Daily Devotion for Thursday 7/2/26

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Jesus chides people who find fault with both his ministry and that of John the Baptist. He thanks God that wisdom and intelligence are not needed to receive what God has to offer.

Devotion

We can only imagine the sorrow in Jesus’ heart as he acknowledged that people just cannot be pleased. When John the Baptist showed up, living simply and calling people to repentance, they said he had a demon. Then, Jesus came eating and drinking with regular people, and they called him a glutton and a drunkard. It’s like they were looking for any excuse to reject the good news instead of receiving it. The same can be true today, especially when we get caught up in our own expectations and we miss the invitation Jesus offers in the middle of the chaos. Instead of letting worry, regret, or trying to control everything drag us down, Jesus wants us to stop fighting against the very peace he’s trying to give. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting he will be there for us even when life feels messy.

Prayer

Loving Lord, we praise your relentless patience and steadfast love. Thank you for forgiving us when we allow the noise in our world to make it difficult to hear your voice calling us to surrender all to you and trusting you will give us peace. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, '20 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Wednesday 7/1/26

Second Reading: Romans 7:15-25a

Life captive to sin is a catch-22 existence in which we know good but do not do it and do things we know to be wrong. Through Jesus Christ, God has set us free from such a futile existence.

Devotion

Paul’s brutal honesty affirms the struggle with sin is real, admitting the helplessness of relying on ourselves to do what is good. He confesses that he doesn’t understand why he does not do what he wants to do, but keeps doing what he hates.His confession resonates with all of us who feel that daily tug-of-war where good intentions clash with the pull of old habits and sin. We all have baggage we carry—guilt over past mistakes, frustration with our weaknesses, or just the exhaustion of trying to be better on our own.  Paul shows us it’s okay to admit the fight is real because we’re not meant to white-knuckle our way through it. Instead, we can entrust those burdens to the Lord who will rescue us from the vicious cycle. When we surrender, we stop pretending we can fix ourselves and let Jesus show us the way.

Prayer

Gracious Father, we give thanks for your Son, our Lord, who rescued us from sin and death. Grateful for the gift of grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we surrender our lives to you knowing that you love us deeply and will give us your peace. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, '20 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Tuesday 6/30/26

Psalm: Psalm 145:8-14

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 

Devotion

What a blessing to know that the Lord—gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love—reaches out to all who are struggling and lifts those who are downtrodden. When cares weigh heavily and strength fails, the same Lord who sustains creation invites us to surrender our burdens. He doesn’t stand there with arms crossed waiting for us to figure it out; he’s already reaching down to lift us from despair. The Lord, who is near to all who call on him in truth, hears our cries and saves us. Surrendering doesn’t mean we’re weak or failing; it means we’re finally humbling ourselves to trust Jesus, who is merciful and abounding in steadfast love, to help shoulder what we were never meant to carry alone. So, we don’t have to pretend everything is fine, because he sees the weight we’re carrying and offers his peace in exchange.

Prayer

Compassionate Lord, we thank you for your faithfulness and abundant mercy. In humble surrender, we entrust all that overwhelms us—fear, grief, worry, and doubt—into your loving care, trusting Jesus will uphold us when we fall and lift us up when we are in despair. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, '20 M.Div.,Luther Seminary

Daily Devotion for Monday 6/29/26

First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-12

The coming messianic king will inaugurate an era of disarmament and prosperity. Because of God’s covenant with Israel, the people are designated as “prisoners of hope.”

Devotion

The readings and our reflections for this week will invite our focus on the theme of promise: Surrender your burdens to the Lord who will give you rest. Many of us are “prisoners of hope” amid the hatred, violence, and division in the world nowadays. Zechariah’s prophecy—fulfilled in Jesus who entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, and whose blood sets us free to be people of God—bids us return to the Lord. Such grace invites us to surrender every burden to the Lord who speaks peace to the nations and restores troubled hearts. Although we may lug around worry, guilt, and anxiety about things beyond our control, Jesus invites us to surrender it all to his mercy. He doesn't demand that we earn our way or bear the load alone, but to trust in him, releasing the weight we were never meant to carry. When we humble ourselves and let go, Jesus restores our hope with everlasting joy.

Prayer

Merciful Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, our Lord and Messiah who entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Embolden us to accept your invitation to cast our burdens and fears upon Jesus who will help carry them, restore our hope, and give us rest. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Judy Bullock, BCC, '20 M.Div.,Luther Seminar