Devotion Archive
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Devotion for October 18, 2022
“[Jesus] looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said.” (Luke 19:5, TLB) For all of Zacchaeus’ life, he’d been ridiculed and rejected, first for his appearance and then for his sinful life. It’s what he’d come to expect from everyone — until Jesus changed everything. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a…
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Devotion for October 17, 2022
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Throughout his ministry, Jesus dined with many different people in various places. Jesus ate with a tax collector and a Pharisee, as in the reading today. He fed a crowd with a couple of fish and…
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Devotion for October 16, 2022
“The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.” (Proverbs 15:26) Sometimes we say to people, half in jest, “Try to be good. And if you can’t be good, be careful!” The idea being that if you decide not to be good, make sure you’re clever enough…
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Devotion for October 15, 2022
“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…
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Devotion for October 14, 2022
“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…
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Devotion for October 13, 2022
“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…
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Devotion for October 12, 2022
“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…
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Devotion for October 11, 2022
“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…
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Devotion for October 10, 2022
“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…