How an umbrella demonstrates a confident faith

Maybe you've heard the story of a small town that was facing a dilemma.  They were facing a severe drought.  The farmers were going to lose crops and that meant a loss of revenue and the means to support their families.

The town decided to hold a prayer meeting.  Great and passionate prayers were prayed to the Lord.  
While this was going on, someone noticed a little girl who was standing all alone in the back of the church.  She was holding an umbrella.  When asked why she brought it along, the girl replied, "To keep the rain off of me."

That's a good example of faith.  The girl didn't know when it was going to rain.  But she was sure that the Lord would answer their prayers.  She was going to be ready when the clouds opened up and the rain came tumbling down.

In Psalm 6, David is facing a whole host of problems.  He is troubled by his sins.  His enemies are pressing down upon him.   And he feels abandoned by God.

But then in verse eight, the psalm takes a curious turn.  Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping,  The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer.  All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.  (vs.8-10)

Before God has had time to answer this prayer, David is confident that God hears him when he prays and God will act to bring protection and peace of mind and heart. 

It's kind of like bringing an umbrella to a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

David's faith is such that he trusts in God - to forgive, to save, to protect and to punish.

This is a faith to pray for.  And God will hear that prayer and answer it.  Through His means of grace - Word and Sacraments - God strengthens our trust in Him so that we believe that He will act at just the right time in a way that is best for us.

What's going on in your life today? What are you facing that is causing fear? Where do you need some help and protection?

Let your God hear from you today.  Just like David, God will hear your pleas.

You might keep an umbrella nearby.  You never know.... 

Works or faith?

Read this short passage this morning and just had to share it with you.  It comes from the "People's Bible - Galatians, page 51):

Works are man's doing.  Faith is accepting what God has done in Christ.

What a beautiful but simple way to describe that great teaching that a person is justified before God by faith alone, by Christ alone, without any help of our own.

Praise God for His Law and Gospel!

This week's TGW

 

TGW stands for Treasuring God's Word.  If you're crunched on time this week, take a moment to read a short text from the Scriptures, read a quick synopsis of what's going on and then pray.  Hope you have a blessed week Treasuring God's Word!

TGW – November 29-December 4

Monday, November 29, 2021                                           Read Joshua 2:1-15

Our text reads like a suspense story.  Joshua sends out spies to Jericho.  Their presence is reported to the king.  Rahab reacts quickly hiding the spies.  She confesses faith in the Lord.  She gets them to promise that she and her family will be safe when warriors come to take the city.  The spies are safe.  Pray: Lord, protect me from those who seek to tear me away from You.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021                                           Read Joshua 2:16-24

The spies could have painted a bleak picture of their trip.  The king knows the Israelites are near.  The city is highly protected.  The river could be difficult to cross.  Instead, the spies report, “The Lord has without doubt given the entire land into our hands.”  Pray: Lord, just as Joshua and his people trusted in Your promise to give them the land, help me to trust You, believing that Your plans for me are good.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, November 31, 2021                                    Read Psalm 4:1-8

This psalm’s subject is familiar – David is seeking God’s protection from his enemies.  David begins with “Answer me when I call to You.”  So confident that God hears his prayers, he writes at the end, “I will lie down and sleep in peace.” Why? “For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Pray: God, in my time of suffering, remind me that my hope is in You.  Amen.

 

Thursday, December 1, 2021                                            Read Matthew 9:1-13

We confess in the Creed that Jesus is true God.  Only God could read the hearts of His opponents.  Only God can forgive sins.  Only God can completely heal a paralytic.  The crowd saw this miracle and were “filled with awe.”  Too bad the teachers of the law couldn’t feel the same.  Pray: Lord Jesus, as You called Matthew, thank You for calling me through the Gospel.  Amen.

 

Friday, December 2, 2021                                                  Read Matthew 9:14-26

What do the Ruler and the sick woman have in common? Faith! Both believed that Jesus had healing power and that he was the answer to their prayers.  On top of all the miraculous things Jesus had done, He now demonstrates that death is no obstacle for Him.  Pray: O Jesus, strengthen my faith so that I might trust You in all things.  Amen.

 

Saturday, December 3, 2021                                             Read Galatians 1:11-24

The theme of this section of Galatians is clear – Paul is making a defense of his apostleship. Paul points out that he received the Gospel from Jesus alone; he did not receive this Gospel from Peter, James, or the other apostles.  He concludes that he, the one determined to destroy the faith, was now proclaiming the faith in Christ alone.  Pray: Lord, strengthen my faith as I worship in Your House this weekend.  Amen.

Tis the season...

for Advent!

The word "advent" derives from the Latin word, "adventus," meaning "coming."  During its earliest observances, Advent was a period of 40 days of repentance, fasting and prayer as new believers prepared for their baptisms.  Today, we keep one eye on how we are living out our life in Christ and the other eye fixed on the clouds as we look for the coming of Jesus in power and majesty.

Have a blessed Advent, my kind friends.

Divided and enslaved by sin

This week I've been using for my devotional reading the "Divine Hours."  The Collect for the Week seemed to hit on the head, so to speak, the root for all the troubles our world is facing.  The prayer goes like this:

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in Your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the world, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under His most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

I find it interesting that I no longer hear a phrase that was often used to sum up people.  It was something like "people are basically good."  Unfortunately, no, people aren't basically good.

We want things our way.  We want others to follow our way.  We become angry when people won't follow our way.  We feel we have every reason to strike out, verbally or physically, if people don't reform themselves and see it our way.

But Jesus Christ has freed us from such thinking.  The new life that began in us at our baptism, the washing away of the sin that separates us from God, has freed us to live a new way, following the will of the Lord.  We put God first.  We love as Jesus loved.  We love our neighbor in the same way we love ourselves.  We reflect the love of Jesus to the world and show that there is another way to live, a different way to go.

In this life we face opposition to God's way.  But as the Collect says, one day we will live under the most gracious rule of Jesus.  Our King of kings and Lord of lords will gather us together, all who confess Jesus as Savior and Redeemer, and rule over us for all eternity.  Hatred, selfishness and evil will be banished forever.  We have something to look forward to, something we can hardly imagine now.  But God has promised it to all who seek to live His way.  

Motivated by the love of Jesus, let us seek God's way and will and show the world there is a different way to live.

A most powerful word

Is there any word more powerful than giving?

Thanksgiving

Forgiving

Caregiving

Life giving

Everything that matters in living comes down to giving.

Ann Voskamp, "Be the Gift," page 38

A little (very little) Thanksgiving humor

Stop me if you've heard this one:

My family told me to stop telling Thanksgiving jokes, but I told them I couldn't quit "cold turkey."

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery story but she couldn't find one big enough for her family.  She turned to the stock boy and asked, "Do these turkeys get bigger?"  "No ma'am," he replied, "they're dead."

Question: What do you call a turkey on the day after Thanksgiving? Answer: Lucky.

Question: What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Answer: Pumpkin Pi.

And finally...

Question: What do you call a running turkey? Answer: Fast food!

Enjoy those left overs, kind readers.  The Friday after Thanksgiving is Christmas decorating day in our household.  I'd better get ready 'cause I've lots and lots of boxes to carry in from the garage.  My dear sweet wife believes in the saying, "go big or go home!"

Have a blessed day!! 

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

 Lord, on this special day, we pause to give thanks to You for your bountiful blessings and gracious gifts.  You have blessed us beyond measure.  On this and every day may we offer to You our praise and thanksgiving.

 Thank you for Your mercy and grace.  You saw our need for a Savior and so You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the One who would rescue us from eternal death and through His suffering and death on the cross have given us eternal life.  Thank You for the gift of faith that enables us to receive the forgiveness of sins, new life now and an eternity which will be filled with our worship and praises.

 We give thanks for all You have given us.  We are blessed beyond measure.  You have opened Your hand and have given us everything we need to live and then You give us even more.  Create in us a new heart so that we might be moved to share what we have with those who are in need.  For as we give to others it's as if we have given it to You.

 Bless this day spent with family and friends.  As we celebrate, fill our hearts with love, hope and peace.  We ask this in the name of Jesus our Savior.  Amen.

A blessed thanksgiving to you all!

Giving thanks for the harder things

Yesterday I suggested that you make a list of the things for which you are thankful.  And I acknowledged that such a list would be easy to complete, our blessings are so many.

But would any of us include some of the harder things we've dealt with this year?

Being stricken with Covid 10...having to work from home...having lost your job due to the pandemic...trying to help you children do school "online"...loss of income...loss of health...loss of relationships.  

Giving thanks for the harder things doesn't seem to make sense.  Why give thanks to God for a list like the above? Why we might be tempted to wonder why God allowed some of those things to happen to us in the first place? Surely it's hard to see the wisdom for suffering like that.

I've felt some of those same emotions as well.  But these things have taught me an important lesson - just how much I need the Lord in my life.

My hard thing is depression.  I have suffered from this condition for most of my adult life, although it wasn't diagnosed until 15 years ago.  The last five to six years have been the worst.  I am usually pretty good at hiding how I'm really feeling.  But those who know me can tell when "the black dog" is following me closely.  In those times I hate how I think, how I act, what I do.  It's miserable.

Still, I am helped by medication, getting exercise, watching my diet, getting enough rest and spending time with a skilled therapist.

And this hard thing is a blessing because it has led me to turn again and again to the Lord.

Psalm 34 had become very special to me and I pray it often.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.

The righteous cry and the Lord hears them, and delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and will save those whose spirits are crushed.

Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord will deliver him out of them all.  (vs. 15-20)

Giving thanks for the harder things is not easy.  No one likes to suffer.  No one enjoys feeling pain.

But if that harder thing is drawing you closer to the Lord, so that you spend more time in the Scriptures, more time in prayer, more time asking for the faith that will help you believe that God is with you in your suffering, then, God is using that harder things for your good.  

The Psalmist reminds us that God is watching and hear us when we cry out to Him.  In His time and in His creative way, God will deliver us from our troubles.  We can trust that God will see us through an illness, a financial crisis or a family struggle.  He is near to us, His dear children.

I pray that you have a Happy Thanksgiving.  And I hope you will be able to take some time to thank God for the rich blessings He has given you.  May He help you with the hard things you face.  He hears your cries.  He promises deliverance.  He is near to you.  With the hands of faith, reach out and hold onto Jesus.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Especially when you are dealing with the harder things.

The Thanksgiving List

Last Sunday after church my dear, sweet wife and I stopped by my daughter's house to pick up a table.  When we arrived we found her youngest son drawing with chock on the driveway.

On one side of the driveway he wrote, "I am thankful for my house," with the family home drawn underneath the words.  On the other side of the driveway he wrote, "I am thankful for my dogs."  And there he had drew pictures of the four dogs the family has.  Interestingly, we noted that he hadn't written, "I am thankful for my brothers."  Maybe that was still to come.

I still remember the first Thanksgiving Eve service I conducted at the church I served in Missouri.  I asked the congregation, "Please take your bulletin and turn it over to the back cover.  You'll notice it is blank.  Let's take 60 seconds and make a list of everything we can think of for which we are thankful.  On your mark, go!"  And I must say that it was fun to watch everyone work at filling up that page of their bulletin."

After the service a couple came to speak with me.  They were visiting some friends in the area and decided to worship with us.  The fellow said, "Pastor, I'd like for you to read what I wrote on the back of my bulletin."  He handed it to me and what was written was this: "There is not enough paper in the world for me to write down all the things I am thankful for."

Touche! The fellow was right.  There isn't enough paper for any of us to make a list of those things that we would give thanks to God for.  What would be on your Thanksgiving List? Any idea where you would start?

It seems to me that Martin Luther can offer us ready help.  His three explanations to the Apostles' Creed are a good place to start.  

We can thank God for life.  We can give thanks for all that God gives to sustain our lives - clothing and shoes, house and home, etc., etc.  God deserves our thanks for His protective care.  We can thank God that He does all these things out of His divine mercy and for no other reason.

We can give thanks for Jesus who left His heavenly throne to come to this earth.  Jesus deserves our thanks for the redemption He made for us, paying for each one of us with His own blood, shed on the cross.  Much thanks goes to Jesus for doing all of this so that we might join Him in His kingdom and be with Him forever.

And that's not all.  We can thank the Father and the Son for sending the Holy Spirit to us.  Thanks be to God for the Gospel, for it is the power of God for your salvation and mine.  We can certainly give thanks for the forgiveness of sins which without we would be separated from God for eternity.  And we can give thanks for the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternity with our Lord.

What would your Thanksgiving List look like? What special gifts has God given you.  How have you seen God's protective care in your life? Who are those who show the love of God to you in the example they set.  Maybe, between now and Thursday you can make your own thanksgiving list.  Or, as you sit down at the table, before the dishes are passed around, ask each person to name one thing they are thankful for.

The answers might really surprise you.  I'll be watching to see if my grandson is ready to give thanks for his brothers!

Here is your TGW for the week!

Are your mornings incredibly busy.  Have to get your spouse, your kids, yourself going and out the door to school, work or some other activity? Why not give TGW a try?  Each Monday I'll provide you with a reading from Scripture, something of interest about that reading and a short prayer.  If you've not got the time to do a lengthy devotion and prayer, then check out this week's readings.  Enjoy and God bless your week!

Monday, November 22, 2021                                                         Read Joshua 1:1-9

Reread verse two.  Now, turn to Number 11:10-15 to learn what Moses thought about “these people.”  This is why the Lord delivers such a strong word of encouragement to Joshua.  And God ends this section with a powerful promise.  Prayer: Lord, as you promised Joshua, so You have promised me that You will be with me wherever I go.  See me through this day.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021                                                          Read Joshua 1:10-18

Have you noticed the repetition? In this chapter, four times we have heard the admonition – be strong and courageous.  God’s purpose is simple – He wants Joshua to trust that with His help, the new leader of the people will conquer Canaan.  Prayer: Lord, just like Joshua, I need to hear Your powerful Words every day.  Help me apply them to my daily life.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021                                                  Read Psalm 2:1-12

Did you catch the dismay of the psalmist? Why would anyone, no matter how powerful, plot and scheme against the Lord and against His Anointed One, meaning Jesus the Christ.  This is a Messianic psalm and points to the coming of Anointed One, God’s Son.  Prayer: O God, life is so hard.  I’m tempted to worry.  Help me turn to you for help and assurance, O my refuge.  Amen.

 

Thursday, November 25, 2021                                                        Read Matthew 8:1-17

Happy Thanksgiving! Notice that the illnesses increase in intensity.  First a person with a skin disease.  No problem.  But then a more difficult situation – a man is paralyzed.  Finally, the seemingly impossible – healing the demon possessed.  Jesus healed them all, fulfilling Isaiah 53:4.  Prayer: Jesus, give me faith to entrust to you the impossible problems and situations in my life. You’ll help me.  Amen.

 

Friday, November 26, 2021                                                              Read Matthew 8:18-34

Reread verses 18-22.  Can you relate to what is going on here? People want to follow Jesus.  But they believe they have more important matters to take care of first.  Aren’t we also given to making excuses for not giving Jesus the first and best place in our lives? Prayer: Jesus, You are amazing! Nothing can overcome You.  Help me trust that You’ll be with me in the storms of my life.  Amen.

 

Saturday November 27, 2021                                                         Read Galatians 1:1-10

Verses 3-5 are called by some “the heart of the Gospel.”  Paul speaks grace and peace to his readers.  A nice greeting to be sure.  But then, notice how Paul administers the Law to those who are despising the grace and peace that God has given to them in the Gospel.  Pray: Lord, bless my pastor as He proclaims the Gospel to me tomorrow in worship.  Amen. 

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!

Quite often, when planning the Thanksgiving Day service, I liked to open with the hymn, "Praise and Thanksgiving."  One thing I note in reading Revelation is that heaven knows how to hold a mighty service of praise and thanksgiving as well. 

Let's look at these words of praise: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come.  (Rev, 4:8)

This verse is pure praise.  These words glorify God for who He is - the eternal, holy Triune God.  Look at the triplets in these words:

"Holy, holy, holy" - three holies

"Is the Lord God Almighty" - three names of God

"Who was, who is and who is to come" - three-fold description of God's eternal nature

But the praise isn't over.  If you continue reading in chapter four, your learn of the acknowledgement of the One who gave the 24 Elders their crowns - You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.

How do the saints in heaven respond to the God who is the creator of everything? With praise and thanksgiving! This great hymn of praise is sung because in Christ's victory, all of heaven can gratefully come into the presence of the holy God.

Some day we who believe will be included in this heavenly praise service.  Now, as we worship each Sunday, our Divine Service is a warmup for what is to come.  Our God is present now - in His Word of forgiveness, in the bread and wine of the Supper and in the water of baptism.  Forgiven for the sake of the Son of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can come into the presence of the Father and shout: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is and who is to come! To that there is nothing left to say but Amen! 

Before Going to Church

Gracious Savior, You have made each Sunday a day of triumph through Your resurrection, increase in me the desire to worship You as my adorable Lord and merciful Savior.  Grant that the message of Your redeeming love, which I will hear today, may make me more appreciative of Your grace, strengthen my faith, enable my character.  Make me more faithful in the coming week that I may be able to resist all temptations that come my way.  Make me ever more willing to serve others as You have served me.  Remove all distracting thoughts from my mind, and let me apply all that is said to myself rather than to others.

Let my attendance at Your house of worship be an example to others that they, too, may come and share with me the peace and hope which are mine through Your Gospel of love and grace.  Pour out on me Your greatest blessings now and always, most gracious Savior and Friend.  Amen.

From "My Prayer Book," page 87

Have a blessed Sunday!

Want to be like Jesus?

 

Look at Jesus!

"If you want to know how far God is willing to go to demonstrate His love for you, look at Jesus.  If you want to know how much God wants to be involved in your life, look at Jesus."

"The New You" by Scarcy & Henson, page 87

The Friday Funny #520

What do you call a pastor's sermon that takes to long?

The Reverending Story

A preacher visits a prison to give a sermon.  The pastor begins the sermon with the words:

It gives me joy to see you all here today.

My church was going to have a sermon on prophecy on Sunday/

It was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Have a good Friday everyone!

Be strong and courageous!

In preparing TGW for next week, I spent some time reading the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Joshua.  There we read that God has picked Joshua to be the new leader of the Israelites.  The man has big sandals to fill.  Moses is gone and the people have still not entered the land promised to them by God.  

Joshua was a trusted worker with Moses.  He knows just how difficult leading the Israelites has been.  This is why four different times God tells Joshua to be "strong and courageous."  

Those are good words of encouragement.  They're the kind of words we might tell someone who is a little fearful or uncertain of a challenging situation.  "You can do it!" we say.  "Be strong! Be courageous! You've got this!"

However, all the encouragement in the world doesn't help much when we're freaking out over having to give a speech or go on a job interview or climb in the contraption that does MRI's.  Or leading a "stiff-necked" people to the promised land.

In Joshua's case, he could look forward to this new assignment.  It wouldn't be easy.  The challenges would be too numerous to count.  This is because God's words to Joshua were not simply a pep talk.  No, they were so much more.

Here's verse nine of chapter one: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified and do not be overwhelmed, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua could confidently move forward because of the promise of God's presence.  The new leader's task would not fall on his shoulders alone.  God would be with Joshua with every step he and the people took.

In the very next chapter, Joshua sent out spies to get the lay of the land, so to speak.  They connect with a woman named Rahab, a prostitute. Not exactly someone you'd think who would be a reliable connection.  But Rahab hides the spies from the King of Jericho.  Then, in verse nine, the prostitute reaffirms the promise God made to Joshua.

"She said to the men, 'I know the Lord has given you the land'."  Rahab has had her eyes and ears open.  She knows of God's mighty miracles.  She aware of how God has been going ahead of the people, removing obstacles in their way.  All she asks for is some kindness because she knows that God is with His people.

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Way and the Truth and the Life? Then you are one of God's people.  And God's promise of His presence in Your life is just as sure and certain as it was for Joshua.

Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I will be with you to the very end of the age."

How often do we need to be strong and courageous in this life? When the medical diagnosis is cancer.  When the legal documents say "divorce." When seeing your kid at a juvenile detention facility.

There is only one way we get through these and other challenges of life.  Not solely with the words, "Be strong and courageous."  

No, it's knowing that we can be strong and courageous, even when we're not sure we can be that way, because the Lord is with us.  He will not abandon us when we need Him the most.  God is always near, ready to speak to you in His Word, always ready to listen to you when you pray.  So, on this day and every day, be strong and courageous - the Lord is with you.

Called by the Holy Spirit

Faith is how we receive Christ Jesus.  God does this by "calling me."  To be called is to hear a voice, to be personally addressed by words.  The Holy Spirit's voice is, by virtue of His divinity, God's Word.  Specifically, the call to faith comes from the Gospel, a term that means "good news."

From "Authentic Christianity," page 92

We can't save ourselves. But Jesus can save us.

The first sentence of the story was so surprising I had to read it twice.  It went like this: "A police union in California has come under scrutiny after giving its 2020 Officer of the Year Award to a cop who didn't work a day in 2020."

Turns out that the officer was on paid leave from September 2019 to April 2021 after "higher-up in the department" according to the story in World Magazine, "accused him of spending a year investigating a simple domestic abuse case with little to show for it and bilking the city our of 42 hours of overtime pay."

Seems unbelievable, right? Who gets honored for having done nothing? Who receives an award for sitting at home and collecting a pay check.  A city council member asked the mayor why the ceremony was still scheduled, given the circumstances? The response? "(Union officials) have invited family members and ordered a cake."

When I first read the story, I had to shake my head.  How does a person get chosen for an award when it's so obvious they didn't deserve it? Then I realized that that very same thing happened to me.

I have in my office at home a golf trophy that was awarded to the first place team.  I was a member of that team.  And I didn't swing a golf club one time/

I was having back problems so playing a round of golf was out.  But my teammates urged me to ride in a cart and enjoy the spring day.  At the end of the round, our team shot the lowest score, won the tournament, and was awarded trophies.  

I was included in the picture of the winning team.  But I did nothing to earn the trophy.

Winning a trophy is one thing.  How about winning eternal life?

The Bible teaches that if a person wishes to earn eternal life they must live a perfect life.  That's harsh.  We're shut down before we get started.  But that's what God demands.  Leviticus 19:2 reads, Be holy for I the Lord am holy.

None of us have lived that life, that perfect, holy life.  Paul wrote to the Romans in 3:23, All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

No matter how hard we try, we can never do enough to win eternal life.  Our works are tainted by our sins.

We can't save ourselves.  But Jesus can save us.

Jesus - true God and true man - lived the perfect life that God demands - in our place.  Then Jesus died on the cross - paying for all our sins - in our place.  On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.  His resurrection guarantees our redemption and a place in heaven.  All this is ours through simple faith in Jesus.

We contribute nothing to our salvation but our sins - we give them to Jesus and he gives back to us His perfect righteousness.  

Jesus takes the rap for our sins.  We do nothing but get everything - forgiveness of sins, peace with God, a place in heaven, eternal life spent in the presence of Jesus.

Romans 6:23 is a sweet Bible verse - The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I keep that golf trophy as a reminder.  As I did nothing to win it, the trophy also reminds me that I did nothing to win my salvation.  Jesus did it all and He makes you and me winners.

That's a pretty good thought to begin the day with.  God bless your day!

Coming next week - TGW!

One of the most enjoyable tasks I had each week while serving at Life in Christ was writing a weekly devotional tool called Treasuring God's Word.  Monday through Saturday the reader was given a Bible text along with a short prayer or an idea which might spark a time of prayer.

My blog averages about 100 readers each day.  In the blogosphere that's not a great number.  But if I stood in a room to speak to 100 people I'd feel pretty good about that.  So, for those of you who would like to take a few minutes out of your day to read some Scripture and then pray about what you've read, give TGW a try.  You'll find the entire week's worth of readings every Monday morning in a blog post.  I'm looking forward to sharing the readings and prayer ideas with you.  Check it out next Monday!

Good advice from a cat

One day I was in the office of the pastor who served at the congregation we attended when we lived in Illinois.  Sitting next to his desk was a brown paper bag.  I asked what was in it and he replied, "It's a collection of cards and letters I've received from members.  I look at their notes of encouragement and praise when I'm having a bad day and feeling down from criticism from some disgruntled member."

So, when I began my ministry in 1997, I began doing the same thing.  Over almost 25 years I've collected a large box full of notes, letters and pictures.  My pastor friend was right - words of appreciation and encouragement are good medicine with criticism causes thoughts of doubt to flood your mind.

One birthday card made me laugh out loud.  It is just the card this good friend would give me.  On the cover is a sleeping cat.  Open the card and you read: 

              Celebrate like a cat today.  Eat. Sleep. Ignore everyone who annoys you.

Perish those second thoughts

Have you ever had second thoughts about something or someone? Ever wish you had taken more time before you bought the new car or said "yes" when asked to go on a date, or accepting the new assignment at work? When the car breaks down or the date is a waste of time or the new assignment causes more headaches that you could have imagined, it's so easy to second guess yourself about the decision you made.

It might interest you to know that the people who received and read the letter to the Hebrews were having second thoughts.  They had converted from Judaism to Christianity.  The good news of God's love in Christ Jesus had made their hearts glad.  But their decision to embrace Christ as Savior had brought derision and scorn from those who had rejected the Lord's forgiveness and love.  They lashed out at these new Christians in both word and deed.  For the new converts, there was the possibility of facing persecution and even death for the faith.

The letter to the Hebrews was designed to help the Jewish converts deal with their doubts.  However, this is a letter from which we can all benefit.  The writer shows how Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all the promises of the prophets.  In times of persecution and struggle, whether 2000 years ago or 2 days ago, Hebrews teaches us that there is only one Lord and Savior to whom we can place our trust.  Trust in Jesus and walk with Him - there is no reason to ever look back!

A prayer for those taking Holy Communion today

"O Lord, in this wondrous Sacrament You have left us a remembrance of Your passion.  Grant that we may so receive the sacred mystery of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen."

From "A Year in the New Testament," page 337

Sunday, a day of praise, thanksgiving, remembrance

Why is it important to worship God/ Jane Fryer, writing in the "Today's Light Bible," offers these thoughts: "Two families prepared to go on vacation.  One family planned their route in detail, studying the various Civil War sites they would visit.  The other family hopped in the car the morning their vacation began.  Mom gave Dad the map and asked, "What route should we take to Gettysburg?" Which family will likely get more out of the trip?

People who prepare for an experience and enter it with open eyes not only enjoy the experience more but are better able to notice and take advantage of happy coincidences that spring up along the way.

Corporate worship is like that too.  The psalmist encourages us to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." (Psalm 100:4)  We're always welcome in our heavenly Father's house because of Jesus and His cross.  But when the Holy Spirit prepares our hearts, when we think ahead of time about the good things for which we want to thank God, when the Lord's praise bubbles up in our hearts, then our worship in church becomes more meaningful.

Old-time evangelists used to scare people with the words, "Prepare to meet your maker!" But we, as Christ's blood-bought brothers and sisters, can rejoice as we prepare weekly to meet and worship Him.

Jane Fryer is right! Sunday is a day of praise...an opportunity to give the Lord the honor and glory that is His.  Sunday is a day of thanksgiving...offering gratitude for countless benefits and blessings we're received.  Sunday is a day of remembrance...recalling that Sunday is the day that Jesus sealed His victory and our deliverance from sin, death and the devil.  With the psalmist, let's give thanks to Him and praise HIs name.  For the Lord is good and His love endures forever! (Psalm 100:4-5)

Pastor Joke #520

A pastor and a lawyer arrived at the pearly gates.  St. Peter greeted both of them and gave them their room assignments.

"Pastor, here are the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units.  And for you, sir (the lawyer) here are the keys to our finest penthouse suite."

The pastor cried, "This is unfair.  Shouldn't I be given the better place?"

St. Peter replied, "Listen, pastors up here are a dime a dozen, but this is the first lawyer we've seen!"

My apologies to all lawyers (including my oldest daughter:-).

Have a good Friday!

What is death?

I really appreciate these comforting words from the Great Reformer:

Thus before our Lord God, death is not death but a sleep.  For us, where we die it si and is termed death, but before God it is but a sleep and a very light sleep at that.

Martin Luther, as quoted in "Thank, Praise, Serve, Obey," page 158 

My heart soars when mercy touches my heart

It sets my heart soaring to know I can stand before Him deserving only judgment but receiving only mercy.

WELS Daily Devotion, September 10, 2018 

What lust could cause you to do

But some might say, "Waiting for marriage is unbearable and aggravating!" They're right! It's very similar to other difficulties requiring patience that believers must face, such as fasting, imprisonment, cold, sickness, and persecution.  Lust is a serious burden.  You must resist it and fight against it.  But after you have overcome it, lust will have caused you to pray more and grow in faith.

From "Faith Alone," devotions by Martin Luther, April 24

Nothing Else Matters

I love this turn-of-phrase from Jaroslav Pelikan as found in "Unparalleled" on page 160.

If Christ is risen, nothing else matters.  And if Christ is not risen, nothing else matters.

This is the truth that the apostle Paul shares in his first letter to the Corinthians: And if Christ is not raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins...But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.  (verses 17 & 20)

Because Christ is risen from the dead, you and I and all who believe can look forward to a glorious resurrection on the Last Day.  And no matter how challenging or difficult life is, none of it matters because we have an eternity that awaits, an eternity spent in the presence of Jesus, our Redeemer and Savior.

And really, in the end, that's all that matters.

Look for the right opportunity to share Jesus

In the September 11 edition of "World" Magazine, I read a story of how a Oklahoma woman managed to evacuate 10 Afghan school girls, saving them from Taliban terrorists.

The woman, Allyson Reneau had connected with the girls at an event in Washington DC in 2019.  With the help of a friend in Qutar, paperwork was processed and officials on the ground in Afghanistan were able to put the girls on a plane .  Reneau then flew to Qutar to connect with the girls and make arrangement for them to come the the US where they will continue their studies.

What caught my eye was something Reneau was quoted as saying: "It was a very narrow window of opportunity" (to get the girls out of Afghanistan).

"Opportunity."  In St. Luke's account of the Temptation of Jesus, we know that the evil one could not lead Jesus into sin, not even once.  Then, in verse 12 we read, When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Him (Jesus) until an opportune time.

Satan may have felt defeated after a futile 40 days, but He never gives us.  The "opportune" time came three years later.  How the devil must have rubbed his hands in glee as he saw the hatred for Jesus by the religious leaders of the Jews.  Now, the opportunity had finally come.  Moved by the evil placed in their hearts, the leaders tried and convicted Jesus.  They drug the Lord before Pilate who caved into their demands as he felt the pressure of the leaders and the bloodthirsty howls of the crowd - "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!  Finally, in the afternoon at three pm, Jesus breathed His last.  Surely, the devil must have thought that all his waiting had finally produced the result he wanted - the Son of God dead and buried!

You and I know that no matter how tough and crafty the devil is, he is no match for our Mighty Lord and King.  The devil played into God's plan for Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world.  What Satan meant for evil, God used it for good - our good.  On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead! Our debt to God, because of our sinful past, was paid in full.  

Talking about an opportune time, remember these words from Galatians, chapter four: But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those those under law...(verses 4 & 5a).

Paul leaves not doubt - our salvation is the work of God beginning with the promise found in Genesis 3:15 until Jesus' resurrection from the dead and His final coming to judge the living and the dead. 
And one more thing -  Satan and his henchmen will receive what God has already prepared for them - everlasting punishment.

Now is the time for you and me to look for those opportunities to show and share the love of Jesus in our words and our deeds.  Pray that God will give you the chance to invite a person to church or be there to pray for them when needed or do a Bible study together.  Pray for the opportune time to share your Savior with someone else!

Cling to God!

At all costs cling to the revealed God.  Allow no one to take the child Jesus from you.  Hold fast to Christ, and you will never be lost.  God the Father longs for you.  God the Son wishes to be your Savior, your Liberator.  In this kind and lovely manner has God freed us from these terrible assaults and trials.

Martin Luther, from "For All the Saints," Vol II, page 1199

Praise God for His Gift of Forgiveness

Last Sunday is a day I will not soon forget.  Life in Christ sent me off in retirement in style.  Everything was perfect - the service, the festivities, the meal.  My dear, sweet wife and I have always said that Life in Christ is the best - no other church compares (I know, we're slightly prejudiced).  Praise God for His church and His people!

We flew to Florida this past Monday morning for some rest and relaxation.  I took along with me a book I had read before - Brennan Manning's "The Ragmuffin Gospel."  If you've not read this dandy of a book, find it and read it.  I seemed to highlight something on every page.

For example, take a look at this heartfelt prayer of confession:  Lord Jesus, we are silly sheep who have dared to stand before You and try to bribe You with our preposterous portfolios.  Suddenly we have come to our senses.  We are sorry and ask You to forgive us.  Give us the grace to admit we are ragamuffins, to embrace our brokenness, to celebrate Your mercy when we are at our weakest, to rely on Your mercy no matter what we may do,  Dear Jesus, gift us to stop grandstanding and trying to get attention, to do the truth quietly without display, to let the dishonesties in our lives fade away, to accept our limitations, to cling to the Gospel of grace and to delight in Your love.  Amen.

They say, "Confession is good for the soul."  The Psalmist David would agree.  In Psalm 32 he writes how a guilty conscience leads to misery.  But then in verse five he writes: I will confess my transgressions to the Lord - and You (the Lord) forgave the iniquity of my sin.  It's no accident that our worship each Sunday begins with confession and absolution.  We "ragamuffins" need to confess our sins. And then we hear those comforting words, "For the sake of Jesus Christ, God forgives you all your sins."  As you go to worship tomorrow, praise God for His gift of forgiveness!