Category: Daily Devotions

“There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, GW) If you’re like most people, you struggle to know…

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Let’s consider this a message from heaven, kind of a “You’ve Got Mail” message. It’s easy to forget why God saved you, what He’s called you to do, and how you’re supposed to live. So here’s a memo from heaven: “Don’t just…

“May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.” (Hebrews 13:21, NLT) Once upon a time, some animals wanted to start a school. They decided the courses would include running, climbing, swimming, and…

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Let’s reflect for a bit on verse 24 today: “spurring one another on to love and good deeds”. We Lutherans are somewhat reluctant to talk about good deeds because of the potential for self-righteousness. We are the…

“Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” (John 7:24) John Wesley said, “We should be rigorous in judging ourselves and gracious in judging others.” Why did Jesus say, “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly”? (v. 24). Because He had experienced the pain of rejection and misunderstanding. “He came unto…

“Now you belong to him who was raised from death in order that we might be useful in the service of God.” (Romans 7:4, GNT) God created you to help others. Regardless of your job or career, you are called to full-time Christian service. This includes the homebound and those in care centers who are…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38, NIV) God wants to be at the very center of your life. He doesn’t want to be on the edge of your life, and he doesn’t want…

“And they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 66:19b) I suspect that most of us reading this today are not Jews. That means you are numbered (with me) among the Gentiles referred to in this passage. The Lord uses Isaiah to open up some new thinking for the Israelites and begin shifting their…

“Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2) Shortly before he was executed, Paul wrote: “I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the…