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 […]
Narrative Lectionary
Exodus 20:3-11, Love the Lord Your God
Devotions on Exodus 20:3-11 Monday–Love the Lord Your God “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). In ancient times, a person could make gods out of almost anything. Archeologists have found idol figurines made out of stone, pottery and wood. If we use Martin Luther’s definition of a god/idol as anything […]
Exodus 19:1-6; 20:1-2, Moses and the 10 Commandments
Moses and the 10 Commandments Devotions on Exodus 19:1-6, 20:1-2 Monday–Moses and the 10 Commandments “They … entered the wilderness of Sinai” (Exodus 19:2). Jim dropped his lunch in his backpack and headed off to the office. He had a long day ahead of him. There’d be a few challenges, but most of his […]
Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord Always
Philippians 4:4-7–Rejoice in the Lord Always Monday, May 14, 2018–Rejoice in the Lord Always “Rejoice in the Lord, always” (Philippians 4:4). Bobby McFerrin wrote the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” in 1988. Exposing this simply philosophy, the song soon became one of the most popular hits of the year. The song’s perspective, at first […]
Devotions on Psalm 46 and Acts 2, Repent and be Baptized
Devotions for Psalm 46:1-11, Acts 2:37-42–Repent and be Baptized August 7-13, 2017 Monday, August 7, 2017–Repent and be Baptized “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The sight of the hawk caused the ducklings to swim furiously to their parents. There they found both comfort and […]
Psalm 150, Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord
Devotions on Psalm 150:1-6, Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord July 3-9, 2017 Monday, July 3, 2017–Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord “Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:1a). Melissa had been told many times that in order to enjoy a secure retirement she should invest fifteen percent of her income […]
Psalm 30:1-12, Mourning into Dancing
Devotions on Psalm 30:1-12–Mourning into Dancing June 26-July 2, 2017 Monday, June 26, 2017–Mourning into Dancing “I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up” (Psalm 30:1). In an effort to help her team work more effectively together, Meg Higgins scheduled a day at a ropes course. Throughout the day, […]
The Lord is My Shepherd, Psalm 23:1-6
Devotions for Psalm 23:1-6 June 19-25, 2017–The Lord is My Shepherd June 19-25, 2017 Monday, June 19, 2017 ͞The Lord is my shepherd͟ (Psalm 51:1a). Sandra Connors was impressed by the young intern, Gail McNeil. Gail demonstrated a personal drive, attention to detail and ability to work with others that made her a valuable […]
Devotions on Psalm 13:1-6, Dark Night of the Soul
Devotions for Psalm 13:1-6–Dark Night of the Soul June 12-18, 2017 Monday, June 12, 2017–Dark Night of the Soul “Will you forget me forever” (Psalm 13:1a). At ninety-two, Clyde Holthauser could no longer live alone. Clyde’s two children and their families couldn’t provide adequate care for him either. So the decision was made […]
Come Worship the Lord, Psalm 100:1-5
Devotions for Psalm 100: 1-5–Come Worship the Lord June 5-11, 2017 Monday, June 5, 2017–Come Worship the Lord. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 100:1). At the end of the service, the younger members of the congregation rush to the front. Grabbing maracas, triangles, bells and tambourines, they begin […]