August 23, 2026 | 13th Sunday after Pentecost
August 23, 2026 | 13th Sunday after Pentecost “coming soon” …August 16, 2026 | 12th Sunday after Pentecost
August 16, 2026 | 12th Sunday after Pentecost “Unexpected Truths – The Church Is for All People” – Matthew...August 9, 2026 | 11th Sunday after Pentecost
August 9, 2026 | 11th Sunday after Pentecost “What Makes Christians Different? Christians Answer Doubt by Looking to Christ”
August 27 (The Story, pp. 313–314 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel…” to “…‘for this is what the prophet has written.’”)
August 27 (The Story, pp. 313–314 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel…” to “…‘for this is what the prophet has written.’”) The shepherds had […]
August 26 (The Story, pp. 312–313 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet…” to “…Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”)
August 26 (The Story, pp. 312–313 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet…” to “…Today in the town of David a Savior has […]
August 25 (pp. 311–312 “How did Mary, a virgin, become pregnant?” to “…and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”)
August 25 (pp. 311–312 “How did Mary, a virgin, become pregnant?” to “…and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”) […]
August 24 (pp. 309–310 “In the beginning was the Word…” to “…And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”)
August 24 (pp. 309–310 “In the beginning was the Word…” to “…And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”) For generations, God’s […]
August 21 (pp. 303–304 “A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.” to “…the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”)
August 21 (pp. 303–304 “A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.” to “…the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and […]
August 20 (pp. 301–303 “Day after day, from the first day to the last…” to “…and do not be unfaithful.”)
August 20 (pp. 301–303 “Day after day, from the first day to the last…” to “…and do not be unfaithful.”) The walls were rebuilt. The people had gathered to hear […]
August 19 (pp. 299–301 “First the temple and now the walls of the city were complete.” to “…and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters—as it is written.”)
August 19 (pp. 299–301 “First the temple and now the walls of the city were complete.” to “…and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters—as it is […]
August 18 (pp. 298–299 “When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab…” to “…So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.”)
August 18 (pp. 298–299 “When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab…” to “…So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.”) The wall was […]
August 17 (pp. 297–298 “Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side…” to “…each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”)
August 17 (pp. 297–298 “Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side…” to “…each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”) The work on Jerusalem’s wall continued, but […]
August 14 (p. 297 “The people who rebuilt…” to “…each to our own work.”)
August 14 (p. 297 “The people who rebuilt…” to “…each to our own work.”) One sentence from Nehemiah’s account stands out with quiet strength: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember […]
August 13 (p. 296 “By night I went out…” to “…they all returned to the wall, each to our own work.”)
August 13 (p. 296 “By night I went out…” to “…they all returned to the wall, each to our own work.”) The people rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall faced more than heavy […]
August 12 (p. 295 “In the month of Kislev…” to “…staying the night with a few others.”)
August 12 (p. 295 “In the month of Kislev…” to “…staying the night with a few others.”) Sometimes the holiest thing we can do is allow our hearts to break. […]
August 11 (pp. 293–294 “This is a copy of the letter…” to “…leaders from Israel to go up with me.”)
August 11 (pp. 293–294 “This is a copy of the letter…” to “…leaders from Israel to go up with me.”) One sentence quietly explains why Ezra’s mission mattered so much: […]
August 10 (pp. 291–292 “God had promised the people…” to “…teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”)
August 10 (pp. 291–292 “God had promised the people…” to “…teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”) Some people rebuild with bricks. Ezra rebuilt with God’s Word. When the first […]
August 7 (pp. 287–289 “Now what have they done…” to “…should not die out among their descendants.”)
August 7 (pp. 287–289 “Now what have they done…” to “…should not die out among their descendants.”) When the danger had finally passed, God’s people did something remarkable. They remembered. […]
August 6 (pp. 284–286 “The king said…” to “…superior to those of the other nationalities.”)
August 6 (pp. 284–286 “The king said…” to “…superior to those of the other nationalities.”) One of the striking features of Esther’s story is how quickly everything changes. Only hours […]
August 5 (pp. 281–283 “When Esther’s words…” to “…What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?”)
August 5 (pp. 281–283 “When Esther’s words…” to “…What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?”) Three days can feel like a long time. For three days Esther fasted. […]
August 4 (pp. 278–280 “Now there was in the citadel…” to “…go to the king.”)
August 4 (pp. 278–280 “Now there was in the citadel…” to “…go to the king.”) No one chooses the time into which they are born. Esther did not choose to […]
August 3 (pp. 275–277 “This is what happened…” to “…surrender their daughter to the king.”)
August 3 (pp. 275–277 “This is what happened…” to “…surrender their daughter to the king.”) The book of Esther begins with what appears to be nothing more than palace politics. […]
July 31 (pp. 272–273 “Now then, Tattenai…” to “…a malicious plot of betrayal.”)
July 31 (pp. 272–273 “Now then, Tattenai…” to “…a malicious plot of betrayal.”) Years had passed since the first stones were laid. There had been excitement, disappointment, opposition, delays, and […]
July 30 (pp. 270–271 “I myself am going…” to “…written on it.”)
July 30 (pp. 270–271 “I myself am going…” to “…written on it.”) The work on the temple had begun again, but it did not go unnoticed. The surrounding officials wanted […]
July 29 (pp. 268–269 “And my Spirit remains…” to “…go at once and entreat the LORD.”)
July 29 (pp. 268–269 “And my Spirit remains…” to “…go at once and entreat the LORD.”) The people had finally returned to work. The temple was rising again. Stone by […]
July 28 (pp. 266–267 “Thus the work…” to “…declares the LORD Almighty.”)
July 28 (pp. 266–267 “Thus the work…” to “…declares the LORD Almighty.”) The foundation had been laid. The people had celebrated. They had dreamed about what the rebuilt temple would […]
July 27 (pp. 263–265 “In the first year…” to “…down to the reign of Darius.”)
July 27 (pp. 263–265 “In the first year…” to “…down to the reign of Darius.”) For seventy years, God’s people had lived in exile. Many had never seen Jerusalem. They […]
July 24 (pp. 260–261 “Even in exile…” to “…going home!”)
July 24 (pp. 260–261 “Even in exile…” to “…going home!”) Seventy years is a long time. Long enough for children to become grandparents. Long enough for memories of Jerusalem to […]
July 23 (pp. 258–259 “This the administrators…” to “…fear and reverence the God of Daniel.”)
July 23 (pp. 258–259 “This the administrators…” to “…fear and reverence the God of Daniel.”) Daniel had served under kings for decades. Empires had risen and fallen around him. Rulers […]
July 22 (pp. 255–257 “The flames of the…” to “…planned to set him over.”)
July 22 (pp. 255–257 “The flames of the…” to “…planned to set him over.”) Sometimes we hear the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego so often that we forget what […]
July 21 (pp. 253–254 “The king asked…” to “…the flames of the fire.”)
July 21 (pp. 253–254 “The king asked…” to “…the flames of the fire.”) Nebuchadnezzar believed he ruled the world. His armies conquered nations. His word carried the force of law. […]
July 20 (pp. 249–252 “Then the king ordered…” to “…the God of heaven.”)
July 20 (pp. 249–252 “Then the king ordered…” to “…the God of heaven.”) Daniel’s faithfulness did not begin when he stood before kings. It began with a meal. Offered the […]
July 17 (pp. 246–247 “The hand of the Spirit…” to “…have done it.”)
July 17 (pp. 246–247 “The hand of the Spirit…” to “…have done it.”) The valley was silent. As far as Ezekiel could see, the ground was covered with bones. They […]
July 16 (pp. 243–245 “Jerusalem had fallen…” to “…on undeserved grace.”)
July 16 (pp. 243–245 “Jerusalem had fallen…” to “…on undeserved grace.”) Jerusalem had fallen. The city that had once echoed with songs of praise now lay in ruins. Its walls […]
July 15 (pp. 244–245 “Lamentations” — Hope Among the Ruins)
July 15 (pp. 244–245 “Lamentations” — Hope Among the Ruins) Jeremiah had spent years warning that Jerusalem would fall. He had pleaded with kings. He had urged the people to […]
July 14 (pp. 240–243 “The Kingdoms Fall” — The Fall of Jerusalem)
July 14 (pp. 240–243 “The Kingdoms Fall” — The Fall of Jerusalem) For generations, the prophets had warned that this day was coming. Isaiah had warned. Jeremiah had pleaded. Again […]
July 13 (pp. 237–239 “The Kingdoms Fall” — Jeremiah’s Warning)
July 13 (pp. 237–239 “The Kingdoms Fall” — Jeremiah’s Warning) Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet, and it is not difficult to understand why. God had called him to […]
July 10 (pp. 236–237 “The word of the LORD came to me…” through the call of Jeremiah)
July 10 (pp. 236–237 “The word of the LORD came to me…” through the call of Jeremiah) The future looked bleak. Jerusalem stood on the brink of destruction. Many of […]
July 9 (pp. 234–236 “In my thirtieth year…” through Ezekiel’s call)
July 9 (pp. 234–236 “In my thirtieth year…” through Ezekiel’s call) The people of Judah had lost almost everything. They had been carried away from their homes. Jerusalem lay far […]
July 8 (pp. 233–235 “Jehoiakim was twenty-five…” through the first deportation to Babylon)
July 8 (pp. 233–235 “Jehoiakim was twenty-five…” through the first deportation to Babylon) Josiah’s reforms had brought a season of renewal, but they did not change every heart. After his […]
July 7 (pp. 233–234 “Josiah reigned with success…” through the rediscovery of the Book of the Law)
July 7 (pp. 233–234 “Josiah reigned with success…” through the rediscovery of the Book of the Law) For years, the Book of the Law had been forgotten. It had not […]
July 6 (pp. 231–233 “The Kingdoms Fall” — Manasseh and Josiah)
July 6 (pp. 231–233 “The Kingdoms Fall” — Manasseh and Josiah) Some of the saddest words in the history of Judah are found in the reign of King Manasseh. He […]
July 3 (pp. 229–230 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord…” through Isaiah’s commission)
July 3 (pp. 229–230 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord…” through Isaiah’s commission) Isaiah’s vision began with holiness. He saw the Lord enthroned in glory. He heard the […]
July 2 (pp. 229–230 “In the year that King Uzziah died…” through Isaiah’s vision)
July 2 (pp. 229–230 “In the year that King Uzziah died…” through Isaiah’s vision) Some moments change the way a person sees everything. For Isaiah, that moment came in the […]
July 1 (pp. 228–230 “When the LORD began… one can live.”)
July 1 (pp. 228–230 “When the LORD began… one can live.”) As Hosea’s message continues, we begin to see the depth of God’s grief over His people’s unfaithfulness. The northern […]
June 30 (pp. 227–228 “When she had left… will call me husband.”)
June 30 (pp. 227–228 “When she had left… will call me husband.”) The story of Hosea becomes even more remarkable when we see how God responds to His people’s unfaithfulness. […]
June 29 (pp. 226–227 “The LORD said to me… no longer my loved one.”)
June 29 (pp. 226–227 “The LORD said to me… no longer my loved one.”) The Lord gave Hosea an unusual and painful assignment. He was told to marry a woman […]
June 26 (pp. 224–226 “I hate, I despise… there was no remedy.”)
June 26 (pp. 224–226 “I hate, I despise… there was no remedy.”) As Amos’ ministry draws to a close, his message becomes even more pointed. The people continued to gather […]
June 25 (pp. 222–224 “Amaziah said to Amos… will be with me.”)
June 25 (pp. 222–224 “Amaziah said to Amos… will be with me.”) Amos’ message was not well received. As his warnings became more direct, Amaziah the priest told him to […]
June 24 (pp. 220–222 “The LORD gave me… coming from?”)
June 24 (pp. 220–222 “The LORD gave me… coming from?”) Amos was not a prophet by profession. He was a shepherd and a caretaker of sycamore fig trees. He did […]
June 23 (pp. 212–214 “One day Elisha… before the king.”)
June 23 (pp. 212–214 “One day Elisha… before the king.”) Many of Elisha’s miracles are dramatic, but one of the most memorable begins with an ordinary problem. A group of […]
June 22 (pp. 211–212 “Among the many… raiding Israel’s territory.”)
June 22 (pp. 211–212 “Among the many… raiding Israel’s territory.”) Naaman was a powerful man. He commanded the army of Aram, enjoyed the favor of his king, and had achieved […]
June 19 (pp. 209–211 “Elijah was gone… and went out.”)
June 19 (pp. 209–211 “Elijah was gone… and went out.”) For years, Elijah had been God’s prophet in Israel. He had confronted kings, challenged false prophets, endured drought, and learned […]
June 18 (pp. 207–209 “So Elijah went… ground before him.”)
June 18 (pp. 207–209 “So Elijah went… ground before him.”) After forty days in the wilderness, Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb. There, the LORD asked a simple question: “What are […]
June 17 (pp. 206–207 “Jezebel was not… not kissed him.”)
June 17 (pp. 206–207 “Jezebel was not… not kissed him.”) The day on Mount Carmel had been a tremendous victory. The people had witnessed the fire from heaven. The drought […]
June 16 (pp. 205–206 “Then Elijah said… way to Jezreel.”)
June 16 (pp. 205–206 “Then Elijah said… way to Jezreel.”) Three years of drought had passed. The people had seen the crops fail, the streams dry up, and the land […]
June 15 (pp. 203–204 “Now Elijah the… one paid attention.”)
June 15 (pp. 203–204 “Now Elijah the… one paid attention.”) When Elijah suddenly appears in the story, Israel is in spiritual trouble. King Ahab has led the nation deeper into […]
June 12 (pgs. 201–202 “After 22 years… son of Nun.”)
June 12 (pgs. 201–202 “After 22 years… son of Nun.”): As Chapter 14 comes to a close, the story moves quickly through a succession of kings. Some are remembered for […]
June 11 (pgs. 198–201 “Rehoboam son of… him as king.”)
June 11 (pgs. 198–201 “Rehoboam son of… him as king.”): As the story of the divided kingdom continues, a pattern begins to emerge. One king follows another, and with each […]
June 10 (pgs. 197–198 “At that time… the prophet Ahijah.”)
June 10 (pgs. 197–198 “At that time… the prophet Ahijah.”): Jeroboam had been given a remarkable promise. Through the prophet Ahijah, God had told him that he would rule over […]
June 9 (pgs. 195–197 “Rehoboam retreated to… the high places.”)
June 9 (pgs. 195–197 “Rehoboam retreated to… the high places.”): The kingdom that David had united and Solomon had ruled was now divided. Ten tribes followed Jeroboam in the north. […]
June 8 (pgs. 193–195 “Through the prophet… ruled over them.”)
June 8 (pgs. 193–195 “Through the prophet… ruled over them.”): When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam inherited a kingdom that was strong, prosperous, and united. Yet beneath the surface, there […]
June 5 (pgs. 190–192 “The weight of… I have chosen.”)
June 5 (pgs. 190–192 “The weight of… I have chosen.”): The Queen of Sheba had heard the reports. She had heard about Solomon’s wisdom, his kingdom, and the magnificent things […]
June 4 (pgs. 188–190 “When Solomon had… her own country.”)
June 4 (pgs. 188–190 “When Solomon had… her own country.”): After Solomon finished his prayer, the LORD appeared to him and gave both a promise and a warning. God affirmed […]
June 3 (pgs. 186–188 “Then Solomon stood… temple of God.”)
June 3 (pgs. 186–188 “Then Solomon stood… temple of God.”): When the Temple was completed and the people were gathered, Solomon stood before the LORD and prayed. It is one […]
June 2 (pgs. 185–186 “When all the… and blessed them.”)
June 2 (pgs. 185–186 “When all the… and blessed them.”): After years of planning and construction, the day finally arrived. The Temple was finished, and the Ark of the Covenant—the […]
June 1 (pgs. 183–185 “Because his father’s… house of God.”)
June 1 (pgs. 183–185 “Because his father’s… house of God.”): David had dreamed of building a temple for the LORD, but God had given that task to Solomon. Now, as […]
May 29 (pgs. 181–183 “Whoever pursues righteousness… build a temple.”)
May 29 (pgs. 181–183 “Whoever pursues righteousness… build a temple.”): The Proverbs gathered in this section touch many parts of ordinary life. They speak about honesty, patience, self-control, generosity, anger, […]
May 28 (pgs. 180–182 “My son, do not… store up their wisdom.”)
May 28 (pgs. 180–182 “My son, do not… store up their wisdom.”): One of the recurring themes in Proverbs is trust. Not simply believing that God exists, but learning to […]
May 27 (pgs. 178–180 “The people of Judah… words are perverse.”)
May 27 (pgs. 178–180 “The people of Judah… words are perverse.”): Solomon’s wisdom became known far beyond Israel. Kings and queens traveled great distances just to hear him speak. People […]
May 26 (pgs. 178–180 “The other woman said… your own understanding.”)
May 26 (pgs. 178–180 “The other woman said… your own understanding.”): Two women stood before Solomon. Both claimed the same baby. No witnesses. No evidence. Just one impossible situation. And […]
May 25 (pgs. 176–178 “When the time drew… wisdom from God.”)
May 25 (pgs. 176–178 “When the time drew… wisdom from God.”): When Solomon became king, God gave him an incredible opportunity: “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” […]
May 22 (pgs. 172–173 “What formed the center… dwell in the house…”)
May 22 (pgs. 172–173 “What formed the center… dwell in the house…”): At the end of David’s life, what stands out most is not his victories. Not Goliath. Not battles. […]
May 21 (pgs. 170–172 “My son, I had… dwell in the house…”)
May 21 (pgs. 170–172 “My son, I had… dwell in the house…”): David knows his time is growing short. So he gathers the people, speaks to Solomon, and points everyone’s […]
May 20 (pgs. 169–171 “Absalom’s rebellion was… with all your heart.”)
May 20 (pgs. 169–171 “Absalom’s rebellion was… with all your heart.”): After grief comes responsibility. David’s heart is still wounded from Absalom’s rebellion and death. But the story now begins […]
May 19 (pgs. 168–169 “The king was shaken… future be as God…”)
May 19 (pgs. 168–169 “The king was shaken… future be as God…”): The battle ends. Absalom is dead. And when David hears the news, he does not celebrate victory. He […]
May 18 (pgs. 166–168 “However, a struggle… large oak tree.”)
May 18 (pgs. 166–168 “However, a struggle… large oak tree.”): Even after forgiveness, life is not suddenly simple. David now faces conflict much closer to home—his own son, Absalom, rises […]
May 15 (pgs. 165–166 “When I kept silent… own heart as well.”)
May 15 (pgs. 165–166 “When I kept silent… own heart as well.”): David learned something painful: Silence doesn’t heal sin. Hiding it only deepens the weight. In Psalm 32 he […]
May 14 (pgs. 164–165 “Restore to me… whose sin the LORD…”)
May 14 (pgs. 164–165 “Restore to me… whose sin the LORD…”):David is forgiven. Nathan tells him plainly: “The LORD has taken away your sin.” What an incredible sentence. After everything […]
May 13 (pgs. 163–164 “Wash away all… Restore to me.”)
May 13 (pgs. 163–164 “Wash away all… Restore to me.”): David finally stops hiding. No excuses. No blame shifting. No pretending. Just this: “I have sinned against the LORD.” And […]
May 12 (pgs. 162–163 “David was told… feelings in this prayer.”)
May 12 (pgs. 162–163 “David was told… feelings in this prayer.”): Sin rarely stays simple. David tried to cover what he had done. He called Uriah home. He manipulated. He […]
May 11 (pgs. 161–162 “In the spring… against the LORD.”)
May 11 (pgs. 161–162 “In the spring… against the LORD.”): It starts with a small sentence: “But David remained in Jerusalem.” Kings went off to war. David stayed behind. And […]
May 8 (pgs. 158–160 “Aware that the… on the battlefield.”)
May 8 (pgs. 158–160 “Aware that the… on the battlefield.”): Saul is gone. The long tension, the pursuit, the instability—it’s over. But the story doesn’t end there. David steps into […]
May 7 (pgs. 157–158 “The peace treaty… of her death.”)
May 7 (pgs. 157–158 “The peace treaty… of her death.”): The story shifts. Saul’s life comes to an end—not in victory, but in defeat. The king who once stood tall […]
May 6 (pgs. 155–157 “David sang to… Rock, my Savior!”)
May 6 (pgs. 155–157 “David sang to… Rock, my Savior!”): David looks back. Not at what might have been. Not at what he escaped. But at what God has done. […]
May 5 (pgs. 154–155 “No matter how… to the stronghold.”)
May 5 (pgs. 154–155 “No matter how… to the stronghold.”): David has already shown mercy. He spared Saul’s life when he had the chance. He trusted the LORD instead of […]
May 4 (pgs. 152–154 “Saul was struggling… I can rely.”)
May 4 (pgs. 152–154 “Saul was struggling… I can rely.”): David has the opportunity. Saul is right there—vulnerable, within reach. No one would question it. In fact, others urge him […]
May 1 (pgs. 151–152 “Saul was struggling… I can rely.”)
May 1 (pgs. 151–152 “Saul was struggling… I can rely.”): Saul is unraveling. The Spirit that had once been upon him is gone, and now he is troubled—restless, unsettled, unable […]
April 30 (pgs. 150–151 “Saul was impressed… in their campaigns.”)
April 30 (pgs. 150–151 “Saul was impressed… in their campaigns.”): David’s victory should have brought peace. Instead, it creates tension. The people celebrate. Songs are sung. “Saul has slain his […]
April 29 (pgs. 148–150 “David said to… his own tent.”)
April 29 (pgs. 148–150 “David said to… his own tent.”): David steps forward, but not with armor. He goes out with what seems like nothing—a sling, a few stones, and […]
April 28 (pgs. 146–148 “Now the Philistines… sent for him.”)
April 28 (pgs. 146–148 “Now the Philistines… sent for him.”): The battle lines are drawn, but no one moves. Day after day, Goliath steps forward, and day after day, Israel […]
April 27 (pgs. 145–146 “The LORD said… powerfully upon David.”)
April 27 (pgs. 145–146 “The LORD said… powerfully upon David.”): Samuel is sent to anoint a new king. One by one, Jesse’s sons pass before him. Strong, impressive, the kind […]
April 24 (pgs. 141–143 “After Samuel’s stern… go without resistance.”)
April 24 (pgs. 141–143 “After Samuel’s stern… go without resistance.”): Samuel speaks plainly to the people. They had asked for a king, rejecting the LORD as their ruler. And yet, […]
April 23 (pgs. 139–141 “Nahash the Ammonite… king will perish.”)
April 23 (pgs. 139–141 “Nahash the Ammonite… king will perish.”): Crisis reveals what kind of leader Saul will be. When Nahash the Ammonite threatens Israel, fear spreads quickly. The people […]
April 22 (pgs. 138–139 “Samuel summoned the… of local tribes.”)
April 22 (pgs. 138–139 “Samuel summoned the… of local tribes.”): Saul is chosen as king—but when the moment comes, he is nowhere to be found. They search for him and […]
April 21 (pgs. 136–138 “ ‘Good,’ Samuel said… fulfilled that day.”)
April 21 (pgs. 136–138 “ ‘Good,’ Samuel said… fulfilled that day.”): Saul wasn’t looking to be king. He was searching for lost donkeys when God led him to Samuel. What […]
April 20 (pgs. 135–136 “Samuel told all… way to take.”)
April 20 (pgs. 135–136 “Samuel told all… way to take.”): Samuel warns the people what a king will mean. He will take their sons, their daughters, their fields, their flocks. […]
April 17 (pgs. 134–135 “No doubt the… as his rights.”)
April 17 (pgs. 134–135 “No doubt the… as his rights.”): Israel suffered defeat, and they assumed they knew the solution. Bring the ark. If God’s presence is with us, we […]
April 16 (pgs. 133–134 “The LORD was… Israel forty years.”)
April 16 (pgs. 133–134 “The LORD was… Israel forty years.”): The LORD called Samuel. At first, he did not understand. He thought it was Eli calling him. Again and again, […]
April 15 (pgs. 131–132 “The boy Samuel… in his eyes.”)
April 15 (pgs. 131–132 “The boy Samuel… in his eyes.”): Samuel grew up in the house of the LORD, but not everyone around him was faithful. Eli’s sons served as […]
pril 14 (pgs. 130–131 “Early the next… of the LORD.”)
April 14 (pgs. 130–131 “Early the next… of the LORD.”): no The LORD remembered Hannah. In time, she gave birth to a son—Samuel. The child she had prayed for, the […]
April 13 (pgs. 129–130 “There was a… no longer downcast.”)
April 13 (pgs. 129–130 “There was a… no longer downcast.”): Hannah carried a deep sorrow. Year after year, she went to the house of the LORD, and year after year […]
April 10 (pgs. 126–127 “Meanwhile Boaz went… God’s faithful plan.”)
April 10 (pgs. 126–127 “Meanwhile Boaz went… God’s faithful plan.”): Boaz goes to the town gate and does everything properly. In front of witnesses, he secures the right to redeem […]
April 9 (pgs. 124–126 “One day Ruth’s… is settled today.”)
April 9 (pgs. 124–126 “One day Ruth’s… is settled today.”): Naomi begins to see more clearly what God is doing. What started as daily provision is now something greater—redemption. She […]
April 8 (pgs. 123–124)
April 8 (pgs. 123–124 “At this, she… mother-in-law.”): Ruth bows low and asks, “Why have I found such favor…a foreigner?” She knows exactly who she is. She hasn’t earned this. […]
April 7 (pgs. 123–124)
April 7 (pgs. 123–124): Ruth went out to gather leftover grain in the fields, simply hoping to find favor. As it turned out, she came to a field belonging to […]
April 6 (pgs. 121–122)
April 6 (pgs. 121–122): Naomi had lost everything—her husband, her sons, her future. What began as a journey for survival ended in deep loss. And as she returns home, she […]
Samson was set apart to deliver Israel…
Samson was set apart to deliver Israel, but his life was marked by weakness and failure. And yet, in the end, God used even his death to bring victory over […]
After Gideon’s victory…
After Gideon’s victory, the people quickly turned away from the LORD again. They forgot what He had done and went back to their old ways. It’s a familiar pattern. God […]
With only three hundred men, Gideon attacked the Midianite camp.
With only three hundred men, Gideon attacked the Midianite camp. Not with swords at first, but with trumpets and jars. When they broke the jars and shouted, the LORD threw […]
Gideon gathered an army
Gideon gathered an army, but God said it was too large. If they won like that, they would think the victory was their own. So God reduced the numbers—again and […]
Gideon had heard God’s promise
March 30: Gideon had heard God’s promise, but he still struggled to believe it. So he asked for a sign. Then another. And God answered him. Not with frustration. Not […]
March 27 (pgs. 108–109)
March 27 (pgs. 108–109): The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” That’s not how Gideon saw himself. He was hiding, […]
March 26 (pgs. 107–108)
March 26 (pgs. 107–108): Once again, the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD. So He gave them into the hands of Midian. The cycle continues. Forget the […]
March 25 (pgs. 105–107)
March 25 (pgs. 105–107): God raised up deliverers for His people—Ehud, Deborah, Barak, and even Jael. Not the strongest. Not the most obvious. But exactly who He chose. Ehud defeated […]
March 24 (104-105)
March 24 (104-105): Israel cried out to the LORD under oppression, and He responded. He raised up Othniel to deliver them, and the Spirit of the LORD came on him. […]
March 23 (pp. 103-104)
March 23 (pp. 103-104): After Joshua’s generation, a new generation arose that did not know the LORD or what He had done. So they turned away. They worshiped false gods. […]
March 20 (pp. 101-102)
March 20 (pp. 101-102): Joshua reminds the people of everything the LORD had done. Every promise kept. Every victory given. Not one failed. Then comes the call: “Choose for yourselves […]
March 19 (pgs. 99-101)
March 19 (pgs. 99-101): There are four types of prayers: Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, and Praise. As priests, with free access to our God, we petition him with our personal needs. […]
March 18 (pgs. 98-99)
March 18 (pgs. 98-99): Joshua’s campaign covered most of the territory occupied by modern Israel. He first conquered the southern half of modern Israel. In today’s portion, we see the […]
March 17 (pgs. 96-98)
March 17 (pgs. 96-98): Israel would stretch from Chicago to Mackinac Island and, at its widest part, from Muskegon to Lansing. Our “kings” ruled the territory encompassed by their city […]
March 16 (pgs. 95-96)
March 16 (pgs. 95-96): Ever look at your watch during a sermon? When I was in college, one of our professors that preached in chapel would take his watch off […]
March 13 (pgs. 94-95)
March 13 (pgs. 94-95): Obedience is crucial. Achan disobeyed God by stealing devoted things from Ai. He paid the price. Joshua obeyed God by holding out his javelin so God […]
March 12 (pgs. 92-94)
March 12 (pgs. 92-94): For six days, God’s people marched once around Jericho. On the seventh, the Israelites marched around seven times. The priests blew their trumpets, the army of […]
March 11 (pgs. 91-92)
March 11 (pgs. 91-92): The Jordan River and a lack of circumcision separated the Israelites from their promised homeland. But God miraculously took care of that. He made the Jordan […]
March 10 (pgs. 90-91)
March 10 (pgs. 90-91): Rahab spoke the following words of wisdom: “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen […]
March 9 (pgs. 89-90)
March 9 (pgs. 89-90): “The Battle Begins” specifically refers to Joshua whom God chose to lead his people into the Promised Land, a place full of heathens, giants, and warriors. […]
March 6 (pgs. 86–88)
March 6 (pgs. 86–88): “I set before you life and prosperity, death and destruction.” That seems like an easy choice to make. At first pass, you might try to take […]
March 5 (pgs. 84–86)
March 5 (pgs. 84–86): I think we sometimes get spoiled by how awesome our God is. We talk about the mighty acts of God as if they are commonplace. Yes, […]
March 4 (pgs. 82–84)
March 4 (pgs. 82–84): That first generation didn’t get to make it into Canaan. Surely their children learned from their mistakes, right? Maybe they did to a degree, but this […]
March 3 (pgs. 80–82)
March 3 (pgs. 80–82): Has God ever had to get in your way to keep you from running against his will? Balaam was certainly about to go against God’s plans […]
March 2 (pgs. 79–80)
March 2 (pgs. 79–80): It turns out that a High Priest can die, too. Aaron! Moses’ own brother! Despite Aaron’s faithful service against Pharoah at Moses’ right hand, he died […]
February 27 (pgs. 78-79)
February 27 (pgs. 78-79): Again, it looks like Moses could not follow God’s instructions without adding something. One lesson here is that God forgave Moses even after this great hero […]
February 26 (pgs. 75-78)
February 26 (pgs. 75-78): God accepted Jesus’ payment for our sin, and he now sees Jesus’ righteousness when he looks at us. Yet we continue to sin. We repent daily. […]
February 25 (pgs. 74-75)
February 25 (pgs. 74-75): God told Moses to send some men to explore the land of Canaan, and Moses told the explorers but didn’t stop there. The details Moses added […]
February 24 (pgs. 72-74)
February 24 (pgs. 72-74): First the “rabble” complained about no meat, then Moses complained about the complainers, then Aaron and Miriam complained about their status as leaders. We can’t see […]
February 23 (pgs. 71-72)
February 23 (pgs. 71-72): The people complained about their hardships, and God became angry. The “rabble” complained that their free food (manna) wasn’t good enough, and God became “exceedingly” angry. […]
February 20 (pgs. 69-70)
February 20 (pgs. 69-70): Over the years, I have painted my fair share of rooms. Inevitably, the paint that should only be on the wall makes its way to some […]
February 19 (pgs. 67-69)
February 19 (pgs. 67-69): Once again God is making a covenant with the people. Moses is so favored that he is allowed to get a glimpse of God’s glory with […]
February 18 (pgs. 64-67)
February 18 (pgs. 64-67): If it weren’t for the covenant God had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, do you think the Israelites would have been called the children of […]
February 17 (pgs. 61-64)
February 17 (pgs. 61-64): The Ten Commandments are known in both religious and secular circles because they are the basis for so many laws. Moses received these laws from God, […]
February 16 (pgs. 59-61)
February 16 (pgs. 59-61): After escaping from Egypt and being saved by passing on dry ground through the Red Sea and being fed with manna and quail every day, how […]
February 13 (pgs. 55-57)
February 13 (pgs. 55-57): More travel…more grumbling…more correction and provision from God. We’ve all experienced transition times in life when we moved into unfamiliar territory. We are tempted to think […]
February 12 (pgs. 53-55)
February 12 (pgs. 53-55): How quickly sinful people can fluctuate between trust and doubt. God can give all the proof in the world of his control and his care for […]
February 11 (pgs. 51-52)
February 11 (pgs. 51-52): 430 years…How many generations is that? We know about the joyful beginnings when Joseph ruled with Pharaoh and the people had it good. We know about […]
February 10 (pgs. 50-51)
February 10 (pgs. 50-51): The Passover sacrifice wasn’t a work that saved the Israelites; it was an education in how God works. In his bountiful grace, he allows a perfect […]
February 9 (pgs. 49-50)
February 9 (pgs. 49-50): Every human being has a time of grace, the brief time in which we might know God and believe in his plan of salvation. Typically, one’s […]
February 6 (pgs. 48-49)
February 6 (pgs. 48-49): Not only does Pharaoh not listen to Aaron and Moses, but we now see the first of many plagues that the Egyptians experience. The Nile River […]
February 5 (pgs. 47-48)
February 5 (pgs. 47-48): As the Lord commanded, Aaron and Moses ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, but he refuses and makes them suffer even more so. We ourselves […]
February 4 (pgs. 45-47)
February 4 (pgs. 45-47): It is difficult to visualize a burning bush not being destroyed and especially a voice speaking to you from it. The Lord calls Moses and tells […]
February 3 (pgs. 44-45)
February 3 (pgs. 44-45): Even after the feeling of delight we experienced in yesterday’s reading of knowing that Moses was saved by Pharaoh’s daughter, we quickly are reminded that he, […]
February 2 (pgs. 43-44)
February 2 (pgs. 43-44): “Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live’” […]
January 30 (pgs. 40-42)
January 30 (pgs. 40-42): As a supplement to today’s reading, I encourage you to read the full text of Jacob’s blessings to his sons in Genesis 49. They’re an interesting […]
January 29 (pgs. 36-40)
January 29 (pgs. 36-40): There’s a verse in today’s reading that I love: “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it […]
January 28 (pgs. 33-36)
January 28 (pgs. 33-36): I wonder what Joseph thought when his brothers appeared before him seeking food in the face of severe famine. Yes, a number of years had passed. […]
January 27 (pgs. 31-33)
January 27 (pgs. 31-33): From high to low and back again—the story of Joseph is filled with incredible ups and downs. We often focus on Joseph’s reactions to his circumstances, […]
January 26 (pgs. 29-31)
January 26 (pgs. 29-31): If you have siblings, it’s likely you fought with them growing up. In a sense, the drama in Joseph’s family wasn’t at all out of the […]
January 23 (pgs. 25-27)
January 23 (pgs. 25-27): At last we have the official transition from Jacob to Israel, thus establishing the Israelite nation. Jacob has crossed the river back to his home with […]
January 22 (pgs. 24-25)
January 22 (pgs. 24-25): This section of Jacob’s story reminds me how paralyzing anxiety can be. Jacob had been terrified of seeing his brother and, despite the Lord’s reassurance, took […]
January 21 (pgs. 22-24)
January 21 (pgs. 22-24): On Monday we read about how God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Today, we hear about the journey of Jacob after God commanded him […]
January 20 (pgs. 21-22)
January 20 (pgs. 21-22): I would like to pause for a moment in the first few lines of the reading. They could be seen as merely transitioning to the next […]
January 19 (pgs. 19-20)
January 19 (pgs. 19-20): The Lord will provide. Such a simple truth. Such a challenge to fully believe in our darkest moments. I cannot imagine being Abraham or Isaac in […]
January 16 (pgs. 18-19)
January 16 (pgs. 18-19): The sending away of Hagar and Ishmael always seemed harsh to me. Yet, it seems that God backed Sarah’s demand to send them away. Sarah saw […]
January 15 (pgs. 17-18)
January 15 (pgs. 17-18): God gives the covenant of circumcision to Abraham and his descendants. It was a sign to a Jewish man and woman that God was bringing them […]
January 14 (pgs. 15-16)
January 14 (pgs. 15-16): Abraham makes plans to speed along God’s plan in sleeping with Sarai’s slave named Hagar. Isn’t it interesting? Abraham is worried and concerned about getting this […]
January 13 (pgs. 14-15)
January 13 (pgs. 14-15): “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This chapter and verse is an excellent Bible passage to commit to […]
January 12 (pgs. 13-14)
January 12 (pgs. 13-14): Many of us know the story of Abraham very well. We have probably read and heard the promises given to Abraham many times throughout our life. […]
January 9 (pgs. 11-12)
This year we will be trying something different with our Daily Bible Reading. We will be reading through a book entitled “The Story” which condenses the Bible into 31 chapters […]
January 8 (pgs. 9-11)
This year we will be trying something different with our Daily Bible Reading. We will be reading through a book entitled “The Story” which condenses the Bible into 31 chapters […]
January 7 (pgs. 7-9)
This year we will be trying something different with our Daily Bible Reading. We will be reading through a book entitled “The Story” which condenses the Bible into 31 chapters […]
January 6 (pgs. 5-7)
This year we will be trying something different with our Daily Bible Reading. We will be reading through a book entitled “The Story” which condenses the Bible into 31 chapters […]
January 5 (pgs. 3-4)
This year we will be trying something different with our Daily Bible Reading. We will be reading through a book entitled “The Story” which condenses the Bible into 31 chapters […]
January 2 (pgs. 1-3)
With today’s blurb, we begin our read through “The Story.” Several copies have been ordered and will be coming to the church on January 4, or you can visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310458196 […]
January 1 (2026 Kickoff Introduction)
January 1 (2026 Kickoff Introduction): Here we go…How do you usually approach a new year? Are you an optimist, thinking that this is finally going to be the year when […]
December 31 (Malachi 2:17—4:6 / Psalm 150 / Revelation 22)
December 31 (Malachi 2:17—4:6 / Psalm 150 / Revelation 22): What a fitting way to end the year—with praise on our hearts and lips as we look ahead. We might […]
December 30 (Malachi Intro & 1:1—2:16 / Psalm 149 / Revelation 21)
December 30 (Malachi Intro & 1:1—2:16 / Psalm 149 / Revelation 21): As we approach the New Year, we think about the “fresh start” we have ahead of us. Even […]
December 29 (Zechariah 12-14 / Psalm 149 / Revelation 20)
December 29 (Zechariah 12-14 / Psalm 149 / Revelation 20): “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” (Zechariah 13:7). Jesus remembered these words as all of his followers […]
December 26 (Zechariah 9-11 / Psalm 148 / Revelation 19)
December 26 (Zechariah 9-11 / Psalm 148 / Revelation 19): It is a strange war that takes place in Revelation 19:19-21. All are geared up for a war… and then, […]
December 25 (Zechariah 7-8 / Psalm 146 / Revelation 18)
December 25 (Zechariah 7-8 / Psalm 146 / Revelation 18): On Christmas Day (and throughout the Advent season) the Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah by George Friedrich Handel rings out […]
December 24 (Zechariah 4-6 / Psalm 145 / Revelation 17)
December 24 (Zechariah 4-6 / Psalm 145 / Revelation 17): On the night of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds told all who would listen, “The Messiah, our Savior is here! He […]
December 23 (Zechariah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 144 / Revelation 16)
December 23 (Zechariah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 144 / Revelation 16): For many, Christmas Eve is “the day.” It is filled with the wonder and amazement of giddy children […]
December 22 (Haggai Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 143 / Revelation 15)
December 22 (Haggai Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 143 / Revelation 15): Having witnessed God’s miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians, the Israelites stood at the edge of the Red Sea […]
December 19 (Esther 9-10 / Psalm 142 / Revelation 14)
December 19 (Esther 9-10 / Psalm 142 / Revelation 14): One has to love the ending of Esther. To this day, the Jews celebrate Purim, the day of their deliverance […]
December 18 (Esther 7-8 / Psalm 141 / Revelation 13)
December 18 (Esther 7-8 / Psalm 141 / Revelation 13): Around Halloween time, I read Psalm 141. Two lines struck me. Driving in a nearby neighborhood, a devilish yard presented […]
December 17 (Esther 4-6 / Psalm 140 / Revelation 12)
December 17 (Esther 4-6 / Psalm 140 / Revelation 12): The Christian church is clothed with the sun. It shines and sparkles with the perfection of Jesus. But it is […]
December 16 (Esther Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 139 / Revelation 11)
December 16 (Esther Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 139 / Revelation 11): Think about the following summarizing content of Psalm 139: “Lord, you know everything about me; you know when […]
December 15 (Nehemiah 11-13 / Psalm 138 / Revelation 10)
December 15 (Nehemiah 11-13 / Psalm 138 / Revelation 10): The mighty angel of Revelation 10, robed in a cloud, rainbow encircling his head, is believed by Bible scholars to […]
December 12 (Nehemiah 9-10 / Psalm 137 / Revelation 9)
December 12 (Nehemiah 9-10 / Psalm 137 / Revelation 9): The Israelites confessing their sins should again be a reminder to us and our daily sins. Because of God’s mercy […]
December 11 (Nehemiah 6-8 / Psalm 136 / Revelation 8)
December 11 (Nehemiah 6-8 / Psalm 136 / Revelation 8): Time and time again we are reminded of the last judgment and how we need to be prepared for what […]
December 10 (Nehemiah 4-5 / Psalm 135 / Revelation 7)
December 10 (Nehemiah 4-5 / Psalm 135 / Revelation 7): “Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD” (Psalm 135:1). In the […]
December 9 (Nehemiah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 134 / Revelation 6)
December 9 (Nehemiah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 134 / Revelation 6): When Nehemiah receives the news of the damaged Jerusalem and the people, he not only shows concern but […]
December 8 (Ezra 9-10 / Psalm 133 / Revelation 5)
December 8 (Ezra 9-10 / Psalm 133 / Revelation 5): The vivid image that fills my mind when reading this chapter in Revelation is one that includes every creature in […]
December 5 (Ezra 7-8 / Psalm 132 / Revelation 4)
December 5 (Ezra 7-8 / Psalm 132 / Revelation 4): Amid the challenging visions contained in the book of Revelation, God inspired certain moments of clarity that display the beauty […]
December 4 (Ezra 4-6 / Psalm 131 / Revelation 3)
December 4 (Ezra 4-6 / Psalm 131 / Revelation 3): The work of the church in a sinful world is often complicated, and Ezra’s book gives us some good examples. […]
December 3 (Ezra Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 130 / Revelation 2)
December 3 (Ezra Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 130 / Revelation 2): See the value of learning by example. Latch onto and imitate what is good; avoid making the same […]
December 2 (Daniel 10-12 / Psalm 129 / Revelation Intro & 1)
December 2 (Daniel 10-12 / Psalm 129 / Revelation Intro & 1): As we move toward the end of the calendar year, our readings remind us that we ought to […]
December 1 (Daniel 7-9 / Psalm 128 / 3 John Intro & 1)
December 1 (Daniel 7-9 / Psalm 128 / 3 John Intro & 1): Isn’t it amazing how timeless these ancient writings are? I’ll admit, I don’t usually read 3 John […]
November 28 (Daniel 5-6 / Psalm 127 / 2 John Intro & 1)
November 28 (Daniel 5-6 / Psalm 127 / 2 John Intro & 1): Love is a loaded word in today’s world. We’ve gotten away from an objective definition; instead, love […]
November 27 (Daniel 3-4 / Psalm 126 / 1 John 5)
November 27 (Daniel 3-4 / Psalm 126 / 1 John 5): It’s a familiar story: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow down to the image of gold, Nebuchadnezzar’s rage […]
November 26 (Daniel Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 125 / 1 John 4)
November 26 (Daniel Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 125 / 1 John 4): Psalms 120-134 are designated as songs of ascent. This designation likely means they were sung by travelers […]
November 25 (Ezekiel 47-48 / Psalm 124 / 1 John 3)
November 25 (Ezekiel 47-48 / Psalm 124 / 1 John 3): Well, that’s an interesting ending to the book of Ezekiel. Throughout the book, Ezekiel has focused on Israel’s calling […]
November 24 (Ezekiel 45-46 / Psalm 123 / 1 John 2)
November 24 (Ezekiel 45-46 / Psalm 123 / 1 John 2): It’s getting to be the darkest time of the year. The sun rises late and sets early, and we […]
November 21 (Ezekiel 43-44 / Psalm 122 / 1 John Introduction & 1)
November 21 (Ezekiel 43-44 / Psalm 122 / 1 John Introduction & 1): All of us have favorite, life-impacting verses of the Bible which the Holy Spirit brings to mind […]
November 20 (Ezekiel 40-42 / Psalm 121/ Hebrews 13)
November 20 (Ezekiel 40-42 / Psalm 121/ Hebrews 13): I have never had the pleasure of visiting the Rocky Mountains. Having seen lots of pictures and hearing many people’s accounts […]
November 19 (Ezekiel 38-39 / Psalm 120 / Hebrews 12)
November 19 (Ezekiel 38-39 / Psalm 120 / Hebrews 12): Leo Tolstoy wrote the classic novel War and Peace. Today’s three readings might well be likewise entitled. The Psalmist pleads, […]
November 18 (Ezekiel 35-37 / Psalm 119:161-176 / Hebrews 11)
November 18 (Ezekiel 35-37 / Psalm 119:161-176 / Hebrews 11): “Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones; i hear the word of the Lord!” Do you remember the song? I […]
November 17 (Ezekiel 33-34 / Psalm 119:145-160 / Hebrews 10)
November 17 (Ezekiel 33-34 / Psalm 119:145-160 / Hebrews 10): I am always amazed, given the period of time over which the Bible was written and the number of inspired […]
November 14 (Ezekiel 31-32 / Psalm 119:129-144 / Hebrews 9)
November 14 (Ezekiel 31-32 / Psalm 119:129-144 / Hebrews 9): I have heard people use the slogan “forward!” as a rallying cry, but I have never heard anyone rally supporters […]
November 13 (Ezekiel 28-30 / Psalm 119:113-128 / Hebrews 8)
November 13 (Ezekiel 28-30 / Psalm 119:113-128 / Hebrews 8): Do you enjoy learning about history? Do you know what is better than regular old history? History that can tell […]
November 12 (Ezekiel 25-27 / Psalm 119:97-112 / Hebrews 7)
November 12 (Ezekiel 25-27 / Psalm 119:97-112 / Hebrews 7): This section of Psalm 119 gives a real appreciation for God’s Word. Notice how many words the author uses to […]
November 11 (Ezekiel 22-24 / Psalm 119:81-96 / Hebrews 6)
November 11 (Ezekiel 22-24 / Psalm 119:81-96 / Hebrews 6): There is a really interesting connection between today’s Psalm 119 reading and Hebrews 6: they both highlight waiting. That’s what […]
November 10 (Ezekiel 19-21 / Psalm 119:65-80 / Hebrews 5)
November 10 (Ezekiel 19-21 / Psalm 119:65-80 / Hebrews 5): The first forty verses or so of Ezekiel 20 are really disheartening. God meticulously lays out all of his efforts […]
November 7 (Ezekiel 16-18 / Psalm 119:49-64 / Hebrews 4)
November 7 (Ezekiel 16-18 / Psalm 119:49-64 / Hebrews 4): How’s your memory? Are you forgetting where you put things? Missing appointments? Mislaying bills? Is it brain fog? Wrong diet? […]
November 6 (Ezekiel 13-15 / Psalm 119: 33-48 / Hebrews 3)
November 6 (Ezekiel 13-15 / Psalm 119: 33-48 / Hebrews 3): Let’s focus today on the thoughts of Hebrews. I know a number of people with a background in the […]
November 5 (Ezekiel 9-12 / Psalm 119:17-32 / Hebrews 2)
November 5 (Ezekiel 9-12 / Psalm 119:17-32 / Hebrews 2): What do you think of when you hear a reference to the “glory of the LORD”? Perhaps you recall the […]
November 4 (Ezekiel 4-8 / Psalm 119:1-16 / Hebrews Intro & 1)
November 4 (Ezekiel 4-8 / Psalm 119:1-16 / Hebrews Intro & 1): Psalm 119 is again not ascribed to any author. King David? Would a king have the time to […]
November 3 (Ezekiel Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 118 / 2 Peter 3)
November 3 (Ezekiel Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 118 / 2 Peter 3): There is no author attributed to Psalm 118. Does it sound like David to you? Here the […]
October 31 (Obadiah Intro & 1 / Psalm 117 / 2 Peter 2)
October 31 (Obadiah Intro & 1 / Psalm 117 / 2 Peter 2): The troubles we see in our American society started long ago and were allowed to grow unchecked […]
October 30 (Nahum Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 116 / 2 Peter Intro & 1)
October 30 (Nahum Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 116 / 2 Peter Intro & 1): From eternity, God planned that we would need frequent reminders that our salvation has already […]
October 29 (Zephaniah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 115 / Jude Intro & 1)
October 29 (Zephaniah Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 115 / Jude Intro & 1): God’s love for his children will not be broken. He will watch over us faithfully until […]
October 28 (Lamentations 4-5 / Psalm 114 / 2 Timothy 4)
October 28 (Lamentations 4-5 / Psalm 114 / 2 Timothy 4): Jesus reigns at the right hand of the Father. He is our almighty Sovereign, watching over us each day […]
October 27 (Lamentations 3 / Psalm 113 / 2 Timothy 3)
October 27 (Lamentations 3 / Psalm 113 / 2 Timothy 3): The Holy Spirit inspired Old Testament writers so that we could read and understand how God’s chosen people struggled […]
October 24 (Lamentations Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 112 / 2 Timothy 2)
October 24 (Lamentations Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 112 / 2 Timothy 2): No news is good news, right? I can think of plenty of times to dread getting news. […]
October 23 (Habakkuk Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 111 / 2 Timothy Intro & 1)
October 23 (Habakkuk Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 111 / 2 Timothy Intro & 1): If there’s no respect in a learning situation, learning will not happen. Many catechism classes […]
October 22 (Jeremiah 51-52 / Psalm 110 / 1 Peter 5)
October 22 (Jeremiah 51-52 / Psalm 110 / 1 Peter 5): How would you feel leading a group made up of willing participants with a good amount of common sense? […]
October 21 (Jeremiah 49-50 / Psalm 109 / 1 Peter 4)
October 21 (Jeremiah 49-50 / Psalm 109 / 1 Peter 4): Reading Jeremiah up to chapter 50, we can feel terrible for Jeremiah to have to be a prophet constantly […]
October 20 (Jeremiah 46-48 / Psalm 108 / 1 Peter 3)
October 20 (Jeremiah 46-48 / Psalm 108 / 1 Peter 3): As both a pastor and a dad, I get asked a lot of questions every day. Sometimes I know […]
October 17 (Jeremiah 44-45 / Psalm 107 / 1 Peter 2)
October 17 (Jeremiah 44-45 / Psalm 107 / 1 Peter 2): Jeremiah’s final sermon in chapter 44 has a lot of application for us today. He recounts God’s faithfulness to […]
October 16 (Jeremiah 40-43 / Job 42 / 1 Peter Intro & 1)
October 16 (Jeremiah 40-43 / Job 42 / 1 Peter Intro & 1): The book of Jeremiah the prophet reminds us that living the Christian life is not easy. Even […]
October 15 (Jeremiah 37-39 / Job 41 / Titus 3)
October 15 (Jeremiah 37-39 / Job 41 / Titus 3): Jeremiah had been predicting the fall of Jerusalem for forty years. How many kings had heard from Jeremiah the message […]
October 14 (Jeremiah 34-36 / Job 40 / Titus 2)
October 14 (Jeremiah 34-36 / Job 40 / Titus 2): “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to […]
October 13 (Jeremiah 30-33/ Job 39 / Titus Intro & 1)
October 13 (Jeremiah 30-33/ Job 39 / Titus Intro & 1): What lessons of hope have you learned through adversity, even doom and gloom? As I read Jeremiah 30-33, I […]
October 10 (Jeremiah 26-29 / Job 38 / 1 Timothy 6)
October 10 (Jeremiah 26-29 / Job 38 / 1 Timothy 6): Job 38 makes me smile, fills me with awe, and offers comfort during dark times. To summarize, “Man is […]
October 9 (Jeremiah 23-25 / Job 37 / 1 Timothy 5)
October 9 (Jeremiah 23-25 / Job 37 / 1 Timothy 5): Our reading in 1 Timothy admonishes us to look after our relatives, especially members of our own households. God […]
October 8 (Jeremiah 19-22 / Job 36 / 1 Timothy 4)
October 8 (Jeremiah 19-22 / Job 36 / 1 Timothy 4): Satan loves to prey on our fear. We cringe reading the early verses of 1 Timothy 4. In the […]
October 7 (Jeremiah 16-18 / Job 35 / 1 Timothy 3)
October 7 (Jeremiah 16-18 / Job 35 / 1 Timothy 3): When I was growing up, I recall my parents stressing the importance of staying faithful to God. I thought […]
October 6 (Jeremiah 13-15 / Job 34 / 1 Timothy 2)
October 6 (Jeremiah 13-15 / Job 34 / 1 Timothy 2): Jeremiah received quite the object lesson! Could the LORD be clearer? Jeremiah bought a linen loincloth that he wore […]
October 3 (Jeremiah 10-12 / Job 33 / 1 Timothy Intro & 1)
October 3 (Jeremiah 10-12 / Job 33 / 1 Timothy Intro & 1): What is lurking around us every day? What do we hear about everywhere we turn? Corruption, sinfulness, […]
October 2 (Jeremiah 7-9 / Job 32 / Philippians 4:2-23)
October 2 (Jeremiah 7-9 / Job 32 / Philippians 4:2-23): A friend once told me that every day on her way to work, she thinks of at least five things […]
October 1 (Jeremiah 5-6 / Job 31 / Philippians 3:1—4:1)
October 1 (Jeremiah 5-6 / Job 31 / Philippians 3:1—4:1): It is disheartening to hear of the disobedience and unfaithfulness that God’s people displayed in Jerusalem. Jeremiah was unable to […]
September 30 (Jeremiah 3-4 / Job 30 / Philippians 2)
September 30 (Jeremiah 3-4 / Job 30 / Philippians 2): A few impactful words are emphasized in the verses today: humility, empathy, perseverance, and compassion. Even as adults, we are […]
September 29 (Jeremiah Intro & 1-2 / Job 29 / Philippians Intro & 1)
September 29 (Jeremiah Intro & 1-2 / Job 29 / Philippians Intro & 1): Today our readings all include men who suffered greatly and also endured God’s forgiveness and compassion. […]
September 26 (Jonah Intro & 1-4 / Job 28 / Philemon Intro & 1)
September 26 (Jonah Intro & 1-4 / Job 28 / Philemon Intro & 1): One of the contentions with the Bible that non-Christians have is that the book condones slavery. […]
September 25 (Micah 6-7 / Job 27 / Colossians 4)
September 25 (Micah 6-7 / Job 27 / Colossians 4): Please pray for your pastors. I know you have a lot on your mind and many people you are concerned […]
September 24 (Micah 4-5 / Job 26 / Colossians 3)
September 24 (Micah 4-5 / Job 26 / Colossians 3): If Micah 4 sounds familiar, it’s because it echoes Isaiah 2. What a beautiful repetition of inspired words of peace […]
September 23 (Micah Intro & 1-3 / Job 25 / Colossians 2)
September 23 (Micah Intro & 1-3 / Job 25 / Colossians 2): Colossians 2 is an invaluable chapter for all who seek to know and communicate how we are to […]
September 22 (Isaiah 65-66 / Job 24 / Colossians Intro & 1)
September 22 (Isaiah 65-66 / Job 24 / Colossians Intro & 1): Isaiah’s book of prophecy comes to a close with a beautiful picture of the new heavens and a […]
September 18 (Isaiah 59-61 / Job 22 / Ephesians 5)
September 18 (Isaiah 59-61 / Job 22 / Ephesians 5): As New Testament Christians, it can be difficult to appreciate the impact that Isaiah’s words would have had on his […]
September 17 (Isaiah 56-58 / Job 21 / Ephesians 4)
September 17 (Isaiah 56-58 / Job 21 / Ephesians 4): What does unity mean to you? We call our country the Unites States of America, but many people will tell […]
September 16 (Isaiah 54-55 / Job 20 / Ephesians 3)
September 16 (Isaiah 54-55 / Job 20 / Ephesians 3): There are some sections of Scripture that are particularly meaningful to my Lutheran ears, and Isaiah 55:8-11 is one of […]
September 15 (Isaiah 51-53 / Job 19 / Ephesians 2)
September 15 (Isaiah 51-53 / Job 19 / Ephesians 2): If you asked me to choose three sections of Scripture that clearly convey the Gospel message, I’m not sure I […]
September 12 (Isaiah 49-50 / Job 18 / Ephesians Intro & 1)
September 12 (Isaiah 49-50 / Job 18 / Ephesians Intro & 1): Luther often spoke of the two basic theologies: the theology of man’s glory and the theology of the […]
September 11 (Isaiah 46-48 / Job 17 / Romans 16)
September 11 (Isaiah 46-48 / Job 17 / Romans 16): Romans 16 brings to a close our reading of the powerful letter. As you read the many names of people […]
September 10 (Isaiah 43-45 / Job 16 / Romans 15)
September 10 (Isaiah 43-45 / Job 16 / Romans 15): C. S. Lewis wrote, “Pain is God’s megaphone.” Yes, there is a good side of enduring pain. Suffering reminds us […]
September 9 (Isaiah 40-42 / Job 15 / Romans 14)
September 9 (Isaiah 40-42 / Job 15 / Romans 14): In the opening chapters of Book Two (The Book of Comfort, chapters 40-66) of Isaiah, we find the general theme […]
September 8 (Isaiah 36-39 / Job 14 / Romans 13)
September 8 (Isaiah 36-39 / Job 14 / Romans 13): When I read the Scriptures, I need to be mindful of the immediate as well as the wider context of […]
September 5 (Isaiah 34-35 / Job 13 / Romans 12)
September 5 (Isaiah 34-35 / Job 13 / Romans 12): True joy is startling in our world today. If you want to find disappointments, you won’t have to look very […]
September 4 (Isaiah 31-33 / Job 12 / Romans 11)
September 4 (Isaiah 31-33 / Job 12 / Romans 11): What do you turn to? I’ve heard that what we do when we are bored tells us a lot about […]
September 3 (Isaiah 28-30 / Job 11 / Romans 10)
September 3 (Isaiah 28-30 / Job 11 / Romans 10): From the fall, people have been cast down from perfection. Even if a person does thousands of kind things, each […]
September 2 (Isaiah 24-27 / Job 10 / Romans 9)
September 2 (Isaiah 24-27 / Job 10 / Romans 9): Profound purpose is given to us by God. Romans 9 puts forth the illustration of pottery, each piece molded specifically […]
September 1 (Isaiah 21-23 / Job 9 / Romans 8)
September 1 (Isaiah 21-23 / Job 9 / Romans 8): God, what are you doing? This question has probably crossed your mind at least once. Events in our lives sometimes […]
August 29 (Isaiah 17-20 / Job 8 / Romans 7)
August 29 (Isaiah 17-20 / Job 8 / Romans 7): There are some very terrible human beings living in this world today. There always have been real monsters of people […]
August 28 (Isaiah 13-16 / Job 7 / Romans 6)
August 28 (Isaiah 13-16 / Job 7 / Romans 6): In 1976, the Academy of Science in Paris listed 100 biblical statements which they considered to be false (such as […]
August 27 (Isaiah 11-12 / Job 6 / Romans 5)
August 27 (Isaiah 11-12 / Job 6 / Romans 5): So, are our “disasters” punishment? Job was much worse off, of course. He is asking and looking for spiritual help […]
August 26 (Isaiah 7-10 / Job 5 / Romans 4)
August 26 (Isaiah 7-10 / Job 5 / Romans 4): Earlier this month, August 3, the Jewish people observed Tisha B’Av, a solemn day of mourning remembering the destruction of […]
August 25 (Isaiah 4-6 / Job 4 / Romans 3)
August 25 (Isaiah 4-6 / Job 4 / Romans 3): As you read St. Paul, notice that he quotes Old Testament passages and never mentions the location. (Chapters with verses […]
August 22 (Isaiah Intro & 1-3 / Job 3 / Romans 2)
August 22 (Isaiah Intro & 1-3 / Job 3 / Romans 2): As we approach Judgment Day, the fraction of earth’s population representing believers will get smaller and smaller. Scripture […]
August 21 (Amos 7-9 / Job 2 / Romans Intro & 1)
August 21 (Amos 7-9 / Job 2 / Romans Intro & 1): Just as in Amos’ time, the world hates Christians who speak the truth in love about God. Curses […]
August 20 (Amos 5-6 / Job 1 / 2 Corinthians 13)
August 20 (Amos 5-6 / Job 1 / 2 Corinthians 13): We are so blessed that the Lord’s Word that comes to us in the Bible is a rich mixture […]
August 19 (Amos 3-4 / Job Intro / 2 Corinthians 12)
August 19 (Amos 3-4 / Job Intro / 2 Corinthians 12): It isn’t only Israel angering God. All of fallen humanity is guilty. Amos lists some of the enemy nations […]
August 18 (Amos Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 106 / 2 Corinthians 11)
August 18 (Amos Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 106 / 2 Corinthians 11): When the Holy Spirit created your faith in Christ’s atonement for all your sins, you became one […]
August 15 (Hosea 13-14 / Psalm 105 / 2 Corinthians 10)
August 15 (Hosea 13-14 / Psalm 105 / 2 Corinthians 10): Just last week, we were doing some simple chores around the house, and the kids just happened to take […]
August 14 (Hosea 11-12 / Psalm 104 / 2 Corinthians 9)
August 14 (Hosea 11-12 / Psalm 104 / 2 Corinthians 9): I would seems that the children of Israel have gotten themselves into yet another mess, but it’s more of […]
August 13 (Hosea 9-10 / Psalm 103 / 2 Corinthians 8)
August 13 (Hosea 9-10 / Psalm 103 / 2 Corinthians 8): Have you ever emptied your closet to reorganize it? Then, halfway through, you find yourself surrounded by piles and […]
August 12 (Hosea 6-8 / Psalm 102 / 2 Corinthians 7)
August 12 (Hosea 6-8 / Psalm 102 / 2 Corinthians 7): Whether the writer of Psalm 102 has a physical or spiritual affliction isn’t clear, but his cries to God […]
August 11 (Hosea 4-5 / Psalm 101 / 2 Corinthians 6)
August 11 (Hosea 4-5 / Psalm 101 / 2 Corinthians 6): “My body is a temple.” Its a phrase I’m sure you’ve heard of in relation to some health guru […]
August 8 (Hosea Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 100 / 2 Corinthians 5)
August 8 (Hosea Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 100 / 2 Corinthians 5): The first three chapters of Hosea build to Hosea 3:4, “For the Israelites will live many days […]
August 7 (Joel Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 99 / 2 Corinthians 4)
August 7 (Joel Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 99 / 2 Corinthians 4): The book of Joel tells us that the Lord is sending disaster toward his people, a swarm […]
August 6 (2 Chronicles 34-36 / Psalm 98 / 2 Corinthians 3)
August 6 (2 Chronicles 34-36 / Psalm 98 / 2 Corinthians 3): I have always found the letter of 2 Corinthians a challenging letter to follow. When the Apostle Paul […]
August 5 (2 Chronicles 32-33 / Psalm 97 / 2 Corinthians 2)
August 5 (2 Chronicles 32-33 / Psalm 97 / 2 Corinthians 2): What sins fall under the “worst of sins”? Murder, hatred, adultery, theft. The account of Hezekiah reminds us […]
August 4 (2 Chronicles 29-31 / Psalm 96 / 2 Corinthians Intro & 1)
August 4 (2 Chronicles 29-31 / Psalm 96 / 2 Corinthians Intro & 1): “The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread [the Passover] for […]
August 1 (2 Chronicles 25-28 / Psalm 95 / 1 Corinthians 16)
August 1 (2 Chronicles 25-28 / Psalm 95 / 1 Corinthians 16): When we listen to the voice of Jesus (see Psalm 95:7), we can pray with confidence because his […]
July 31 (2 Chronicles 22-24 / Psalm 94 / 1 Corinthians 15)
July 31 (2 Chronicles 22-24 / Psalm 94 / 1 Corinthians 15): “All who belong to Christ will be raised when [Christ] comes back” (1 Corinthians 15:23). Then the end […]
July 30 (2 Chronicles 20-21 / Psalm 93 / 1 Corinthians 14)
July 30 (2 Chronicles 20-21 / Psalm 93 / 1 Corinthians 14): Psalm 93 is a poem of protection. It assures believers that there exists a might beyond a police […]
July 29 (2 Chronicles 17-19 / Psalm 92 / 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13)
July 29 (2 Chronicles 17-19 / Psalm 92 / 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13): When you’re in heaven, can you imagine what it will be like to stand in God’s excellence? Imagine […]
July 28 (2 Chronicles 13-16 / Psalm 91 / 1 Corinthians 12:1-31a)
July 28 (2 Chronicles 13-16 / Psalm 91 / 1 Corinthians 12:1-31a): “So Judah defeated Israel on that occasion because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their ancestors” […]
July 25 (2 Chronicles 10-12 / Psalm 90 / 1 Corinthians 11:2-34)
July 25 (2 Chronicles 10-12 / Psalm 90 / 1 Corinthians 11:2-34): Think of Psalm 90 as a message to us about our limited time on earth and Christ’s unchanging […]
July 24 (2 Chronicles 8-9 / Song of Songs 8 / 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1)
July 24 (2 Chronicles 8-9 / Song of Songs 8 / 1 Corinthians 10:1-11:1): “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet […]
July 23 (2 Chronicles 5-7 / Song of Songs 7 / 1 Corinthians 9)
July 23 (2 Chronicles 5-7 / Song of Songs 7 / 1 Corinthians 9): Why do people run races? Is it for enjoyment, exercise, a sport, a dare, or for […]
July 22 (2 Chronicles 3-4 / Song of Songs 6 / 1 Corinthians 8)
July 22 (2 Chronicles 3-4 / Song of Songs 6 / 1 Corinthians 8): Today we continue our reading about Solomon and the construction of the temple that he built […]
July 21 (2 Chronicles 1-2 / Song of Songs 5 / 1 Corinthians 7)
July 21 (2 Chronicles 1-2 / Song of Songs 5 / 1 Corinthians 7): Reigning over an entire kingdom or country is just something that unless you are in that […]
July 18 (1 Chronicles 26-29 / Song of Songs 4 / 1 Corinthians 6)
July 18 (1 Chronicles 26-29 / Song of Songs 4 / 1 Corinthians 6): We are called to be different from the world around us. 1 Corinthians 6 highlights this […]
July 17 (1 Chronicles 23-25 / Song of Songs 3 / 1 Corinthians 5)
July 17 (1 Chronicles 23-25 / Song of Songs 3 / 1 Corinthians 5): Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if you were born in a […]
July 16 (1 Chronicles 21-22 / Song of Songs 2 / 1 Corinthians 4)
July 16 (1 Chronicles 21-22 / Song of Songs 2 / 1 Corinthians 4): Song of Songs is an interesting book. Many a Christian has probably never taken the time […]
July 15 (1 Chronicles 19-20 / Song of Songs 1 / 1 Corinthians 3)
July 15 (1 Chronicles 19-20 / Song of Songs 1 / 1 Corinthians 3): Picking sides happens in the life of any congregation. Opinions differ, personalities clash, and people come […]
July 14 (1 Chronicles 17-18 / Song of Songs Intro / 1 Corinthians 2)
July 14 (1 Chronicles 17-18 / Song of Songs Intro / 1 Corinthians 2): 1 Corinthians 2 is just what I needed to hear lately. I’ve been dialoguing online with […]
July 11 (1 Chronicles 15-16 / Psalm 89 / 1 Corinthians Intro & 1)
July 11 (1 Chronicles 15-16 / Psalm 89 / 1 Corinthians Intro & 1): There’s a beautiful, golden thread of praise in all of today’s readings. After the ark of […]
July 10 (1 Chronicles 13-14 / Psalm 88 / 2 Thessalonians 3)
July 10 (1 Chronicles 13-14 / Psalm 88 / 2 Thessalonians 3): Do you recognize the words of Psalm 88? They’re often read during the stripping of the altar at […]
July 9 (1 Chronicles 10-12 / Psalm 87 / 2 Thessalonians 2)
July 9 (1 Chronicles 10-12 / Psalm 87 / 2 Thessalonians 2): Why are some saved but not others? This is one of the hardest questions about God to answer, […]
July 8 (1 Chronicles 7-9 / Psalm 86 / 2 Thessalonians Intro & 1)
July 8 (1 Chronicles 7-9 / Psalm 86 / 2 Thessalonians Intro & 1): If someone asked me to make a list of my “favorite” epistles, 2 Thessalonians likely wouldn’t […]
July 7 (1 Chronicles 5-6 / Psalm 85 / 1 Thessalonians 5)
July 7 (1 Chronicles 5-6 / Psalm 85 / 1 Thessalonians 5): We’ve been reading lists of names in Chronicles for a couple of days, and we’ll be reading them […]
July 4 (1 Chronicles 3-4 / Psalm 84 / 1 Thessalonians 4)
July 4 (1 Chronicles 3-4 / Psalm 84 / 1 Thessalonians 4): When I read the genealogies in the Bible, like those at the beginning of 1 Chronicles, I am […]
July 3 (1 Chronicles Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 83 / 1 Thessalonians 3)
July 3 (1 Chronicles Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 83 / 1 Thessalonians 3): This side of eternity, we will continually be attacked by the enemies of God. The Psalmist […]
July 2 (2 Kings 24-25 / Psalm 82 / 1 Thessalonians 2)
July 2 (2 Kings 24-25 / Psalm 82 / 1 Thessalonians 2): The 2 Kings reading reports the last kings of Judah. Like so many kings before them, they “did […]
July 1 (2 Kings 21-23 / Psalm 81 / 1 Thessalonians Intro & 1)
July 1 (2 Kings 21-23 / Psalm 81 / 1 Thessalonians Intro & 1): People often long for “the good old days.” However, since the fall there really are no […]
June 30 (2 Kings 18-20 / Psalm 80 / Galatians 6)
June 30 (2 Kings 18-20 / Psalm 80 / Galatians 6): Imagine that a powerful enemy is at the gates of your city. Sleep is out of reach—only a restless […]
June 27 (2 Kings 16-17 / Psalm 79 / Galatians 5)
June 27 (2 Kings 16-17 / Psalm 79 / Galatians 5): Prisoners come in various forms. Some people who are imprisoned can see their chains quite clearly, such as the […]
June 26 (2 Kings 14-15 / Psalm 78:56-72 / Galatians 4)
June 26 (2 Kings 14-15 / Psalm 78:56-72 / Galatians 4): We are children of God. Isn’t that crazy? God, the one who rules the universe, doesn’t just see us […]
June 25 (2 Kings 12-13 / Psalm 78:32-55 / Galatians 3)
June 25 (2 Kings 12-13 / Psalm 78:32-55 / Galatians 3): Even with faith that all our sins are forgiven, it is easy to feel unworthy. Why would God want […]
June 24 (2 Kings 10-11 / Psalm 78:1-31 / Galatians 2)
June 24 (2 Kings 10-11 / Psalm 78:1-31 / Galatians 2): God repeatedly runs after his straying people. In the garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned and fled […]
June 23 (2 Kings 8-9 / Psalm 77 / Galatians Intro & 1)
June 23 (2 Kings 8-9 / Psalm 77 / Galatians Intro & 1): The story of Paul has always been a compelling one. From persecuting the church to preaching the […]
June 20 (2 Kings 5-7 / Psalm 76 / James 5)
June 20 (2 Kings 5-7 / Psalm 76 / James 5): As we read Naaman’s story, the focus is often on his initial hostility or on the deceitfulness of Gehazi, […]
June 19 (2 Kings 3-4 / Psalm 75 / James 4)
June 19 (2 Kings 3-4 / Psalm 75 / James 4): Throughout my ministry I have often heard my parishioners comment on the fact that they frequently came to a […]
June 18 (2 Kings 1-2 / Psalm 74 / James 3)
June 18 (2 Kings 1-2 / Psalm 74 / James 3): Ahab, Ahaziah: ”like father, like son.” Ahaziah’s time of grace was much shorter than his father’s. One of the […]
June 17 (1 Kings 20-22 / Psalm 73 / James 2)
June 17 (1 Kings 20-22 / Psalm 73 / James 2): Is there a bit of “revival” in the air these days? Many public figures are becoming open about their […]
June 16 (1 Kings 17-19 / Ecclesiastes 12 / James Intro & 1)
June 16 (1 Kings 17-19 / Ecclesiastes 12 / James Intro & 1): As an elderly individual, I recently encouraged a group of young men to sincerely join King David […]
June 13 (1 Kings 15-16 / Ecclesiastes 11 / Acts 28)
June 13 (1 Kings 15-16 / Ecclesiastes 11 / Acts 28): Regardless of our educational credentials, none of us know how God works. His ways, and why he does things, […]
June 12 (1 Kings 13-14 / Ecclesiastes 10 / Acts 27)
June 12 (1 Kings 13-14 / Ecclesiastes 10 / Acts 27): Stubbornly selfish. There are so many biblical accounts of this sin, in so many different settings, always turning out […]
June 11 (1 Kings 11-12 / Ecclesiastes 9 / Acts 26)
June 11 (1 Kings 11-12 / Ecclesiastes 9 / Acts 26): Wisdom is better than might. Knowing the right thing to do is better than applying strength without thought. Ask […]
June 10 (1 Kings 9-10 / Ecclesiastes 8 / Acts 25)
June 10 (1 Kings 9-10 / Ecclesiastes 8 / Acts 25): By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, King Solomon tells his readers that a person’s “standing” in the world doesn’t […]
June 9 (1 Kings 7-8 / Ecclesiastes 7 / Acts 24)
June 9 (1 Kings 7-8 / Ecclesiastes 7 / Acts 24): It’s interesting that the gospel message was so clearly presented by Solomon in his prayer dedicating the temple to […]
June 6 (1 Kings 5-6 / Ecclesiastes 6 / Acts 22:30-23:34)
June 6 (1 Kings 5-6 / Ecclesiastes 6 / Acts 22:30-23:34): When you combine yesterday and today’s readings about Paul’s troubles and near-death experiences, it’s amazing that he survived. Then […]
June 5 (1 Kings 3-4 / Ecclesiastes 5 / Acts 21:37-22:29)
June 5 (1 Kings 3-4 / Ecclesiastes 5 / Acts 21:37-22:29): In 1 Kings 3:9, King Solomon asks God to grant him a discerning heart as a ruler and when […]
June 4 (1 Kings Intro & 1-2 / Ecclesiastes 4 / Acts 21:1-36)
June 4 (1 Kings Intro & 1-2 / Ecclesiastes 4 / Acts 21:1-36): We often hear Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 at weddings, but it’s applicable in so many ways. In yesterday’s commentary, […]
June 3 (2 Samuel 22-24 / Ecclesiastes 3 / Acts 20)
June 3 (2 Samuel 22-24 / Ecclesiastes 3 / Acts 20): one of the first visits I did as a pastor was to a woman who was dying of cancer. […]
June 2 (2 Samuel 20-21 / Ecclesiastes 2 / Acts 19)
June 2 (2 Samuel 20-21 / Ecclesiastes 2 / Acts 19): When I look at Leonardo DaVinci’s painting “The Last Supper,” it amazes me how everything lines up to point […]
May 30 (2 Samuel 18-19 / Ecclesiastes 1 / Acts 18)
May 30 (2 Samuel 18-19 / Ecclesiastes 1 / Acts 18): Solomon seems to be setting us up for something in Ecclesiastes 1. While we know there is nothing new […]
May 29 (2 Samuel 16-17 / Ecclesiastes Intro / Acts 17)
May 29 (2 Samuel 16-17 / Ecclesiastes Intro / Acts 17): What an exercise in patience and trust in the Lord’s power. David patiently endures and accepts discipline from the […]
May 28 (2 Samuel 13-15 / Psalm 72 / Acts 16)
May 28 (2 Samuel 13-15 / Psalm 72 / Acts 16): “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:14b). How things have changed for King David in […]
May 27 (2 Samuel 11-12 / Psalm 71 / Acts 15)
May 27 (2 Samuel 11-12 / Psalm 71 / Acts 15): There is so much happening and so much we can learn in Acts 15. Ultimately, the apostles succinctly affirm […]
May 26 (2 Samuel 8-10 / Psalm 70 / Acts 14)
May 26 (2 Samuel 8-10 / Psalm 70 / Acts 14): One moment the apostle Paul is being hailed as one of the gods; the next moment the crowd is […]
May 23 (2 Samuel 5-7 / Psalm 69 / Acts 13)
May 23 (2 Samuel 5-7 / Psalm 69 / Acts 13): David becomes a powerful king because the LORD is with him. After a defeat, David humbly proclaims: “The LORD […]
May 22 (2 Samuel 3-4 / Psalm 68 / Acts 12)
May 22 (2 Samuel 3-4 / Psalm 68 / Acts 12): Yesterday we pondered large and small miracles. Acts 12 tells of a huge one. Under persecution, Peter is thrown […]
May 21 (2 Samuel 1-2 / Psalm 67 / Acts 11)
May 21 (2 Samuel 1-2 / Psalm 67 / Acts 11): Psalm 66 and 67 both proclaim God’s mercies and blessings. When we cry out for help, God is with […]
May 20 (1 Samuel 29-31 / Psalm 66 / Acts 10)
May 20 (1 Samuel 29-31 / Psalm 66 / Acts 10): Ponder Cornelius. He sees a vision. He obeys God’s commands. Picture Peter. He falls into a trance and marvels […]
May 19 (1 Samuel 26-28 / Psalm 65 / Acts 9)
May 19 (1 Samuel 26-28 / Psalm 65 / Acts 9): Even though a target of death himself and confronted with an ideal opportunity to kill Saul, David does not. […]
May 16 (1 Samuel 24-25 / Psalm 64 / Acts 8:4-40)
May 16 (1 Samuel 24-25 / Psalm 64 / Acts 8:4-40): We know David wasn’t perfect by any means, but his interactions with Saul ought to garner our respect and […]
May 15 (1 Samuel 21-23 / Psalm 63 / Acts 7:1—8:3)
May 15 (1 Samuel 21-23 / Psalm 63 / Acts 7:1—8:3): A big portion of the book of Acts is made up of long speeches, and we are richer for […]
May 14 (1 Samuel 18-20 / Psalm 62 / Acts 6)
May 14 (1 Samuel 18-20 / Psalm 62 / Acts 6): Physical rest can be hard to come by. Either we don’t feel like we have the time, or when […]
May 13 (1 Samuel 16-17 / Psalm 61 / Acts 5)
May 13 (1 Samuel 16-17 / Psalm 61 / Acts 5): The New Testament church experienced her growing pains. We see how the devil uses every opportunity in his attempts […]
May 12 (1 Samuel 13:23—15:34 / Psalm 60 / Acts 4)
May 12 (1 Samuel 13:23—15:34 / Psalm 60 / Acts 4): The thought occurs to me: Jonathan might have made a pretty good king. He was obviously courageous in battle […]
May 9 (1 Samuel 11:1—13:22 / Psalm 59 / Acts 3)
May 9 (1 Samuel 11:1—13:22 / Psalm 59 / Acts 3): Wouldn’t it be amazing to heal someone by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts […]
May 8 (1 Samuel 8-10 / Psalm 58 / Acts 2)
May 8 (1 Samuel 8-10 / Psalm 58 / Acts 2): Close your eyes and try to visualize the disciples speaking in different tongues and what that might sound like […]
May 7 (1 Samuel 6-7 / Psalm 57 / Acts Intro & 1)
May 7 (1 Samuel 6-7 / Psalm 57 / Acts Intro & 1): As we read Psalm 57 today, we are reminded of David’s incredible faith despite his fears. God […]
May 6 (1 Samuel 3-5 / Psalm 56 / John 21)
May 6 (1 Samuel 3-5 / Psalm 56 / John 21): We see the true faith of Samuel, David, and Peter in our readings today. What strength they had to […]
May 5 (1 Samuel Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 55 / John 20)
May 5 (1 Samuel Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 55 / John 20): How many times do we expect to actually see something before we trust that we are being […]
May 2 (Ruth 3-4 / Psalm 54 / John 19)
May 2 (Ruth 3-4 / Psalm 54 / John 19): John 19 contains what might be my favorite word in all of the Scriptures: “tetelestai,” which is translated as, “It […]
May 1 (Ruth Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 53 / John 18)
May 1 (Ruth Intro & 1-2 / Psalm 53 / John 18): The book of Ruth is such a beautiful story of so many different types of love. We see […]
April 30 (Judges 19-21 / Psalm 52 / John 17)
April 30 (Judges 19-21 / Psalm 52 / John 17): These chapters from Judges are simply shocking, and they are the epitome of the repeated refrain in the book of […]
April 29 (Judges 17-18 / Psalm 51 / John 16)
April 29 (Judges 17-18 / Psalm 51 / John 16): Psalm 51 was the basis for midweek Lent services at our church this year under the theme “Reflections on Repentance.” […]
April 28 (Judges 13-16 / Psalm 50 / John 15)
April 28 (Judges 13-16 / Psalm 50 / John 15): Many of us likely know the words of John 14-17 well. It’s good to be familiar with these words, but […]
April 25 (Judges 10:6 -12:15 / Psalm 49 / John 14)
April 25 (Judges 10:6 -12:15 / Psalm 49 / John 14): John 14 contains some of my favorite Bible verses. “Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; […]
April 24 (Judges 9:1 – 10:5 / Psalm 48 / John 13)
April 24 (Judges 9:1 – 10:5 / Psalm 48 / John 13): In contrast to Christ’s benevolent monarchy, we note that human monarchies are flawed when inevitably the leader rules […]
April 23 (Judges 6-8 / Psalm 47 / John 12)
April 23 (Judges 6-8 / Psalm 47 / John 12): I’ve always believed that one of the best forms of government is a benevolent monarchy. It is such, as Christians, […]
April 22 (Judges 4-5 / Psalm 46 / John 11)
April 22 (Judges 4-5 / Psalm 46 / John 11): It was the fall of the year 1527 that a dark time came to Luther’s hometown. The bubonic plague struck, […]
April 21 (Judges Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 45 / John 10)
April 21 (Judges Intro & 1-3 / Psalm 45 / John 10): Spanish-American George Santayana is credited with the adage, “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” […]
April 18 (Joshua 22-24 / Psalm 44 / John 9)
April 18 (Joshua 22-24 / Psalm 44 / John 9): In Psalm 44, the sons of Korah cry out to the Lord for help; they ask him to no longer […]
April 17 (Joshua 20-21 / Psalm 43 / John 8)
April 17 (Joshua 20-21 / Psalm 43 / John 8); In some ways, I feel bad for the Pharisees trying to discredit Jesus. He outwitted and outplayed them at every […]
April 16 (Joshua 18-19 / Psalm 42 / John 7)
April 16 (Joshua 18-19 / Psalm 42 / John 7): When reading the Bible, we are able to see exactly how Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of all of the […]
April 15 (Joshua 15-17 / Proverbs 31 / John 6)
April 15 (Joshua 15-17 / Proverbs 31 / John 6): Maybe it’s just because I grew up surrounded by Christianity and the idea of Communion, but I have never considered […]
April 14 (Joshua 13-14 / Proverbs 30 / John 5)
April 14 (Joshua 13-14 / Proverbs 30 / John 5): The ancient divisions of land amongst the tribes of Israel seem very unfair. Although it was divided in some ways […]
April 11 (Joshua 10-12 / Proverbs 29 / John 4)
April 11 (Joshua 10-12 / Proverbs 29 / John 4): When someone’s “time of grace” has come to an end, in the Old Testament we are told that God “hardened” […]
April 10 (Joshua 8-9 / Proverbs 28 / John 3)
April 10 (Joshua 8-9 / Proverbs 28 / John 3): How do you feel about the killing of everyone in the city of Ai or in other Canaanite cities? Many […]
April 9 (Joshua 5-7 / Proverbs 27 / John 2)
April 9 (Joshua 5-7 / Proverbs 27 / John 2): Have you ever had an extended vacation? The nation of Israel, two million plus quite likely, had been on “vacation” […]
April 8 (Joshua 3-4 / Proverbs 26 / John Intro & 1)
April 8 (Joshua 3-4 / Proverbs 26 / John Intro & 1): Every spring the Hawk Creek, on which I lived, flooded. I have several distinct memories of what the […]
April 7 (Joshua Intro & 1-2 / Proverbs 25 / Luke 24)
April 7 (Joshua Intro & 1-2 / Proverbs 25 / Luke 24): Blessings for this last “regular” week of the season of Lent. Let’s each look for at least one […]
April 4 (Deuteronomy 31:30—34:12 / Proverbs 24 / Luke 23)
April 4 (Deuteronomy 31:30—34:12 / Proverbs 24 / Luke 23): God has proven that his love for us is greater than his anger over our disobedience. Believers trust that God’s […]
April 3 (Deuteronomy 29:1—31:29 / Proverbs 23 / Luke 22)
April 3 (Deuteronomy 29:1—31:29 / Proverbs 23 / Luke 22): After 40 years of Moses’ leadership, I wonder if the Israelites should have been more responsive to his farewell address. […]
About The Church
Service Times
Sunday @ 9:30 AM
Wednesday Evening @ 7:00 PM
Sunday School @ 10:30 AM
Bible Classes: Sunday @ 11 AM & Wed. @ 10 AM
Our History
In the 1860’s a small group of Norwegian and Danish immigrants settled here and organized a congregation in 1869 with eleven voting members.
What We Believe
We confess that the only true God is the Triune God, revealed in Scripture as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Welcome
Holton Ev. Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS). We invite you to come and worship with us.
If you are visiting us for the first time and would like more information… please feel free to contact us via the “contact us” page or give us a call.
