Jesus Cleanses the Temple Devotions on John 2:13-25 Monday-Jesus Cleanses the Temple “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13). Sylvia sat across the table from Juanita, sipping her coffee. “I don’t know how you do it,” she said. “You have three rambunctious kids and your super […]
Year 4, Narrative Lectionary, John.
Devotions on John 2:1-11, Wedding at Cana
Wedding at Cana Devotions on John 2:1-11 Monday, Wedding at Cana “When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’” (John 2:3). “You looked bummed,” Miguel said when he met his neighbor, Dave, at the group of mailboxes. “I am,” replied Dave. My irrigation system has developed […]
Devotions on John 1:19-34-John the Baptist
John the Baptist Devotions on John 1:19-34 Monday-John the Baptist “He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “’I am not the Messiah’” (John 1:20). According to Reza Aslan, in his book Zealot (Random House, New York, 2013) there were scores of men traveling around Judea and Galilee claiming to be the Messiah. John […]
Devotions on John 1:1-18-The Word Was God
The Word Was God Devotions on John 1:1-18 Monday, The Word Was God “In him was life, and the life was the light of all people” (John 1:4). The second chapter of Genesis contains a beautiful picture of creation. The writer of this chapter pictures God as a craftsman. God scoops up a pile […]
Isaiah 55:1-11, Word Does Not Return Void
Word Does Not Return Void Devotions on Isaiah 55:1-11-Word Does Not Return Void Monday-Word Does Not Return Void “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1a). Thirst is a primal craving. When people are dying of thirst, all other cravings, desires or urges are suppressed. This is because it is a life […]
Ezekiel 37:1-14-Valley of Dry Bones
Valley of Dry Bones Monday-Valley of Dry Bones “The hand of the Lord came upon me” (Ezekiel 37:1a). The Spirit came upon Ezekiel and the other prophets and they had, what we would call, a spiritual experience. They would see visions, dream dreams, do some rather outrageous acts, or be inspired to proclaim messages from […]
Jeremiah 29:1, 3-14, For I Know the Plans I Have for You
Devotions on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14-For I Know the Plans I Have for You This passage from Jeremiah was the reading for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost this year. I am reposting this seven days of devotions on the Jeremiah story, which appeared on aSaneFaith earlier this year. Monday, For I Know the Plans I Have […]
Isaiah 9:1-7, Wonderful Counselor Mighty God
Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Devotions on Isaiah 9:1-7 Monday-Wonderful Counselor Mighty God “But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish” (Isaiah 9:1). Low clouds and rain had been hanging around the small Oregon town for two weeks. The weather was starting to affect even those with the hardiest psyches. Attitudes […]
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-24, Let Justice Roll Down
Let Justice Roll Down Devotions on Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 Monday-Let Justice Roll Down “The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa” (Amos 1:1). Shepherds were not known for their academic excellence, native intelligence, nor their depth of faith. As a group, they were not where a person would instinctively look to […]
1 Kings 19:1-18-Still Small Voice
Still Small Voice Devotions on 1 Kings 19:1-18 Monday-Still Small Voice “Then he was afraid, he got up and fled for his life” (1 Kings 19:3). Abdul was an Arab Christian living in Iraq with his family. When the United States invaded Iraq, Abdul sided with the Americans and courageously served as an interpreter. […]