Receiving the Holy Spirit Devotions on Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 Seventh Sunday in Easter Monday, Receiving the Holy Spirit “Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard (Galatians 3:2)? Lamar’s friend, Eduardo had had a religious experience. He had been baptized by the Holy Spirit […]
God’s Grace
Parables of Jesus, Luke 15:1-32
Devotions on Luke 15:1-32–Parables of Jesus Third Sunday in Lent Monday–Parables of Jesus “Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to him” (Luke 15:1). Perhaps the idea started with little boys—that dirt is attracted to whatever is clean. Put a freshly washed boy in clean clothes and then wait a short […]
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. […]
Devotions on Psalm 40:1-10, Trust in the Lord
June 22-28, 2015, Trust in the Lord Monday, Trust in the Lord “I wait patiently for the Lord” (Psalm 40:1a); Patience appears to be a key element in one’s spiritual life. The Apostle Paul lists it as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). The Prophet Isaiah counsels the people of Israel to […]
Devotions for Psalm 69:1-6
June 17-23, 2019 Monday–Psalm 69 “Save me for the waters have come up to my neck” (Psalm 69:1). There are those moments of panic, when we do not think that we will survive. It might be when we are swimming and find ourselves exhausted in deep water struggling to stay afloat. Perhaps our financial house […]
Devotions on Psalm 113:1-9–Praise the Lord
May 27-June 2, 2019–Praise the Lord Monday “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 113:1a)! Some people believe that it is their mission in life to complain. They complain when it is cloudy and rainy, and are then upset when the sun comes out because it is too bright. While grabbing items off the store shelves […]
Luke 12:13-34, Parable of the Rich Fool
Devotions on Luke 12:13-34–Parable of the Rich Fool August 27-September 2, 20189 Monday, August 27, 2018–Parable of the Rich Fool “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15). Greed is part of our DNA. The question that […]
1 John 1:1-4, That Your Joy May Be Full
Devotions on 1 John 1:1-4–That Your Joy May Be Full June 18 – 24, 2018 Monday, June 18, 2018–That Your Joy May Be Full “We declare to you … what we have heard” (1 John 1:1a). When we were children, we played a game called, “Telephone.” We’d sit in a circle. One person would […]
Exodus 20:17, Coveting and Luther’s Small Catechism
Devotions on Exodus 20:17 As you know, the Narrative Lectionary reading for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost is very short—one verse. It is rather difficult to prepare seven days of devotions on one verse. I have decided, therefore, to use Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and his explanation to the Ten Commandments as the basis for […]