Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 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 the birthdays of his children […]
Devotional Thoughts
Isaiah 61:1-11, Suffering Servant
Suffering Servant Isaiah 61:1-11 Monday, Suffering Servant “The spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Isaiah 61:1a). In this passage of Isaiah, the servant is talking. Who the servant is has been a hotly debated topic. The Church has appropriated this passage and applied it to Jesus. The writer of Isaiah probably didn’t have […]
Jeremiah 36:1-28; 31:31-34, A New Covenant
A New Covenant Devotions on Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-31 Monday, A New Covenant “Take a scroll and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel and Judah and all the nations” (Jeremiah 36:2). Cal Evers listened as Sunday’s gospel lesson was read. The text included Matthew 5:23, “So […]
Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah’s Vision
Isaiah’s Vision Isaiah 6:1-8 Monday, Isaiah’s Vision “I Saw the Lord ….” (Isaiah 6:1a). The prophet Isaiah had a vision and saw the Lord. He isn’t the only one who has had this experience. Moses saw the Lord in a burning bush. Peter saw the Lord while working with his nets on the shore of […]
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 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 feeling that the […]
1 Kings 17:1-16, Elijah and the Widow
Elijah and the Widow 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 entire state of Arizona, where I live, […]
1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13, Solomon’s Temple
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 […]
2 Samuel 7:1-17, God’s Covenant with David
God’s Covenant with David Devotions on 2 Samuel 7:1-17 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 also been aggressive […]
1 Samuel 1:9-20; 2:1-10, Hannah’s Prayer
Hannah’s Prayer 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 her husband. Hanna was barren. She had […]
Exodus 32:1-14, The Golden Calf
The Golden Calf The Golden Calf Monday, The Golden Calf “When the people saw that Moses was delayed” (Exodus 32:1a). Impatience is a human trait. After several days the Israelites grew impatient waiting for Moses to come down off the mountain. Our impatience often grows. We get impatient when we are stopped by a traffic […]