Recent content by RiverOL

Scripture Reading — Matthew 21:12-17 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. Matthew 21:12 Jesus entered Jerusalem and was cheered as a king—but not for long. In the next scene, Jesus went to the temple courts in Jerusalem. And as he looked around...

Scripture Reading — Matthew 21:1-11 This took place to fulfill what was spoken . . . “‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a . . . colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:4-5 God reveals his faithfulness over time. We might not see it right away, for the Lord’s ways are not our...

Scripture Reading — Psalm 145:1-21 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4 In this month’s devotions we have been looking back on what the Lord—the faithful God—has done. We are also approaching Holy Week, when we remember the finished work of...

Scripture Reading — Psalm 105:1-45 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. . . . He is the LORD our God. . . . Psalm 105:5-7 We are people who forget. We need reminders, and we need to know that remembering can help us face the future. Psalm 105...

Scripture Reading — Numbers 21:4-9 Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. Numbers 21:9 Israel had a lot to learn about being the people of the holy and faithful God. In our story today the people...

Scripture Reading — Psalm 22:1-31 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from . . . my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1 Let’s be honest. Life can be hard. There are times when the only sounds we can make are silent cries and laments. And we may wonder, “Where is the faithful...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 32:1-14 The LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. Exodus 32:14 While Moses met with God and received the law for the people, he was away for a long time—40 days and nights (Exodus 24:18). The people of Israel grew tired of...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:1-21 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Exodus 20:2 When we think about the faithfulness of God, the Ten Commandments are probably not among the first things that come to mind. After all, one of the main uses of...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 12:31-42 The LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt. . . . Exodus 12:42 It was not easy to convince the Pharaoh of Egypt to release the people of God from slavery. Finally, after a series of ten plagues that brought suffering, destruction, and even...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 3:1-15 "Now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." Exodus 3:10 While tending sheep in the wilderness, Moses saw a burning bush that did not burn up. As he went closer to try to see what was happening, a voice called out from...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 2:11-25 God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham. . . . Exodus 2:24 Life in the palace was a privilege. Moses had a privileged position, and he could go out to see whatever he wanted to. Then he could return to enjoy the comforts of palace...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 2:1-10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. Exodus 2:10 A time of persecution for God’s people in Egypt led to a unique plan. God would raise up a leader for his people and eventually deliver them from slavery. A baby...

Scripture Reading — Exodus 1:1-22 Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. Exodus 1:21 In our story today, at the beginning of the book of Exodus, we learn that many years have passed since Jacob and his family went to live in Egypt. Joseph, who had ruled at the...

Scripture Reading — Genesis 50:15-21 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 Joseph brought his father and all his brothers and their families to live in Egypt so that they would have plenty during...

Scripture Reading — Genesis 45:1-20 “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” Genesis 45:7 Joseph had tested his brothers and had learned that they wanted to protect Benjamin, his younger brother, and to spare their father...