God Pause Daily Devotions

Friday, February 3

Bob Iverson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield, Minn. — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Mark 1:29-39 -- "...for that is what I came out to do...": to proclaim and teach about the kingdom of God. But Jesus wasn't just about the sermon and lecture. There was the practical outreach along the way of serving and healing. read more...

Thursday, February 2

Bob Iverson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield, Minn. — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Luke 2:22-38 -- I have always loved the story of Simeon being presented with the baby Jesus, the Messiah. The best thing about this story is that it applies to us as well. We are promised that we will meet the Messiah: in our Baptism, through our growing faith, and even unto our earthly death. read more...

Wednesday, February 1

Bob Iverson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield, Minn. — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Hebrews 2:14-18 -- This word from Hebrews makes it very clear: Jesus became one with us to save us. Death still holds the fear of the unknown for us. Yet, Jesus became like us, in "every respect," so that his sacrifice covers us completely. read more...

Tuesday, January 31

Bob Iverson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield, Minn. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Psalm 84 -- Being the oldest grandchild, I was able to spend weekends, and then longer periods of time, with my grandparents at their retirement lake home. At those times I felt complete and unconditional love. Those experiences granted me joyful learning opportunities. read more...

Monday, January 30

Bob Iverson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Northfield, Minn. — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Malachi 3:1-4 -- We heard words like these in Advent, challenging us to prepare for the coming of the Lord. But then, the harsh words were softened by the birth of the child in Bethlehem. These words from Malachi serve as a reminder that the judgment is not yet final. read more...

Sunday, January 29

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," ELW 490 -- The voice of God is best heard when I keep silent and listen. In the silence, a still, small voice echoes in the head with sounds of splashing waters as God opens the heavens saying, "This is my beloved Son." In the silence, the Word made flesh enriches the heart with bread and wine saying, "Do this in remembrance of me." In the silence, the clanging of pounding nails in the body is pierced with the cry "It is finished." In the silence, the grinding of a rolling gravestone resounds in the soul with angels' alleluias—He is risen! When I listen, the voices of heavenly creatures teach me new words of praise. When I listen, my small voice harmonizes with songs of people lifting holy hands in awe. read more...

Saturday, January 28

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

"Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak," ELW 676 -- The voice of God speaks with power, majesty, righteousness, truth and authority. Above all, the voice of God is a loving, patient word that refreshes my soul and fills me with a desire to share the good news. God speaks to me so that I may speak words of hope to others who need this grace. read more...

Friday, January 27

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Mark 1:23--28 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when other voices speak loudly in my ear. Jesus' power and authority threaten the voices that seek to draw me from God's good and gracious will. An unclean and evil spirit in a man recognizes God, expecting to be destroyed by Jesus. read more...

Thursday, January 26

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Mark 1:21--22 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when I think I know all the answers. When Jesus began to teach in the synagogue in Capernaum, people were astounded. The lessons from the scribes had been predictable, with familiar answers to familiar questions. read more...

Wednesday, January 25

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Galatians 1:11--24 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when I am sure I'm doing the right thing. Paul was caught up in zealousness to do the right thing for God. He was sure that the violent persecution of Christians was the right thing to defend the traditions of his faith. read more...

Tuesday, January 24

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Psalm 111 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when I am confident of my own strength. The Psalmist says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The Psalmist sings triumphantly of the majesty and splendor of God's deeds and this enduring covenant. read more...

Monday, January 23

Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- The voice of God is hard to hear when I am overwhelmed by God's power. The Israelites at Mt. Horeb were terrified by God's thundering voice speaking the words of the Ten Commandments. read more...

Sunday, January 22

Owen Christianson, Retired — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

"Bright and Glorious Is the Sky," ELW 301 -- When I served in northern Minnesota, one of my favorite things to do on a winter evening was to ski across the lake to the forests on the other shore, often by myself. This is as close to walking on water as I have ever gotten. To me, the night, dark and cold as it was, never felt frightening. read more...

Saturday, January 21

Owen Christianson, Retired — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:01:00 -0600

"As With Gladness Men of Old," ELW 302 -- William C. Dix prays we would be led to Christ by a light as compelling as the star that guided the Magi. What lights have led us to Christ? Certainly not our own. read more...