Exceptional Female Friendship (Ruth 1:19–2:13). Where is the reward of faith? Ruth takes on Naomi and all her Job-like bitterness. In Boaz, Ruth encounters a person of peace who the LORD has put in their path. “The LORD be with you” is lived out in caring for others. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Clinging In-Law Adoption (Ruth 1:1–18). In the midst of calamity people of God driven by fear, not faith, go off on their own. A bitter widow who accuses God of breaking his contract is blessed by her daughter-in-law who adopts her and her God. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Ministry Legacy Dismantling (Nehemiah 13:1–31). After making a vow to support the worship of God (Neh 9:28), God’s people unravel what Nehemiah has done for the house of God. They won’t rest in God, but break the Sabbath. They don’t raise their children in the language of faith, but let them speak as pagans. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Capital Project Celebration (Nehemiah 12:27–31a, 42b–47). The official and spiritual day of dedicating the completed wall comes. With all the people rejoicing loudly. God gave them great joy. As they are blessed through worship, the people of God pledge to support the Priests and Levites who lead worship. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

But Inattentive Disobedience (Nehemiah 9:26–38). God gives great goodness to his people, but they are disobedient and stiff-necked. They turn against God’s Word, acting wickedly but our great, mighty, awesome covenant keeping God rescues His people. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

LORD Alone Praised (Nehemiah 9:1–25). Together God’s people stand to read God’s word, confess and praise. The LORD shows he alone is the God who redeems his people. Where they continue their rebellion, God shows continued faithfulness because God is the righteous promise keeper. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Clear Torah Understanding (Nehemiah 7:73b–8:18). Ezra brings the Word of God to the people. They weep as they receive both the Law and the Promise. They break the community down into small groups led by spiritual men. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Inner Spiritual Triumph (Nehemiah 6:1–19). When your opposition comes up against God’s work they won’t fight logically or fair. Be asymmetrical. Focus on winning the inner spiritual battle to defeat your external opposition. Keep encouraging and rallying your people. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Confrontational Account Calling (Nehemiah 5:1–19). Nehemiah as the leader confronts and calls out people who are taking advantage of other believers. Selfishness is always the root cause of internal discord among God’s people. Leaders must have courage to protect the faith community. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Inevitable Frustrated Opposition (Nehemiah 4:1–23). Those opposed to God’s people resist and ridicule them. We are to be alert and in prayer. When we are despised, we turn to God trusting he will frustrate their plots. When we are fatigued and fearful we look to God to be renewed. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah