach our city
cousins to watch out for when they came to visit the farm. While we might play
without fear around most animals, the bull was one you didn’t mess with. The
old rooster and the gander could be mean if we weren’t careful. Stinging nettle
was not a weed we ran through. Certain areas of the creek were too dangerous to
play around. And very important, never touch a newborn animal if its mother is
anywhere nearby! We learned some of those lessons painfully and lived to pass
them on. We learned to respect, even fear, anything that could hurt us
physically. We also had a few fears of those things hiding in dark places at
night, but we never admitted them to other kids our age. The people Jesus was
sending out had many fears, many of which made ours seem relatively trivial.
The Roman soldiers could inflict incredible physical torture on anyone who made
them angry. They had perfected the art of crucifixion. The succeeding emperors
seemed to take great sadistic pleasure in finding new and more horrible ways of
making people suffer and die. They could do atrocious things to the human body.
Jesus and His followers knew that. Some were paralyzed by the prospect. Jesus
encouraged them (and us) to see that the cruel people have no power over our
souls - only God does. God alone can destroy both body and soul. Therefore, God
alone has the power to deliver us to eternal life. This is the God with whom we
have reason to place our trust! May you lose your fear of people as you gain confidence
in the One who gives you Life!
PRAYER
My body might suffer with pain; people might threaten
and intimidate me, my Savior, but I know that nothing that happens in this
world can have any power over what will happen in the next. Let me live my life
without fear, always striving for the final goal, knowing you have made it
possible. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 20, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 38:1-13; 1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Matthew
10:34-42
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 10:40 — Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and
whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Lady was a mixed-breed farm dog we adopted over my
wife’s protest. Over the years, Lady grew on all of us, including Sue. Lady was
an “outdoor” dog, even when the temperatures dipped below zero. While some
think of dogs as “dumb mutts,” we considered Lady a relatively intelligent family
member, except when the UPS truck came by. She did not like that truck and made
her feelings known loudly. When it came to visitors, Lady was not yappy like
some dogs. She seemed to observe them to see how we reacted. If we welcomed
them, her tail would wag furiously, anticipating one more human to give her
attention. When some friends brought their child into our yard, neighboring
dogs began barking. Lady ran to place herself between the fenced-in dogs and
the stroller. Somehow, she determined her job was to ensure the child was safe.
Jesus knew not everyone would welcome His followers. Some might run them off,
beat them, imprison them, or even kill them. Once more, we hear Jesus
encouraging his disciples to concentrate on those who welcomed them and not get
hung up on those who tried to hang them on a cross. Isn’t it great to know that
we represent Jesus wherever we go? Why not celebrate and appreciate those who welcome
you today?!
PRAYER
Thank you for many people who have welcomed me in your
name, dear Jesus. They have shown me hospitality, and I have felt your love in
their presence. I pray that I might be one that others will feel your love when
they are with me. I pray this in your Holy Name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 38:14-28; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Matthew
11:1-6
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:4 — Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John
what you hear and see....”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Spies had a difficult job in our army. They had to go
the long way around through jungles, over mountains, and through snake-infested
swamps, often crawling on their bellies so the enemy would not see them and
kill them. Once they got the information, they’d have to return to base camp
before getting caught. Then, they’d have to report everything they had heard or
seen. I got the job in a couple of wars. I was almost back at headquarters
once, with critical information, when the enemy attacked, overrunning my
position. I never got to deliver my report. It was too late. The war was lost,
and I was mortally wounded. Jesus wasn’t playing at war. For Jesus and His
disciples, it was the real thing. He enlisted the followers of his cousin John
to act as spies, taking back vital information to him in prison. It was
information that gave John reason to gladly “stick out his neck” for Jesus,
confident that what his “spies” brought back to him was an accurate description
of the Messiah. How good are you at carrying the message of God’s love into
enemy territory? If captured, could you clearly and concisely declare the
gospel to your captors? Why not join a Bible study to ensure you have all your
facts straight? Jesus wants you to tell the good news everywhere!
PRAYER
It is an honor and a privilege that you have entrusted
me with your Good News, O Holy One. Thank you for the opportunities you give me
to study your word so I know the facts. Use me to spread your good news to
everyone I meet. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 52:1-34; 1 Corinthians 15:12-29; Matthew
11:7-15
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:15 — Let anyone with ears listen!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
On the farm, we hollered loudly when it was time to
come in for meals, snacks, or those rare telephone calls. In country school, the
teacher rang a handbell to get our attention at various times. If she rang it
inside, it meant silence! When Mrs. Klima came to school with laryngitis, she
rang it often to make us listen to her whispered instructions. At church camp,
campers were to repeat a series of hand claps signaling silence for
announcements. Jesus got people’s attention by simply standing up to speak. When
He finished His sermon or parable, He concluded by saying that if his listeners
had ears, they should listen – pay attention! At first glance, it might seem
ridiculous for Jesus to say this. After all, we all have ears, don’t we? But my
wife will tell you, I’m not always listening. I’m sometimes distracted by
something I’m reading, a TV program, or my thoughts. Jesus knew the
distractions that plugged His listeners’ ears. Even though they may have heard
Him speak, some couldn’t have repeated a single thought. How well do you pay
attention to the Word of the Lord? Next time your mind wonders at worship,
gently draw it back to the Words of the One who can open the ears of your
hearts so that you fully hear what Jesus wants you to hear. Give thanks that He
does want to speak to your listening ears!
PRAYER
Thank you for listening to me, O Lord, and for the
gift of hearing. Let me use my senses to discover what you want me to pay
attention to. Keep me from distractions and help me focus on your Word. I ask
this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 23, 2025
James of Jerusalem, identified by tradition as the brother of the Lord.
St. Paul and the Book of Acts mention him as a leader in the church in
Jerusalem and for his diplomatic resolution of the dispute between Jews and
Gentiles at the Council of Jerusalem. He was stoned to death.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 29:1-14; Acts 16:6-15; Luke 1-20
SCRIPTURE
Luke 1:3-4 — I too decided, after investigating
everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you,
most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the truth concerning the things
about which you have been instructed.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I love to visit with some of the older generation. One
of my regrets over the years of my ministry is that I didn’t write down their
stories immediately after I got home. What incredible stories I heard from one
of the last real cowboys who was part of the last cattle drive from Nebraska to
Texas. The man who survived the sinking of the Titanic, the woman who chased
renegade Indians away with a shotgun, the man who performed in Vaudeville, and
the car parts salesman who installed the first radio in his car. They were all
real people with real stories. I’ve heard everything from profoundly sad to
uproariously funny. When I do, I encourage people to write down their memories
for future generations. That was what Luke did. The physician and evangelist collected
stories about Jesus as he traveled. Late in life, Luke realized that the true
stories would be lost unless he wrote an orderly account. The truth has been
preserved for us thanks to Luke and the other gospel writers. Have you read his
account? Why not spend some quality time this week getting to know his story so
that you can begin to write down your own story as it relates to HIS story?!
His word “does not return to Him empty!”
PRAYER
You have enriched my life with wonderful stories about
your love and commitment to me, dear God. I pray that I might be able to write
these stories so that those who come after me may understand how much you mean
to me. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 24, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Jeremiah 44:1-14; 1 Corinthians 15:30-41; Matthew
11:16-24
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:16-17 — But to what will I compare this
generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one
another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and
you did not mourn.’
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It amazes me to hear kids talk about being bored. It
could be because they haven’t had to create their own games, build their own
toys, and write their own scripts. We also got bored occasionally, but it
didn’t last long. It almost always forced us to create something new. We didn’t
complain because there was nothing on TV. (We didn’t have one until I was about
twelve.) We didn’t gripe about the same old video games. They didn’t exist. We
didn’t have the internet. We didn’t even have a telephone line until I was eight
or a computer until I was an adult! Gee! That makes me feel old. Jesus compared
the religious establishment with children who had everything needed to make
music and dance but were bored and whining about it. Those who know the Lord
and discover that, as members of His body, we have the most exciting
opportunity to play, dance, and sing for Him. He even makes the music for us to
dance to and live by. What could be more exciting than that?! Are you ready and
willing to tune yourself to the Lord’s flute? Are you willing to dance the
Lord’s dance? If you are, you will never again be bored. Every day will bring
new and even more exciting challenges on your way to the banquet feast, which
has no end. Let’s celebrate!
PRAYER
I’m embarrassed, O Lord, that many times I wasted my
time away by doing useless and mundane things when you have given me much to
sing and dance about. Challenge me this day with things that will increase your
kingdom. Come dance with me as we celebrate this day together. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, October 25, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Lamentations 1:1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:41-50; Matthew
11:25-30
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11:28 — Come to me, all you that are weary and
are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Sometimes, in kindergarten, my parents told me to walk
to my grandparents’ farm instead of home. My home was a mile west, and my
grandparents were a mile east of our country school. After a hard day of work
in kindergarten, going to Grandma’s house was a real treat. I had to compete
with three brothers and a sister at home for attention. At Grandma’s house, it
was just me and her. If she knew I was coming, we’d have “coffee” and something
home-baked. My coffee consisted of a cup of milk, a splash of coffee for color,
and a big spoon of sugar. After supper, Grandpa would try to tune in the giant
radio in the corner of the living room while Grandma sat with me, either
reading her German Bible or listening to me. I don’t remember getting ready for
bed often when I stayed there because I’d fall asleep in her arms. When Jesus
invites the weary to come to Him for rest, my mind leaps back to resting on
Grandma’s lap and falling asleep after a delicious supper. Jesus makes that
offer to anyone weary and loaded with heavy burdens. Next time you’re
overwhelmed with the cares and worries of life, why not accept His invitation?
Stop what you’re doing. Find a comfortable place to be alone with Jesus. Then,
let Jesus hold, comfort, encourage, and empower you to do what needs to be
done. It will be the best use of your time you’ve ever spent!
PRAYER
The next time I am weary and burdened with worries and
concerns, loving Lord, I pray that I may fall into your loving arms, handing
everything over to you. Thank you for your great love for me, and that I may
find rest when I am with you. In the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Paul Gerhardt was a pastor and hymn writer who combined deep piety and trust in God
with the love of nature. Johann Heermann was the greatest hymn-writer
between Luther and Paul Gerhardt. Philipp Nicolai was a pastor, author,
and hymn-writer. Thirteen hundred members of his parish died from the plague.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Lamentations 2:8-15; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Matthew
12:1-14
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:12 — How much more valuable is a human
being than a sheep! So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Sundays on the farm, except at peak seasons for
planting, cultivating, or harvesting, were quiet times when we would visit
friends or relatives, or they would visit us. Chores still had to be done,
morning and evening, but Sunday was usually a day for worship and rest. Some
old “blue laws” on the books in many cities nationwide were intended to
preserve Sundays from business, noise, and drinking. Some of the blue laws seem
downright ridiculous. Like the one in
Connecticut, which reads: “No woman shall kiss her child on the
Sabbath.” The laws added to the Law by the religious authorities when Jesus was
teaching His disciples limited people to the distance they could walk, the kind
of help they could give someone injured, and the type of people they could
help. (Samaritans and Gentiles were not to be helped on the Sabbath!) Once
again, Jesus expands the Lord’s compassion to all people in need. Doing good
for any neighbor, Jesus declared, was an act of love, not an abuse of the Law!
How do you use your Sabbath? May we worship the Lord our God and love our
neighbor in need - enough to get off our couch and do something useful and
helpful!
PRAYER
I know that you have given me the Sabbath for my
well-being. Thank you, O God, for this gift of the Sabbath when I can worship
you, rest from the weariness of life, and love you by loving my neighbor. I
pray that I might honor each Sabbath by having my priorities right. In the name
of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, October 27, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ezra 1:1-11; 1 Corinthians 16:1-9; Matthew 12:15-21
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:16 — Many crowds followed (Jesus), and he
cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
One of the most challenging things about playing “hide
‘n seek” was getting the dog to stop following. Our dog was very friendly and
liked to be with us. We never tied her up. So, her wagging tail was a dead
giveaway as to where one of us was hiding. No amount of pointing to another
place or pushing had any effect. To Lassey, it was all part of a game that
included her. Jesus was not trying to hide from the authorities, but He was
trying to keep a very low profile. It was hard to do when crowds of people gathered
every time He stopped to rest or get something to eat. By word of mouth alone,
the crowds continued to grow. After all, if Jesus healed your neighbor, and you
were not well, wouldn’t you join them in search of the healer? The very nature
of Jesus’ love and compassion for those who came to Him prevented Him from
trying to send them away. The best He could do was ask them to try to keep it
down not to make Him known to the authorities. It didn’t seem to have much effect
because people, including the authorities, kept coming for more. As a member of
Christ’s body in the world, do you have that effect on people? Do others want
to know more and more about Jesus because of you? The healing love of Jesus is
still available to all who call on His name. May you be an instrument of His
love today!
PRAYER
Use me, O my Savior, to share the Good News of your
love and redemption. Change me so that people enjoy being around me, and I can
show you to them. Change others so they might hunger to know more about you. In
your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles - Luke calls Simon a Zealot. Scholars often thought Jude
was the brother of James the Younger. Tradition says they labored in Persia and
were martyred there.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ezra 3:1-13; 1 Corinthians 16:10-24; Matthew 12:22-32
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:25 — He knew what they were thinking and
said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city
or house divided against itself will stand.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Even kids understand the declaration: “United we
stand. Divided we fall.” We could defeat the demons hiding in the cave only
when we went down together. We could only defeat the head hunters in the jungle
north of the house by working together. Bank robbers, murderers, and assorted
other “bad guys” had no chance against us when we didn’t fight with one
another. We also discovered that the principle worked reasonably well on our
parents when there was something we thought was important. Individually, we
were more likely to get a “No!” than if we ganged up on them. If we knew the
principle, we were pretty sure the “bad guys” and demons knew it too. The
religious authorities were trying to divide Jesus’ followers by declaring Him
in league with the devil. But Jesus pointed out that He was casting out demons,
not welcoming them in. If He was casting them out, He was weakening the unity
of the devil. Therefore, He couldn’t possibly be one of them. It made such
logical sense. Does it make sense to you? Are you strengthening your unity with
Christ, or are you allowing evil to divide your loyalty and thus weaken you?
The principle Jesus declares becomes a promise when we recognize that in unity
with Christ, nothing can defeat us. As Paul wrote in Romans 8, “Nothing in all
creation can separate us from the love of God which is ours in Christ
Jesus.” That is tremendously good news
today in a world divided by politics, race, and religion!
PRAYER
It is good that you have given me the fellowship of
other believers, dear God. Strengthen us by fortifying our love for each other
and for those who are new to our community of faith. Drive out those forces
that seek to divide and separate us from your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ezra 4:7, 11-24; Philemon 1-25; Matthew 12:33-42
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:35 — The good person brings good things out
of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil
treasure.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Grandpa liked Limburger cheese! If you’ve never had
the “Limburger experience,” you should have it at least once. It is the
raunchiest-smelling cheese I’ve ever encountered. Thankfully, I haven’t
encountered it in a long, long time. Grandma only bought a little for him and
kept it hidden away from all other food because its special odor made
everything else smell and taste bad. I once went to the field with Grandpa when
Grandma made us a snack. She made Grandpa a Limburger cheese sandwich and
wrapped up two big sugar cookies for me. Because of Grandpa’s sandwich, we had
to put the lunch bag in the back of the horse-drawn wagon. At snack time, we
unpacked the bag Grandma sent with us. Grandpa took out his sandwich and handed
me the bag. Reaching in for my cookies, I almost lost my “cookies” from the
smell still in the bag. Even though Grandma wrapped my cookies separately, they
smelled so bad from being in the same bag that I couldn’t eat them. Grandpa
thought I was being picky, and he nibbled on them all the way home. Jesus knew
that evil and unholy things are like Grandpa’s Limburger cheese in their effect
on other things. If we invite them into our lives and live with them, we hardly
notice how bad they are, yet nothing good can come out of our “bag” because it
is contaminated by the bad. On the other hand, if we invite good and holy
things into our “bags,” good treasures will come out. What’s in your “bag” or
“treasury”? Are there some things you’d like to get rid of? Jesus offers to
“fill your cup with good things - and let it overflow”! Why not let Him?!
PRAYER
Make me aware of those things polluting my life, dear
God. Clean those things from my day that contaminate the good gifts you gave
me. Separate and remove them from what you make holy, and fill me with more of
your good treasures. I pray this in the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, October 30, 2025
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Haggai 1:1-2:9; Acts 18:24-19:7; 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
To graduate from eighth grade, I had to pass a
standardized test the county superintendent gave all kids in country schools. They
gave the test primarily because many of our teachers were right out of high
school themselves, so the educators wanted to make sure we knew the basics
before sending us on. To get into college, I had to have a good grade average
and prove I could do college work. To graduate with a bachelor’s degree, I had
to take a three-hour written exam that included questions from my major and
minor fields. In addition, I was subjected to an oral exam by faculty members
from both fields. There seemed to be a price to pay for every step along the
way. Is it any wonder the rich young ruler expected to have a work assignment
for graduation into eternal life? He’d paid for everything else in life. Our
society has educated us well on that score, just as he did. “Nothing in life is
free!” “If it’s too good to be true, it
probably isn’t.” The one exception to those clichés is God’s amazing grace -
the fact that God has already paid the price. Anything we do and give is purely
a gift of thankfulness and praise. The rich young man couldn’t understand. Do
we? Do we fully appreciate the fact that nothing belongs to us and that we are
merely caretakers of it? Jesus doesn’t ask anyone else in all scripture to give
away everything. But Jesus does urge us to keep our priorities straight and never
fail to remember the One to whom we owe thankfulness. Eternal life is still a
gift of God’s grace. How do you respond?
PRAYER
Even though your extraordinary grace is a free gift,
gracious Lord, I try to attach strings to it. I’m sorry when I don’t accept it
for what it is. I’m also sorry that I put those same strings on the grace you
give others. Accept my sorrow and replace it with the joy of that grace. I pray
these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, October 31, 2025
Reformation Day - The anniversary of Luther’s posting his Ninety-five
Theses concerning the sale of indulgences and other questions of the Holy Roman
Church.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Zechariah 1:7-17; Revelation 1:4-20; Matthew 12:43-50
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 12:50 — “For whoever does the will of my
Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Growing up with three brothers and two sisters, I
didn’t know what it was like to be an only child. There were very few families
in our area with only one child. The one in our school who was an only child
was spoiled rotten (in our humble opinions). In a small community, many other
cousins and classmates were like brothers and sisters we could rely on and for
whom we would have done almost anything. Jesus grew up in a similar environment
with family and extended family. When His immediate family arrived to show
their concern for Him, He didn’t put them down. He merely points out that the genuine
relationship within a family is determined by how they act toward one another
in carrying out the Father’s will and work. In baptism, you and I were adopted
into God’s family as brothers and sisters of Jesus and heirs with Him of
eternal life. How well do you reflect your relationship as a brother or sister
of the Lord? Are you doing the “church thing” because you “have to,” or have you
discovered the joy of your heavenly Family? As a sister or brother of Jesus,
you have a big Brother who is always with you and knows the way Home because He
is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
PRAYER
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