The Birth of Jesus Christ Luke 2:1-14 Monday–The Birth of Jesus Christ “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus” (Luke 2:1). It was a week before Christmas, one year ago, when Kai was called into his boss’s office and informed that he was being let go. The bottom dropped out of […]
Devotional Thoughts
Matthew 1:18-25–Story of Jesus Birth
Story of Jesus Birth Devotions on Matthew 1:18-25 Monday–Story of Jesus Birth “Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place this way.” (Matthew 1:18a). My wife, Faye, and I moved to Arizona from the Mid-West. We have two granddaughters who live in Minneapolis—a fifteen hundred mile, three hour flight from us. We keep […]
Isaiah 42:1-9, A Light to the Nations
Light to the Nations Devotional Thoughts on Isaiah 42:1-9 Monday–Light to the Nations “Here is my servant, whom I uphold my chosen, in whom my soul delights” (Isaiah 42:1a). It was a warm, sunny spring day. Baseball was in the air, at least for Austin’s PE class. The teacher gathered the class together and picked […]
Esther 4:1-17, Book of Esther
Book of Ester Devotional Thoughts on Esther 4:1-17 Monday–Book of Esther “Giving them orders to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews” (Esther 3:13) Injustice comes in all shapes and sizes. For Esther and Mordecai, the grave injustice that they faced was the edict to annihilate the Jews. We might face bullying at […]
Devotions on Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:2-4, 3:17-19–Habakkuk
Habakkuk Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:2-4, 3:17-19 Monday–Habakkuk “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen” (Habakkuk 1:1)? Ken opened the letter. It began, “We regret to inform you …” Ken had been praying and looking for a job for months, and this was another turn down. Ignacio and Amelia prayed […]
Isaiah 36, 31, 2–Swords into Plowshares
Swords Into Plowshares Devotions on Isaiah 36:1-20, 31:1-7, 2:1-4 Monday–swords into plowshares “King Sennacherib of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them” (Isaiah 36:1). What do you do when tragedy strikes? The doctor walked into the hospital room and told Mike that Mike had cancer. It wasn’t a “good” […]
Micah 5:2-4, 6:6-8–What Does the Lord Require
What Does the Lord Require Devotional Thoughts on Micah 5:2-4, 6:6-8 Monday–What Does the Lord Require “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah” (Micah 5:2a). Have you ever noticed how often I use the small and the weak? It isn’t that I’m against rich and powerful. […]
2 Kings 5:1-15a–Naaman the Leper
Naaman the Leaper Devotional Thoughts on 2 Kings 5:1-14 For a little variety, I have written this week’s devotional thoughts as if God were writing directly to you and me.
1 Kings 3:4-28–King Solomon Temple
King Solomon Temple Devotions for 1 Kings 3:4-9 (10-15) 16-28 Monday–King Solomon Temple “The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there” (1 Kings 3:4). Sacrifices come in all shapes and sizes. Sue sacrificed her time (and a good night’s sleep) chaperoning a lock-in for her congregation’s high school youth. Randy and Ken set their financial […]
2 Samuel 12 & Ps. 51-David and Bathsheba
David and Bathsheba Devotions on 2 Samuel12 & Psalm 51 Monday–David and Bathsheba“But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:1a). It was an off-handed comment; one that was said without thought. It was not meant to offend, but rather to be funny. As it turned out it was offensive and […]