The Daily Plunge!

Overturning Irrevocable Wickedness (Esther 8:1-17).  The evil schemes devised to wipe out the Jews is still in place. Now the enemies of God’s people suffer the consequences of their hatred and evil schemes. The king grants the right of self-defense to the Jews.   

Evil Quashing Evil (Esther 7:1-10). Esther finally requests the king would spare her life and the lives of her fellow believers. She reveals that Haman has duped the King to purchase the annihilation of the Jewish people. Now Haman’s evil scheme instead consumes him. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Esther

Narcissistic Parade Assumption (Esther 6:1-10). Suffering insomnia Xerxes reads again how Mordecai the Jew saved his life. When Haman hears about the royal honors being bestowed, he can think only of himself. Even his intolerant family know God’s protection will protect the Jews. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Esther

75 Ft Impaling Narcissist (Esther 5:1-14). Queen Ethers begins to build influence with the King and disarm Haman. At the height of his power and prestige, Haman can’t stand that Mordecai won’t bow to him. He and his wicked family settle on execution for those who defy Haman’s power. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Uncomfortable Interceding Lament (Esther 4:1-17). Under the threat of extermination Mordecai and Jewish believers with torn hearts and torn clothes pray to God for deliverance. Queen Esther is challenged to move out of comfort to risk herself to be used by God. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Intolerant Government Extermination (Esther 3:1-4:3). Proud and arrogant Haman carries the generational hatred of the Jews. He persuades the king to enact state-sponsored genocide of the people of God who are faithfully different. Are we Christians distinct enough that we would be easy to pick out? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Gawdy Trinket Display (Esther 1:1-21). Xerxes the Persian potentate shows offs his vast wealth to stroke his own ego. When his politically married queen rebuffs his request to be shown off a crisis and an opportunity is created. Power plays in marriage are the broken worldly wisdom. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Faithful Purchasing Redeemer (Ruth 4:1–17). Throughout the story of Ruth, the LORD is the primary actor moving Ruth from Moab to Bethlehem and working among people in their lives. Who is our guardian redeemer who purchases us from indebtedness and shame? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Risky Business Temptation (Ruth 3:1–18). In a situation filled with sexual tension Ruth and Boaz exhibit unambiguous God-graced lives. In a sticky situation they trust God determined to live with God-honoring virtue. Do we seek to live as noble characters guided by God’s grace? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

Enacted Faith Living (Ruth 2:14–33). How are God’s people to live trusting the LORD with their lives and how they treat one another? God is an active participant in the lives of Ruth and Naomi providing and guiding them. Blessed is the one who shows kindness to others who are needy. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ruth

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, #Neh...

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, #Nehemi...

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

Trusting Planning Prayer (Nehemiah 2:1–20). He prays for months to prepare for one meeting with the king. His prayer leads him to set a schedule, calculate the costs, and expect opposition. Nehemiah dramatizes the problem and calls people to respond. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

Big Asking Prayers (Nehemiah 1:1-11). Weeping for the exiles living among ruins, leads Nehemaih to fast and prayer, not action. He petitions the LORD to remember his promises praying for a big dream that depends absolutely upon God. how much do you pray for your church to thrive? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Nehemiah

People Carrying Heart (Ezra 10:1–18,44) . Ezra the pastor weeps and confesses for his people not wanting them to repeat the ethical mistakes of their ancestors that led to disaster. He mourns over the unfaithfulness of the exiles who have been beguiled by everyday lust. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ezra

Faithfully Different Remnant (Ezra 9:1–15). Ezra prays for God’s people ashamed and disgraced that these people are not devoted to God, but are devoted to the false gods of this world. How do we yoke ourselves to the corrupted values of this world, trading in the promises of heaven? #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ezra

God’s Gracious Hand (Ezra 7:27–28, 8:21–36). Ezra praises the LORD knowing God’s hand is what is making circumstances line up. They even transport the temple treasure putting it on God to give them protection. The people themselves are vessels consecrated to the LORD. #dailydevotion, #Lutherandevotional, #DailyPlunge, #DailyLectionary, #DailyScripture, #Ezra