Daily Bible Devotions
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Zechariah 14:1
Blessed are You Who Believed
Faith! That's what Mary had, and that's the gift given to us by God in our baptism. In faith, Mary believed the angel's message. And faith, she traveled to her cousin Elizabeth's home. In faith, she
Reviewed March 13, 2025
Genesis 1:19
Behold He Comes!
We're getting closer! I'm sure the prophecies we've been reading the past few days are the same ones that Jesus mentioned to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and have been examined over the years,
Reviewed March 13, 2025
Joel 3:4
The Message and The World
It's impossible to please everyone and that's especially true when you're trying to change things. The message of Jesus called for change. When we bring the same message to the world, we can expect pr
Reviewed March 11, 2025
James 5:20
Living According to the Will of God
I may have mentioned it before, and will probably do so again, but I don't worry about the end of the World! There's no promise that this will happen before my time on earth is up. So what does this p
Reviewed March 11, 2025
Genesis 1:6
Finding God in the Unexpected
When the Magi visited Herod looking for the child who would be king, this is the prophecy that his advisors found that sent them on to Bethlehem to find Jesus. Bethlehem was a small town, but it was
Reviewed March 11, 2025
James 5:20
You Are Anointed
These were the words that Jesus quoted in the synagogue when he began his ministry. When you were baptized into Christ, you (and I) were appointed to do the same. Just as Jesus brought good news to th
Reviewed March 10, 2025
1 Kings 11:4
Follow Me, Leave Everything, and Judge Not
Judge not, lest you be judged! We tell our children not to associate with those who might lead them into trouble. Yet, here we have Jesus eating and drinking with people that were judged to be sinner
Reviewed March 10, 2025
Zechariah 14:1
Christ is Always Faithful
Paul is writing to Timothy from prison, a "malefactor" in the eyes of Roman law. But Paul can still speak of the Lord's faithfulness to him and encourages Timothy to remain faithful as well. He is als
Reviewed March 8, 2025
Deuteronomy 5:3
Preparing the Way
John the Baptist had the task of preparing the way for Jesus. If you remember the story of the sower and the seed, you will remember that the seed that took root and flourished was the seed that lande
Reviewed March 8, 2025
Joshua 6:6
May I Humbly Accept Your Commands
We say that we believe in God's commandments and that we observe his word, but we still need help. Good judgment and knowledge are two of the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to us. When we face
Reviewed March 8, 2025
Genesis 1:1
Jonah and Me
We are all acquainted with the story of Jonah. He didn't like the path the Lord planned for him, so he ran – sailed – in the opposite direction. We know the end of the story as well. Jonah finally did
Reviewed March 7, 2025
2 Peter 3:10
God is God, There is No Other!
"I am God, and there is no other." That means that I am not a god, sports is not, wealth is not, fame is not. However, we know that all of these can be a idols that people worship. The Israelites we
Reviewed March 7, 2025
2 Peter 3:3
Living the Law of Love, Frees us From the Law
Paul is still defending the decision that the Gentile converts to Christianity do not have to follow the Jewish religious traditions. Here, he is making a point that if it were sufficient to follow th
Reviewed March 7, 2025
Genesis 1:6
Living for the Sake of the Gospel
Peter had good reason to question Jesus as he had just told them that it was harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than for a camel to pass through the narrow gate. Many people believed
Reviewed March 5, 2025
2 Kings 12:3
Doing God's Will Is More Important than Promising To Do It
In the parable of the two sons, we see something that is played out every day in our homes, our work places and in the public arena. The first son is quick to promise to do something for his father, b
Reviewed March 5, 2025
Joshua 6:8
Make Me as the Child I Once Was
I noticed something when I read this passage that I hadn't seen before, even though I have read it innumerable times over the years. The disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the Kingdom of He
Reviewed March 5, 2025
Proverbs 20:1
Have Patience, Jesus Will Come Again
Patience is important but difficult in today's world. We have come to expect instant results in so many areas of life. The farmer, the gardener, and the craftsman all understand the need for patience
Reviewed March 4, 2025
Joel 3:4
Lord, Please Give Me the Gift of Patience
Job's friends kept telling him to blame God for all that he has suffered. Job keeps refusing to do so and I find this passage a beautiful description of God's work in the universe. The last question
Reviewed March 4, 2025
John 21:25
The Blind Leading the Blind
If there's one thing I learned as a parent, I get more frustrated when my children exhibit "qualities" that I dislike in myself and then see in them. It can be hard to look honestly at our faults and
Reviewed March 2, 2025
2 Peter 3:14
The Path to God is the Path of Peace
If we want peace, then we need to listen to the voice of God and pay attention to living out the commandments. This is not new; it is as old as the first covenant. The Israelites failed to obey and t
Reviewed March 2, 2025
Genesis 1:6
Lord, Hear My Prayer
This is a psalm I can pray when I am unsure of how I can help those around me who are in serious trouble. Sometimes it is financial; sometimes it is addiction; sometimes it's such a mix of illness, fi
Reviewed March 2, 2025
James 5:8
Guide Me In the Way of Your Commands
Do we really love God's commands? For many people, the commandments have become God's "suggestions." Corporate theft has become so common it no longer rates headlines. Adultery??? It's so common many
Reviewed March 1, 2025
Deuteronomy 5:3
By What Standards Do We Judge
There's just no pleasing some people! Jesus is talking about the leaders' reaction to both John the Baptist and himself. When John came preaching a message of repentance so as to prepare for the comi
Reviewed March 1, 2025
Joshua 6:3
Lead Me in the Way of Freedom and Truth
We forget that sin can enslave us. We know that addiction can enslave, but do we think of sin as a master? When we sin, we open the door to Satan who is more than happy to walk on in. The bank robber
Reviewed March 1, 2025
Joel 3:4
Give Good Example
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others
Reviewed February 27, 2025
2 Kings 12:3
Jesus Will Help Us Carry Our Burdens
Jesus wants us to be free of the burdens we carry. There's a story about a man who has many responsibilities at work and they often cause him concern. He also has a family at home and he has chosen n
Reviewed February 27, 2025
1 Kings 11:4
May I Never Take You For Granted, Oh Lord
Do you think you need God? I bet your answer is "yes" just as mine is. But there are people who don't think that God is necessary in their lives. Just as the Pharisees and the scribes believed that t
Reviewed February 27, 2025
Genesis 1:6
God has done Great Things for Us
Mary has just told the angel Gabriel that she is willing to become the mother of Jesus and has gone to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary's response is the prayer c
Reviewed February 26, 2025
James 5:20
May My Ears and My Heart Be Open to Your Word
Peter, James and John had just witnessed the Transfiguration; when they came down from the mountain, Jesus had cured a boy with epilepsy, and then Jesus uttered this pronouncement. I'm sure that the
Reviewed February 26, 2025
Genesis 1:5
Who has the Right
We know that there can be debates as to which denominational – or non-denominational – church is the one that is "correct." In a way, Jesus answers this question. No one can do mighty works in his na
Reviewed February 24, 2025
Zechariah 14:1
The Need for Good Shepherds
I wonder what Jesus is thinking about our world today. We certainly are scattered and at times are harassed for our faith. The world bombards us with messages contrary to the word of God. Who do we a
Reviewed February 24, 2025
2 Peter 3:3
May My Focus Be Always on You, Lord
If you want to stay on the road to eternal life, keep your mind, your heart, and your eyes on the prize. Paul spoke a lot about staying the course. This proverb talks about this as well. Do you feel
Reviewed February 24, 2025
Genesis 1:19
I Have Appointed You
We have all been chosen to be disciples of God, to spread the Good News concerning the coming of the Kingdom. We might be afraid that we are not up to the task, much as Jeremiah was. But just as God s
Reviewed February 23, 2025
Genesis 1:6
A Prayer for our Leaders
This prayer is a blessing for the king and his successor. It is sometimes attributed to Solomon who had himself, asked God for the gift of wisdom. Now the psalm asks that the king be blessed with just
Reviewed February 23, 2025
Genesis 1:6
Jesus, I Want to Know You
Herod's curiosity wasn't to be satisfied until after Jesus' arrest when Pilate sent Jesus to Herod for punishment. But, wouldn't we be curious about this Jesus, if we lived at that time? This is not
Reviewed February 23, 2025
Judges 7:4
Love Your Enemy?
There are times when the gospel message doesn't fit into our way of thinking, and this is one of them. How are we expected to "love our enemies?" Jesus offers us an answer when he tells us to pray fo
Reviewed February 21, 2025
2 Peter 3:10
Life's Temptations
When our hearts are loaded down with carousing, drunkenness and cares of this life, our hearts are not on God. If we become overwhelmed by the cares of life, we can turn to ways of easing the pain tha
Reviewed February 21, 2025
Joel 3:4
May I Never Dishonor Your Name, Oh Lord
This is so much one of my favorite proverbs that one of my friends printed it out on a card and laminated it so that I could read it whenever I wanted or needed to. We take refuge in God's promise of
Reviewed February 21, 2025
Genesis 1:5
Lord, Lead Me to the Path of Righteousness
When someone asks me how to decide what is right and wrong, I always tell them that if they are trying to justify their behavior to themselves then it probably is wrong. I cannot claim that anyone ha
Reviewed February 20, 2025
Zechariah 14:1
Do My Works Show My Faith
Let's pay particular attention to the opening phrases of this passage. Faith teaches us that we are all God's children and have a responsibility for others. It's easy to go through life not paying at
Reviewed February 18, 2025
Joshua 6:8
Suffering for God will be Rewarded
The martyrs are gathered standing on the sea of glass. They have overcome the beast. They have died and have been welcomed into the Kingdom. They are victorious over the Devil and the emperor who had
Reviewed February 18, 2025
Isaiah 23:4
Lord, Keep Reminding Me of Who is My Neighbor
Serving God means serving one's neighbor. This proverb illustrates some of the ways we show that love of neighbor. We live in a world where having good neighbors helps keep us and our households safe
Reviewed February 18, 2025
Judges 7:4
Showing Love As A Disciple
There are so many ways in which we show love to others every day. Doing something nice for a friend or family member – or even a stranger – is showing love. Praying for others is love. For me, one of
Reviewed February 17, 2025
James 5:1
All the Earth Praises God
David has been made King and has conquered Jerusalem and now the Ark of the Covenant is being brought into the city. David appoints Levites to guide the people, musicians, and singers, makes sacrific
Reviewed February 17, 2025
2 Peter 3:14
The Mystery That is God
We will never understand the mind of God. I love a good mystery. My favorite books and television shows are mysteries. These always have a problem that can be solved before the end of the book or the
Reviewed February 17, 2025
James 5:1
What Will I Render to God
What will I render to God for all his benefits? Have you ever tried to write down all the blessings and benefits that God has given you? When I try to count my blessings, I wind up thinking of somet
Reviewed February 15, 2025
Joel 3:4
Give From the Heart
We have all heard this story of the widow's mite. Have you thought about where you fit into the story? I would guess, somewhere in the middle. I understand poverty; the feeling that you don't know ho
Reviewed February 15, 2025
James 5:5
Faith and Trust in God Banishes Fear
When we place our trust in God, we can live without fear. Now, that doesn't mean that we can walk across a street without looking, or take any unnecessary chances with our lives. What it does mean is
Reviewed February 15, 2025
2 Peter 3:6
Beware the Leaven
Jesus must have been shaking his head at them, frustrated by their lack of understanding. He must feel the same about us too. What is the leaven of today that we need to avoid? Let's think about that
Reviewed February 14, 2025
Genesis 1:16
God Judges us by How we Live
Sometimes it's hard to pay attention to the readings we think we know. Today's gospel is one that can fit into that category. One year when I asked my grade 8 and 9 students to bring in food for our
Reviewed February 14, 2025