Category: Devotional

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The Lord’s House or House of Offerings?

Todd Nelson

The house I am about to build will be great, for our God is greater than other gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him? 2 Chronicles 2:5-6 NRSV I’ve been reading in 2 Chronicles this week and saw something that I had previously missed in my reading (I know you are shocked!)…Solomon readily admits that no house can contain God. In fact, that is not Solomon’s goal and therefore he refers … Continue reading The Lord’s House or House of Offerings?

Best Practices and How To SeriesLeave a comment

The After Season

Todd Nelson

The period immediately after Christmas or Easter is often a low time for me emotionally and spiritually.  I know that is odd to say. Shouldn’t these major high and holy days take me to a new peak? In one way they do but only after a season of rest.  Just like your physical fitness level increases after we workout and then rest appropriately, so does our spiritual life.  For me, part of it is the natural let down that takes place after so much time and energy is expended. You can’t expect to maintain high intensity for too long.  The … Continue reading The After Season

Lent 2019Leave a comment

Holy Saturday Devotion – April 20, 2019

Todd Nelson

John 19:38–42 (NRSV) 38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now … Continue reading Holy Saturday Devotion – April 20, 2019

Lent 2019Leave a comment

Maundy Thursday Devotion – April 18, 2019

Todd Nelson

John 13:1–20 (NRSV) 13 Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, 4 got up from the table, took off his outer … Continue reading Maundy Thursday Devotion – April 18, 2019

Lent 20191 Comment

Holy Wednesday Devotion for April 17, 2019

Todd Nelson

John 13:21–32 (NRSV) 21 After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he was speaking. 23 One of his disciples—the one whom Jesus loved—was reclining next to him; 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. 25 So while reclining next to Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it … Continue reading Holy Wednesday Devotion for April 17, 2019

Lent 2019Leave a comment

Holy Monday Devotion – April 15, 2019

Todd Nelson

John 12:1–7 (NRSV) 12 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this perfume not sold … Continue reading Holy Monday Devotion – April 15, 2019