Elmbrook devotionals

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36-37 The family members of those slain in June of 2015 in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South […]

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” Luke 15:18-19 One of Rembrandt’s paintings is called The Return of the Prodigal Son. The group of characters in his painting included the prodigal son, the father, and

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 “Just Do It” is the slogan of Nike, which encourages action and effort.

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24 Author Eugene Peterson once wrote that when it comes

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Having one child makes you a parent; having two makes you a referee. — David Frost Can you imagine how often God would need to blow his whistle or throw a flag if he were attempting to referee all the squabbles

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7 According to known population trends, chances are very high that you live in or near a major city. The massive urbanization of

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (ESV) “Sit up straight!” Many a parent has issued this order at the meal table. Indeed, studies have shown that one’s posture directly affects a person’s health. However, posture is not only about body position, but also the particular

There was a famine in David’s time. It went on year after year after year— three years. David went to God seeking the reason. 2 Samuel 21:1 (The Message) In his book, Roots, Alex Haley revealed his own African-American family history and genealogy. In our Scripture focus today, King David also discovered the power of roots.

Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45:14-15 There are numerous examples of brothers fighting on opposite sides during the American Civil War. In some battles they even actively

Jacob looked up and there was Esau, coming with his four hundred men… he put the female servants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. But Esau

This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah’s sons, who themselves had sons after the flood. Genesis 10:1 Do you remember the Christian children’s song “Jesus Loves the Little Children”? He loves all the people of the world, red, yellow, black, white, and brown. They are all precious in His sight. But one

[Today’s extra: What does the Bible say about violence?] Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is

“Cursed is the ground because of you…By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:17-19 In 1915 a young Milwaukee couple built a beautiful house on a new boulevard