For nearly two years, I have been writing a series of daily devotions called, “The Other Six.” It’s been something I enjoyed greatly.
Right now, however, it has become difficult because my computer won’t log into our website (don’t know why) and I’m trying to play catch-up with church work and finishing up a summer seminary class.
So, for now, I need to stop writing the daily devotions. I hope to restart in a couple of weeks.
Stay In The Word! In the mean time, don’t fall out of the habit of having a daily devotion. There are lots of good devotions out there, but one I’d like to recommend which I like a lot are the daily devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries.
You can find the Lutheran Hour Ministries daily devotions by clicking the link below:
FYI – Lutheran Hour Ministries also has an app for the devotions you can get for you phone. They also have podcasts, sermons, Bible studies, and a lot more.
Thank you for your understanding and I pray you are blessed by Lutheran Hour’s wonderful devotions.
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2
What is the command in this passage and what is the Gospel message?
When God tells us to love with sacrificial love, He does so in light of the sacrificial love Jesus showed us. As Jesus said in Mark:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
More than once I have said a “do as I say not as I do” statement to my kids. This is not one of those statements. This is a “do as I did and still do” statement. Jesus loved us before we loved Him (Praise God!), so He tells us to love others even when they aren’t loving towards us.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the amazing sacrifice of Your Son and for making me Your beloved child by that sacrifice. Help me to love others as You have loved and continue to love me.
Amen
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
The Other Six
How To Use These Posts
The Other Six is a short, daily devotional blog post. You can use these posts for personal devotions, however, I’m also going to write them in such a way that you could use them for family devotions. I’ll include a Bible verse, questions and/or discussion points, and a closing prayer. I highly encourage you to do these devotions with your family or friends if possible.
I’ve decided to change things up a bit for the blog. Instead of the Tuesday and Thursday longer posts, I’m going to post shorter, daily devotional posts, which I’m calling “The Other Six. They will be posted Monday through Saturday (the six days other than Sunday when you attend worship). I may still from time to time dig in a bit deeper in an additional post, but the main focus of the blog will be the daily devotional posts.
How To Use These Posts
You can use these posts for personal devotions, however, I’m also going to write them in such a way that you could use them for family devotions. I’ll include a Bible verse, questions and/or discussion points, and a closing prayer.
Enjoy!
Preparing for Your day
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13
How do you prepare yourself for your day?
In today’s passage, we’re encouraged to prepare ourselves. As part of that prep, Peter encourages us to set our hope fully on the grace you’ll receive when Christ returns.
We often sway from highs and lows based on what happens in a day. If I get the promotion it’s a good day. If I get passed up, it’s a bad day. If I have a chance meet-up with a friend, I’m happy. If I get into a fight with a friend, I’m upset.
How would looking further down the road, to Jesus’ return, and setting our hope on that change how we go through the day?
Today, I wake up and know that I will be with Jesus for eternity in eternal bliss when He returns. If I get the promotion, good. If I get passed up, bummer. Either way, I know it’s temporary. Christ is eternal.
No matter what happens during the day, I know I will be with Christ for eternity. When Peter and Paul and others talk about having joy in the midst of suffering, this is why. They know the suffering is temporary, but Christ is eternal. So, they can still have joy in Christ no matter what happens. You can, too.
So, today, tomorrow, and every day, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ and find the joy of Christ in all situations.
Dear Jesus,
Prepare me for this day. May I always remember the grace and forgiveness I have in You and find my hope if the eternal life You bring.