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 […]
Lutheran Pastor
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 […]
Genesis 37:3-34; 50:15-21 Joseph’s Story
Joseph sold into slavery Joseph’s Story Genesis 37:3-34; 50:15-21 Monday–Joseph’s Story, “But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him” (Genesis 37:4). Conner was a middle child and, as a middle child, he felt neglected and ignored. His two older brothers excelled in both athletics and […]
Genesis 15:1-6, Promises
“Look toward the heaven and count the stars … so shall your descendants be” (Genesis 15:5) Devotions for Genesis 15:1-6 Monday–Promises “Do not be afraid” (15:1a). The playground was filled with children. Screams of excitement along with laughter filled the air. The children didn’t have a care in the world. They were free to enjoy […]