The Christmas Story

Luke 2:1-20

New International Version

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

The sweetest word my ears have ever heard

When I hear it my ears perk up like my dog when I say "treat."  My smile is brighter than the sun's reflection off of Charles Barkley's head. The sweetest word my ears have ever heard is "Daddy."

My oldest daughter is in for a visit.  As I lugged her luggage into our car (note to self - see doctor about possible hernia), she said, "Daddy, I am so glad to see you!"  Suddenly it was if I didn't have a care in the world.  Tuesday's vote was no longer a concern.  I stopped thinking about upcoming doctors appointments.  It was 7 pm and it was dark. But I felt as though the sun was shining brightly on me - no one else, just me.  That's the power of the word, "Daddy."

What word can cause your heart to soar higher than the International Space Station? What one word gives you the confidence that your life has been worth living.  "Daddy" works for me? 

Who Am I

What is my identity? How do people see me? How do I see myself?

These are questions people struggle with.  Not knowing who you are or being confused about your identity can leave a person feeling helpless and purposeless.

Believers find their identity in Christ Jesus.  See 1 Peter 2:9

You are a chosen people - yes, Jesus chose you and called you to be His own

A royal priesthood - you are adopted into God's family through baptism and become part of a royal priesthood which means you have free access to God

A holy nation - through faith in Jesus you are part of a great family of believers - one Lord, one faith, one baptism

A people belonging to God - through faith we are connected to God able to receive all the blessings the Father has to offer

What is my identity? I am God child.  He has saved me, called me into His family, given me access to Him and all His blessings.

How do I respond?

That you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Because of who I am, I am moved to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.  I walk with the Light of the World (John 8:12).  Called out of the darkness of sin through the forgiveness of sin, won by Christ on the cross of Calvary, I am free to share this good news with others, especially those who struggle with their identity.  

I once asked the late Rich Mullins, author of songs like "Awesome God," and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," for his autograph.  Above his name he wrote - Be God's. 

So be God's child.  See your identity in your Savior, Christ Jesus.

The Band Is Back Together

For many years at LICL I played in a little music group that sang tunes for our 9:30 service.  When I retired a year ago, my dear sweet wife and I worshiped at a different congregation.  I've also been doing pulpit supply for several churches.

Now, our year of exile is over and we've decided to rejoin our church family.  Our group was invited to play some music again, from time to time, and our first opportunity to play is November 13.

Connie, Ron and I practiced the songs we plan to play.  It was a good practice, just like we'd hadn't taken a year off.  We'll play "10,000 Years" and a great Matt Maher song, "Lord, I Need You."  We'll finished with "Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)," a favorite of mine.

The LICL praise service takes place at 9:30 every Sunday.  If you don't have a church, come and check out this service.

Regarding Jeremiah 31:34

 Yet how can the all-knowing God not only forgive your sins but also forget them? It is not because He is forgetful, but because He remember them all on His Son instead of you.  When Jesus was on the cross, He endured all of God's wrath for all the sins of all humanity.

From WELS App, Devotion for November 4, 2022

An act of compassion

An Act of Compassion

              A few years ago I read a neat story about a room service waiter who worked at a Marriott Hotel.  The waiter, a fellow named Charles, learned that the sister of a guest unexpectedly passed away.  Charles went to the gift shop, bought a sympathy card and had all the hotel staff members sign it.  Then he sent it to the room of the grieving guest along with a piece of hot apple pie.

              Some time later the guest wrote a letter to the president of the Marriott Hotels.  It said, in part, “Mr. Marriott, I’ll never meet you.  And I don’t need to meet you.  That’s because I met Charles.  I know what you stand for…I want to assure you that as long as I live, I will stay at your hotels.  And I will tell my friends to stay at your hotels.”

              Just think – because of the compassion of a lowly waiter, the Marriott Hotel chain now has a customer for life!

              Acts of compassion are not soon forgotten.  Sacrifices made on our behalf by others always touch our hearts and melt our souls.  People like you and me should know better than anyone the meaning of compassion.  Every cross we see reminds us of the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

              One of the joys of reading the Gospels is to see the compassion of Jesus in action.  A man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus.  He says, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus replied, “I am willing.  Be clean!”  And immediately the man was cured of leprosy.  A widow makes her way through the town gate to bury her only son.  Jesus sees her grief and sadness.  His heart went out to her and he told her, “Don’t cry.”  Walking up to the coffin, the Lord places His hands on it and says, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”  The dead man came back to life.  A mother and son are reunited.  

              These are wonderful examples of the love and compassion of our Lord.  Still, none of them compare with what Jesus did for you and me at the cross of Calvary.  Is it not compassion that Jesus offers in taking our sins upon Himself?  Is it not compassion that Jesus would become our substitute of sin and experience the pain and suffering we deserve for our disobedience?  Jesus saw our need for a Savior and He did something about it.  That’s compassion!

              The compassion of a room service waiter moved a woman to tell all her friends about the Marriott Hotels.  The compassion of Jesus moves us to tell all our friends about the forgiveness and new life that our Lord offers.  As we share the Gospel, Jesus makes friends for life, for eternity.  Sins are cleansed.  Peace is received.  And another person is a recipient of our Lord’s compassion.

              To whom can you show the compassion of Jesus Christ this week?  

Life wins!

The Fifth Commandment - God's gift of life

You shall not kill.  What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

From the Explanation

The living but unborn are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception.  Since abortion takes a human life, it is not a moral option except to prevent the death of another person, the mother.

Jeremiah 1:5 - Before AI formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

Psalm 139:16 - Your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

From Luther's Small Catechism, 1986 edition, Concordia Publishing House

A story about brotherly love

 

A Story about Brotherly Love

            Have you ever lived in a home with a basement?

            We hadn’t until I moved my family back to the Midwest in 1988.  Our home there had a finished basement which included a master bedroom, play room, laundry room and a workout room with Jacuzzi.  We loved having the extra space, not to mention that the basement was the best place to hang out during a hot and humid Midwestern summer.

            When I took my first call to serve as pastor to a church outside of St. Louis, we found a nice home with a basement.  With the help of a couple of young carpenters, we finished off the basement and created a place where we could work, offer company a place to stay or just settle down in front of the TV for a nice, quiet evening.

            All was well and good until early one Sunday morning when our kids woke us with these words: “There’s water in the basement.” 

            It’s not much fun to have to drive over to your 24 hour superstore at 1 am to purchase a wet-vac.  That’s what we did and we managed to get the water all cleaned up, only to have the basement flood again…and again…and again.

            After consulting with several experts we bit the bullet, so to speak, and put in a sump pump.  To do this, we had to empty the basement of every piece of furniture.  This was a hard job and my son and I had to put in for an extra order of Ben-Gay when we were all finished.

            A few weeks later, the sump pump was installed and our carpeting was reinstalled.  My son and I decided that we would meet one afternoon at 4 pm to move all the furniture back down stairs.  But neither one of us looked forward to that job.  We hadn’t quite recovered from our last assignment.

            At about five minutes to four, the doorbell rang.  That seemed odd – my son would just come into the house.  I opened the door and four guys from church were standing there.  A couple of cars pulled up in front of the house and three more guys came walking across the lawn.  They said, “We’re here to help you move your stuff back downstairs.  Where do you want us to begin?”

            One of our members, a dear friend named Ellen, had somehow heard about our moving job.  She took pity on me and my son and started calling men in our church and asking them to come give us a hand.  With all the help we had, all our furniture and other stuff was moved back in the basement in less than an hour.  A job that my son and I were dreading was taken care of with ease.

            The apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for the brotherly love they showed each other and their neighboring churches.  Their love for the Lord’s forgiveness and salvation moved them to extend that love to their friends and neighbors.

            My son and I were on the receiving end of such brotherly love and we’ve never forgotten it.  So now I ask you to think about it – to whom can you show such love? Your next-door neighbor? A friend at work? Someone at church? In the words of the folks at Nike – just do it! Show some brotherly love today.

Biden's bike fitted with training wheels

Another report from the staff at The News You Might Have Missed

GREENVILLE, DELAWARE - An investigative report has confirmed that President Joe Biden's bike has now been outfitted with training wheels.

This took place after the President fell off his bike while greeting onlookers over the weekend.

Although the President was not injured in the fall, Secret Service felt it was important that the training wheels be added to his bike.

One unnamed agent remarked, "It was an accident.  Anyone could get their foot caught on a peddle.  Adding the training wheels is a precautionary measure only. The President might even amp up his speed a little bit with the extra help."

President Biden took the fall with good humor.  When asked what was the reason for the accident, he blamed the Putin Price Hike.

There is also an unconfirmed report that a large, orange haired man was seen around the bike a few evenings before the Biden accident.  That report was still being investigated at deadline.

Another thought about peace

"He who prepared in Jesus the perfect peace we need for our souls will also provide what we need for our daily lives."

Richard Lauersdorf, "Together with Jesus," January 3

A burden sharer

 

A Burden Sharer

            I was digging through a pile of discarded books one day and found an absolute gem.  It’s entitled, “Prayers for People Under Pressure,” written by Dr. Donald Deffner.  The book is nearly 20 years old and out of print, although you can probably find a copy at one of the on-line book dealers.  Deffner has written nearly one hundred prayers in a poetic form.  For those who are dealing with an inordinate amount of stress or need encouragement to persevere in difficult situations, Deffner’s prayers will offer care and help.  As I’ve used the book myself, again and again I’ve thought, “He has written these prayers especially for me!” 

            Let me offer you an example.  If you’ve ever been tempted to throw a pity party for yourself, Deffner’s prayer, “The Fellowship of Suffering,” would be very meaningful.  This is the prayer:

            O God, prevent me from the pretentiousness of thinking I am unique in my suffering and from a self-pity that I am alone in my struggle.  Move me by Your Spirit to seek out the fellowship of burden-bearers, my comrades of the cross.  Reveal to me my affinity with those distressed throughout the world, that we, knit together in love, may share in Christ’s sufferings and be like Him in His death.  Make me not only a burden-bearer but a burden-sharer.

            Deffner’s prayer reminds us of an important truth.  To cancel the invitation to a pity party, you need to get out of yourself.  In other words, by helping a family member or friends carry a difficult burden or trouble, you suddenly come to realize that your problem isn’t so bad or too great that it should crush or depress you.

            That was the apostle Paul’s simple admonition to the Galatians.  In chapter six, verse two, the apostle wrote: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

            You know how much easier it is when you have an extra pair of hands to lug a bag of cement to your backyard or to carry a heavy sofa-sleeper upstairs to a second floor.  That kind of help is such a blessing.  You provide the same kind of help when you join another person and help them carry a burden or problem.  In this way, you make the burden your own.  You begin to pray for that person.  You ask how you might help them.  Before you know it, you’ve moved your burden to the back-burner, so to speak.  It doesn’t seem to be as nearly impossible to deal with as your first thought.

            One other blessing of being a burden-bearer is that you also become a burden-sharer.  You see how much you’ve helped others – you realize that you can be helped in the same way.  What a meaningful blessing it is to know that you’re not alone when a loved one is suffering, an unexpected bill zaps your bank account or a family member seems to be on a one-way trip to destruction.  You share your burdens.  Others share theirs with you.  Together, you love and support and care for one another.

            One more thing – Paul wrote that to carry each other’s burdens was to “fulfill the law of Christ.”  This doesn’t mean that Jesus laid down some kind of legal requirement for you to carry out.  In this case, what Paul is referring to is the model or example that Jesus sets for us.  Our Lord is the greatest burden-bearer the world has ever known.  He carried the heavy burden of our sins to the cross in order that we might enter the Kingdom of God.  Having received that gift by faith, Jesus sets the example for each of us to follow.  So why don’t you cancel those invitations to the pity party you were going to throw.  Instead, look for someone who might be blessed to have your two extra hands helping them with a heavy burden. 

What is peace?

This Sunday I'm preaching at St. Mark Lutheran in Phoenix on the subject of peace.  As I was paging through my journal I found a quote that I should share with the hearers.

Peace is not the absence of difficult circumstances, it is the presence of the Prince of Peace.  He often deals with difficult circumstances not by taking them away but by giving us more of Himself.

Jason Meyer, "Don't Lose Heart," page 141 

A Bonhoeffer Prayer

O Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for the peace of the night.  I praise and thank You for this new day.  I praise and thank You for all Your goodness and faithfulness throughout my life.

You have granted me many blessings; now let me accept what is hard from Your hand.

You will lay on me no more than I can bear.  You make all things work together for good for Your children.  Amen.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)

From the pages of The News You Might Have Missed

 Local man caught looking at Women's Softball Game

GLENDALE AZ - Fred Johnson, a Glendale resident, was caught by his wife watching the College Women's Softball National Championship game last night.

Johnson, who is on record as saying that, "women cannot play sports as well as men," was found sitting on the couch, eyes glued on the game.  His wife cried out "Busted!" and  began to lambast him for his hypocritical stance regarding women's sports but Johnson said it was all a misunderstanding.

"I was walking through the living room," said Johnson, "and a commercial was playing on the television.  I thought the TV was on Fox News.  Tucker Carlson is my favorite and I appreciate his honest and even-tempered presentations.  It was an honest mistake."

When asked why he continued to watch the game, Johnson replied, "I was just trying to show my wife that I am open-minded and willing to give women's sports a chance."  Later, Johnson's wife reported that he was scrolling through the guide on his television and looking for WNBA basketball game.

What God's grace does

God's grace opened my eyes to see, my ears to hear, my heart to hold my Savior.

"Together with Jesus" devotional, October 19

A Behind the Scenes Look

 

A Behind the Scenes Look

            During our recently completed European trip, my dear sweet wife and I had the pleasure to take special tours of the famous Vienna Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall in London.  These two places have hosted the greatest performers in the world.  Maria Callas and Placido Domingo have wowed standing room only crowds in Vienna while every kind of music imaginable – from classical and opera to rock and reggae – have been performed in London.  Knowing all this made for a special and exciting time.

            We were promised a behind the scenes look and that what we got.  At the Vienna Opera House we got a look at how the stage was designed so that sets for various presentations could be changed in seconds rather than minutes.  We watched as set designers used ordinary pieces of cardboard in which huge looking boulders were created.  A special treat during our tour of the Royal Albert Hall was the opportunity to sit in the box that was adjacent to the Queen’s Box.  We weren’t allowed to go in her box – something about being not royal enough.  But we did visit the Queen’s Waiting Room, a place where she and her entourage can go to be served food and beverages before performances and at intermission.  I don’t know for sure but I hope I sat on the Queen’s chair.

            It is exciting to be able to see things that folks don’t normally see.  It makes us feel special and important.  2 Kings, chapter 6 offers to us a different kinds of behind the scenes look that was very meaningful for the servant of Elisha.

            The King of Aram was at war with Israel.  When he learned that Elisha, the man of God, was spoiling his plans, the King wanted Elisha.  When it was discovered that Elisha was in a place called Dothan, the King dispatched a large force of soldiers whose mission is simple – get Elisha.

            First one up that morning was Elisha servant.  I don’t know if he was going out to get the paper or what but the poor man couldn’t believe what he saw – not a few soldiers but an entire army had surrounded the city.  He quickly alerted Elisha to what was happening but the man of God to the servant, in so many words, “Don’t worry about it.”

            Why wasn’t Elisha worried? God had permitted him to see something the servant couldn’t see.  So Elisha asked God to give the servant a behind the scenes look.  The Scripture says, Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

            Wouldn’t you like to have that privilege just once, for the Lord to let you look behind the scenes of your financial struggle, your job search or your trials in raising children? The likelihood is that God is going to ask you to do something different but beneficial to your life with Him.  And that is to trust in Him.

            But as you live by faith, remember that this story teaches that God does work on your behalf, behind the scenes, so to speak, carrying out His will for your life.  In the process, God might allow struggles to come your way.  This struggles simply refine your faith and help you to realize just how much you need the Lord’s grace and mercy and care in your life.  And one more important thing – as relief came to Elisha and the servant, so relief will come to you in God’s timing and for your benefit.

            Yes, we’d love a behind the scenes look at how God is dealing with our needs and requests.  But we live by faith and not by sight so we remember this reassuring word from Hebrews, chapter 11: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This week, trust Jesus – walk in the light of His love. 

A precious prayer from a 3 year old

Max Lucado tells the story - I like the story of the father who was teaching His three-year-old daughter the Lord's Prayer.  She would repeat the lines after him.  Finally, she decided to go solo.  He listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer.  "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us from e-mail."

From "Anxious For Nothing," page 82 

How Jesus keeps the Law for us

 (Jesus) perfect keeping of the Law for us is starkly demonstrated in Gethsemane: "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but Your will be done."  (Jesus) both kept the First Commandment and suffered the punishment we deserve for our not keeping it.

Matthew Harrison, "Why I Am Joy:Fully Lutheran" page 14

What God's will means for you

 God's will is your forgiveness.  God's will is that His forgiveness ring in your ears so that you believe and rejoice that the blood of His Son has answered for your every sin...

From "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," page 90

No uncertainty in God's promises

I'm reading a book entitled, "Where Nobody Knows Your Name."  It tells about what baseball players go through when they either never get to the major leagues or get called up to the big team only to be sent down.  Some players have had this happen to them multiple times.  One player said that he dreads seeing a particular coach.  This coach is the guy who informs the player that the manager wants to see him.  And that usually means bad news.

Uncertainty is a tough thing to deal with.  When we find ourselves in such situations, it creates anxiety and worry.  The future doesn't seem clear.  And it's not only baseball players who have to deal with uncertainly.

We can face this feeling at work - "with the cutbacks, will I still have my job?" At the doctor's office - "They said the test was no big deal.  If that's the case, why did I have to have the test in the first place?" Family finances - "our son starts college this fall; do we have enough money to pay his way?"

Fortunately, there is no uncertainty with God's promises.  God's Word does what it says.  For example, we never have to wonder if we are forgiven of our sins.  1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God forgives and cleanses us from our unrighteousness.  Is God near to us?  Matthew 28:20 assures us that God is with us to the very end of the age.  John 3:16 reminds us that our salvation is not up for grabs, so to speak.  Whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life.

There are plenty of things in this life that cannot be guaranteed.  There are some situations that will leave us hanging, so to speak.  But not with God.  We can be certain of every promise He has made.  We have His Word on it!

The importance of God's name

Where God has placed His name, He has placed Himself.

William Weedon, "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," page 31 

See you in eternity, Suzanne

My friend, Suzanne, passed away on Saturday morning.

For as long as I've known her, she has always suffered with her health.  In and out of the hospital more times than I can count.  She had many more bad days than good ones.  Life was a struggle and it was difficult to watch her suffer.

In the life of every pastor there are people who are a source of encouragement.  Suzanne was one of those people for me.  Things that I took for granted, like visiting her in the hospital or having a prayer with her over the phone were things that she cherished and she let me know it.  When I retired, she was disappointed but she still made me feel like I was doing the right thing.

Last September, she and Jim took me out for my birthday.  Knowing my love for the Beatles, she gave me a book of their lyrics and a prized record album from her collection.  Her thoughtfulness was touching and something I won't soon forget.

My heart goes out to her husband, Jim.  He had seen Suzanne through so many of her health issues.  Jim is dealing with his own health issues right now so this is doubly hard for him.  Keep him in your prayers.

In the book of Revelation, we have the words, "Blessed are they who die in the Lord."  Through all her many trials, Suzanne kept trusting in her Lord and Savior.  Now she is resting in the arms of Jesus, waiting for the great day of the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.  Then we'll see a new Suzanne - no more pain and no more tears.  

What a day that will be.  Come, Lord Jesus. 

Church joke #599

I'll be preaching this Sunday at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Phoenix.  If you don't have a church home come and join us.  9 am is the service time.  Have a blessed weekend!

Trying to remember what I wrote

One of the most frightening things I experienced as a pastor was when someone would come up to me and say, "Pastor, I wanted to ask you about the sermon you preached six months ago."

Since I normally had trouble remember what I had preached on the previous Sunday, it was impossible for me to remember a sermon preached months before.

Which brings me to today's post.  We received a card yesterday from some friends who were apologizing for not getting a Christmas card out to us.  In the card, the writer thanked us for the best Christmas letter they had ever received.

I wrote the Christmas letter.  I couldn't remember a single word that I had written.

Fortunately, I had saved the letter.  You can read it below.  I hope it provides some encouragement for you today.

We wish you a “Mary Christmas!” No, that’s no a typo.  Our girls, Steph and Katie, love the song “Breath of Heaven.”  Perhaps you know it.  It’s a first-person meditation of Mary as she ponders becoming the mother of God and so she prays for God’s help to be worthy of this task. 

The song is beautifully written and includes these words: But I offer all that I am, for the mercy of Your plan.  To all that happened that night in Bethlehem, the Bible tells us that Mary “treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  Interestingly, the word, “pondering,” means “putting together.”  Mary is pondering how this Babe could be the promised One of God.

Throughout the entire life of Jesus, Mary would be putting together the meaning of all these words.  The Bible reveals to us the mercy of God’s plan.  That plan called for God Himself to enter our messed up, hard-to-figure-out world and become our Savior.

That’s the good news of the season.  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  The Christ-child – He is the One who is for you sent from God.  He is your Christmas gift.  Full of mercy and grace.  There is no one like Him.

I hope this good news brings you some hope and encouragement.  It’s been a tough year for so many people.  Hard things happen and we are sometimes tempted to wonder if God has forgotten us or doesn’t care for us.  When we encounter tough times we are tempted to think such things.

In God’s heavenly workshop, as He worked on the mercy of His plan to bring salvation to the world, You were on His mind.  So, He sent Jesus to be your Savior.  The birth of Christ is your absolute guarantee that God has not forgotten you.  God has done everything needed that you would have a life with Him in eternity.  If God can handle something as big as granting you forgiveness and new life, He can certainly take care of the day-to-day problems we encounter.  He can see us through Covid-19 and chemotherapy.  He can provide help with family trials and faulty finances.  You can trust God.  The manger is proof that He is for you.

Usually, these letters are all about us.  Well, I can tell you that Sherri and I are retired and looking forward to a new season in our lives.  We have some exciting travels planned for 2022.  Our kids and grandkids are mostly healthy – Covid-19 has not wreaked havoc among us.  We miss our church family of 17 years but are blessed to be worshipping with a new church where Jesus is proclaimed.  We’re optimistic about the future.

Enough about us.  As the saying goes, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” May God richly bless you and yours with a “Mary Christmas!”

Jesus Took Naps - Be Like Jesus

Last Christmas my dear, sweet wife gave me a T-shirt.  It read: "Jesus Took Naps - Be Like Jesus."  It included the Bible verse, Mark 4:38 (Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown!"

While looking at this shirt the other day, I began to wonder if there were other "Be Like Jesus' slogans that would work.  Here's a few I came up with.

"Jesus Loved Little Children - Be Like Jesus" - Matthew 19:14

"Jesus Liked Parties - Be Like Jesus" - Matthew 9:10

"Jesus Valued Prayer - Be Like Jesus" - Mark 1:35

"Jesus Loved People - Be Like Jesus" - John 15:13

What might you add to this list?

Life, a long distance race

            Author Joni Eareckson Tada, in her book “Overcoming Adversity,” wrote about a volunteer at her ministry, “Joni and Friends,” named Clay.  He cheerfully packed boxes and stuffed envelopes and just generally offered himself and his time wherever it was needed.

            However, Clay’s passion is running.  During cross-country season Clay didn’t volunteer many hours of service.  Every hour he wasn’t in school, he was out running.  The folks at Joni’s ministry would report seeing Clay out running in the wee hours of the morning, piling up the miles.

            When she had the chance, Joni asked Clay a question that had been on her mind for a long time: what is the most difficult part of a long-distance run?  She thought that it would be either the first mile or so as the runner is getting mentally prepared to run a great distance or at the end, when you body is exhausted and you feel like you can’t run another step.

            Clay’s answer surprised Joni.  He told her it was the middle portion of the run, “when you’re out of range of those cheering voices at the start and finish lines.  It’s that long, grey, middle distance that saps your strength and your will.

            Life has been likened to a long-distance race.  As you read, you might feel like the race has been a lot tougher than you imagined it would be.  A health problem, financial struggles, self-esteem issues can all seem like reasons for giving up.

            If you’re in need of refreshment for the race called “life,” be sure to read Psalm 42 carefully.  Hope in the Lord leads to praise.  Love from the Lord leads to prayer.  Verses five and 11 seem like a refrain worth singing: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Enemies?

It is not that with God we have no enemies, but that along with our enemies we have God.

Dan Paavola, "Our Way Home," page 149

A ragamuffin prayer

A Prayer for Ragamuffins

            I love to read and one of my all time favorite books is “The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning.  Manning is a former Catholic priest whose life was changed by the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Manning loves nothing better than speaking with people about the unconditional love and grace that only Jesus gives.

            “The Ragamuffin Gospel” is a provocative title, isn’t it? Manning makes it very clear that this book was not written for the super-spiritual, those who are leading the so-called victorious Christian life where every problem is swept aside and every crisis easily averted.  Instead, Manning writes to Ragamuffins – those who are burdened by guilt that won’t go away…for those who need a touch of God’s love but are too proud to ask for it…for those followers of Jesus who so desperately want to follow the Lord but get so easily sidetracked by people and things that seem much more attractive…for those who have fooled people into thinking that they have a strong faith but are as fearful and timid as a little child.

            “The Ragamuffin Gospel” is a treasure trove full of valuable nuggets of God’s grace.  I particularly like this heartfelt confession of sin that Manning offers in the following prayer: 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 that we are ragamuffins, to embrace our brokenness, to rely on Your mercy no matter what we 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.

            Confession is good for the soul, so they say.  The Psalmist David would agree.  In Psalm 32 he writes how a guilty conscience leads to misery.  Here’s how David puts it: When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.  Those are the words of a miserable man.

            But then David’s misery is lifted by the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.  In verse five David writes: Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’ – and You forgave the guilt of my sin.  David’s misery is replaced by God’s peace and comfort.

            In many churches, it is no accident that worship begins each Sunday with confession and absolution.  We ragamuffins are not strong enough to carry the burden of our sin on our backs.  We have not the power to remove it and keep it from weighing us down.  So we confess our sin, our guilt and our shame and we leave it at the cross of Christ where our Lord paid for the guilt of our sins with His own blood.  And having done so, we hear the comforting words, “For the sake of Jesus Christ, God forgives you all your sins.”  With forgiveness, there is life – life in Christ now and life with Christ in eternity.

            And with forgiveness there is something else – joy.  At the conclusion of Psalm 32, David writes: Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.  Knowing that there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love, we can sing and praise the Father for our relationship with Him through faith in the Son.  Let that promise from God’s Word give all you ragamuffins’ faith and hope for today. 

Luther on Psalm 32

 

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1

            The 32^nd Psalm is an exemplary psalm of instruction that teaches us what sin is, and how one might be freed from it and be righteous before God.  Our reason does not know what sin is and tries to make satisfaction for it with works.  But the psalmist says that even saints are sinners.  They cannot become holy or blessed except by confessing themselves as sinners before God, knowing that they are regarded as righteous only from the grace of God, apart from any service or work.

            In short, our righteousness is called (in plain language) the forgiveness of our sins.  Or, as it says here: “sins not counted,” “sins covered,” “sins not to be seen.”  Here stand the clear plain words: All the saints are sinners and remain sinners.  But they are holy because God in His grace neither sees nor counts these sins, but forgets, forgives and covers them.  There is thus no distinction between the saints and the non-saints.  They are sinners alike and all sin daily, only that the sins of the holy are not counted but covered; and the sins of the unholy are not covered but counted.  One would have a healing dressing on and is bandaged; the other wound is open and undressed.

            Martin Luther

            “Reading the Psalms with Luther”

            Concordia Publishing House, 2007

Church joke #575

A boy came late to Sunday school.  Knowing he was usually very prompt, his teacher asked, "Johnny, is there anything wrong?"

"No ma'am, not really," he said.  "I was going to go fishing but my dad told me that I needed to get up and go to church." The teacher was very impressed and asked Johnny if his father explained why it was more important to go to church instead of going fishing.

"Yes ma'am, he did," Johnny said.  "My daddy said he didn't have enough bait for the both of us!" 

You can trust God's heart

God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be confused, and if I cannot trace His hand I can always trust His heart.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, from "Hope When Your Heart Breaks," page 52

The Lord is your helper!

 

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54;4

            A famous author keeps a special picture in his office.  It shows a turtle setting atop a fence.  The caption at the bottom of the photo reads: If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help! 

            I doubt that the Psalmist David ever pictured himself as a turtle.  But he counted on and depended upon the help that he received from the Lord God.  Again and again, David sought the Lord’s help.

            Psalm 27:9 – Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; You have been my helper.

            Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.

            Psalm 30:2 – O Lord my God, I called to You for help and you healed me.

            Psalm 33:20 – We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

            Psalm 40:17 – You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

            As you can tell from these verses, what the Lord offers to David (and to you and me) is much more than just “a helping hand.”  The Lord comes to our aid…gives protection…listens with understanding…heals our hurts…pours out compassion and love.  Throughout the first third of the book of Psalms, David again and again draws near to His Lord for help.

            Where do you need God’s help this week?  In dealing with discouragement…helping a troubled friend…learning to love an unlovable co-worker…looking ahead to the future with faith?  Follow David’s example – look to your Savior God for He is your helper!

TGW for April 20-25

Monday, April 25, 2022  Read: Psalm 13  David teaches us an important lesson – in times of distress or despair, turn to the Lord and His Word.  Meditate and pray upon it.  The Holy Spirit will give you hope and restore Your confidence.  Pray: Holy Spirit, remind me this day of my heavenly Father’s love and protection for me and my loved ones.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 26, 2022  Read: Psalm 14  Some reject the existence of God, preferring to point to their own good works as being worthy of acclaim.  Verses 2-4 describe how completely God rejects any works done outside of faith in Him alone.  Pray: Thank You, O Lord, for my righteousness, holiness and redemption comes through faith in You alone.  Amen.  (based on 1 Corinthians 1:30)

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2022  Read: Psalm 15  The apostle James wrote that “I will show you my faith by what I do.”  This, too, is the point of the psalmist.  True faith produces righteous living.  Where do you see yourself in today’s reading?  Pray: Gracious God, I want to follow You alone.  But sometimes I struggle with this…

 

Thursday, April 28, 2022  Read: Psalm 16:1-6  Did you notice the heading, “A miktam of David?” A miktam is a “mystery poem,” meaning that it deals with the deepest mysteries of life and of our relationship with God.  Note: this is a Messianic Psalm.  Pray: Dear Father, I simply cannot understand why You are so gracious and kind to me.  I praise You for Your indescribable love and mercy.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Friday, April 29, 2022  Read: Psalm 16:7-11  Did you know that both Paul and Peter quote verses 9-11 in their letters? They do so in reference to the resurrection of Jesus as affirmation of the Savior who fulfills the promises made by David and the Old Testament prophets.  Pray: Lord Jesus, I praise and thank You for Your sacrificial death and victorious resurrection.  Guide me on the path that leads to eternal life.  Amen.

 

Saturday, April 30, 2022  Read: Psalm 17:1-9  David is confident that God will answer his prayer.  Why? Because of God’s disposition to love and care for His children.  Pray: Dear Lord, keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.  Amen.    

Have you heard the one about...

 

The churches in town were all suffering from a squirrel problem.

The Presbyterian church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrel infestation. After much prayer and consideration, they concluded that the squirrels were predestined to be there, and they certainly should not interfere with God’s will.

 
At the Baptist church, the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistry. The deacons met and decided to put a water-slide on the baptistry and let the squirrels drown themselves. The squirrels really liked the slide and, unfortunately, all knew how to swim, so there were twice as many squirrels the following week.

 
The Lutheran church decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creatures. So, they humanely trapped their squirrels and set them free behind the Baptist church. Two weeks later, the squirrels were back when the Baptists took down the waterslide.

 
The Episcopalians tried a much more unique path by setting out bowls of whiskey around their church in an effort to kill the squirrels with alcohol poisoning. They sadly learned how much vandalism a band of drunk squirrels can do.


The Catholic church came up with a more creative strategy—they baptized all the squirrels and made them members of the church, so that now they only ever see them at Christmas and Easter.


The squirrel problem at the Jewish synagogue lasted about a half hour. They grabbed the first squirrel they saw and circumcised it. They haven’t seen another squirrel since.

What forgiveness does

 One of my favorite books is "The Hiding Place," the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family and the suffering they endured for hiding Jewish people in their home during World War 2.  She survive the concentration camps and became a popular speaker and writer.  I love how she turns a phrase.

 Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred.  It is a  power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.  What a liberation when you can forgive.

From "Oh, How He Loves You."

The Word of the Law is Flawless

 

Psalm 18:30

As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless.  

            I can still remember the scene as if it took place yesterday.  The St. Louis Rams had just won the Super Bowl and Kurt Warner was being interviewed.  His words would be going out to a worldwide audience.  The interviewer asked, “Kurt, tell us how you felt after throwing the game-winning touchdown to Isaac Bruce?”

            Warner responded, “The first thing I’ve got to do is praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!”

            Wow!  What an uncommon athlete.  Warner gave glory to God rather than seek glory and acclaim for himself.  That’s what David does in Psalm 18.

            The subscription to this Psalm gives the reason for the writing of this song.  David was hunted by his enemies with the same intensity that a rabid football fan might seek an extra ticket for the Super Bowl.  King Saul, filled with jealously and rage, brought the power of the kingdom against David and his small group of followers.  Each time, God thwarted Saul’s plans to destroy David.  The evil king could never defeat the one – David – God had chosen to lead His people.

            David responds by writing a majestic song of praise to his Lord.  He points to God’s grace as the reason for his many escapes and triumphs.  David takes no credit for outfoxing Saul.  He does not boast of having a superior intelligence or battle tactics.  He sings, “I love you, O Lord, my strength.”  To the very end of the psalm, David keeps pointing to the grace and mercy of God as the reason for his success.

            Where has God surprised you with His grace?  When did you experience His mercy in an extraordinary way?  Was it when He sustained you through a difficult experience?  Was it when He removed you from a painful situation.  As you work through the psalm this week, think about the song of praise you could sing to the Lord.  You already have the opening verse: I love You, O Lord, my strength!

This week's TGW!

 

Monday, April 18, 2022  Read: Psalm 9:1-12  It’s hard to know for sure but some scholars believe that this psalm was written toward the end of David’s life.  The psalmist offers sincere words of thanks and praise to God for His mercy and help throughout his life.  Pray: O Lord, you have been good to me too.  Let me thank You for the following blessings…

 

Tuesday, April 19, 2022  Read: Psalm 9:13-20  You’ve probably heard someone say, “God is so unfair!”  David has heard such talk as well.  But in this section of the psalm, David defend the fairness of God’s judgments, noting that rebellion against God brings punishment.  Pray: Thank You, gracious God, for the assurance that You will never leave me nor forsake me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022  Read: Psalm 10:1-12  Sometimes it seems as though those who purposefully lead ungodly lives prosper the most.  In today’s reading, David describes the actions of such people and pleads to the Lord not to let the arrogant escape His wrath.  Pray: Dear Father, restrain those who seek to bring evil against we, Your people.  Keep us in Your care.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

Thursday, April 21, 2022  Read: Psalm 10:13-18  The psalmist writes in verse 16: “The Lord is king forever and ever.”  This is another way of saying, “God is in control!”  Pray: O Lord, You are the Rock.  Your works are perfect.  All Your ways are just.  Amen.  (based on Deut. 32:4)

 

Friday, April 22, 2022  Read: Psalm 11  This psalm offers a powerful testimony to the way the Lord cares for His people.  David again proclaims the truth that God will uphold good and put down evil.  Pray: Merciful God, sometimes the obstacles I face seem too overwhelming.  Today I need Your help with these concerns…

 

Saturday, April 23, 2022  Read: Psalm 12  Ever have to deal with someone who has spoken a falsehood against you?  David prays for God’s wrath to fall upon such people who speak deceitful lies.  This psalm comforted Martin Luther when he was under attack at the time of the Reformation.  Pray: O God, help us to always defend and speak well of our family, friends and church family.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.   

Luther on prayer

 Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of God's willingness.

Martin Luther

Holy Saturday

The commemoration of Holy Saturday encompasses our Lord's rest in the tomb and His descent into hell.  The descent into hell is not, however, the depth of Christ's humiliation but rather the demonstration of HIs complete victory over death.  This day takes us out of the depths of most painful sorrow and out of the solitude of holy meditation upon Christ's passion to the celebration of victory as we anticipate the Lord's resurrection breaking forth in all its glory on Easter.

Treasury of Daily Prayer

Good Friday

Good Friday is the high point of Holy Week but not of the Church Year - for we know that after Good Friday a day is coming when death will give way to life.  If the commemoration of Good Friday was separated from Easter, we would remain in our sins, and thus the ultimate word of Good Friday would be "you are condemned."  Even as we stand at the foot of the cross and contemplate the price of our sin, we gather as children reconciled to God.  In the services of Good Friday, the Church does not leave us in the darkness and the shadow of death but rather fills us with the certainty of victory over sin, death and the devil, pointing us to the final victory that will be celebrated on Easter.

Treasury of Daily Prayer

Good advice on prayer

When I don't really know what to pray or how to pray, I take God's words and make them my prayers.

Dannah Gresh

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday, the Day of Commandment (Dies Mandati), most properly refers to the example of service given us by our Lord and the directive to love as we have been loved (John 13:34). Yet we must not forget the command given in the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ to "do this in remembrance of Me." This day, with its commemoration of the institution of the Lord's Supper, is set off from the rest of Holy Week as a day of festive joy.

Treasury of Daily Prayer, page 174

Where you should look

If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.  If you look within yourself, you'll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.

Corrie ten Boom 

My Rock and My Redeemer

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

            This is a verse that is often prayed by pastors before entering their pulpits on Sunday morning.  All week long the pastor has studied, wrestled with and meditated upon a text of Holy Scripture.  Then the writing and rewriting of the manuscript or outline took place.  Finally, the day comes for the pastor to proclaim the Word of God to the flock.  As he looks out at the people who have gathered, he recognizes those who have suffered disappointment, who struggle with destructive habits, who are going through times of testing and doubt.  So the pastor prays this psalm verse.  It’s what all pastors want – that their words would proclaim the forgiveness, salvation and peace that only God can give.  And that God would be pleased with their meditation and preaching.

            But this verse is not just for pastors.  It serves as an excellent prayer for every believer in Christ Jesus.  We all want God’s Words on our lips.  Who knows when we might be able to speak His Word of encouragement to someone who’s lost a job…speak His Word of comfort to a friend awaiting test results from a doctor…speak His Word of compassion to a family member who is overwhelmed with the details of daily life.

            We can speak of our God our Rock, our strength.  Remember Jesus’ Word to the Apostle Paul? “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”  We can speak of God our Redeemer, our Savior.  Remember the “new song” of the Saints in heaven? “You (Jesus) are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God…”

            Commit Psalm 19:14 to memory this week.  God bless your words and meditations.