Solomon’s Temple Devotions on 1 Kings 5:1-5, 8:1-13 Monday–Solomon’s Temple “Now the Lord has given me rest on every side” (1Kings 5:4). Jill Kildare held her husband’s hand as she surveyed the construction of an office building. Eventually, the building would house the headquarters of Jill’s expanding service empire. “You have worked hard, and […]
Wayside Rests
Devotional Thoughts
1 Samuel 16:1-13, Samuel Anoints David
Samuel Anoints David Devotions on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Monday–Samuel Anoints David “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul’” (1 Samuel 16:1a)! Binh had been offered an attractive promotion, by the company for which he worked. It appeared to Binh to be a perfect fit for his skill set and it […]
Devotions on 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Samuel and Eli
Samuel and Eli Devotions on 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Monday–Samuel and Eli “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli” (1 Samuel 3:1a). Shirley and Alejandro climbed up onto the roof of the Habitat for Humanity house and began to work together laying shingles. They were Habitat pros, having worked on several projects. […]
Exodus 16:1-18, Manna from Heaven
Manna from Heaven Devotions on Exodus 16:1-18 Monday–Manna from Heaven “The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron” (Exodus 16:2) The words to an old, popular hymn chorus are, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and you’ll be surprised at what the Lord has done.” The gift of […]
Exodus 2:23-4:17, Moses and the Burning Bush
Moses and the Burning Bush Devotions on Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17 Monday–Moses and the Burning Bush “The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out” (Exodus 2:23). It didn’t take long for Jonathan’s parents to learn his various cries. He had a cry for when he wanted his diaper changed and when he was […]
Genesis 27:1-28:17, Jacob and Esau
Jacob and Esau Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23, 28:10-17 Monday–Jacob and Esau “So that I may bless you before I die” (Genesis 27:4). One of the subplots in the story of Esau and Jacob is the favoritism of their parents. Strong, hairy, outdoorsy, successful hunter Esau (a man’s man) was the apple of his father’s, Isaac, eye. […]
Genesis 21:1-22:13 Abraham Sacrifices Isaac
Abraham Sacrifices Isaac Devotions on Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-13 Monday–Abraham Sacrifices Isaac “The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said” (Genesis 21:1). Promises are important to keep. We all know how devastating broken promises can be. They can destroy relationships. On the other hand, if a person has a reputation of keeping promises, it […]
Devotions on Matthew 18:15-35–Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:12-35 Monday–Parable of the Unforgiving Servant “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone” (Matthew 18:15). Jesus’ instructions seem so simple, but we certainly have a difficult time following them. Karen and Juanita served on […]
Mark 14:12-25–One of You Will Betray Me
One of You Will Betray Me Devotions on Mark 14:12-25 Monday–One of You Will Betray Me “So he sent two of his disciples saying to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you’” (Mark 14:13). The anxious high school graduates gathered in the auditorium the morning […]
1 Corinthians 11, Take Eat This is My Body
Devotions for 1 Corinthians 11:17-34–Take Eat This is My Body Monday–Take Eat This is My Body “When you come together it is not for the better but for the worse” (1 Corinthians 11:17). The Hatfields and the McCoys had been having a family reunion for fifty years—ever since Mary Hatfield married Jeb McCoy. The […]