Daily Devotional

I recently made a visit to OU Children’s Hospital. As I walked through the atrium at the hospital entrance, I was thinking only of the family I was about to visit. I walked to the volunteer’s desk and asked for the patient’s room number. I was warmly greeted. They gave me a room number and directions. I was told which elevator would get me where I needed to go. I walked down a long hallway until I found the right elevator. I pressed the button to open the elevator doors, and when the doors opened, I was met by someone unexpected.

“When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.

May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

Jesus set an example for us to follow. To set this example, Jesus would teach, share scripture, and tell stories to guide our thoughts and actions. He would also show us how to live by his example. One of the ways that Jesus set an example is through his actions at the table and before significant meals. At the beginning of these meals, Jesus demonstrates the importance of gratitude.

We know just a few things about Zacchaeus before he encounters Jesus. He was a wealthy Jewish man who lived in the community of Jericho. His occupation was tax collector. When he Zacchaeus appears in Luke’s gospel, he is doing his best to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he travels through Jericho. Zacchaeus has difficulty seeing Jesus because, as the scripture says, “He was short in stature.” He climbs up a tree to better see Jesus.

In the spring of 2023, my family’s community experienced a devastating tornado. Our schools, several businesses, and many homes were damaged. As the storm passed through town, we lost power. The lights went out in our house and all around the community. Although our house was without power for a short time, many went several days before their power was restored.

Elisha Hoffman served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War. There has never been a more divided time in our country’s history than during the Civil War.

Bill and Becky have been married for just over 50 years. They live in Houston, Texas. As part of their retirement, Bill and Becky set a goal to visit every state capitol. They loved to travel and spend quality time together. Sadly, Bill has cancer, and his health now prevents their travel. They were able to visit 49 states and their capitals. Sadly, they will not be ablet to visit the beautiful state of Alaska and its capital city of Juneau.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,