Posts Categorized: Devotional

In the Wake of Loss

Scripture

Luke 24:13-21a NRSV

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

Consider

Two of Jesus’ disciples are heading out of Jerusalem, unaware that their Lord has that very day been raised from the dead. In the wake of their devastating loss, they encounter the Risen Christ, but they don’t realize who he is. When we suffer personal loss or betrayal, we may find ourselves reacting like these disciples and fail to notice the Lord standing right beside us.

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Do You Love Me?

Scripture

John 21:15-17 NLT

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

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The Weight of Two Witnesses

Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:1 NLT

As the Scriptures say, “The facts of every case must be established by two or three witnesses.”

Consider

Angry, wounded people may ask themselves: “If I give up my anger, how will anyone know I’ve been hurt?” Crimes that are committed in secret can be especially difficult to bear or to forgive. Incest, rape, emotional abuse, ridiculing, successful swindling—these injuries might only be confirmed by the two people involved, you and the perpetrator. With no one else to vouch for you, the person who wounded you may downplay the harm done to you.

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Good Soil

Scripture

Numbers 13:17-18, 20 NIV

When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, “Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many….How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.”

Consider

I once took a horticulture class, and our professor emphasized the importance and distinctiveness of soil. “Don’t call it dirt!” he said. “Soil has both structure and function to support living growth.”

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Claiming Our Portion

Scripture

Lamentations 3:22-25 ESV

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Consider

What does it mean to say, The LORD is my portion? Other Bible translations offer different phrasings: The LORD is all I have (GNT); My soul claims the LORD as my inheritance (TLB); and The LORD is everything I will ever need (NIRV).

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