Romans 4:18-25 | Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. – Romans 4:18 (NLT)

After nearly five years of study and against the odds—limited finances, being a woman of color in a historically male-oriented, Western academy—I finished my doctorate, at the age of sixty! I was following in the footsteps of my grandfather, who also overcame obstacles to success. Despite having only an eighth-grade education, he believed he could start the first black-owned cab company in his city.

Abraham believed God when all the odds—his age, Sarah’s age, and long years of waiting on God—suggested it was impossible that he could become a father (Genesis 21:1–5). Moreover, Abraham became the father of generations who live by faith, those who hope against the odds (Romans 4:18). Abraham’s story serves as one of many examples of a simple truth that can encourage us all: God does the impossible.

Whether we’re recent graduates, in college, or working toward success in our career, there are odds stacked against us. Racial injustice, economic disruption, pandemics. When you’re saddled with school debt, entering a depressed job market with few entry-level opportunities, it would be natural to lose hope. Why hope against hope when there’s no evidence to support you? Abraham’s hope was not in his circumstances but in a living God who had spoken to him despite circumstances that seemed to defy that very word. A hope that defies the evidence and clings to God’s promises can achieve the impossible!—Melanie Johnson

What hope does Scripture offer you despite your circumstances? Which “impossibilities” could you realize by hoping against all the odds?

Help me to remember that You are the God of the impossible. I’m grateful that there are no obstacles too big for You to overcome.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App – Our Daily Bread.
Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics.
We would like to thank Our Daily Bread for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://odb.org/

Isaiah 40:28-31 | Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “Be silent before me, you islands! Let the nations renew their strength! Let them come forward and speak; let us meet together at the place of judgment.

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31

When I graduated from high school, I had so many hopes for my future. I was excited to start attending college far from home. A few weeks into my freshman year, I realized things weren’t going to be glamorous. I fought with my roommate, found it hard to make friends, and was distracted by the buzz of campus. My hopes and dreams seemed to be slipping through my hands. Depressed, I thought about not returning for the second semester. I was grateful to find a Bible study group that allowed me to focus on what is most important and regain strength.

In Isaiah 40, we see words of comfort for times of strife. “Even youths grow tired and weary . . . wait on the Lord” (vv. 28–31). God promised to care for Israel as the people turned to Him. God never tires in His ability to act on behalf of all who believe in Him. We’re tasked with balancing our social life, studies, work, and time for self-care. That’s not easy. It’s important to recognize that God offers strength to the vulnerable.

When I felt weary, I was reminded of God’s hope for me and allowed that to lead me. It led me to “soar.” Three years and a few months later, I received my degree. Even now, I can get weary, but I put my hope and trust in the Lord—and feel renewed.—Aja N. Bell

All walks of life have their own struggles and strife. Have you put yourself in other’s shoes to recognize that and remind others of God’s hope for them?

Dear Lord, I am tired. I am weak. But I know that You will give me the strength to not just survive, but to prosper. I am putting all of my hope in You.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App – Our Daily Bread.
Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics.
We would like to thank Our Daily Bread for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://odb.org/

Matthew 23:23-27 | “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! – Matthew 23:23

I’ve always looked up to my sister for being active in church, for reading her Bible, praying, and serving others. While talking with Elise about her first year in college, she revealed an experience that moved her to further self-examination. Elise told me about an incident with a girl Elise had looked up to as a role model—a believer in Jesus. Until the girl became part of an unruly mob of partygoers. Then Elise resented her, but God caused my sister to check her own heart.

Scripture reveals that there was a sect of Jewish clergy, the Pharisees, who loved to judge others rather than examine themselves. Throughout His ministry, Jesus came into conflict with them. While they judged Jesus a blasphemer, the Lord labeled them hypocrites. He noted the Pharisees’ superficial obsession with Jewish law during His final visit to the temple at Jerusalem. Jesus made an insightful statement regarding their view: “You give a tenth of your spices . . . . But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).

Going to church, taking communion, prayer—all of these are good. However, if done solely to signify one’s moral superiority, then they are pointless. Our goal isn’t simply piety and following religious rules for their sake, but to become better examples of Christ’s love and bring this hope on Earth as we share it with others. —Anthony Jones

Are there any faith disciplines you elevate above godly love for others?

God, help us seek the most excellent way of loving You and our neighbor, without discrimination.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App – Our Daily Bread.
Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics.
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Lamentations 3:19-24| I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope – Lamentations 3:21

As a child, I remember older leaders praying each Sunday as worship began. Their prayers addressed “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” It would be years before I knew they were praying to the One who could be trusted because of His record of faithfulness. This phrase, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” testified of the Promise Keeper, faithful to those biblical patriarchs. And He was faithful to their wives, including Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel, and to everyone in their tribes. Faithful to the older leaders and the church communities.

Scripture shows God repeatedly calling the Israelites to remember. He who was faithful to Abraham is the same God who saw a mistreated Hagar as she wept in the desert (Genesis 16:7; 21:16). And who heard the Israelites as they cried out in bondage (Exodus 3:7). This is the same heavenly Father who sees and hears us. He invites us to remember, calling to mind His character, because our hope is restored through remembering.

Hope is our confident expectation that God will be faithful just as He always has been. Remembering builds our inner strength as we trust in His faithfulness to us before, after, and when He hears our cries. Whether in the midst of a personal or global crisis, even when life doesn’t make sense, if we can pause and remember the truth about God, we can have hope.—Joe Ella Darby

How has God been faithful to you? How does remembering God’s faithfulness restore your hope that God is still able and willing to work on our behalf? 

God, allow me to remember all the times when You have been faithful. As I remember, restore my hope and strengthen me.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App – Our Daily Bread.
Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics.
We would like to thank Our Daily Bread for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://odb.org/

Daniel 3:17-18 | If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. – Daniel 3:17

I’m finally 21. When I was younger, I craved being at this point in my life. Every kid wants to grow older and be free from the oversight of parents and other adults, but now that I’m here, I feel unprepared. I watch the news, text my friends, and contend with the fact that I feel alone in a world that seems to be crumbling around me; and it fills me with dread.

The heroes among the conquered Israelites could relate. While attempting to assimilate them into Babylonian culture, King Nebuchadnezzar built a massive idol and commanded all his subjects to worship it or face execution (Daniel 3). Young Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. When Nebuchadnezzar confronted them, they responded by saying, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. . . . But even if he doesn’t . . . we will never . . . worship the gold statue you have set up” (vv. 17–18). God protected these three from the furnace, which caused Nebuchadnezzar to accept the power of God. Despite facing death, the trio trusted God, and He used them to protect His people.

In my life, there are plenty of fiery “furnaces”—instances that make me want to say “You know what, God, forget it.” But I refuse to reject God’s path because I know that there’s purpose in this pain. Knowing that, I can walk fearlessly into the future, certain that God is watching over me. —Anthony Jones

What areas in your life do you struggle with handing over to the Lord? How could giving God control over those areas potentially improve them?

Dear God, I ask that You keep me on the path You’ve drawn for my life. Give me the strength to walk it without doubt or fear.

Devotional from YouVersion Bible App – Our Daily Bread.
Contact Pastor Rod Lindemann at RodL@TimothyLutheran.com on how to use the Bible App for additional readings and topics.
We would like to thank Our Daily Bread for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://odb.org/