Daily Devotion for Thursday 7/16 /26

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Jesus tells a parable about the coexistence of good and evil in this world. God’s judgment will remove all evildoers and causes of sin, but not until the end of human history.

Devotion

Every day we are reminded in so many different ways that the world is not the way God wants it to be. Jesus understood that very well, so he gave us this parable to remind us that although there are evil forces at work in our world which we would try to overcome on our own, we need to be wise and patient. The enemies of the gospel are real and can never be ignored. It is important for us to continue to work to change the world because God has not abandoned us to their power. God remains faithful, but in the end, it doesn’t depend completely on what we do to overcome evil. God is the sower and the seed God has sown is good. God will show us the way, and if we rely on God’s guidance and strength, we will see God’s victory in our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the sower of the good seed and the Lord of the harvest. When we are troubled by the evil around us and the sin within us, keep us from despair. Grant us repentance, faith, and patience. Preserve us by your grace and fix our hope on the day when you will gather your people into your eternal kingdom; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill '73 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Wednesday 7/15/26

Second Reading: Romans 8:12-25

For Paul, true spirituality means that we experience the reality of the Spirit, which enables us to pray as God’s children, keeps us in solidarity with creation, and gives us unseen hope that God will liberate us and creation from bondage to death and decay.

Devotion

“When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if in fact we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.” God the Holy Spirit does more than comfort us; through our baptism into Christ, God adopts us and makes us God’s own children. Although we will continue to experience suffering and still bear crosses, endure grief, and face hardship in a broken world, our suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned us. Our present troubles will not have the final word. The glory God has prepared for his children is far greater than all we now endure. Therefore, we do not lose heart. The Spirit keeps pointing us to Christ, where our true comfort, hope, and inheritance remain secure.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for making us your children through Christ. When suffering comes, keep us from despair and fix our eyes on the glory you have promised. By your Holy Spirit strengthen our faith and teach us to trust that our inheritance is secure in Jesus. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill '73 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Tuesday 7/14/26

Psalm: Psalm 86:11-17

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.

Devotion

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to fear your name.” The psalmist understood that knowing the truth does not come from within us; it is God’s gift. This believer knew that truth was not a collection of abstract ideas discovered by pondering the mysteries of the universe. We come to know the truth about life by following the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—our Lord Jesus Christ. As God’s faithful servants, we are strengthened by God’s Spirit, who gives us undivided hearts so that we may experience God’s mercy and grace each day. As we depend on God to direct our steps through life and walk in God’s truth, we discover each day that God is indeed merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, and we respond by giving thanks to God with our whole hearts.

Prayer

O Lord, thank you for showing us in Christ the ultimate sign of your love and favor. Keep us steadfast in your word alone. Walk with us each day and teach us how to honor you and glorify your holy name. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill '73 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Monday 7/13/26

First Reading: Isaiah 44:6-8

There are no other gods besides God: the word of the Lord does not fail to come to pass. We can trust in God, through whom Israel—and we—are redeemed.

Devotion

“I am the first, and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” These words offend many, for we live in a relativistic world where truth is not a priority. But when we talk about God, truth matters. God wants to be known. We don’t decide who God is. That’s why God spoke through the prophets of old and took on flesh and blood to dwell among us in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. There’s no comfort for us if we get to choose who God is, but there’s enormous comfort for all who look to Jesus and confess, “Jesus is Lord.” When our hearts are restless, God gathers us again around God’s voice and we find peace, because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life of every living being. Today, be still before God and let God’s unchanging Word quiet your heart.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, give us the courage to confess your name in a world where truth is often up for grabs. Thank you for showing us that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all people. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Richard O. Hill '73 M.Div.,Luther Seminary