Luke 2:21-38, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple 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 the birthdays of his children […]

Isaiah 61:1-11, Suffering Servant

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 […]

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 […]

1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13, Solomon’s Temple

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 […]