DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Catherine Winkworth, 1878; John Mason Neale, 1866;
hymn writers
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20; Galatians 3:23—4:11; Matthew 15:1-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
15:13 — Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
One
year, I planted lots of onion and carrot seeds. I was thrilled to see the tiny
little seedlings pop their heads out, but I was especially concerned about the
multitude of weeds that threatened to overtake them. I asked my kids to help me
get rid of the weeds. They were none too happy about the job but trudged out
with me to get it done. Just as I explained which weeds were and which were
carrots or onions, I received a phone call and had to leave the kids. Before I
got off the phone, they were in the house, and they declared the job done! From
the window, it looked good. However, when I went to look, they had cleaned the
entire raised bed, not only of weeds but also of my onions and carrots! I was
not a happy camper. However, I had to admit that, even when I was careful, it
was challenging to pull only the weeds and not the tiny seedlings I had
planted. Jesus provides us with encouraging news concerning the “weeding” that
will come on the Day of the Lord. Nothing but “weeds” will be uprooted. Only
those who do not belong to the Master Gardener – the Father – will be culled
from His heavenly garden. For those who are faithful, it means we don’t have to
be the “weed pullers” or judges. We can leave it to the One who knows and can
uproot only those who do not belong. It takes a load off, doesn’t it? May we
flourish and produce all that the Father has intended for us in His Garden!
PRAYER
Thank
you, dear Father, for being the Master Gardener and having planted me in the
rich soil of this community. Thank you also that I do not have to be the one to
determine who is a weed and who will bear much fruit for your Kingdom. Use me
for your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 2, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ecclesiastes 6:1-12; Acts
10:9-23; Luke 12:32-40
SCRIPTURE
Luke
12:32 — Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure
to give you the Kingdom.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
had reasonably well-contented cows. We fed them morning and night. Usually,
they ate until they were full, and there was always some leftover food so the
cows could return to eat if they got hungry again. Our pigs, on the other hand,
never seemed to be satisfied. We fed them twice a day also. However, they ate
“like pigs,” eating everything they could and stomping everything else in the
muck. When we came to feed them, they’d come running, only to fight over the
first feed in their trough. The pigs gave the impression they hadn’t been fed
in a week. Watching pigs was a lot like watching a crowd at a sale. I’ve seen
people grabbing, pushing, and gathering the sale items they want as if the
merchandise was pig feed and they hadn’t been fed for months! Jesus assures His
followers that the Father in heaven intends to ensure they have everything they
need, PLUS the Kingdom of God! What an inheritance! The great
thing about this inheritance is that we don’t have to wait. We can enjoy it
now. The big question for us is, “How are we spending it?” Some people have put
their spiritual inheritance on a shelf to gather dust. Some are squandering it
on the mistaken notion that they were baptized once, so they’re always saved,
and it doesn’t matter how they live. Have you discovered your eternal spiritual
inheritance yet? How are you spending yours? May you be a well-practiced heir
of eternal life, now and forever!
PRAYER
Forgive me when I act like
a “pig,” O Heavenly Father, and want more, more, more. I pray that I may be
content with all the blessings you have showered upon me and that you might use
me to spread those blessings to others. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, July 3, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ecclesiastes
7:1-14; Galatians 4:12-20; Matthew 15:21-28
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
15:27 — (The Canaanite woman) said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the
crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
There
was always something to eat at our house. It wasn’t always what I wanted or liked,
but I cannot remember when we went hungry. Sometimes, we were low on some
things and needed to go to town to get re-supplied, but there was always
something. Mom often used fresh cream to make things stretch, a practice she
employed throughout her life, not because she was trying to stretch the
ingredients but because she liked the taste. (Adding fresh cream to pork and
beans still makes my mouth water but makes my wife want to gag!) It is hard for
me to imagine people digging through garbage cans for a few bites of food to
survive or a person fighting off house dogs under the table for a few leftover
crumbs after a meal. The Canaanite woman was willing to be treated like those
dogs to get some healing for her daughter. She was willing to settle for
embarrassment and leftover crumbs, but the whole loaf – the One who proclaimed
“I am the Bread of Life” – was standing right there. How hungry for the Word of
God are you? Are you hungry enough to even settle for crumbs? Or have you been
spoiled with the choicest and best the world can produce, so much so that you
have lost your appetite - your hunger and thirst for righteousness? The Bread
of Life offered Himself to you yesterday at worship! Were you hungry enough to
be there to receive Him? May you always be hungry for the only Bread that will
satisfy you for eternity.
PRAYER
I
am ashamed to admit, gracious Father, that I sometimes take the food you offer
for my body and soul for granted. I know there will always be some food in the
pantry, and there is always a Bible on my shelf and study available. Forgive me
and nourish me with your good Word. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Independence Day
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ecclesiastes 8:14—9:10;
Galatians 4:21-31; Matthew 15:29-39
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
15:31 — ...The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed
whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of
Israel.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
uncle let me “help” him make a kite when I was four. We made it with newspapers
wrapped around sticks tied together with string. The kite was almost as tall as
I was. Its tail seemed to be a mile long, but the ball of twine my uncle used
to get it into the air seemed like it would reach the moon! I was thrilled when
he ran through the field with the kite and amazed when the wind caught it and
pulled it into the sky. I raced after him as fast as my legs would run through
the pasture grass, and I marveled at how he could make it go higher and higher.
He let me hold the string for a while, but it was so strong it almost carried
me into the sky! Years later, it takes more and more to amaze me. Technology
has nearly taken the amazement out of life. I hardly blink at the thought of
another walk in space, a mechanical heart, cell phones with cameras, or
terabytes of computer memory. But I am still amazed at a newborn baby, an
incredible sunset, or the love and grace of God I receive in the Word and the
Sacraments at worship and in the love of the most wonderful woman he gave me in
marriage. What amazes you these days? Does it take brilliant fireworks and loud
thunderous booms to get your attention? Or can you be amazed by seeing the hand
of God touching the sick and the lame, the blind and the maimed through those
who minister to them in hospitals and nursing homes and friendly visits? May
you be amazed and know that God is at work through them – and you, when you
speak in His name!
PRAYER
Open
my eyes, Lord, so I will be amazed at all you have done. You have done so much
and continue to do great things. Thank you for those who love me, despite
myself, for those things which bring beauty, especially for your grace that I
receive in Word and Sacrament. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, July 5, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO
YEARS
Ecclesiastes 9:11-18;
Galatians 5:1-15; Matthew 16:1-12
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
16:6 — Jesus said to them, “Watch out, and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees
and Sadducees.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
Dad retired, he began helping Mom with baking. His specialty (the only baking
feat I know of) was baking bread. Dad was a yard and garden “putzer” who loved
fixing mechanical things. Hearing him discuss the relative merits of different
kinds of yeast seemed strange. There was good yeast and bad yeast. One made
bread rise. The other was lazy and just sat there doing nothing. Bakers tell me
that as good as some yeast is, it can spoil foods it was not intended for. The
Jews do a thorough house cleaning before Passover to ensure they eliminate all
leavening agents from their homes in remembrance of the speedy exit their
ancestors made from Egypt. Yeast would have spoiled their bread on their
journey and may have spoiled other foods and even the cloth it touched. Thus,
even today, we often use unleavened bread for Holy Communion. The yeast of the
Pharisees and Sadducees Jesus told His followers about was an abuse of the Law
that acted like an infection. The Law itself was not bad, but the legalistic
way religious authorities used it was a corruption of the intent of the Law.
Sometimes, our legalism acts that way, especially when it prevents us from
“loving our neighbor as we love ourselves,” loving our enemies as Christ loved
us, or forgiving as God has forgiven us. How well is the “yeast” of God’s love
working in your life? May it be a blessing to all and not a curse.
PRAYER
May
the “yeast” of your love bubble up within me, O God. Let me rise to serve you
by serving others rather than judging them. May I be a blessing to those I
encounter today and even those worldwide needing help. In the name of Jesus.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, July 6, 2026
Jan Hus, martyr, 1415
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ecclesiastes
11:1-8; Galatians 5:16-24; Matthew 16:13-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
16:19 — I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you
bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be
loosed in heaven.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
didn’t lock the house on the farm when I was growing up. That is, until one
cold winter night when we had an unknown prowler. Then, we had to search for a
key and lock the house at night. However, we only had one key, which Mom or Dad
only took with them if we were all going away for the evening. In some churches
I’ve served, we had fists full of keys. Each key opened a different door. Most
churches also had a box of “unknown” keys. No one knew where they came from or
what they opened. After trying every lock in the building, we usually threw
them away. It is great when locksmiths can produce “master keys,” which allow opening
all the doors with similar locks using a single key. Jesus handed over the
“Master” of all “master keys” to His disciples. It wasn’t a key made of metal
or electronics. It was, and is, a “key” to His heavenly Kingdom. Now, that is
one powerful key! The “key” is forgiveness. However, it seems to be a tricky
“key”. What we forgive is forgiven, but what we bind or refuse to forgive binds
us to sin as much as it binds the person we fail to forgive. Imagine having
your spiritual bags packed, a reserved room and the gate opened wide, but we
are “bound” by the bungee cord of unforgiveness! The way is clear. We can
almost reach heaven’s gates, but something we cannot let go of holds us back!
Quite a nightmare. May we keep the “key” to the Kingdom, well used for the sake
of others, even more so for ourselves and our eternal future.
PRAYER
I
know that when I do not forgive, I continue to hold on tight to that sin someone
did against me, and I remain locked in anger and resentment. Use your key of
your Kingdom to open my heart, dear Father, so that it will be one of
forgiveness so I may be free as you intended. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 7, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Ecclesiastes
11:9—12:14; Galatians 5:25—6:10; Matthew16:21-28
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
16:21 — From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief
priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day, be raised.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I was twelve, I thought I was well prepared to play the organ for our small
church. Mrs. Weddingfeld, my teacher, went over the liturgy several times,
listened as I played the hymns, and had me practice the prelude, offertory, and
postlude until I had them down pat. No problem. However, on that particular
Sunday, reality shock set in. She wasn’t there to prompt me or tell me what to
play next. Sitting in the pew, I thought I could do the liturgy blindfolded.
But sitting with my hands on the keys and my feet on the pedals in front of all
those people, with a visiting professor from the seminary whose heavy, broken
German accent was hard to understand, I began to ask myself what I’d gotten
myself into! By the time the service ended, I was sweating and felt like I had
spent an entire day chopping weeds. I wonder if the disciples felt that way
after the resurrection. Jesus had gone over their lessons thoroughly and sent
them out to practice all the lessons He had taught them. Before His arrest and
death on the cross, the lessons and words must have seemed so familiar they
might have been able to mouth them as He said them. Then it happened, just as
He said it would. Reality shock set in for them! For a time, they were
paralyzed with fear and confusion. “It wasn’t just words!” “Jesus wasn’t just
flapping His lips to hear Himself speak!” How real is Jesus to you? How real
are His words? May you take them to heart, meditate on them, and live with the
certainty that Jesus and His words are as real as you are!
PRAYER
Thank
you, Jesus, that you have promised to always be with me and that I don’t have
to do this “living thing” by myself. Thank you also for your words in scripture
that give me instructions on how to live my life by loving you and loving
others. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
3:1-13;Galatians 6:11-18; Matthew 17:1-13
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
17:1 — Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and, James and his brother
John and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Two
high school friends called to ask if I wanted to go camping with them. It was
the long, hard summer between my junior and senior years of college. I had just
finished taking two summer classes – one in philosophy and one in German – while
working full-time at a music store during the day and as an attendant at a
funeral home at night. I was drained, and all I could think of was sleep. But
since I hadn’t seen them in a long time, I thought it would be a welcome
relief. Our small retreat to the wilderness was not an experience of comfort.
On the contrary, it was a rugged ordeal from which I was happy to return.
However, I returned refreshed, renewed, and full of stories and experiences I appreciate
and will never forget. Jesus knew His three closest disciples needed a small
retreat like that when He took them up the mountain. It was a long, exhausting
climb that left them sleepy. But their experience while there left them
recharged and excited about the journey ahead of them. It also gave them and us
an image of what can happen when the faithful take time to separate themselves
from the world for a brief time to dedicate themselves to prayer and
meditation. Their eyes beheld Moses and Elijah transfigured with Jesus. Have
you dedicated yourself to prayer and meditation, free from the distractions of
the world around you? Why not give yourself that gift? I know it is not easy,
but when I do it, I am blessed and renewed to return and get those “busy
things” done! May you be blessed, renewed, recharged, and re-energized to do
God’s will in your world.
PRAYER
I
am so blessed for those times you have given me where I can be renewed,
recharged, and re-energized, dear Savior. Nudge me when I continue to work and
go without ceasing, without taking the time to pray and meditate. In your Holy
Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 9, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
6:22-27; Acts 13:1-12; Luke 12:41-48
SCRIPTURE
Luke
12:43 — Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he
arrives.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
only lived in a college dormitory for one year. Other students called our dorm
“Animal Hall” – long before Hollywood made the movie! It got its name because
the predominant residents on the floor I was on were football players on
scholarships who acted like a bunch of animals. These “animals” made life
interesting – sometimes challenging – for those who were not football players.
Like most college dormitories, we were subject to scheduled and surprise
inspections. The dorm “mother” and a senior proctor would enter every room,
making a list of things that needed to be cleaned up or fixed. It was seldom a
problem for those of us who were occasional slobs but became a joke for most of
the “animals” that seemed to live up to their name. Jesus wasn’t talking about
surprise room inspections. He was talking about the way of life of those who
claimed to be His faithful followers. It was not unusual for a slave owner to
catch a slave napping or slacking on the job by a master who returned without
warning. The day of Judgment will be that way for every one of us. Jesus told
His disciples they couldn’t rely on signs in the sun, the sky, or the earth.
The Day of the Lord would come like a surprise inspection. Those prepared and
doing what God called them to do will be blessed. Those messing around, doing
their own thing, or trying to avoid doing God’s “thing” will be very
disappointed. Jesus is not calling us to be workaholics. But He is calling us
to do what He has called us to do and to be what He calls us to be. May He find
you happily and joyfully doing His will!
PRAYER
I
pray that I might not be a “sloppy animal” and not be prepared for your day of
judgment, O Jesus. Give me joy in the work so I will not grudgingly do what you
want me to do. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, July 10, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
9:15-23, 10:29-36; Romans 1:1-15; Matthew 17:14-21
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
17:20b — ...If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this
mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be
impossible for you.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Mom
left me in charge of my sister and three younger brothers. It was a hot day,
and they wanted Kool-Aid. So, being the good, big, seven-year-old brother that
I was, I climbed up on the kitchen counter, took down the large pitcher, dug
out a package of Kool-Aid, and made some grape drink. One taste told me we
needed some sugar. I found it, poured in a cup, and stirred. Believing that
more would taste even better, I poured in two more cups of sugar for good
measure. To this day, the taste of Kool-Aid turns my stomach! Too much of
anything isn’t good. It only takes a little chili powder to spice up a whole
pot. (I tend to like it hot!) A little fertilizer may cause a garden to
flourish, while a double dose can kill it. In an age when fast food places want
to “super-size” us, it’s hard to remember that a little fat in the diet
is OK, but too much can kill. In the realm of faith, it doesn’t take much on
our part to allow God to do His part. Again and again, in the gospels, people
with little or no faith, even people with a distorted or mistaken faith, are
healed by the One from whom all faith comes as a gift. Those who thought they
had a corner on the faith market and even bragged about it were disappointed in
their results and amazed at what Jesus could do. Even when we don’t “feel” full
of faith, even when we “feel” faithless, Jesus can touch our eyes, ears, limbs,
and whole being to make us whole. Even when our faith is limited to nothing
more than showing up at worship because we feel empty and powerless, Jesus can
take that tiny faith and do the impossible. May you feel empty enough on faith
to lay what little you have at His feet so He can multiply it and do what you
cannot do.
PRAYER
When
I feel my faith is so tiny and insignificant, I thank you, Lord Jesus, for the
story of the mustard seed. With your loving care, may my faith grow stronger
with time. I pray that I will always trust in you and your love for me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
11:1-23; Romans 1:16-25; Matthew 17:22-27
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
17:27 — So that we do not give offense to (the collectors of the temple tax),
go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you
open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and
me.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
In
the days before cell phones, our family planned to picnic with two other
families near a sand hills stream about an hour from our farm. We arrived
early, spread out an old sheet to have the picnic, and waited. While we waited,
we kids had fun playing in the stream. About noon, it became evident that the
other families wouldn’t make it. Without a phone, there was no way for them to
contact us or us them. Mom, as always, brought along enough food to feed an
army, but a meat dish hadn’t been part of her basket. One of the other families
said they’d bring plenty for everyone. When they didn’t show, Mom sent us to
the stream to catch the first big carp we could catch. Dad caught it and
cleaned it. It had no coins in its mouth, but it was mighty good eating! Jesus
wasn’t trying to feed a multitude or even a handful of disciples with fish. He
was trying to soothe angry feelings, show the disciples the power of God, and
help support the temple with an offering. Once again, it must have seemed impossible
to come up with the money to pay the tax they had already paid. But Jesus gave simple
instructions, and that which was needed God provided. We might call that paying
taxes the easy way. Jesus never refused to be a good citizen - He “rendered to
Caesar the things which were Caesar’s.” He also proved Himself to be a good
supporter of the temple - paying the temple tax not once but twice! What is
important for us to recognize is that God does provide for our needs, sometimes
in the most amazing and unusual ways. May you discover and rejoice at the
surprises He has in store for you today, and may you be God’s delivery person
for someone else’s need.
PRAYER
Heavenly
Father, thank you for providing me with all that I need. Help me to be thankful
enough that I willingly pay my taxes and help support the work of my church.
Open my heart and wallet when I see a need, knowing that you are a generous
God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Nathan Soderblom, Archbishop of Uppsala, 1931
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 11:25-35; Romans 1:28—2:11: Matthew
18:1-9
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
18:5 — Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
It
has been “pay-back time” for many years. On Sunday mornings, we have one or
more young children who believe that if I, the pastor, have the right to talk
and make noise, so do they. I call it “pay-back time” because of a vague memory
of when my sister and I had a great time sitting by ourselves in the front pew one
Sunday morning. The part I remember best (or most painfully) is the swat on the
behind and the lecture we got all the way home about how noisy we were and how
we would NOT do that ever again! Since I began preaching, I have been blessed
to hear very little of the children’s noises, not because I can’t hear but
because it doesn’t bother me. The two glaring exceptions were my two kids, who
got my full attention if they made the slightest noise. I could pick their
noise out of any crowd. When parents come to apologize for their children, I
usually reply, “No apologies necessary! I’m just glad you brought them.” The
noises and antics of children bothered the disciples, but not Jesus. I believe Jesus
was saying the same thing to His disciples that I say to parents. Kids are
kids. God did not create them to sit still and be quiet for long periods. They
probably distract some people, but each of their distractions should be a
message from Jesus Himself: “Whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes
me. ... Unless you receive the kingdom as a child, you will never get it!”
May you discover a new and exciting joy whenever you hear a child at worship,
play, or even a pew near you!
PRAYER
Thank
you, Lord, for those children who make noise in your church. Sometimes, it is
disruptive to my ears, but help me to focus on worshiping you and not grumbling
about the little ones. Use me to invite others with little ones so worship will
be filled with a joyful noise. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, July 13, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
12:1-15; Romans 2:12-24; Matthew 18:10-20
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
18:19 — Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything
you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
did not run our family as a pure democracy. Mom and Dad called the shots and
made most of the decisions. It usually was not enough for one of us to talk
either one of them into taking us to swim in the pool in town or fish at the
dam. We had to put our heads together, agree on what we wanted to do, and then
gang up on them with our decision. Coming together for prayer and worship is
not about “ganging up” on God to convince Him we’re serious. It is about
fellowship and spiritual discernment. In our family process, dumb ideas were
exposed, or better ideas were proposed before we took them to our parents. From
the beginning of the formation of Israel, the fellowship of the community of
believers was critical to the life and well-being of the whole nation. They
could and did go to God individually in prayer and praise, but it was in the community
that they fully functioned as God’s people. Jesus warns His disciples to avoid
being “Lone Rangers” in ministry. Whenever Jesus sent them out to do ministry,
it was in twos. The only time Jesus sent anyone away individually was Judas,
who left to betray Him. The only other time the scriptures show a disciple to
have a problem was when Thomas separated himself from the others after the
crucifixion. He had trouble believing on his own, even what the others
reported. Only when he rejoined them for worship could he see Jesus and
proclaim, “My Lord and my God!” It only takes a few people gathered in Jesus’
name to see what Jesus can do. Do you take full advantage of the gathering of
the community of believers for worship and Bible study? If not, Jesus may seem distant
or absent from your life. He is always with you, but in fellowship with others,
He reveals Himself to you. His promise is true. He truly is present in the
gathering of believers. It only takes a few to see what Jesus can do!
PRAYER
Sometimes,
you expect the impossible, dear Lord, when I am not getting along with those in
the fellowship of other believers. I know that you are truly in our midst
whenever we gather. Continue to be with us whenever we gather for study or
worship. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 14, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
13:1-3, 21-30; Romans 2:25—3:8; Matthew 18:21-35
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
18:22 — Jesus said to Peter, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, (forgive them)
seventy-seven times.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
We
didn’t have air conditioning. So, on hot, muggy Nebraska days, the only good
place to play was in the dirt west of the house, in the shade of the grove of
mulberry trees. By mid-morning snack time, we were well on our way to being
covered with dust and dirt from head to toe. Mom would make us wash our hands
before passing out the snacks. At lunchtime, washing our faces was added to the
procedure, too. Mid-afternoon snack time required another hand washing, and
supper required washing hands and faces again. Without fail, baths and clean
clothes were required before bed. This was a routine Mom put us through just
about every day. The amazing grace of God’s forgiveness is a lot like that. Day
in and day out, sin marks us. Day in and day out, God remembers our baptismal
washing and forgives us. This incredible grace of God’s forgiving nature is
what makes Christianity so extremely different from Islam and even Judaism. Not
only does God forgive repeatedly, but God expects - even demands - that we do
the same. Jesus shocks those who like to keep records of other people’s sins.
Such extremes don’t seem logical. Seventy-seven times, or seventy times seven
as another writer translates it, is symbolic of the unlimited grace of God.
Seven, the number of Christ, is multiplied, exploding its meaning. In Christ,
we have a God willing to go all the way to the cross to pay the ultimate price
for our forgiveness. Therefore, Jesus urges those who belong to Him to forgive
others without limit. May we all praise God for His amazing, gracious
forgiveness and practice using His example on those who sin against us.
PRAYER
Your
grace is so amazing, my loving God. Each day, as I become dirty with the grime
of sin, you wash me anew in the waters of my baptism. When I am reluctant to
forgive the sins of others, as I have been forgiven, change my heart. In the
name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Vladimir, 1st Christian ruler of Russia, 1015; Olga,
confessor, 969
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
13:21—14:25; Romans 3:9-20; Matthew 19:1-12
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
19:6 — So (those who are married) are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore,
what God has joined together, let no one separate.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
My
wife and I worked for quite a while on a 1000-piece puzzle. We found and put
together the border and a nice-sized piece of one corner when we had to put it
aside to get other things done. While we were busy, our four-year-old tried his
hand at it. All that we had put together was apart and in neat little piles. We
were not too happy. So, from the beginning, God created the institution of
marriage, putting together the two pieces of His puzzle. “Male and female, He
created them....” He “sanctified” marriage - made marriage holy! Like the rest
of creation, God looked at marriage and declared, “It is good!” It is not a
human-created institution that humans are free to mess with. It is holy, unique,
and held in honor by God. Too often, people think of marriage as a social
convenience (or inconvenience), but it is far more than that. Marriage is God’s
idea, God’s institution, and God’s plan for two people. Sin can and does enter
the puzzle to mess up what God declared good. No doubt it makes God sad when
sin causes one or both people to separate and divorce. What can we say when it
happens? God prefers that we keep together what He put together. Jesus urges
those who marry to keep their union holy and special before God. But, while it
is not God’s plan for people to divorce, and it gives God great pain, there is
forgiveness. Let us thank God today for those able to keep marriage a holy
institution and ask God’s forgiveness for the sin that separates others!
PRAYER
I
give you thanks, O God, that you have instituted marriage and have made it
holy. Thank you for helpmates and people to love. Whenever it is in my power to
strengthen a marriage, help me to do so. Thank you for your great forgiveness
when sin unravels what you have made. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 16, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
14:26-45; Acts 15:1-12; Luke 12:49-56
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
“Red
sky in the morning, sailors take warning! Red sky at night, sailors’ delight!”
“If the sun sets behind the clouds on Friday, it will rain before Monday.” “Plant potatoes on Good Friday for a good
crop of potatoes.” “If it rains on Good Friday...,” “If dogs are eating
grass...” The list of sayings I heard as a child goes on and on. We were well
versed in what would happen if we dropped a fork, spoon, or knife. Jesus must
have heard similar “old wives’ tales” or superstitions as He grew up. According
to several historians, the people of the 1st century had even more
than we have today, and many practically lived by them. They didn’t need a TV
news commentator or a newspaper editorial to inform them of what to expect.
However, Jesus was genuinely disappointed that they couldn’t see and interpret
the spiritual signs of the times. Lest we get too self-righteous about it, a
majority of people who want to think of themselves as “Christians” are pretty
poor about it as well. I put no stock in the scare tactics or the bad theology
of the “Left Behind” series. Instead, I look to the scriptures and ask the
pertinent questions raised for us by God in His Word. Whose creation is this?
Are we being good stewards of all things? Are we working for peace, or are we
simply “begetting violence with more violence”? Are we paying attention to the
signs of global warming and doing something to correct it? Are we sharing
wealth with those who are starving? Are we cleaning up pollution or creating
more? Is America turning to God or away from God? The questions keep coming!
But one rises to the top: “Would
we recognize Jesus when He returns to put things right, or would we try to
crucify Him again for suggesting that we need to repent and return to His Way?” May we repent and rejoice that God still
loves us!
PRAYER
Forgive
me, my Jesus, for failing to see you in the events that surround my day.
Instead of trying to interpret when you are coming back, let these things be
wake-up calls to me that I should be doing those things you have called me to do.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, July 17, 2026
Bartolome de Las Casas, missionary to the Indies, 1566
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
16:1-19; Romans 3:21-31; Matthew 19:13-22
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 19:16 — Then someone came to him and
said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
As
I picked up the milk pail and the one-legged stool in the milk barn, I knew
what I needed to do to get milk out of the cows, and I did it. When I walked up
to the flag pole to get the softball out from behind the school chimney, I knew
what to do and started climbing. As I prepared to take my three-hour
comprehensive written exam at college, I knew what to study, and I did it. As I
came in for a landing on my final approach to getting my pilot’s license, I
knew what to do, and I did it. As I approach the gates of heaven, I know what I
must do, and I realize that I can’t do it! I am a sinner, deserving of nothing
but death. But I approach the throne of God day by day, thankful that God loves
me so much that He sent His Son to do for me what I cannot do for myself. Each
day, I live by faith, learning all that I can, serving with every ounce of my
being to the best of my ability, and living in the shadow of the cross, which
makes eternal life a guarantee, even for me! There are many things we can do
for ourselves and others. Many of them we should do, not to earn a ticket to
heaven, but because Christ has already bought the ticket with His blood, just
for us. He has already done the good deed for us! St. Paul wrote, “You have
been saved by grace through faith, not by your own doing, lest anyone
should boast.” (Eph. 2:8) That is our hope, not in what we do, but in what
Christ has already done for us. What good deed can you do to give thanks
for what Christ has done for you today? May it bring you great joy.
PRAYER
I
must say with Martin Luther, “We are beggars. This is true,” dear God. I come
to you knowing I can never do enough to enter your Kingdom. I thank you,
though, that Jesus Christ has done enough. What a joyful thought! It is in His
name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, July 18, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
16:20-35; Romans 4:1-12; Matthew 19:23-30
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
19:25 — When the disciples heard (how hard it was for the rich to enter
heaven), they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
I
did it! I finished every single long division math problem and double-checked
with multiplication in what was record time for me. Wayne, my fourth-grade
classmate, was slow in math and struggled to finish the first problem. Getting
a tough assignment done fast before Wayne came to our school that year meant I
could go outside early for recess. However, when I raised my hand to tell the
teacher I was done, instead of letting me go outside, she told me to help
Wayne! I was shocked and disappointed. It must have shown on my face because
Mrs. Klima came to my desk and quietly reminded me that I had the advantage of
having an excellent math teacher, and Wayne didn’t, so I needed to pass what I
knew on to him. I’m not sure it eased my disappointment over not getting an
early recess, but it made me feel better about helping Wayne. If we were to
substitute math skills, artistic ability, farming know-how, business savvy,
musical talent, or any other gift of God for riches and wealth in what Jesus
told the disciples, we would come to the same conclusion. It is hard for those
puffed up with pride who worship their gifts and keep them to themselves to
enter heaven. Greater gain in any area of our lives means greater
responsibility to use them and spend them on those who are not as gifted and to
do so to the glory of God. How well do you share your “wealth,” whatever it
might be? Why not take time to make a list of those things you do have or you
do better (even by just a little bit) than someone else? Now, may God show you
how to develop and share those gifts in ways that will truly glorify Him.
PRAYER
Forgive
me for not sharing the gifts that you have given me with your church and with
others, my heavenly Father. Let
this prayer time be one in which I begin to list the many abilities and
resources you have generously bestowed and help me share them with others. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, July 19, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
16:26-30; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 20:1-16
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
20:1 — For the Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the
morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Finding
good hired workers for the farm was challenging for my grandfather and father
before I was old enough to help with some of the jobs. Grandpa seemed to have
one hired man after another who worked well until his first payday when he disappeared.
Dad had the same problem when he took over the family farm. The bars were the
favored place to hear about and hire field workers in our area. Dad enjoyed his
beer as much as he enjoyed talking to people, so it was not unusual for him to
spend several hours “bar hopping” before he found someone he could bring home
to help. That was the problem for the owner of the vineyard. Hour after hour,
he’d go out searching for help to bring in the harvest, knowing that if they
didn’t harvest the grapes at their peak, they would go to waste. Jesus has
given us a fantastic image of the ultimate Landowner - our Father in heaven.
God wants us in His vineyard so badly that He’ll call us at any and every hour
of every day of our lives. The “rest of the story” is even better news, if
possible! God will be so happy to have us; He won’t call us “new members,”
“late-comers,” or “foot-draggers.” God will welcome us with the same glorious
welcome He has for those who accepted His invitation the first time - as
children, as young adults, or whenever! Have you accepted the call to enter
God’s “vineyard” yet? A warm and thrilling welcome awaits you. All you have to
do is pray, “Lord, Jesus, I accept! Use me as you will. I am yours.” Then,
believe and know with absolute certainty that within the next few minutes,
hours, or days, God will joyfully put you to work in His vineyard, where He
wants and needs you!
PRAYER
Lord,
Jesus, I accept your invitation to work in your vineyard! Use me as you will. I
am yours. I anxiously await what lies ahead and can hardly wait to discover
what that may be. Thank you for accepting me. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, July 20, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
17:1-11; Romans 5:1-11; Matthew 20:17-28
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
20:20 — Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and
kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Moms
are great! At least mine was. Watching animal “moms” helps us glimpse mothers’
fierce, protective love for their offspring. My mother was that way with every
one of her brood. Moms also have great pride in their children, a pride that
pushes them into things they probably would not jump into themselves without a
push. At age ten, my mother believed (she always did) that I had the most
beautiful voice in the state and volunteered me to sing solos for several
public gatherings. When I was eleven, she made sure I had organ lessons and
prepared me for playing organ at our church. By age fifteen, she was convinced
I was good enough to play the organ for Lawrence Welk. (No kidding!) I’m sure
part of her disappointment at Lawrence Welk’s retirement and death was that I
never even auditioned. James and John must have had a mother like mine who had
big plans for her sons. She didn’t have a clue as to what it would mean or the
pain, suffering, and sacrifices it would require. She only saw the glory, the
privilege, and the “bright lights” of being able to proclaim, “Those men on
either side of the king are my boys!” If James and John were anything like me,
they would be embarrassed and cringe at the request, exclaiming, “Oh, Mom!” To the
Moms’ defense - mine and theirs - I’d have to say mothers have a way of pushing
their brood out of their comfortable nests and getting them to do things they
wouldn’t do otherwise. Mary, Jesus’ mother, did that to Him at the wedding in
Cana, too. So, I thank God for my mother, the mother of James and John, and the
nurture and encouragement our mothers provided. Why not thank God for your
mother and jot her a note (even if she, like mine, is in heaven) to tell her
how much you love her and appreciate the “push” she gave you?
PRAYER
I
give you thanks for my mom, dear God, and that I am partly the person I am
today because of her. Thank you for those women who have positively influenced
me and encouraged me to do things I didn’t think possible. In the name of
Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 21, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
20:1-13; Romans 5:12-21; Matthew 20:29-34
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
20:34 — Moved with compassion, Jesus touched (the eyes of the two blind men).
Immediately, they regained their sight and followed him.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
It
took time to churn cream into butter, but the results were so good when spread
on fresh bread. Making homemade ice cream took time and a lot of hard work, but
again, the results were well worth it. We didn’t have electric churns,
microwave ovens, or automatic coffee makers when I was a kid (back in the “dark
ages”). It took a few more minutes to do many things we take for granted today.
Instant replay was an incredible addition to television that left me mystified,
wondering how they could do that. I experienced instant relief from severe back
pain when I received an epidural injection several years ago. So, in this age
of instant-almost-everything, reading about the instant healing of people in
the Bible shouldn’t be too surprising. Immediate results seemed to be normal.
Many of us ask the obvious question: Why doesn’t “immediate” healing occur when
we pray? I have visited literally thousands of hospitalized and homebound
people to pray for them, but I cannot point to a single one where I could see
any dramatic results. Several people have thanked me for my prayers, claiming
they were healed in answer to them, but nothing as dramatic as those in the New
Testament. Are they just stories? Are they exaggerations? I don’t have all the
answers, but I believe Jesus is with us when we pray. Jesus touches those for
whom we pray with His healing hand, healing them mentally, spiritually, or
physically in the way He knows is best for them. I believe healing is
“immediate” even when we don’t see it on the surface. Therefore, I firmly
believe that every time we pray for healing, we also should be praying a prayer
of thanks for what Jesus is doing in His way and in His time.
PRAYER
I
don’t always see the results of your healing, my Jesus, but I know you have
placed your healing touch upon me when I ask for it. Let me feel that touch and
strengthen me in the knowledge that you have healed me in more ways than I
know. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
St. Mary Magdalene
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
20:14-29; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 21:1-11
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
21:8 — A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut
branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
I was in seminary, one of the required texts I had to purchase was by a
well-known German theologian. Shortly after buying the book, I learned he would
be on campus and speak to us in person. In preparation, I read his book from
cover to cover. I must admit I understood only a fraction of his writing, but I
had great expectations that he would clear everything up when he spoke. I went
early to ensure I got a seat close to the speaker so I could hear every word.
One-half hour into his lecture, I wished I had sat at the back of the room to
escape. If his book was hard to understand, his presentation was even worse! It
wasn’t what I had expected at all. When Jesus entered the Holy City to
celebrate the Passover, many people also arrived early with great expectations.
The palm branches and the cloaks spread on the path (symbols of the military
and political victory of a king), and their shouts of “Hosanna to the son of
David” (more symbols of the hope for military might and victory of the Jews
over the Romans) were evidence of these great expectations. Great things were
about to happen, but not in the way the general population expected. When we
worship, pray, and meditate, what are our expectations? Have we set up our
false expectations, or have we become immune to expecting great things to
happen at all? Every Sunday is a mini-Easter for those who fully expect Jesus
to be present in the Word and the sacraments. He is faithful to His Word! He is
present! Great things will be happening! Will you be there to experience them?
May each Sunday be a mini-Easter for you, and may each day be a day in which
you welcome Jesus to walk and talk with you!
PRAYER
Sometimes,
I try to mold you into what you should look like, dear Jesus. Forgive me for
putting my expectations on you instead of yours. When I wake up Sunday morning,
fill me with your joy and excitement over the possibility of worshiping you as
I celebrate your resurrection. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Brigitta of Sweden, 1373
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
21:4-9, 21-35; Acts 17:12-34; Luke 13:10-17
SCRIPTURE
Luke
13:14 — But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on
the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought
to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the Sabbath day.”
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
Occasionally,
the veterinarian came to our farm to care for sick animals. Often, the animal
was unable to stand on its own. It didn’t happen frequently, but once in a
while, the vet would tell us the best thing we could do would be to put the
animal out of its misery. We never wanted to see an animal suffer
unnecessarily. Even when we killed animals for meat, we did so quickly and in a
way that would cause the least amount of pain. As a farm kid, I could never
understand the Jewish leaders who attacked Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.
They treated those who needed healing worse than we treated our animals. “Let
them suffer until after the Sabbath!” was their message. Fortunately, both Jews
and Christians have gotten beyond that prohibition in our day. We now can find
clinics and medical services available every hour of every day in most
communities. However, how we show honor and respect for God’s day is still
debated. As we read the rest of the story, we see that Jesus does not do away
with the Sabbath but packs more meaning into it. Yes, we need a day to rest in
preparation for the coming week, but we also need to be prepared to meet Jesus
in the needs of those suffering. Have you ever considered that when we
“remember the Sabbath Day,” we do so more fully when we do not ignore the needs
of others? May you discover the miracle of Christ’s renewing energy when you
rest in Him, even as you allow Him to work miracles through you!
PRAYER
Thank
you, dear God, for those who work tirelessly, even on Sunday, to protect or
heal us. Give them the rest they need and refresh them. On your Sabbath, the
poor are still poor, the ill are still ill, and many others still need my love.
Use me for your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, July 24, 2026
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
22:1-21; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 21:12-22
SCRIPTURE
Matthew
21:14 — (After Jesus cast out the merchants and money-changers from the
temple,) the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them.
THOUGHTS
TO PONDER
When
we got new animals on the farm, we always spent time preparing the place where
they would be by thoroughly cleaning it. We often disinfected the area, even if
the same animals were living there and making the same mess. Baby chicks, for
instance, always came in the spring to a brooder house we had cleaned,
scrubbed, and disinfected from the rafters and ceiling to the floor. It
prevented any disease or infection the previous residents may have had from
contaminating the new ones. One of the large cattle feeders in our area showed
me how they keep new animals in a special pen for several days to ensure they
are healthy and won’t spread an illness to the larger herd. When Jesus entered
the temple, he saw a “diseased” system that was infecting and corrupting the
Gentiles who loved God and wanted to worship but were forced to put up with the
noise and smell of a temple market system. The amazing thing about the
cleansing of the temple was that healing increased as soon as Jesus cast out
the evil system. Those previously unable to approach the Holy of Holies because
they were Gentiles had the Holy One Himself in their presence. What “diseases”
and “infections” prevent you from approaching the Holy of Holies? Are you
willing to repent and be made whole again? May you discover the healing and
refreshing power of Jesus every time you call on His name! Come! Now is the
time to worship Him!
PRAYER
Come
to me, Lord Jesus. When I think that it is I who must be pure enough to enter
into the Holy of Holies, I come up short every time. Thank you for cleansing me
and making me whole once again. I pray this in your name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, July 25, 2026
St. James the Elder, Apostle
THROUGH
THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers
22:21-38; Romans 7:1-12; Matthew 21:23-32
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 21:32 — For John came to you in the way of
righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the
prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your
minds and believe him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My two sisters, three brothers, and I had much in
common. Aside from the typical family and farm background, we share some facial
features, speech patterns, and mannerisms. They didn’t seem noticeable until we
were together for a family reunion. However, there are many things we don’t
have in common. My three brothers were all mechanics, and I don’t even like changing
the oil on my car. We all enjoyed reading different kinds of books. We have
different political views. One brother is a beekeeper. One is a marathon
runner. My youngest brother passed away several years ago and was into horses.
There are enough differences, people who recognize the facial similarities will
ask, “Which son are you?” Considering that all people of every race and tribe,
of every color and language, of every mental and physical ability or limitation,
of every religion and persuasion are children of God, the question must always
arise, “Whose son/daughter are you?” Are we children of God, fulfilling the
Word and the Will of God, or have we become children of the world and evil? The
good and “holy” religious leaders thought of themselves as the only legitimate
children of God, even though they were only keeping the letter of the Law - and
not doing a very good job of that. Meanwhile, the outcasts and the sinners
humbly repented and returned to the Lord. It was not difficult to answer Jesus’
question. The answer was evident to everyone but them. How well are you living
as a child of God? Can the world around you look at you and see that you are
God’s child? May you discover more similarities between yourself and your
brothers and sisters in Christ!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am honored and humbled that you
have adopted me and made me your own through baptism. Keep me growing in
likeness to you so that when people see how I act and serve, they will say I
look just like my Father. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, July 26, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 22:41– 23:12; Romans 7:13-25; Matthew 21:33-46
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 21:44 — The one who falls on this stone will
be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The importance of the truth was impressed on us from
the time we were old enough to talk. The truth was always more important than
the consequences of telling a lie. It was OK to fantasize and tell tall tales
as long as we knew the difference and when to cut through the fantasy. Lions,
tigers, and elephants weren’t very common in the “jungles” of Nebraska, and we could
not use them as an excuse for failing to bring the cows in for milking. The
world’s tallest mountain, just north of the barn, from which we could look east
and see the Atlantic and look west and see the Pacific, was not a place we
could use to describe where we lost one of Dad’s tools. We learned early on
that if we told a lie, the truth would sting our backsides when we stumbled
over it. It was a good lesson to learn for later in life, knowing that the
truth would appear to crush us sooner or later as if it fell out of the sky.
Jesus declared, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life....” Unfortunately, the
religious leaders had their version of the truth, and the Truth Jesus
proclaimed became the rejected stone. Today, when the truth is stretched and
twisted by politicians and in courts of Law, it is good to remember that the
One who is TRUTH will judge all truth. Some may seem to get away with twisting
it to meet their needs now, but on the Day of the Lord, they will stumble and
fall over their own tongues trying to defend their lies and, in the process, be
utterly crushed by it. Have you accepted the stone of truth, rejected by the
fallen? May the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart be
acceptable to the One who is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life!
PRAYER
O Holy Jesus, you who are the Way and the TRUTH,
cleanse my heart and mouth so that everything I utter will be the truth. I pray
that I will not be silent when asked to express my faith in you, for that would
be a lie. In your name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, July 27, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 23:11-26; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 22:1-14
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 22:1 — The Kingdom of Heaven may be compared
to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Weddings in our “neck of the woods” were big things.
No matter how poor a family was, they would always find a way of celebrating a
wedding. Having many aunts, uncles, and cousins getting married meant several
weddings every year. I didn’t enjoy the wedding itself so much. That tended to
be a dull ritual - even where I was a ring bearer. It was the party after the
wedding that was so much fun. It always included lots of food and usually a
wedding dance, although they would sometimes have the dance a week or more
after the wedding because someone already had the ballroom scheduled. That was
even better because it meant food and fun twice. Most of the weddings we went
to were for those from poor farm families. I have since been to receptions for
some wealthy families, which were much more lavish and expensive. But I can’t
say they were any more fun. I can only imagine what the wedding of the king’s
son would be like. Jesus uses marriage in the same way the Old Testament
prophets did to symbolize the relationship God wants to have with His people.
When God, the King, threw a party for His Son, it was truly party time! Sadly,
too many people made excuses, just like they do today. Too many people pass up
the best Party in town! How about you? Were you there on Sunday? Are you
already making excuses for next Sunday? Where will you be when the invitation
comes to the great and glorious Banquet of the Lord? May you be ready and full
of party spirit!
PRAYER
I have received your invitation to the wedding feast,
dear God, and I accept with all my heart. Preparing for the great feast, where
I sing and dine (and maybe even clap my hands), is wonderful each Sunday. I can
hardly wait. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 28, 2026
Heinrich Schultz, 1672; Johann Sebastian Bach, 1750;
George Frederick Handel, 1759; musicians
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 25:1-13; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 22:15-22
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 22:21b — ...Give therefore to the emperor the
things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My first taxable paycheck amounted to $25. I was not
pleased to have taxes deducted from my meager income, even knowing I’d most
likely get it all back. I was not into politics or presidents back then, so I
didn’t think the “emperor” needed to be quite so greedy. I wasn’t aware of all
that my tax dollars were paying for. On the other hand, my parents often
reminded me of what God had done for me. Worship and Sunday School reinforced that
lesson, so tithing my income seemed the right thing to do. It made me feel
grateful for the money to put in the envelope. In one way or another, we all
support one government or another. The government we usually think of is the
one we associate with the IRS and with paying our taxes to the “emperor.” We
are paying for the protection of the military and police, the highways and
roads, the social programs, and many others. The Kingdom of God is the other
government we don’t think of so clearly. It may be because the KING - God
doesn’t make us fill out forms and send special agents to demand payment. In
Christ, He has already paid all the taxes due. Instead, what we owe are our
thanksgiving gifts for what we have already received - forgiveness, life, and
salvation! There is a third government. One we seldom think of, but one with
very heavy taxation and severe, eternal penalties. It is the government of
evil, to whom we pay taxes every time we sin. So, whose “government” do you
support?
PRAYER
Count me in as a citizen of your Kingdom, O God. Give
me a willing heart to support that Kingdom every chance I can. It is exciting
to think of where my dollars might go: to teach children about you, to feed a
hungry family, to help build a new church, or in many other ways. I pray for
all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany; Olaf, King of
Norway, martyr, 1030
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 25:12-25; Romans 8:18-25; Matthew 22:23-40
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 22:30 —
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are
like angels in heaven.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
In my younger years, marriage was the last thing on my
mind. I was more concerned about finding worms for fishing, discovering new and
exciting “jungles,” wondering how fast ants could move a crumb of bread, and
where God came from. Life was simpler back then. However, I sometimes wonder if
we don’t make it more complicated than it is. People still search for the
“worms” that will help them catch the perfect job, the perfect bargain, and the
perfect way of life. People are still searching for excitement “where no one
has dared to go before.” People have become ants, scurrying here, there, and
everywhere to “make the bread.” Unfortunately, too many people have given up
their search for God. This may be what Jesus meant when He warned us: “Unless
you receive the kingdom of God as a little child, you will not enter it.”
Children raised in an atmosphere of love, like the angels in heaven, are not
out searching for love in all the wrong places. They accept the fact that love
is all around us! They know the simple truth: “God is love.” In the beginning,
God created marriage so that humans would have companionship and love while
separated from their companionship with God. Thus, marriage was instituted and
made holy by God while we live in this “home away from HOME.” The joy of heaven
is the experience of intimate companionship with our Creator in the HOME God
has already prepared for us. In that sense, there is no marriage in heaven, yet
there is the most intense and wonderful intimacy we can ever imagine. If you
are married, may your marriage be a dress rehearsal for the intimacy you will
share with God? If you are no longer married, may God help you remember those
moments when your oneness with your spouse was “heavenly.” If you are not yet
married, may God lead you to that person who will give you a “foretaste of the
feast to come!
PRAYER
Thank you, dear Lord, for the wonderful gift of
marriage. I pray that you lead me so I will work to make marriage as perfect as
you intended. Let me always put the best construction on these relationships so
that partners may love each other more deeply. I look forward to that intimate
relationship that I will have with you. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, July 30, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 27:12-23; Acts 19:11-20; Mark 1:14-20
SCRIPTURE
Mark 1:15 — The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of
God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I like to be on time and hate to be late for anything.
Three times in my years in the ministry, I’ve had faulty alarm clocks that
didn’t wake me on Sunday mornings. When I awoke to discover what had happened,
it gave me a horrible sinking feeling. I’ve dreamed of racing to catch up or
get someplace on time, but I’m running in slow motion. As she was preparing to
graduate from college, a friend told me she had a nightmare. She dreamed it was
graduation day. She was waking up. Looking at the clock, she realized the
graduation ceremony was only minutes away. She had to shower, dress, and drive
an hour to get there! Maybe it’s the subject I’m writing about now, but I’m
already nervously watching the clock to make sure I get my shower and get to my
meeting on time! The time John the Baptist was talking about was “Kairos”- a
critical historical moment when Christ breaks in. The chronological time on the
sun clock didn’t matter any more than the numbers on a nuclear clock. The Kingdom
of God was there at that moment. The alarms and warnings of the prophets hadn’t
been heeded. In this “Kairos” moment, there was no time to shower, shave, get
dressed, or prepare spiritually. “At this very instance,” John was declaring, repent
(Observe your sin, Reflect on it, Discuss it or confess it) and believe
(Plan to change, Account for doing so, and Act on your plan). What time is it?
You could be living a spiritual nightmare or waking up to a spiritual alarm
reminding you that NOW is the time! May God stir you to treat each moment as a
“Kairos” moment when Christ breaks into your life.
PRAYER
I repent of my sins and ask for your forgiveness,
heavenly Father. Keep me spiritually awake, so I will always be ready when
Christ breaks into my life. Thank you for those “Kairos” moments. In the name
of the Holy One, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, July 31, 2026
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN TWO YEARS
Numbers 32:1-6, 16-27; Romans 8:26-30; Matthew 23:1-12
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 23:9 —
And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father - the one in
heaven.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
In the animal world, there are not very many males who
take responsibility for the young. The exceptions I know are in the bird world.
Even among humans, men often leave the raising and disciplining children to
women. The most significant percentage of parents who abandon their families
are men. When I was growing up, it was unusual to hear of a mother abandoning
her children. The majority of men are faithful fathers. There was one father in
our community who was raising his children because their mother left him and
the children. For some children, the question may be, “Who is my father?” They
don’t know. Jesus instructs His followers to reserve that title for God alone -
our only true and faithful Father. It’s not that our fathers are not our
fathers, but they represent our heavenly Father. It is rather that the title is
reserved for God. Jesus invites us to pray, “Abba” - “Daddy”! – reserving the
title “Father” for God alone. In the Old Testament, the people clamor for a
king. The prophet Samuel tries to convince them the only true king is God, the
King of all creation. They refused to listen and demanded a king. In the New
Testament, Christ takes on many titles: the Good Shepherd, the Way, the
Truth, the Life, the Bread of Life, the Water of Life, the True Vine, and the
Lamb of God.... But the title “Father” is reserved for His Father in
heaven. We probably never thought that calling our fathers “Dad,” “Daddy,” or
“Pop” was a way of honoring God, our Father in heaven. But that is what we do.
May we show honor and respect to our fathers on earth and our Father in heaven,
and may we see a glimpse of the One in the one we call “Dad?”
PRAYER
Bless all those daddies in the world, my Abba. Let
them see you as the ultimate example of fatherhood, loving their children
enough to say “no” but giving them all they truly need in life, especially love
and forgiveness. You are one great Dad. I pray in your Son’s name. Amen.
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