Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 14:13-33 February 2-8, 2015 Monday, February 2, 2015 “Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him” (14:13). In everything else Jesus is a role model, but I don’t think he is in […]
Kevin E Ruffcorn
Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 6:7-21–The Lord’s Prayer
Devotional Thoughts Matthew 6:7-21 January 26, – February 1, 2015 Monday, January 26, 2015 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases” (Matthew 6:7). Two new bikes fresh from the wrapping paper of Christmas leaned against the park picnic table. Sitting on top of the table the bike’s owners Mike and Tommy discussed […]
Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 5:1-25
Devotional Thoughts Matthew 1:1-20 January 19-25, 2015 Monday, January 19, 2015 “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him” (Matthew 5:1). Juan trudged to the bus stop holding his mother’s hand. It was his first day of kindergarten and Juan was both […]
Devotions on Matthew 2:13-23
Devotional Thoughts – Matthew 2:13-23 December 29, 2014 – January 4, 2015 Monday, December 29, 2014 “Now after they [the wise men] had left an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt,’” (Matthew 2:13). The small family of Mary, Joseph […]
Pot Shots or Progress?
The stillness of the quiet night was broken by the voices of millions upon millions of angelic beings singing, “Glory to God in the highest and peace upon people with whom he is well pleased.” The words echoed off the surrounding hillsides quieting with each repeated phrase until the stillness of the quiet night returned. […]
Devotions on Matthew’s Christmas Story
Devotional Thoughts Matthew 2:1-12 December 22-28, 2014 Monday, December 22, 2014 “Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1). Faith pops up in the oddest places. Karen sat at the kitchen table surrounded by bills and trying to figure out how she was going to pay them. Tears of frustration welled up […]
Devotions on Matthew 1:18-25
Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 1:18-25 December 15-21, 2014 Monday, December 15, 2014 “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 in […]
Devotions on Isaiah 42:1-9
Devotional Thoughts on Isaiah 42:1-9 December 8 – 14, 2014 Monday, December 8, 2014 “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 […]
Devotional Thoughts on Esther
Devotional Thoughts Esther 4:1-17 December 1-7, 2014 Monday, December 1, 2014 “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 […]
Devotional Thoughts on Habukkuk
Devotional Thoughts on Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:2-4, 3:17-19 November 24-30, 2014 Monday, November 24, 2014 “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 […]