Jesus Hometown Rejection Devotions for Luke 4:14-30 Second Sunday after the Epiphany Monday, Jesus Hometown Rejection “Then Jesus filled with the power of the Spirit returned to Galilee” (Luke 4:14). Pastor Michaels wanted to highlight the personal relationship aspect of the Christian religion. She struggled with her sermon. She didn’t feel that it was […]
Devotional Thoughts
Luke 3:1-22, John the Baptist
John the Baptist Devotions on Luke 3:1-22 January 4-10, 2021 Monday, John the Baptist “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee” (Luke 3:1). We grew up hearing stories about legends. There was Robin Hood who, in a time […]
Luke 2:21-38, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
2 Corinthians 8:1-15, They Gave Themselves First to the Lord
They Gave Themselves First to the Lord Devotions for 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 August 3-9, 2020 Monday, They Gave Themselves First to the Lord “We want you to know … about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 8:1). Some congregations include a brief litany in their […]
2 Corinthians 5:11-21, He is a New Creation
He is a New Creation Devotions for 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 July 27-August 2, 2020 Monday, He is a New Creation “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others” (2 Corinthians 5:11). Brent and Sally plopped down at a table in the teacher’s lounge. It had been one of those days. […]