Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Devotions for December 21-27, 2020 Luke 2:21-38 Monday, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple “After eight days passed, it was time to circumcise the child” (Luke 2:21). At fifty years-old, Connor isn’t the likeliest candidate for a tattoo. Connor has one, though. It contains his wedding date and […]
Wayside Rests
Devotional Thoughts
Luke 1:26-49, The Birth of Jesus Foretold
The Birth of Jesus Foretold Devotions for Luke 1:26-49 December 14-20, 2020 Monday, The Birth of Jesus Foretold “The angel Gabriel was sent by God” (Luke 1:26). God is in the sending business. God sent Gabriel to announce to Mary that she was favored to be the mother of God’s son. Before Gabriel received […]
Joel 2:12-29, I Will Pour Out My Spirit
I Will Pour Out My Spirit Devotions on Joel 2:12-13, 28-29 November 30-December 6, 2020 Monday, I Will Pour Out My Spirit “Yet even now, says the Lord” (Joel 2:12a). Our lives are filled with missed opportunities. Some of those opportunities will never present themselves to us again. Many people grieve over not having said, […]
Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10, Prophet Jonah
Jonah begins a new life of obedience Prophet Jonah Devotions for Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10 November 2-8, 2020 Monday, Prophet Jonah “Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1). Akihito had been struggling at his work for several months. He had lost his enthusiasm and was a little bored. Akihito had a gut […]
1 Kings 17:1-16, Elijah and the Widow
Elijah and the Widow Devotions for October 26- November 1, 2020 1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24] Monday, Elijah and the Widow “As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years” (1 Kings 17:1). Climate change has altered the weather patterns in many ways. The […]
2 Samuel 7:1-17, God’s Covenant with David
God’s Covenant with David Devotions on 2 Samuel 7:1-17 October 19-25, 2020 Monday, God’s Covenant with David “The Lord had given him rest from all his enemies” (2 Samuel 7:1). David had been an ambitious king. During the past years, David had solidified his political base among the twelve tribes of Israel. David had […]
1 Samuel 1:9-20; 2:1-10, Hannah’s Prayer
Hannah’s Prayer Devotions for October 12 – 18, 2020 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20, 2:1-10 Monday, Hannah’s Prayer“Hanna rose and presented herself before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:9). Hanna faced circumstances that were beyond her abilities. Life was out of control. Things were not right, even though Hanna had the undying love and support of […]
Genesis 15:1-6, God’s Promise to Abraham
God’s Promise to Abraham Devotions for Genesis 15:1-6 September 14-20, 2020 Monday, God’s Promise to Abraham “Do not be afraid” (15:1a). The playground was filled with children. Screams of excitement along with laughter filled the air. The children didn’t have a care in the world. They were free to enjoy the moment and celebrate […]
Genesis 2:4b-17; 3:1-8, Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve September 7-13, 2020 Monday, Adam and Eve “Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7) Cal ran the pieces of lumber through the saw and the router. He handled each piece […]
Luke 11:2-4, The Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer For the next four Sundays (August 16 – September 6), the Narrative Lectionary will focus on the Lord’s Prayer as it is found in the gospel of Luke (Luke 11:2-4). When working with the Lord’s Prayer, I have always found Martin Luther’s thoughts from his Small Catechism to be insightful and worth […]