Today Daily Devotional

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. — Proverbs 23:22 Some years ago, as our nearly adult daughter was on the verge of “leaving the nest,” I mentioned something about the fifth commandment's call for children to obey their parents. She looked me in the eye and asked, “Does the Bible really teach that adult children need to obey their parents?”That was a great question, and I've often thought about it since then. On the one hand, she was right: as children grow into adults, the dynamics of obedience to their parents will change. Yet the instruction for children to honor and respect their parents, regardless of their age, remains at the core of the commandment.In this section of Proverbs we find the helpful advice to “listen to your father”—and this points to the fact that through experience gained from years of life's ups and downs, our parents may well have significant wisdom to offer us. We also find here a wise reminder not to dismiss or neglect our aging parents. In fact, for many of us today, caring for aging parents can be one of the most challenging seasons of our lives. Yet as God placed our early care into the hands of our parents, he also places the care of our elderly parents into our hands.May we strive to do our best to love and honor our parents throughout our entire lives, as God calls us to do.  Father, thank you for the gift of parents. Help us to obey them when we are young, and to honor and respect them throughout our lives. Amen.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. — Ephesians 6:1 Have you ever noticed that most of the Ten Commandments forbid certain behaviors while only some call for positive action? The fourth commandment, for example, is positive, calling us to keep the Sabbath. And the fifth calls for honoring our parents. What's more, only the fifth commandment includes a promise.The people of Israel took this commandment very seriously. Children could be stoned to death for being stubborn and rebellious to their parents (Deuteronomy 21:21).In the New Testament, the apostle Paul takes this commandment seriously as well, but he frames it positively in the context of life in Christ. While discussing family relationships and how to submit to each other in love, Paul instructs children to obey their parents. He doesn't call for merely obeying parents' directions, though; he calls for the deeper duty of honoring and respecting parents as well. When we honor and obey our parents, we honor and obey God and celebrate his gift of this fundamental human relationship in our lives.Paul notes that parents too have a basic responsibility to their children. Parenting children is an awesome responsibility that includes nurturing love, wisdom, and patience. When children and parents submit to each other in love in the life God has given them, we can expect to see flourishing, peace, and wisdom.  Father in heaven, thank you for the blessings of family life. Help us as parents and children to mirror your love and care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 Often Sunday nights are my least favorite time of the week. Though I enjoy my work, Monday morning means rising early to face a demanding new workweek. At times, however, those feelings of reluctance about the coming week remind me of the promise of the eternal Sabbath.In the context of our Bible reading for today, Jesus rebukes the Jewish religious leaders for taking a legalistic approach to daily living. They were critical of the way Jesus and his followers observed the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14), and those leaders thought they had all the answers about following the law and getting right with God.But it's impossible for any of us to get right with God by trying to follow the law perfectly, and Jesus knew that. So he invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him, because he alone will give us true rest.Couched in Jesus' invitation is his declaration that he is the only Savior. Only he has the power to give his followers rest from sin and from fruitless striving to please God. In short, Jesus himself is our true Sabbath. He promises us peace with God—true, lasting peace —and this is available for us now, wherever we are.Though it may seem as if we are forever facing challenges, we can count on Jesus to be our forever Sabbath. We can look forward to resting in God's presence with all of his children eternally. Freed from pain, sorrow, and fear of death, we can worship God and enjoy him forever in Christ.  Lord Jesus, Savior of all who come to you, help us to find our rest in you, now and always. Amen.

Early on the first day of the week… — John 20:1 While I was growing up, there were certain things our family did not do on Sundays. We did not eat at restaurants, go shopping, or work in the yard, among other things. Occasionally we would go swimming on a Sunday, but only after sunset. Over the years, that definition of “keeping the Lord's Day” has changed for many of our friends and family.The understanding of keeping the fourth commandment has changed since the people of Israel received it as well. The Israelites strictly and carefully (and often legalistically) observed their Sabbath on the seventh day of the week (Saturday). But after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, the early Christians began to celebrate their Sabbath on the first day of the week (Sunday), calling it “the Lord's Day” in celebration of Jesus' rising from the grave.While observance of this day has varied in different times and places, a core element stands at the center of remembering and celebrating Jesus' victory over sin and death: worship.Though we can and should worship God in everything we do, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of meeting weekly as Christ's body to worship together— praising God, hearing his Word, sharing the sacraments, and fellowshiping with each other. Till Jesus returns, worship will remain at the heart of keeping the Lord's Day.  Lord Jesus, your resurrection frees us from sin and death and unites us as one body throughout the earth to worship and praise you when we gather together. Amen.

God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. — Genesis 2:3 On Friday night, after a long, busy workweek, it's not unusual for me to fall into bed with a sense of relief. I am so ready for a rest!After creating the heavens and the earth, God gave us the example of taking a rest, and he blessed the seventh day of the week as holy. Does that mean God was exhausted like we can be at the end of a week of work? No, God has infinite power and energy; he doesn't need rest as we do. God paused because he was finished creating. We are limited and finite in our power and energy, however, so we all need to rest from our work. To help us, God built into the rhythm of our world the gift of a day of physical and spiritual rest.Does God's gift of a day of rest mean that we can use this rest for whatever purpose we like? No, at the very heart of taking a day of rest is the deliberate pause to confess that God is our Creator, sustainer, and provider. The fourth commandment reminds us that we depend on God to provide rest for us. However, if we use that day of rest merely for our own delight, we act as if the day belongs to us because we have earned it. When we honor God's gift of rest as the commandment directs us to, we acknowledge that only in God do we find the rest we truly need. Thank you, God, for the wonderful world you have made. Thank you also for the gift of weekly rest in our busy lives. Help us to trust in you as we honor your gift of rest. Amen.

Abraham said, “I swear it.” — Genesis 21:24 An oath is a solemn promise or declaration of the truth. In Jesus' day, it was common for people to offer oaths to add weight to their promises or statements. For example, people would claim to solemnly swear by “heaven,” “earth,” or “Jerusalem.” But depending on how their oaths were worded, they might or might not be binding. For instance, swearing by Jerusalem wasn't necessarily binding, but swearing toward Jerusalem was binding. Jesus strongly denounced this deceptive approach, saying, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes' or ‘No'” (Matthew 5:37).Does this mean that if you take an oath, calling on God's name, you would violate the commandment against misusing God's name? The simple answer is both “yes” and “no.” If you rashly say something like “I swear to God” or “As God is my witness” to a promise or a statement just for the sake of emphasis, that may indeed be a misuse of God's name—especially if what you are stating is questionable or not even sincere. It's different, though, with oaths taken in a court of law or in some other weighty situation. In cases like that, an oath can “promote truth and trustworthiness for God's glory and for our neighbor's good” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 101).In general, we need to take care that we honor God in all that we say, and we especially do so when we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  Help us, Lord, to honor you by speaking the truth. And please forgive us when we fall short. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” — Exodus 3:14 In the third commandment, God teaches his people to revere his holy name, warning that they may not treat his name lightly. Over time, the Israelites took this command so seriously that they refrained from even saying God's name aloud.As a result, whenever we read the name “LORD” in our English Bibles today, we are reading what the people of Israel said—Adonai, meaning “Lord” —in place of the name that God revealed to Moses: Yahweh, or “I AM WHO I AM.” The word “Lord” (Adonai) fittingly indicates “power,” “authority,” “influence,” and other important attributes of reverence for God's name, showing respect for God's ultimate place and authority over the whole universe.Today, many Christians boldly say aloud God's name “Jehovah” (a rendition of Yahweh) because the opposite of taking God's name lightly is to take it too seriously, as ancient Israel did. We need to acknowledge and confess God's greatness and almighty power by properly expressing and honoring his name. Even better, we may respectfully and devotedly call God “Father,” as Jesus taught by his own example. Calling God “Father” not only acknowledges the Lord's power and authority but also reveals God's tender, loving care for us. We are God's children, reconciled to him and adopted through the work of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Father, thank you for making us your children through Jesus, your Son. Help us to live each day in devotion to you and with love for others. Amen.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. . . .” — Matthew 6:9 Many years ago I climbed a mountain in Colorado to watch the sun rise. As the sun peeked over the eastern horizon, someone in a nearby group of hikers used a vulgar, profane reference to God to describe the breathtaking beauty of that dawning morning. All of these years later, I still shudder when I recall that exclamation of blasphemy.We should never misuse God's name. But what about times when we might use popular expressions that connect with God's name? Some argue that, like Christmas trees and Easter eggs, those words have lost all connection to their original religious meaning. The point of the third commandment, however, is to treat God's name as holy—at all times, in all places, and in all situations.With some humility and self-discipline, we might think it can be fairly easy to keep this commandment. But truly honoring God's name means more than not saying something inappropriate.We truly honor God's name by trusting in his promises and taking his Word seriously, and by representing God and his love faithfully in the ways we interact with others, wherever we are. If we don't honor God with faithfulness every day in all we do, our attempts to keep the third commandment may be more like holding on to a superstition.When we seek to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we will honor his name as well.  “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” May we keep your name holy by living faithfully for you, in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” — John 4:24 Years ago, while visiting in Kolkata, India, I passed through a narrow alley tightly packed with small workshops. These shops were a beehive of skilled artisans noisily hammering metals, carving wood, and pouring plaster casts to make idols. And after they were colorfully decorated, the figures were worshiped by millions of Hindus in the city.In the first commandment, God calls his people to worship him alone. In the next commandment, God forbids the making and worshiping of idols or of any representations of himself for worship. God abhors idols, and he warns that people who keep worshiping them will be punished. Seeing idols should fill us with sorrow and compassion for the people who worship them, and this should prompt us to share with them about the one true God and Savior of us all.Now, if we don't worship idols crafted by artisans, does that mean we can lightly skip over the second commandment? No—this commandment also deals with how we worship the one true God.And how do we rightly worship God? Jesus explained that we “must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This means we are called to worship God by acknowledging him as the Creator of heaven and earth and by following his Son, Jesus. We worship God by gathering to hear and obey his Word. We worship God by loving and serving people who are made in his image—that is, everyone.  Father, may all who worship idols turn to you in their spiritual longing. Teach us all to worship you “in the Spirit and in truth.” Amen.

“All the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.” — 1 Chronicles 16:26 Some years ago in Cairo, Egypt, I saw an image of Ra, the Egyptian sun god. Ra is portrayed as a colorful, striking figure with a falcon's head and a sun disk perched above him. Ra was worshiped as the most important and powerful of the gods of ancient Egypt. But he wasn't the only one; the Egyptians worshiped over 2,000 gods and goddesses.Gathered at Mount Sinai after more than 400 years of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were familiar with Ra and other Egyptian gods. So it's no surprise that in the first of the commandments God gave them, he said, “You shall have no other gods before me.”The God who had brought Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 12- 14), who provided for their every need and made promises to them, also called his people to give him their sole allegiance. As the one true God, the Lord who made the heavens and the earth called Israel to worship him as their only God. He commanded them to worship him alone, trust only in him, look to him for every good thing, and humbly and patiently love him, fear him, and honor him with all of their heart, soul, and mind.I saw Ra, the old sun god of Egypt, in a museum display of dusty, ancient history. Ra was just a figment of the Egyptians' imagination. But the one true God, who is still with us today, is as living and active as ever, and he commands us to love and serve only him, with our whole being, as Jesus did.  Father God, you made us to worship you alone. Keep our hearts focused on you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. — Romans 7:12 When I was a boy, the Ten Commandments were read almost every Sunday at church. The reading seemed long and dour. As I grew older, though, I learned that reading the law in worship is a fitting response of gratitude to God and a guide for spiritual growth.The Ten Commandments have more than one purpose. God's law convicts us of our sin, and it points us to the grace and forgiveness we experience in trusting God's Son, Jesus Christ, as our one and only Savior. When we trust in Jesus and we are no longer under the curse of sin, what happens to the law? In short, the Ten Commandments, which reveal God's perfect will, become a guide, a standard for followers of Jesus.Do you want to know how God wants you to live your daily life in relation to him and with others? Look to the Ten Commandments, which reveal God's holy, righteous, and good will for our everyday lives.We cannot keep God's law perfectly in this life. Though we are forgiven in Christ, we still fail—again and again.But, trusting in God's grace, we can ask forgiveness for our daily sins, and we can pray that by the Holy Spirit's power we will continue to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ, who kept all of God's commands perfectly.  Father God, thank you for your good and perfect will. Help us to strive every day to love and serve you and others. Amen.

Through the law we become conscious of our sin. — Romans 3:20 When I am sitting in an airplane and waiting for us to taxi out to a runway, I can't always tell when the plane starts to move. But if I look outside and focus on a still object, I can see whether the plane is moving.In some ways the Ten Commandments are like that, acting as a landmark to show us how we are living in God's world.Unfortunately the commandments do not reveal movement in a positive direction. They show us how easily we can stray away from God toward destruction. Though God has given us these instructions for living and prospering in his world, we fall short in loving and obeying him. Indeed, as Romans 3 says in our passage for today, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Since none of us can live up to God's holy standards, we are all sinners who have broken God's law. We deserve God's just punishment for our sins.We can't earn our salvation, and we can't fix our rebellious relationship with God. That's the bad news. But the good news is this: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Only faith in Jesus Christ, who obeyed God's law perfectly and gave his life as a sacrifice for us, can wash away our sins and make us right with God.The Ten Commandments show us clearly that we are sinners. At the same time, they point us to the only way we can find salvation: through Jesus. Father God, your commandments show that we have sinned and cannot save ourselves. Move us to faith in your Son, Jesus, the only one who can ever save us. Amen.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” — Matthew 5:17 A stop sign on a nearby streetcorner is visible from our front yard. I often notice how people observe this traffic regulation. Some drivers come to a full stop before crossing the intersection. Many others merely slow down before rolling on through it. Some drivers don't slow down at all.If we're honest, most of us will admit that we don't always agree with or even obey some laws. Some laws make perfect sense to us, and we readily obey them. But we might ignore other laws, like when we drive up to a stop sign that can seem unnecessary or inconvenient.But what about God's laws? The Old Testament is filled with laws, rules, and regulations. Lots of dietary and ceremonial rules that applied to God's people before Jesus came are obsolete today. Jesus fulfilled those when he died to pay for our sin once for all (Hebrews 9-10) and then rose from the grave to give us new life. But the Ten Commandments are not optional. Jesus summarized those when he taught about loving God and loving our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40). The Ten Commandments tell us how we are to live in response to God and with the people around us.This month, as we reflect on the Ten Commandments, we will see how relevant they are for our everyday lives.  Father God, only in loving and obeying you, as we have learned through Jesus, can we find peace, joy, and new life. Help us to live for you and to share your love and good news with neighbors everywhere. Amen.

Now may the God of peace, who . . . brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus . . . work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ. . . . — Hebrews 13:20-21 It has been a blessing to be a beekeeper. My hope is that— in the process—plants, creatures, and other parts of God's creation have benefited. In any healthy relationship, blessings flow both ways. Being a beekeeper, I know that I have received more than I have given. I have learned about and been inspired by the bees' life in community, recognizing and honoring all members, working and serving together, communicating well, and much more. In addition, I've been able to enjoy and share the sweet honey made by bees, and to give thanks for the health benefits it brings.The blessing from Hebrews 13:20-21 reflects well the flow of God's blessings to us and through us. “Peace” refers to the biblical teaching of shalom— physical and spiritual well-being in a flourishing, nurturing environment with God and his people. Shattered by our waywardness, we desperately need to be shepherded into shalom. Our great shepherd's rescue, nurture, protection, and guidance are all necessary for our restored thriving and well-being.While honeybees may do reasonably well without a beekeeper, human beings do not do well without a shepherd. People wreck and ruin God's creation and one another. Only Jesus fills the role of “great shepherd,” coming to rescue us and to “work in us what is pleasing to him.” What a beautiful blessing! Are you experiencing and sharing it? Lord of shalom, equip us and work in us through Jesus to bring blessing into your world and bring glory to you. Amen.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” — Luke 24:5-6 When winter has passed and I check on our bees in the early spring, I think of the question the angels asked the women at Jesus' tomb: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Many beehives become “dead-outs” after a long winter. The best hope for a beekeeper is that the hive will be able to be revived by the surviving queen and worker bees.The lives of people, animals, insects, plants, and all creation are cyclical. The cycle—birth, life, and death--can be both delightful and vicious, and both bright and dreary. Then the next generation takes its turn. The revival of a honeybee hive can be hopeful, and yet there's an end in sight. Many people settle for that, but we may also ask, “Is that all there is?”The men and women who had followed Jesus went to his tomb expecting to find the dead among the dead. So it was shocking to be confronted with the surprise that Jesus had risen from the dead! As Jesus' followers have come to know, he is alive today, tomorrow, and forever.Jesus' followers celebrate an everlasting spring. After his resurrection, Bible passages call him “the firstfruits” of those who have died. As his followers, we share in his victory over death. We follow Jesus from death into life, certain that in him we have resurrection life. We can trust the risen and living Savior forever! Creator God, thank you for giving us “new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Live in and through us, we pray, by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

You have made [human beings] a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. — Psalm 8:5 Thankfully, many organizations are tracking the health of honeybees today. Since the alarming announcement of CCD (see July 28), some corrective actions have been taken by beekeepers and governments. As a result, honeybee populations have mainly stabilized. However, a hidden disaster for pollinators is looming ever larger. Wild bee populations are dying off too. These other bees pollinate 80 percent of flowering plants and trees worldwide. The catastrophic cost of losing bees would be inestimable for farming, economies, wildlife, and the environment.Human greed and carelessness play an outsize role in the use of pesticides and the ongoing habitat loss that threaten bees. As a result, “Save the bees!” movements have sprouted up around the globe. These campaigns are similar to calls to “Save the planet” and other efforts in past years.In light of Psalm 8, humanity's threat to bees and to our own environment is ironic. Human beings, made in God's image, have the honor to care wisely for God's creation and his creatures. But when we mismanage God's good creation, we harm ourselves and all creation as well.The good news is that the perfect human has come in Jesus Christ to restore us to our role of truly caring for God's creation. Let's learn and do what we can to care for the world we live in. Lord, the earth and everything in it is yours. Empower us to restore your creation for your purposes and glory. Amen.

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” — Matthew 24:6 About 20 years ago, a massive threat to honeybees everywhere on our planet was fearfully announced. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was named and blamed for about 10 percent of hives' dying off in 2006-2007. “Would this be the beginning of the end for honeybees?” we wondered. The effects of CCD on crops were also forecast to be catastrophic for humans and for other life on the planet. While the threat of CCD has decreased a bit recently, the menace and mystery remain.Back in the days of Jesus' teaching ministry, his followers worried about “the end of the age.” And Jesus' response to their concerns about end-time catastrophes and his coming again is somewhat puzzling and mysterious. Wars, disasters, persecutions, and false teachers/messiahs are ongoing terrors that he calls “the beginning of birth pains.” Since those days and long before them, disasters and disorders have come and gone. CCD and the COVID-19 pandemic are just a couple of new arrivals in our era today.Jesus said, “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” So we need to listen to his words: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” And we need to remain faithful in following him—showing mercy and bringing the good news of God's coming kingdom.  Jesus, thank you for rescuing us from the devil's deceptions and our wayward anxieties. Make us watchful and confident in proclaiming that you have the whole world in your hands. Amen.

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the . . . powers of this dark world and . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. — Ephesians 6:12 When we moved to our latest home near a cherry orchard, I imagined that the beautiful cherry blossoms would be a great source of pollen and nectar for our bees. So I was horrified one day to see a tractor rolling through the orchard and spraying insecticide on the cherry trees. I knew the unseen poison would likely harm the bees. The orchard owner offered to spray in the evening when the bees would be in their hives. Yet I knew the bees would be hurt.Honeybees struggle with a host of seen and unseen enemies, including insecticides, from which they need to be defended. First and following generations of bees may be harmed beyond repair, bringing about the demise and death of many bees and even entire hives.Toward the end of his letter to Christ-followers in Ephesus, Paul reminds his listeners that our main struggle is against invisible forces and powerful enemies directed by the devil. Legions of threatening forces can be seen all around and within, yet we must also be aware of the invisible and unseen foes. Throughout life we need to “be strong in the Lord.” And we must make use of every weapon God provides to defend and sustain us “in his mighty power.” May we serve God faithfully against the devil and his schemes.  Lord, empower us to use all the weapons you provide for our defense against spiritual enemies. Together with all Christfollowers, may we stand firm as we depend on you, in Jesus. Amen.

I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me. — Psalm 13:5 A question many people ask about honeybees is “How do they survive the cold months of winter?” The answer is that worker bees form a tight cluster around the queen, with their heads pointed toward her in the center. Then they vibrate (shiver) their muscles to generate heat for the queen and themselves. They also shift positions constantly from the warm, inner core to the outer layers of the cluster so that the bees on the outside don't get too cold. And their stored food gives them the energy to keep going.The main question of Psalm 13 is “How long, LORD?” This question expresses deep dismay over having to endure the attacks and successes of an enemy. The psalmist seems to have wrestled with this enemy's threats and advances for a long, dark time without relief.Sometimes our struggles and setbacks in life can make us feel that way too. I have also engaged in this kind of wondering if I am lost in troubles of my own making and/or in struggles with the relentless wickedness in our world. A common question is “How are we going to get through this?”A helpful response is in the psalmist's closing lines. The writer recalls the Lord's unfailing love and goodness and looks ahead with hope, expressing joy in the Lord's salvation. May we recognize that the Lord faithfully sustains and preserves our lives each day! Lord, look on us and give light to our eyes amid the cold, dark days of our struggles. Guide us to trust in you and praise you faithfully. Amen.

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. — Lamentations 3:22-23 By the time snow began to fall in November last year, our honeybees had been preparing for months for the transition to winter weather. With fading daylight hours and falling temperatures where we live in Michigan, the bees had begun storing up honey and pollen in late summer and “bee bread” (a mix of nectar, honey, and enzymes) in early autumn. When the temperature outdoors dropped to about 55°F (12-13°C), hardier bees in the hive started taking over feeding and warming the queen to keep her alive during the cold, dark days of winter.The prophetic poetry of Lamentations is cold and darkening. God's people at that time had been steadily approaching the brutal chill of being conquered and exiled. The armies of the cruel, cold-blooded Babylonian Empire were coming.For God's people whose hearts had grown cold, no reprieve was predicted. The chilling consequences of disobedience and wickedness were approaching as certainly as a bitterly cold, dark winter.Today's verses appear right in the midst of Jeremiah's laments on the destruction, devastation, and mass deportation of God's people during the invasion by Babylon. Like a ray of warm sunshine, these verses assure us that “the LORD's great love,” compassions, and faithfulness are available to us each day. Let's remember this in whatever cold and dark times we find ourselves in.  “Great is your faithfulness, O God [our] Father.” In all the seasons of life you have been here with and for us. Help us to trust in you. Amen.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19 When my son and I started beekeeping, we were especially keen on harvesting honey from our beehives. Minimizing our investment in equipment was also a goal. The solution was to use a primitive method of harvesting by scraping the honey-filled combs from our frames and draining the honey from the wax. Happy with the yield of honey, we wondered what to do with the pile of beeswax that resulted from this process.Beeswax itself is a treasure. Beekeepers and YouTubers supply loads of information about processing and using beeswax. The virtues of beeswax candles for home and worship are well known, for example. These all-natural candles are eco-friendly, smell like the fragrant outdoors, and are safe for air quality. Many fans also tout the benefits of beeswax as lip balm and for treating rashes and acne. Some people even claim that beeswax can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels.Some of these benefits might be debatable, but in God's creation we often learn that nothing need be wasted or thrown away. Similarly, with God, anyone can be rescued, refined, and repurposed. People facing judgment amid catastrophe needed to hear this in Isaiah's day, and we also need to hear this wisdom today. God loves us and is with us always. He will deliver us and do new things in, with, and through us.  Lord, thank you for telling us that we are chosen and loved by you. Guide us to face change and to embrace the new life you make possible for us through Jesus. Amen.

He said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. — Ezekiel 3:3 My morning ritual includes a cup of tea mixed with apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey. I believe this bittersweet drink is good for digestion and fighting allergies. It seems also that a spoonful of honey may be good medicine that keeps my head clear.In Ezekiel's time as a prophet, he received messages from God to warn his people of the coming destruction from Babylon. The messages were bittersweet and meant to prepare God's people for a great disaster, the loss of their homeland and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel's words of prophecy were intended as medicine to purify and preserve God's people.For too long these people had been mixing with other religions and eating at the tables of false gods. So they could not stomach the messages of this edible scroll, and they would not listen. Ezekiel was able to bring the messages because he had ingested, digested, and internalized the “sweet as honey” Word of God in his heart and mind. The Word of God sustained and energized him to speak the Lord's message.God's Spirit-breathed Word in the Bible, given and gathered over thousands of years, is true and bittersweet. What are you doing to ingest, digest, and internalize this Word? Is God's Word purifying and energizing you so that his message can go out to others?  Lord, protect us from the sickening messages of the toxic world around us. Plant your Word in our hearts. Rescue, purify, and use us to speak your words of life. Amen.

If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. — Proverbs 25:16 Late summer to early fall is usually the time when beekeepers “find” honey. At that time of year for bees, the days of gathering pollen and nectar are winding down. Wise beekeepers provide extra room in the hive, taking advantage of the bees' hoarding instinct and “tricking” them into making more honey than they need. A healthy hive will often have two to three times as much honey as the bees will need for winter. The beekeepers then take the extra honey, making sure to leave enough for the bees to survive on.Finding honey is not so difficult with the hive boxes and removable frames we have today. In the wild, though, it can be a lot more challenging to find and gather this treasure. Through the centuries people have learned to search for honey in hollow trees, small caves, remote cliffs, and other protected spots that are near abundant varieties of flowering plants.While honey is sweet, our proverb for today tells us to “eat just enough” and not too much. It makes good sense not to overdose on honey—or on any of the sweet things in life. Wisdom calls us to a healthy balancing act.Sadly, the siren song of our world today is that “more is always better.” But finding honey reveals the wisdom of enjoying sweet things in life within wholesome limits.In what ways is the Spirit of God directing you to set wise limits in your life?  Thank you, Lord, for the sweet things in life. Guide us to follow you and to gain a heart of wisdom. In Jesus, Amen.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! — Psalm 119:103 Reading books to my children and grandchildren is one of my sweetest memories. And stories about Winnie the Pooh always make me chuckle:Isn't it funny, How a bear likes honey? Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!Before we became beekeepers, my son and I took a class. At the outset, the instructor noted that most people get into beekeeping for the honey. This was a major goal for us as well. Honey's reputation for sweetness is richly deserved. The flavor varies with the nectar and pollen gathered by the bees. People often say that eating local honey helps to combat allergies as well.Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, savors God's Word in its many forms. The Word blossoms as God's law, providing us with direction. It blooms in the shape of God's judgments, which help us to learn right from wrong. God's Word also flowers in his testimonies to inspire us to be faithful and true, like God.The most beautiful form of God's Word was revealed when “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). This Word, Jesus Christ himself, is the whole package—all of God's promises are fulfilled in him.May we all trust and love Jesus! Each day we can take in God's Word like the sweetest honey.  “Beautiful Savior! King of creation,” in all the pages of the precious Word of God, help us to see you, Jesus, as the one who leads us into everlasting life. In your name, Amen.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. — 1 Corinthians 13:4 Over the years, so much has been written about beekeeping that it can be easy to be distracted by details and lose sight of the “big picture.” With bees, it's primarily about maintaining the hive, a living superorganism. Rev. L. L. Langstroth, who invented the movable frame hive (1852), recommended listening to the “hum” of the hive for inspiration. A quick internet search shows that lots of beekeepers compare the hum of the hive to a symphony.What makes the hive a harmonious home for bees? We might like to think that bees survive and thrive by way of virtues, but they just follow the wonderful instincts God provided when he created them.In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we can see that the community life of Christ-followers is, sadly, not always loving and harmonious. In fact, sometimes the church is far from that ideal. A whole other dynamic is necessary for a community to become wholesome. Living by the virtues we find in 1 Corinthians 13 requires that we selflessly love one another.The inspired text of 1 Corinthians 13 reflects the self-giving love of God, in whose image Christ-followers are being recreated. In Christ, we can be part of a body in which all “have equal concern for each other” (12:25). The one body of Christ is the community in which each member lovingly works to build up and care for one another in the Lord, the one and only Savior. Lord, thank you for being the way to faith, hope, and love. Grow us to become mature in you as each part of your body does its work. Amen.

They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down. — Psalm 118:12 How does the image of swarming bees affect you? Disaster and horror movies that picture bees stinging people to death will make some viewers overly fearful of bees.Bees will sometimes try to nest in odd places. For example, I heard of a swarm of honeybees clustering on the fender of a yellow Corvette Stingray. Were they drawn to the car's bright color?I encountered my first swarm of bees while trimming a hedge. At first, I heard some buzzing that grew louder and stronger. Looking around, I saw a swarm of bees on a nearby tree branch. I knew that honeybee swarms are harmless as long as they are not disturbed. They likely had left an overcrowded hive with their queen, and their scout bees were looking for a choice location to start a new hive.The writer of Psalm 118 seems to have been familiar with swarming bees. He said that being surrounded by enemies was like having a swarm of bees around him. Maybe you know what that's like. Being in a seemingly impossible situation with frustrated or threatening people swirling around can arouse fear and anxiety.Psalm 118 indicates that the way into secure daily living and a bright future is to look to the Lord for relief and rescue. Our guarantee is that “his love endures forever.” When we are feeling overwhelmed, let's look to the Lord! Lord, inspire us to trust in you and to cry out to you when we are feeling overwhelmed. Thank you for your steadfast love and abundant goodness. Amen.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . . .” — Matthew 28:19 Late August is the best time for us to pick our raspberries. That's when the berries are turning ripe, red, and sweet. At the same time, honeybees, bumblebees, and other bees are buzzing all around and pollinating, doing their everyday work and living. The honeybees collect pollen and nectar to build their hive and produce food—honey to eat now and throughout the winter. As they go about their work, bees pollinate anything that has flowers. And for us their work produces fruit, vegetables, and foliage in abundance.Bees do not need to be told to go out, gather, and pollinate. It's programed into their nature. It's all about doing what God made them to do so that plants and trees will thrive and provide food for all creatures, especially us humans. What's more, doing what they do helps their hive to survive and thrive.As followers of Jesus, we all are instructed to go and make disciples, inviting people to become followers of Jesus. Wherever we go about doing our work and living in God's wide world, we can touch people with the message of Jesus' love. This is the desire of Jesus' heart. Like pollinating bees, we can touch the lives of lost people and pray that the love of Christ will produce the fruit of faith in them.Have you embraced this mission? In what ways are you engaged in it? Lord, keep sending your followers to bring your message of love and mercy everywhere. Use our deeds and words to draw people to you. Amen.

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 In our garden one summer day, I was suddenly assaulted by a bee buzzing furiously around my head. Panicking (never a good idea), I flailed furiously with my hat, trying to swat it away. The bee zeroed in and sunk its stinger into my nose. When it circled and then flew in to sting me again, I knew it could not be one of my honeybees. They lose their stingers and die after one sting. Thankfully, I was able to escape with only one sting.Are you afraid of bees? Many people are. Bee stings are painful. And if you are allergic, bee stings can be dangerous and even deadly. Getting too many bee stings at once could overwhelm and cause death for anyone.Are you afraid of death? Paul's words to Christ-followers in 1 Corinthians 15 are aimed at calming our fears of being stung to death. Paul explains that sin delivers the sting that leads to death. When people go their own way, their sin is like a deadly stinger that shoots venom into them, resulting in death. The only antidote to the poisonous venom of sin and death is in Jesus—his death for our sins and his resurrection victory over death.We can trust in Jesus and walk in his resurrection power each day, sharing with others the good news of salvation and new life in him. Dear Jesus, you came to die for our sin, taking on the sting of death for all who trust in you. Assure us that in your resurrection power we can be free of sin and death and rise to new life with you. In your name, Amen.

We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. — 2 Corinthians 2:15 People who have studied bee communication have observed a complex system in which bees use pheromones (scents). These “chemical messengers” that bees produce and receive are needed for a hive to thrive. For example, scents are central to the mating process. And if the hive is threatened, worker bees give off an alarm scent that rallies other bees to go out and sting potential intruders. Also, each hive is marked with its own queen's scent so that the gatherer bees from that hive will find their way safely back to it.In communication among living things, so much is shared in subtle ways. For instance, we can communicate nonverbally through gestures, looks, posture, tone of voice, and so on. People who have studied human interactions assert that 80-90 percent of our communication is nonverbal, and this can either support or contrast with our words.As Christ-followers, we are encouraged to infuse our communication with the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” There is no way to fake this scent. It can come only through our union with Christ. Ephesians 5:2 recommends, for example, that we “walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Doing that, we can spread the pleasing scent of Christ to the people around us. Lord Jesus, may our actions and words be infused with your scent so that others may sense your presence in us and be drawn to you. Amen.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. — Galatians 5:25 Did you know that honeybees communicate by dancing? Beekeepers have identified three dances used by these bees.Scout bees use the “waggle dance” to describe the distance, direction, and quality of a food source to be gathered. The number of waggles and the length of the dance indicate how rich and how far away the food supply is.In contrast, the “round dance” communicates that a food source is nearby. Moving in small circles on the honeycomb, scouts recruit foragers to go and get this local food.In the “sickle dance,” the bees use a crescent-shaped pattern and make special sounds and vibrations when the colony needs to be defended from a threat. I'm sure this dance was used when I've been stung and chased away.Honeybees learn their dance moves by instinct and imitation. But this is not the case for Christ-followers. Our missteps in communication are often damaging and in need of correction. Going with the flow of the sinful nature brings pain and damage to the body of Christ.The dance that Christ-followers need to learn is to “keep in step with the Spirit.” It is essential that we learn to show “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” in all our interactions with one another. Which steps in this dance have you been learning and practicing lately? Spirit of God, fill us with your love and wisdom, that we may keep in step with you in all of our interactions. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that . . . its parts should have equal concern for each other. — 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 During high school I was invited to a party. This had never happened to me before, so it made me feel kind of special. At the party, however, the host privately explained that “they” thought there should be a party for people who were not usually invited. Feeling pitied, I soon left. Being “special” in that way made me feel that I was not genuinely valued.In our reading for today, some parts of the human body are described as “weaker,” “less honorable,” or “unpresentable.” But in the body of believers in Christ, we need to take care not to view or treat anyone in a way like that.Drone bees, aside from the fact that some of them mate with the queen bee (and then die), have not been observed doing any work in the hive. They have been described as just hanging around and eating honey (made and stored by the worker bees). Drones also look different and have no stinger. In autumn they suffer the final indignity of being kicked out of the hive so that the honey for the queen and the worker bees will last during the winter.In the body of Christ, however, no one is a drone. All parts are needed and indispensable, worthy of special concern and honor, not condescension. We are all partners in Christ, and we strive to develop each other's gifts as the Lord has given them. How are you serving together with all the other parts of Christ body? Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a part of your body. May we all honor and care equally for all the parts of your body as we serve you. Amen.

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. — 1 Corinthians 12:14 When worker bees first hatch and emerge from their cells, their first task is to clean out their cell so that a new egg can be placed there.As worker bees mature, they gain different responsibilities, becoming nurse bees for new bees, clutter cleaners, guards against hive robbers and threats (stinging if necessary), queen feeders (she cannot feed herself!), scouts and foragers for available nectar and pollen to make honey, and builders of new cells for storing honey, nectar, and eggs. All of this is done in about six weeks while the worker bee lives and prepares for the next generation to keep the hive thriving and growing.It would be inconceivable for any of the bees in a hive to say to one another, “I don't need you!” It would be just as unimaginable for an ear to say to an eye (or any other part of the human body), “I don't need you!” That would be absurd.For the body of Christ to mature and thrive, each of Jesus' followers needs to humbly recognize and do their part. There are many, many ways in which Christ needs us to do our part with him and with the other parts of his body. When we each willingly discern and serve as we are gifted to do, we will mature together and thrive with the whole body. Lord Jesus, help us to believe and serve as the part of your body where you need us and call us to be. Guide us to serve as you have gifted us, working with the other parts of your body for the benefit of all and for your glory. Amen.

He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. — Colossians 1:18 Honeybees and human beings have a fascination with royalty. Queens and kings rise and fall, and it's a mystery that we get so interested in them. With honeybees, there's a life-and-death fixation on the queen bee. A colony cannot survive without a queen. Beekeepers learn this quickly, and their hope for a yield of honey depends on having a healthy queen.In each hive there is only one queen. She has been described as “the mother of all the bees,” “the matriarch,” and “the one in charge of the hive.” The queen is the only fertile female, and a healthy queen will lay up to 2,000 eggs per day!The queen is at the center of the hive's life—until she can no longer perform her duties. When the colony senses that its queen is ailing or preparing to leave, the workers begin a special process to raise a new queen. They feed a young female “royal jelly” to activate her reproductive system. Soon she will be able to lay eggs to ensure the future growth and survival of the hive.It may be tempting to view the rise and fall of royalty as an unbreakable pattern. But our Bible reading today makes clear that there is one glowing exception. Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is the eternal King over all things. He is our head, and we, his people, are his one body. No replacements. We can trust the Son of God to be the King of the universe and the Savior of our lives forever. King Jesus, thank you for rescuing us from darkness and bringing us into your marvelous kingdom of light, love, and forgiveness. Amen.

You yourselves are God's temple and . . . God's Spirit dwells in your midst. . . . — 1 Corinthians 3:16 A few years ago, a strong wind toppled one of the beehives behind our barn. The hive had been thriving, and it was five boxes tall. The hive had stuck together well. Amazingly, it didn't break open till it hit the ground. “Bee glue”—propolis— gets the credit for that. But, sadly, the hive was destroyed, and its bees quickly scattered.In his letters to the Christ-followers in Corinth, Paul gets personal and pours out his heart to these new believers. They were going through some stormy and threatening times together, and that was surely predictable. Starting off as a new community in Christ can be hard, and as their pastor and mentor, Paul did all that he could to hold this body of Christ together. They especially needed to be reminded of their identity together— whose they were and who held them together.Propolis is an amazing glue produced by worker bees. This sticky glue is used to fill small gaps to seal and protect the hive from bacteria and viruses. As propolis ages, it strengthens and holds the hive structure together.As Christ-followers, our “glue” is the Holy Spirit, who “dwells in [our] midst,” and together we are God's temple!In what ways are you standing tall together in the Spirit with other Christ-followers in your community as you worship God and serve him? Thank you, God, for your grace that enriches the followers of Jesus in every way. Hold us together by your Spirit as a unified temple in service to you, to each other, and to everyone around us. Amen.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. — Acts 2:42 Have you heard of “personal space”? It's described as the amount of space a person feels is needed in order to relate to and live well with others. Personal space can differ by culture, situation, relationship, and personal preference. For an average Westerner, personal space is about two feet on all sides. Does this seem right and healthy to you? In some other cultures, the distance can be a bit less.Have you ever heard of “bee space”? Specifically, that is the space honeybees leave between combs in a hive. It's about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 - 9 mm)—a delicate balance of “enough room to move freely but not too much empty space,” according to sources on beekeeping. Bee space allows two bees to pass each other back-to- back and makes it possible for thousands of bees to live and work closely together. Smaller spaces are filled with propolis (“bee glue”), and larger spaces are packed with unneeded “burr comb.”Bees are at their best for life in the hive when they are in close quarters with each other. It's a matter of instinct, not choice.People have more choices in defining personal space. In Acts 2:42 the Spirit of God draws us into a “good and pleasant” space for being and thriving together as followers of Christ. Choose and commit yourself to living in this good space with each other. Holy Spirit, guide us to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we grow together faithfully in you so that others may come to know you also. Amen.

We are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. — 1 Corinthians 3:9 Honeybees are great builders. Inside their hive they make honeycombs consisting of hundreds of six-sided cells. These are the basic building blocks of beehives. The amazing geometry of these cells maximizes storage space while minimizing the wax needed for a stable structure. Beeswax is an ingenious blend of nectar, pollen, saliva, and other ingredients produced by worker bees to form the walls of the cells, which keep their shape in both heat and cold. While these cells are used mainly to store honey and some pollen and nectar, some of the cells are also used as nurseries for eggs and larvae.Hive building is a tribute to the bees' ability to work well together. Each bee takes up its role in the building process.A tragic contrast to this is our struggle as human beings to build caring communities. Jesus came to reverse our faulty construction habits by reconnecting people to his Father and to one another. Yet we often fail to practice what he taught us. In place of humbly serving with each other in caring, harmonious, constructive ways, for example, the Christian community gets distracted by competing and comparing and by excluding and neglecting one another.Are you a co-worker with God in building a community with others? In what ways is God calling you from self-service to serving him with others? Thank you, God, for the firm foundation you have made for us in Christ. By your Spirit, direct us to care for each other as we serve to build up the body of Christ. Amen.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. — 1 Corinthians 12:12 People who count honeybees estimate that there are 20,000 to 60,000 bees in any given hive. Yet there is one hive. The hive has three basic kinds of bees: the queen, workers, and drones. Yet there is one hive. All of the bees work together by instinct to function as an interdependent community, like a living organism.The Christ-followers at Corinth, estimated to be about 40 to 150 people, were not acting as “one.” This multiethnic group of recent converts included a mixture of educated and working-class people, rich and poor, and they struggled to care for and show God's love to one another. The letter Paul wrote to them describes a divided, individualistic, selfish, and proud gaggle of believers. At best, they revealed that they were many parts struggling to become one body.Similarly, our world today does little to encourage us to believe and act like we are an organic, interdependent community— one body. Individualism, privilege, possessions, and self-gratification are often the altars at which people worship. These behaviors make being one body most difficult.Christ-followers can be one body only “in Christ.” This is not instinctual. It takes heart change and the hard and humble work of love. Will you pray and work humbly to love and serve with others who make up the body of Christ? Lord Jesus, inspire us all to work toward the unity of your one body. Change our hearts and energize us to love and build up others as we serve with you. Amen.

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” — John 9:4-5 My favorite time at our beehives is around sunset. Gatherer bees are coming back to the hive. If I look closely, I can see the bulging pollen packs on their hind legs, holding the fruit of their labor. Amazing! These worker bees have been busy since sunrise—making the most of their opportunities to gather pollen and nectar. With darkness coming—and eventually the dark and cold of winter— the opportunity to work will end. Bees work and make honey “as long as it is day.”In John 9, Jesus talks about being “the light of the world,” and he warns his disciples about a kind of darkness that is coming. In this chapter we see Jesus bring light to a blind man's eyes in the face of growing opposition and looming darkness. Jesus says,” As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.” And did you notice that Jesus includes his followers in the work he is doing?The rest of the story in John 9 gets very dark. We can observe a similar darkness in the world around us as well. Yet Jesus, the light of the world, keeps working to bring sight to the blind.In your coming and going, what are your opportunities to shine? How can you make the most of your opportunities to spread the light of Jesus? Lord Jesus, live in us and through us to bring your light into the darkness of this world. May the fruit of your goodness and truth shine brightly as we make the most of the opportunities we have. In your name, Amen.

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” — John 10:16 As a keeper of honeybees, I've grown a bit narrowminded. I've become partial to honeybees even though I know there are lots of others—like bumblebees, sweat bees, and carpenter bees—to name a few. Recently I learned there are also mason bees, which use mud to make nests is small cavities. There are actually over 20,000 species of bees all around the world. Mind-boggling!This could lead us to wonder about people groups too. Estimates for the number of people groups in the world range from about 11,000 to 24,000. Did you know that?Jesus knew about other people groups—"other sheep” besides the people into which he was born. Jesus, the good shepherd, could not and would not be content in rescuing just one people group. He came to bring God's salvation to all the people groups throughout the world.In my thinking about honeybees, I need to remember that all of the bees in God's creation are treasured. And when it comes to people, we need to remember that each one is made in the image of God. Jesus came to rescue God's children from every people group in the whole human race.In what ways can we show others that they are precious in God's sight? Jesus, thank you for being the good shepherd. Thank you for rescuing us from the curse of sin and death. Guide us to pray for and work with others whom you have come to rescue as well. In your name, Amen.

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. — Ephesians 6:18 As a child, I was taught to pray a simple bedtime prayer. It was a “repeat-after-me” prayer, and it started like this: “Now I lay me down to sleep . . .” After memorizing it, I was encouraged to add other requests— mostly for sick family members or friends or about other concerns. Learning to pray with a parent was a good start for which I am grateful.Over the years, my prayers have expanded and matured by fits and starts through the examples of others, prayer courses, and readings—and most profoundly by prayers in the Bible. Still, my prayers are often limited. I am still a child learning to pray. It has been a humbling path.Near the close of his life, Paul urged Christ-followers to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” “Keep on praying for all the Lord's people,” he said, and “pray also for me.” These words came to mind while I was reading a book that included a prayer for the “Keeping of Bees.” Looking back, I realize that I've often overlooked this step in my caring for bees. No prayer is too small. Here is another lesson from the Spirit about praying on all occasions.Are you praying in the Spirit? In what ways are your prayers maturing or being expanded? For what and whom are you being led to pray? “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.” Continue the good and perfect teaching of your Word in our lives, Lord. In the strong name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. — Romans 8:22 We might think that beekeeping should be easy: get some bees, put them in a hive, and let them do their thing, right? But a seasoned beekeeper will tell you that it's never easy. Hive beetles, varroa mites, wax moths, and foul brood disease are some of the more common threats to bees and their hives. Pesticides, pollution, habitat loss, and other threats add to the mix. Clearly the beauty and harmony of God's creation has been blighted. Honeybees are cursed along with the rest of creation. Bees need help and restoration.In one of the most mysterious and tragic chapters of the Bible, a crafty and deceitful enemy slithers into God's good garden to subvert God's desires for his creation. Human beings—meant to reflect God's goodness—are seduced and infected. Sickness and death invade our homes and hearts.The curse saps life from our bodies and souls, unless someone will come to save us.We and the bees are still here, groaning but alive and kicking. This is proof of God's stubborn and strong love for us and for his whole creation. Christians are being brought from death to life by being united with Christ Jesus in his death and resurrection. And we, “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our . . . redemption. . . .”The curse is being reversed. Thanks be to God! Thank you, Jesus, for coming to reverse the curse of sin and death. May our hope in you energize us to wait patiently for our and all of creation's redemption. Amen.

Since you excel in everything . . . see that you also excel in this grace of giving. — 2 Corinthians 8:7 When we installed two new “nucs” of bees in our hive boxes last spring, both seemed ready to become strong colonies. After a few weeks, one hive seemed to be doing better than the other, but we were not worried. Both were still growing and improving.During summer—when bees build up and increase their honey stores—we kept adding boxes to the stronger hive. By comparison, the weaker hive seemed to languish. A more careful inspection toward the end of summer revealed that the queen of the weaker hive was gone! A hive cannot survive without its queen, since she is the only bee that lays eggs to produce offspring. So our neglect in watching over that hive led to its death.The missionary pastor Paul noticed strengths and weaknesses in the churches he served. Were the Christ-followers in Corinth somewhat stung by the comparison Paul made in today's passage? They excelled in many things, but Paul had to point out that they could be more gracious in giving. Failing to give generously for the needs of brothers and sisters in Christ was a serious flaw that could lead to their decline.Christians today do well to be concerned about the decline and disbanding of churches. Apathy and stinginess can be destructive. The good news is that when God's people are stirred to “excel in the grace of giving,” the community of believers can thrive. Lord Jesus, you became poor for our sake so that we might become rich in your grace. Live in and through us so that we may give graciously, as you have taught us. Amen.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” — Acts 17:26 Our reading from Psalm 104 paints a picture of all God's provisions for the creatures in his wonderful world. But when we look around us, it's easy to find hungry people and other creatures without shelter or food. Homelessness—for beleaguered people, habitat-deprived creatures, or even hiveless bees—is not the way it's supposed to be.Honeybees have lived in a variety of homes over the course of time. A hollow log in a sheltered area can provide a great home for bees. People have also provided homes or hives for them. In earlier times a pot or basket would work well. Beehives for producing honey today are commonly made of stackable boxes with removable frames.Last spring, my son and I installed two small colonies of honeybees in our bee boxes. The process is fairly simple. We transferred frames from a couple of “nucs” (nucleus colonies of bees) into our boxes. The bees quickly settled into their new home.As a family, my wife and children and I have lived in many different places, and God has supplied all that we have needed. We find strength in knowing that God has been with us in all the places where we have been called to live.From the abundance God has given, may we open our hearts and hands to help people who need a home today. Lord, thank you for providing us with homes and so much more. Fill us with gratitude and generosity, that we may share with people in need. Amen.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:3 I started beekeeping about 20 years ago and then dropped out of it for a while. After a few more years, however, I got excited to start into it again.A problem that occurred earlier was that my previous hives became “dead-outs.” I needed new honeybees. So I called my beekeeper friend and ordered a couple of boxes of bees. He said he could prepare a couple of “nucs” (small nucleus colonies) of bees to begin new hives, but I would need to wait till they were ready for transport to my beehives.I wonder if God was excited to put all of the pieces in place when he created this wonderful world. Genesis 1 is so full and bursting with life that we can barely begin to describe the vast and marvelous variety of things God created. Among the many unnamed creatures, honeybees are often overlooked. “In the beginning . . .” God created them too.And what's truly amazing is that God did not order the first batch of honeybees. He created them at his command! This is what Hebrews 11:3 reminds us about.Out of God's creative genius and far beyond our imagining and ability, God created this universe and all living things, including bees. Along with bees, you and I have our beginning from that original creation. I invite you to join me in gathering glimpses of these things and to be amazed. Creator Spirit, we praise and thank you for creating everything—including bees as well as us—so that we can reflect your goodness and glory. Amen.

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 The strength of human power and will is not enough to keep us on our feet. It's not enough to keep us going when we need to carry on. But renewal comes from the Lord, who not only gives us strength but also lifts our spirits, toning the muscles of our souls. God makes us soar like eagles, providing us with the strength and determination to continue running and walking through life as we serve him, depending on his strength, wisdom, and power.It is interesting that Isaiah describes our actions here on a decreasing scale—soar, run, walk—rather than on an increasing scale. It may seem to us that he should say we are strengthened to walk, run, and soar. What is the writer's purpose here?When we look back on the times of our lives, we can see that we soar like eagles once in a while. And sometimes we are able to run like athletes. But most of the time we walk along, day in and day out. What drains our strength and wears us out the most is not the few times we soar or run, but the daily routines in which we walk. The eagle, with its powerful wings, rises to lofty heights. The fast runner reaches the finish line in record time. The walker treads along with perseverance.But the one who renews our strength is the Lord. God is the one who strengthens our soul and empowers us to keep on in our mission in this world. Lord, renew our strength each day. Help us soar in victory, run with endurance, and walk faithfully in our life with you. Help us to finish the race you have set before us. Amen.

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. — Isaiah 40:29-30 The sovereign Lord of the universe, who does not grow tired or weary, gives strength when we are weak and exhausted. We are subject to many weaknesses. Our strength quickly withers and fades. Our muscles and minds grow weary on the hard journeys of life. Fatigue is an unavoidable reality for us. Even the most dedicated, energetic people have passed through times of discouragement and weariness.From Moses to Elijah and from David to Hezekiah, the Lord's chosen prophets and kings felt weakened at times (see Exodus 3-16; 1 Samuel 19-24; 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 18-20). We can often feel the same way.But God is the source of our strength. God is our refuge and fortress. The apostle Paul agrees: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).God is our sustainer, and he renews our strength when we stumble and fall. He forgives our sins and heals our diseases. God keeps us on our feet in the struggles of life. He fights our battles and gives us victory. The Lord gives us our life, and he supplies us the power to live. Only in him can we move forward, despite our weaknesses. We can trust in him. Lord, in our weakness we ask that you renew our strength. Lift us when we are weary, uphold us in every challenge and hardship, and fill us with your sustaining power so that we may find strength and rest in you. Amen.

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. — Isaiah 40:28 People get exhausted, but the Lord never grows tired. People are born and die, but God is immortal and everlasting. People are creatures, but God is their Creator. People have some knowledge, but God's understanding is beyond our comprehension. People dare to question God, but our arguments are unreasonable.In our text for today the prophet Isaiah points out the eternal nature of God. He is before and beyond time. Time is in his hands. God is the one who was, who is, and who is to come. Further, Isaiah emphasizes the sovereignty of God. He is the Lord. He governs the universe, the nations, the church, and our lives.God is the Creator of the ends of the earth, the master of the whole universe. Matter is not eternal. The world did not arise by itself. Our world and its solar system and all the stars and galaxies we can see when we look into space—all of it has been created by God.Isaiah also emphasizes that God is tireless. He is still at work today. He does not need to regain strength. He gives strength to the powerless.In addition, God's understanding is unsearchable. His wisdom and knowledge are unfathomable. What a great, amazing God we serve! We can trust and obey him as we live each day in his care. Eternal God, tireless and wise, strengthen us in our weakness. Help us to trust in your sovereignty, to rest in your care, and to obey your will. Amen.

Why do you complain . . . ? Why do you say . . . “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? — Isaiah 40:27 God's people were discouraged and feeling helpless. Despite the majesty God had shown for them in the uniqueness of his being and the greatness of his work, the people were mistaken in two ways.First, they thought God had forgotten them. They began to doubt God's goodness and care. They were like deists, who imagine that God is distant and indifferent to our struggles.Second, they thought God was being unfair to them. They believed they had special rights that were not being delivered to them. They accused God of neglect and injustice. They did not see God's loving care in his discipline. They ignored his commands and his call to love him with all their heart, soul, and strength and to love their neighbors as themselves (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; see Matthew 22:34-40).God's discipline is not done without love. Storms in life may come, but they do not nullify God's care. We are loved by God, and he graciously gives us life and offers us forgiveness despite our sins. We are chosen not on the basis of how good we are or what we have done. We are saved by grace through faith in the Lord and by the power of Jesus' sacrifice for us. Through Jesus we are freed to approach the Lord with humility and gratitude, no matter what our circumstances might be. Loving God, remind us that you never forsake us. When we face hard times and even discipline, teach us humility and trust. Help us to rest in your grace and goodness. Amen.

Lift up your eyes . . . to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. . . . — Isaiah 40:26 Life's problems can weigh us down so much that we may feel as if we can't look up. But we need to lift our gaze to consider the greatness of God and the majesty of his creation. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In a similar way, Romans 1:20 testifies, “Since the creation of the world God's invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. . . .”When God summons the great multitude of stars, calling each one by name, not one is absent. The Creator not only made them but also named each one. There are more stars in the sky than we count. Yet God summons each one, calling them by name, and they promptly appear.God knows every one of the trillions of living cells in our bodies. He knows every hair on our heads. He upholds all things by the power of his word. “In him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). He has created, preserves, and governs all things. All things exist for the praise of his glory.In what ways are you discovering how great and powerful the Lord is? We can trust in him to handle whatever problems we might encounter. Creator God, lift our eyes from our burdens to your majestic power. You sustain all things. Deepen our faith in you as we observe your care, wisdom, and amazing work each day in the world around us. Amen.

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. — Isaiah 40:25 The Lord God is unique. There is no one like him. He is the Lord, “and there is no other.”God is incomparably great. He is above and beyond all creation. He did not have to create the universe to be God; he was already God before the foundation of the earth. The Lord is not like idols made by human imagining; he is the one who gives life to all.God is not vulnerable or fleeting like the rulers of this world. His throne is unshakable. His kingdom is eternal. He cannot be challenged or defeated by any enemy or coalition. God is the undefeated victor in all battles. He does not share his glory with anyone. He does not decentralize his power. On the contrary, in God's hands are all power and authority.The Lord is incomparably holy, separate from everything and everyone. In him there is no fault. He is pure in who he is and perfect in all he does.Moses declared, “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).We can trust in God because his power is unlimited. His love is eternal, and no one can separate us from that love. His wisdom is perfect, and therefore none of his plans can be thwarted. Lord, you are incomparable in holiness and power. You are the eternal, unrivaled God. We worship you. Help us to trust that you have perfect wisdom, unchanging love, and sovereign authority. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

No sooner are [rulers] planted . . . no sooner do they take root . . . than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. — Isaiah 40:24 The powerful people of this world tend to think they are strong and mighty, but they are fragile. They think they have the control of history in their hands, but they do not. Their stability is provisional. Their strength is temporary. Their wealth is volatile.Their fragility contrasts with the omnipotence of God. Their instability contrasts with the eternity of God. Political rulers are fragile and temporary, but God is all-powerful and permanent. Scripture says people “are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow” (Psalm 144:4), but God is unshakably the same “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2).God controls the nations. He raises up kingdoms and overthrows them. He gives politicians and other leaders positions of power and takes them down. Compared to the Lord, rulers on the earth are barely planted and rooted before they wither. All it takes is a breath from the Almighty to blow them away like chaff.Rulers who try to defy God do not prevail. The arrogant may try to stand against the righteous God, but they will only be swept away.Put your trust in God, our only true refuge and strength! Almighty God, teach us not to trust in fragile human power but in your eternal strength. Humble the proud and uphold the faithful, we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen.