TGW - January 31 to February 5, 2022

 This week we continue with readings from Joshua, the Psalms, Matthew's Gospel and Galatians. This week's Memory Verse is 1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst.  Have a great week!

TGW – January 31-February 5, 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022                                  Read Joshua 23:1-11

Joshua reminds the people that God kept His promises to them.  Vs. 3 – God enabled them to topple the nations; Vs. 7 – His Word is good and brings blessings; Vs. 11 – God’s kept promises moves them to love the Lord.  Pray: Lord, help me be very careful so that nothing would keep me from giving my love, my heart to You.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022                                  Read Joshua 24:1-15

We might title this reading, “The Choice.”  In the opening verses, did you notice the personal pronoun, “I’?  All that the people experienced, all the blessings they had received, had come from God alone.  Then Joshua gives them a choice – choose the God that You will serve (should be a “no-brainer,” right?).  But for Joshua and his household, they will serve the Lord, the true God.  Pray: God, thank You for Your many blessings.  Give me joy as I serve You.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022                           Read Psalm 18:1-6

A short but interesting reading.  God as rock means much more than simply a large rock.  This rock is something like a fortress, a place to flee for protection.  Throughout the Psalm, David describes how God his Rock has delivered him from his enemies.  Pray: Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.  Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.  Amen.

 

Thursday, February 3, 2022                                Read Matthew 14:1-12

What a weak and fearful leader is Herod.  He wants to kill John but is afraid of the people who believe John is a prophet.  Then he fears he will look too weak if he fails to carry out John’s death.  The one he should be afraid of is God for having put the forerunner of Jesus to death!  Pray: God, give me courage to speak Your truth no matter the cost.  Amen.

 

Friday, February 4, 2022                                      Read Matthew 14:13-21

Poor Jesus! He doesn’t even have time to mourn the passing of the Baptizer.  Meanwhile, in this familiar story we find the disciples completely befuddled – where are we going to find enough food for the people to eat? Jesus gives them one more reason to look to Him when the situation seems impossible.  Pray: Jesus, help me keep my eyes firmly focused on You when seemingly impossible problems come my way.  Amen.

 

Saturday, February 5, 2022                                 Read Galatians 5:22-33

Some readers don’t get past verse 22.  That word “submit” seems too harsh, too much to ask of a wife.  Perhaps a better way to look at the verses is – wives, love your husbands enough that you will live for them.  Husbands, love your wives enough to die for them.  This is true love, sacrificial love, the kind of love Jesus has for each of us.  Pray: Jesus, You care for Your church.  Give to us Your gifts of grace as we come into Your presence tomorrow in worship.  Amen.

This world is not my home

Let me never think, O eternal God, that I am here to stay.  Let me still remember that I am a stranger and pilgrim on the earth.  For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.  Preserve me by Your grace, good Lord, from so losing myself in the joys of earth that I may have no longing left for the purer joys of heaven.  Let not the happiness of this day become a snare to my too worldly heart.  And if, instead of happiness, I have today suffered any disappointment or defeat, if there has been any sorrow where I hoped for joy, or sickness where I had looked for health, give me grace to accept it from Your hand as a loving reminder that this is not my home.

John Baillie, as found in "For All the Saints," Volume 3, page 323

Church Joke #549

A man, down on his luck, went to a church which catered to the smug, uppity and self-righteous.  Spotting the man's dirty clothes, a deacon, worried about the church's image, went to the man and asked him if he needed help.  The man said, "I was praying and the Lord told me to come to this church."

The deacon suggested that the man go and pray some more and possibly he might get a different answer.  The next Sunday the man returned.  The deacon asked, "Did you get a different answer?

The man replied, "Yes I did.  I told the Lord that they don't want me in that church and the Lord said, 'Don't worry about it son.  I've been trying to get into that church for years and haven't made it yet'."

This Sunday I hope you meet the Lord in His Word and Sacraments as He comes to you in His grace and mercy.  God bless your weekend!

Tiddy Boy

That's our cat, Tiddy.  He was sleek and could run like the wind.  If he felt like it.  Most of the time he enjoyed resting away in my recliner.

Tiddy was different than most cats.  He followed me around like a dog.  When I got home from work, he would accompany me to the bedroom as I put on comfortable clothes.  If I sat down to watch the evening news, Tiddy would jump in my lap and rub his face against my chin.  Whether it was a sign of affection or not, I do not know.  But that's how I took it.

We inherited Tiddy from my daughter, Katie.  She had just brought home her first child.  As she went to prepare a bottle for her boy, she caught Tiddy on the kitchen counter licking all the nipples to the bottles.  Soon thereafter we got a call from Katie - "Come and get the cat or else!"  We knew what "or else" meant.  Even though we already had a cat, we took Tiddy into our home.  One of the best decisions we ever made.

During the down days of depression, Tiddy was good medicine for me.  Watching him rest on my lap, purring his little heart away, helped me to relax and feel at peace.

Tiddy suffered a stroke a few years ago.  We rushed him to the vet but were told there was nothing that could be done to save him.  We wept great tears as Tiddy was put down.  We grieved for weeks afterward.

Thank God for the gift of pets.  I believe our four-legged loved ones will be in heaven.  I'll know when I am reunited with Tiddy Boy.  He'll be the one in my arms, rubbing his face against my chin.

This week's TGW is ready to go!

Here's a devotional tool for busy people.  Here's this week's Treasuring God's Word...

TGW – Jan. 24-29, 2022

Monday, January 24, 2022                                  Read Joshua 10:1-15

Many are the skeptics who refuse to believe what is written in our reading.  However, if God is God then He is certainly capable stopping the sun in its tracks for a full day.  More important is this – The same God who once made the sun stand still at Joshua’s request listens to our prayers as well! Pray: God, You care for those who are yours.  Thank You for the care and love You give to me.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022                                  Read Joshua 10:16-28

God’s judgment against the five kings seems too severe.  However, they tried to stand in the way of the Lord keeping His covenant with His people.  Read verse 23 again – these are the very words God spoke to Joshua when He took over leadership of God’s people.  Pray: Lord, bring to my memory some of Your Words so that I might encourage others around me.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, January 26, 2022                           Read Psalm 17:1-15

“Apple of Your eye” is the pupil of the eye, which is essential for vision and must be carefully protected.  God guards His people with the same care with which a person guards his or her own eyes.  He shelters them with the same care with which a mother bird hovers over her babies and protects them. (A Commentary on Psalms 1-72, page 232) Pray: God, keep under Your protective sight.  Amen.

 

Thursday, January 27, 2022                                Read Matthew 13:31-35,44-46

Life in Christ church began quite small, like a mustard seed.  God has grown and grown the church and He is not stopping now! We who are part of God’s Kingdom know that nothing else in this life compares with what God has for us in eternity.  Pray: Lord, save me from the idolatry of this world.  May my heart always be Yours.  Amen.

 

Friday, January 28, 2022                                      Read Matthew 13:47-58

Chapter 13 might be entitled, “Storytime with Jesus.”  However, these parables are not just pleasant tales.  They give us “snapshots” of how God’s kingdom comes and how we should receive this wonderful news.  Pray: Jesus, may I never be offended by You but, instead, speak freely of Your truth and love.  Amen.

 

Saturday, January 29, 2022                                 Read Galatians 5:16-26

In 10 verses Paul contrasts the difference between the sinful nature and that of the person who is led by the Holy Spirit.  There is nothing, no law, to restrict such rich fruit of faith being produced in the life of a believer.  Pray: Jesus, through repentance and faith, help me crucify my sinful nature so that the Spirit can produce rich fruit of faith in me.  Amen.

Church joke #512

Bent over and obviously in pain, the old man with a cane hobbled laboriously through the sanctuary and into the pastor's office while the choir was practicing.

Ten minutes later came out and walking upright, moving with grace and speed.

"Good gracious," the choir director exclaimed.  "Did the pastor heal you by faith."

"No," said the old man with a smile.  "He just gave me a cane that wasn't six inches too short!"

God bless your weekend!

God is strong enough

I don't remember where the following quote came from.  But the writer is spot on - 

If you are weak enough to confess your sins, God is strong enough to save you from them.

Thabiti Anyabwile

Why memorization? - It's good for your prayer life!

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I was going have a single New Year's resolution - memorize Scripture.  There are many good reasons for doing so.  But one of the best ones is that memorization of Bible verses can add a new dimension to daily prayer time.

For example, using some of the verses I've memorized so far:

Gracious God, heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith that enables me to be sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see.  Help me to rely on You more and not on my own understanding.  You teach that the prayer of a righteous person is power and effection.  Help me to be faithful to set aside time every day for You.  You speak to me in Your Word.  Open my ears so that I hear Your Word and obey it.  I praise You for the love and grace You give me each day.  Of this I have no doubt for all who believe in Your Son, Jesus, shall not perish but have everlasting life.  Bless this day and all I say and do.  May it be done for Your glory and praise.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Do you recognized the verses used in the prayer.  In order they are: Hebrews 11:1; Proverbs 3:5; James 5:16 b; Luke 11:28; John 3:16.

I don't know about you but sometimes while I'm praying I can get tongue-tied.  I struggle to speak the words of my heart.  Having those memorized verses on the top of your head, so to speak, can be the launching pad needed to speak to God about your own needs and the needs of others.

So, give it a try.  See how rewarding it can be when you Treasure God's Word in this way.  Let me know how it goes for you - gspicer2@cox.net - is a good place to reach me.

God's best to you today!

Treasuring God's Word for the week!

TGW – Jan. 17-22, 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022                                  Read Joshua 9:1-15

Many are the people taken advantage of who failed to do their “due diligence.”  Do you suppose that if Joshua had taken a moment to consult with the Lord, that he might have learned of this deception?  Not only that, this agreement saved the Hivites from being destroyed (Ex. 23:28-33).  Pray: Holy Spirit, remind me to seek Your counsel and help before making important decisions.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, January 18, 2022                                  Read Joshua 9:16-27

Did the people have every right to be upset with Joshua? Indeed they did! We expect our leaders to be thorough in their work.  To save face, Joshua makes the deceivers servants and workers.  How might the decision have turned out differently if first Joshua made the matter the subject of prayer? Pray: Lord, help me to mean it when I pray, “Thy will be done.” Amen.

 

Wednesday, January 19, 2022                           Read: Psalm 15:1-5

A short reading which gives you much to ponder.  David describes what righteous living looks like.  As children of God, we seek to live our lives in obedience to His Word.  But what do we do when we fail? Pray: Father, although I try, I fail to live as You want.  Forgive me for….

 

Thursday, January 20, 2022                                Read Matthew 13:18-23

Here’s some important instruction for missionaries, pastors and those who share Jesus with others.  Not all will be receptive to hearing the good news of God’s love in Christ.  Read vs, 23 again.  What joy there is when the Word produces fruit of faith in another person!  Pray: Lord, may Your Word not return void but always accomplish what You will.  Amen.

 

Friday, January 21, 2022                                      Read Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Here we have the Parable of the Weeds and explanation.  Jesus makes several important points.  Despite what some say, there is an evil one, the devil, whose mission is to turn people into “weeds.”  Also, there will be a judgement of the living and the dead, just as we confess in the Creed.  Pray: God, strengthen my faith so that I not fall to the devil’s temptations.  Amen.

 

Saturday, January 22, 2022                                 Read Galatians 5:1-15

Look at vs. 4 again: We do not please God by trying hard to keep the Law or living the best life we can.  We please God when we trust Christ Jesus who alone makes us right with God.  That is real freedom.  Pray: Lord, help me to live my neighbors as I love myself.  Fill my heart with Your love tomorrow at worship.  Amen.

How is a person made acceptable to God?

The primary doctrine of the Lutheran Church is the justification of believers by faith alone in merits of Christ and nothing else.  We cannot be saved by our works, no matter how good they might seem.  God demands perfection and none of us can offer God a pure and perfect life.  Thus, when understood properly, the doctrine of justification of faith is pure Gospel, the sweetest good news we can hear.

While doing my devotional reading yesterday, I came across a portion of Philip Melanchthon's discussion on faith from his Loci Communes (meaning "Common Places in Theology"). Melanchthon's writing, heavily influenced by Martin Luther, helped to bring forth the Reformation of the church.  Be encouraged by what Melanchthon writes about "faith."

We must carefully consider the term "faith" and see what Paul is doing when he says that we are not justified by our works but by faith in Christ.  This is new language to Roman ears, and we must at the very beginning seek the genuine and simple interpretation of it.  To be justified by works means to obtain forgiveness of sins and be righteous or accepted before God by reason of our own virtues or deeds.  On the other hand, to be justified by faith in Christ means to obtain remission of sins, to be counted as righteous, that is, accepted by God, not because of our own virtues but for the sake of the Mediator, the Son of God...As the Baptist cries, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," John 1:29, so Paul wants to present this doctrine to us, and he teaches that remission of sins and reconciliation are given to us for the sake of the Son of God and not for the sake of our virtues.

Thus, when he says that we are justified by faith, he wants you to behold the Son of God sitting at the right hand of the Father as the Mediator who intercedes for us, and to understand that your sins are forgiven you because you are considered or pronounced just, that is, accepted for the sake of His own Son, who was the sacrifice.  Therefore, in order that the word "faith" may point to the Mediator and apply to us, "faith" refers not only to historical knowledge but also to trust (fiducia) in the mercy promised for the sake of the Son of God....  

I wonder if you've heard this one...

A man went to a church that promised to heal people of their malady.  While quietly sitting in the pew, the pastor walked up to him and said, "Today, you will walk!"

The man replied, "There's nothing wrong with me.  I can walk just fine."

But the pastor told him a second time, "No, you will walk today!"

The man was insulted and decided to leave the church.  He walked outside to the parking lot and discovered that someone had stolen his truck. 

Reading List for 2021

42 - that's the number of book I read last year.  Given that I didn't retire until last October, I think that's a pretty good effort.

I read the Jeanette Oke, "When Calls the Heart" series of four books.  The setting is the Canadian northwest, rough and rugged.  A school teacher named Elizabeth marries a Mountie and lives a life that is hard but full of adventure.  Oke is a Christian and brought some good theology into some of the challenges that Elizabeth faced.  I highly recommend the series.

I also reread Katie Schuermann's "Anthems of Zion," series.  The setting is a small community in the mid-west.  Schuermann's books have been compared to Jan Karon's series; you'll find plenty of colorful characters that you'll learn to love quickly.  I appreciated how Schuermann described life in the parish and the challenges the pastor faces.  You can get these books from Concordia Publishing House.  It would be worth the investment.

For laughs, I read two Dave Berry books, "Live Right and Find Happiness," and "Lessons from Lucy," the latter is about some of the life lessons Berry learned by observing his dog.  I've been watching my dog, Jake, to see what I might learn from him.  Lesson one - take lots of naps.

Two John Gresham books landed on my bookshelf.  "Soolie," has nothing to do with the law and "A Time for Mercy," which had everything to do with the law.  If you like Gresham, you'll want to read these two books.

My reading habit is to have two or three books going at once.  I read one for a while and when I'm tired of it or want a change of pace I read something else.  Now that I'm retired I'm thinking that I should polish off even more books this year.  But I've got several things going that will take up my time and attention so I may not read as many as last year.  But one thing is certain - I will always have a book to read.  I hope you find some enjoyable books to read as well.

God's Word does what it says - it forgives!

In nearly 25 years of parish ministry, if I heard it once I heard it a dozens of times:

Pastor, I don't know how God can forgive me.

What were some of the reasons for feeling this sense of desperation? Feeling responsible for the divorce.  Poor money management leading to bankruptcy.  Trying to make someone at work look bad.  Abandoning the children when they were so young.  Having a fling with the neighbor next door.  And these reasons are only a few of the many.

Pastor, how could God forgive a person like me?

My heart went out to those believed that God's forgiveness and grace couldn't reach out far enough to remove the guilt and shame that seemed to weigh them down like a boat anchor.

But nothing is impossible for God.  And as we turned to His Word these hurting souls discovered that God can and does forgive repentant people.

Read Isaiah 55:10-11: As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and grow...so is my Word that goes out from my mount: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

God's Word will accomplish what He desires it to do - it does what it says.  It can forgive the worst sinner.

When we come to worship, we come carrying some baggage.  We haven't been perfectly loving or caring.  We haven't obeyed God's Word. We haven't loved our neighbor.  We've fallen to the "you do you" philosophy of seeking what's best for ourselves without a thought about what's best for others. 

But at church we are invited to get rid of the baggage.  To let go of the guilt.  To discard the desperation.  We confess our sins.  But it doesn't end there.

God speaks to us loud and clear, clearly enough to do the thing we didn't think God could do for us.  We hear the pronouncement - "Your sins are forgiven, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen."

I've also said the same words in my office or in the living room of a person's home.  No matter the setting, God's Word does what it says.  It forgives sin.  It removes guilt.  It restores hope.

One of the privileges of being a parish pastor was to assure people that "God can and has forgiven a person like you.  He has done this for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ, who took that boat anchor of sin upon His shoulders and paid for it with His blood, shed on the cross.

And when Christ cried out from the cross, "It is finished!" His mission of forgiveness and redemption for the whole world was completed.  Even for those who believed that they were unforgivable.

How about you? Feeling like you've said or done or thought something that God couldn't forgive.  Remember that God's Word does what it says.  It accomplishes what God desires.  And He desires to forgive the repentant and give the assurance nothing can separate you from His love and grace.  Live in that grace today!

TGW - hot off the press!

 

TGW – Jan. 10-15, 2022

Monday, January 10, 2022                                  Read Joshua 8:10-29

See verse 18 again – how easy it would have been for Joshua to have said, “Really, Lord?” But Joshua obeys and takes God at His Word and Ai, his army and city are thoroughly destroyed.  Israel wins a mighty victory, orchestrated by the Lord.  Pray: As Joshua followed Your instructions, help me, God, to do Your will too.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, January 11, 2022                                  Read Joshua 8:30-35

“This event rededicates the people to the covenant and announces to those in the Promised Land that God has come to claim the land.  The Law is written in stone to remind the people it has not gone away.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, page 354).  Pray: Lord, as Your covenant was reestablished with Israel, so let me rejoice in the New Covenant You have given to me through Christ Jesus.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, January 12, 2022                           Read Psalm 13:1-6

Ever find yourself becoming impatient? That is the temptation David felt.  Yet, he does not let such feelings get the best of him.  He teaches us an important lesson.  In times of despair, keep on trusting in the Lord who promises to work all things for our good, His dear children.  Pray: Forgive me, O Lord, when I fail to trust in Your promises.  You hear me when I pray.  Receive my praise this day.  Amen.

 

Thursday, January 13, 2022                                Read Matthew 12:38-50

Important – a demand for miracles is prior evidence that no miracle will be believed.  Jesus’ response points to the greatest miracle of all – and one that the Pharisees will reject as well.  Pray: Dear Father, thank You for claiming me as Your child, a brother or sister of Jesus.  Amen.

 

Friday, January 14, 2022                                      Read Matthew 13:1-17

This familiar parable drives home an important point – it teaches us how the Gospel takes root in us and yields great blessings.  It is impossible to have God’s Word take root in a calloused heart.  Pray: Jesus, keep me safe in Your Word so that my eyes see and my ears hear of Your wondrous love for me.  Amen.

 

Saturday, January 15, 2022                                 Read Galatians 4:21-31

Abraham took matters into his own hands, so to speak, when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.  This displeased God who made Abraham wait 14 years before Isaac was born.  A person trying to save themselves will suffer God’s wrath for no one can live the perfect life required by God.  A person who trusts in God alone for salvation is a free child of God.  Pray: Lord, let me rejoice in the Gospel of Jesus for in Him I have salvation and life eternal.  Amen.

The Irishman's Parking Space

A man drove up to his local bar on a busy evening and was dismayed that he couldn't find a parking space.

He looked skyward and prayed, "Lord, if you'll grant me a space, I'll come to church every Sunday like a good disciple should."

Low and behold, a space opens up right in front of him.  With that the man looked skyward and said, "Never mind, I found one."

Have a great weekend! Will post again on Monday.

A faith that sees Jesus

Today is Epiphany, that day in the church year when we celebrate the arrival of the Magi who have come to see the One "who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2)  We believe that the Magi traveled many months covering hundreds of miles in order to worship the new born King.

Try as we may, it is nearly impossible to imagine what it must have been like as these men first set their eyes on our Immanuel, God with us.  But author Richard Lauersdorf points out that we also have our own Epiphany experience.

Whenever we open that Word, we see the Savior.  All of its teachings revolve around its central message of God's Son coming into the world to pay for sin and prepare peace again with our Maker.  Guided by that star, we have knelt at Jesus' baby bed and cruel cross.  We have rejoiced in His resurrection and received the promise of His return.  "We have seen His star," we say with the Magi, not in the east, but, better still, in His Word.

So, it is not just the Magi who have the great blessing of seeing the Christ child.  We too, with the eyes of faith, see Jesus.  We see Him overcome the devil in the wilderness.  We see Him have mercy on those weighed down by sin.  We see Him show the religious elites as hypocrites.  We see Him cradle children in His arms while He encourages us to desire to have a faith like theirs.

We also see Jesus arrested, tried and sentenced to death.  We see Him hang in agony on the cross.  We see His suffering which is caused by our sinful ways.  We see Him breath His last and die.

We also see an empty tomb, an angel telling the women, "He is not here; He is risen!"  We see the shock and awe as the risen Jesus appears before His cowering disciples.  We see Him ascend in majesty into heaven.  We look for His return to judge the living and the dead.  We await His gathering up of all who believe in Him to be in His presence forever.

Enjoy your very own Epiphany today and give thanks for a faith that sees Jesus!

Lose That Luggage in 2022!

            Have you made any New Year’s resolutions for 2011? I shared mine yesterday - Scripture memorization.  Maybe you want to spend more time with family…get in shape or get out of debt or get better organized…quit smoking or drinking or some other bad habit…reach out to help others and perhaps the most popular – lose some weight.

            I want to lose some luggage!

            For some of you it might be just a carry-on bag.  Or maybe you need to lose the entire set.  Most of us are far more bogged down with baggage than we even realize. 

            How many handbags of animosity do you carry…how many suitcases of resentment do you pack…how many rolling bags of hatred do you take out of the closet…how many extra pounds of grudges would the airline charge you for?

            Take your lead from the apostle Paul, who wrote to the Colossians: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and…forgiving each other.

            This call to forgiveness, Paul writes, is not simply a nice suggestion but a must.  As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  Doesn’t sound like there are any loopholes, are there?

            Why would we want to live otherwise? Who wants to live weighed down and bent over carrying baggage with prevents the healing of hurts and emotions.  That is not God’s design for His chosen ones.

            You see, sin – which includes that inclination to be baggage carriers – is our greatest problem.  Forgiveness – getting that luggage out of our hands and off our backs – is our greatest need.  Forgiveness is ours as God’s free gift to us!

            However, while that forgiveness is free, it also was costly.  Jesus carried a heavy load – our baggage – to a hill outside Jerusalem.  His enemies thought He had succumbed under all of that excess baggage.  But three days later, Jesus rose victorious.  He is greater than the greatest burden we can carry.  There is nothing the devil or the world or our sinful flesh can load upon us that Jesus hasn’t already dealt with.

            Maybe you’ve tried to rid yourself of bags and bags of bitterness, anger and resentment.  And yet, you start a brand new year saddled down again with this luggage you’d rather do with.  What now?

            Perhaps this is why Jesus taught us to pray: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

            As we pray in this petition, we are asking our Lord to let His love lead us, to take charge of our lives.  We put on His love so that we might react with the same mercy toward others as Jesus has shown us.  Such forgiveness is the fruit of God’s forgiveness in our lives.

            Why not make an exchange.  Give Jesus your burdensome luggage for His light and easy yoke.  Jesus wants to free you from that which separates you from your friend or neighbor.  He wants nothing to stand in your way of loving and forgiving those who have become a burden for you.

            What piece of luggage will you lose this year? 

A New Year's Resolution Worth Making

Made any new year's resolutions? I'm making one - only one - and I'm looking forward to getting started today.

A few years ago we encouraged Scripture memorization at Life in Christ.  We provided cards with Bible verses printed on them and encouraged folks to pick them up and memorize the verse.  One person told me they walk on a treadmill every morning so they taped the cards where they could see them and practice them.  Another person said that working on memorizing the verses while making their commute to work helped the trip feel a bit shorter.

When we began this exercise I shared some tips for memorizing the verses.  They were:

Write it down - some people find it helpful to write down several times on a piece of paper the verse being memorized.  Writing down each words and connecting one thought to another makes memorization easier.

Listen up - An audio Bible is a great tool for those who memorize and learn better by hearing.  Listening to the Scriptures will help you recall the verses you've already worked on.

Tape it up - I've already touched on this and, for some, this is a very helpful way of keeping those memory cards front and center, so to speak.  Wherever you spend lots of time, whether it is in your car, in front of your computer or at the refrigerator, tape copies of the cards and post them in those places where you're sure to see them regularly.

Be accountable - Ask your spouse or friend to check up on you each week to make sure that you're working on your memory verses.  Gentle encouragement can go a long way to making sure you're memorizing and treasuring God's Word.

Here's a verse to get started. I don't think I know anyone who hasn't memorized John 3:16.  The Gospel in a nutshell, some people call it.  But what about the next verse, John 3:17?

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Here we are reminded that Jesus' mission wasn't to be one of judgment but salvation for you and me.  That's good news worth memorizing.

Are you up to making Bible memorization a new year's resolution? Give it a try! You might find that your faith in the Lord is strengthened as you make memorizing His Word a priority this year.

TGW for Jan. 3-8, 2022

Hello everyone! Hope you had a blessed Christmas and a New Year's celebration with family and friends.  Here's a great way to start the first Monday in January - with a reading from Treasuring God's Word.  God bless your week!

TGW – Jan. 3-8, 2022

Monday, January 3, 2022                                     Read Joshua 7:15-26

“Give glory to God” is an interesting phrase.  In so many words it means “tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”  Achan does just that.  He makes no effort to deny his thievery.  God’s judgement seems harsh but it sends a clear message – Hear the Lord!  Pray: Thank You, God for the promise that You forgive my sins and cleans me from unrighteousness.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, January 4, 2022                                     Read Joshua 8:1-9

Now that Achan’s sin has been dealt with, God gives Joshua and the people a second opportunity to defeat Ai.  Even though the battle has yet to happen, the victory is as certain as the sun rising in the east.  Pray: God, when I am afraid, help me turn to Your Word where you will speak comfort and help to me.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, January 5, 2022                              Read Psalm 12:1-8

Everywhere the psalmist David looks, he sees deceitful, evil people.  No one can be trusted.  He cries out for the Lord’s protection and trusts that God will rise up and answer his prayer.  God’s words are flawless; the same word is used in the Old Testament in describing an animal for sacrifice.  Pray: O God, Your Word is flawless.  Help me to hear Your Word and obey it.  Amen.

 

Thursday, January 6, 2022                                   Read Matthew 12:1-21

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”  With these words Jesus shows us that God looks for us to offer mercy to others that reflects the same mercy we receive from Him.  Jesus shows mercy to the man with the withered hand, which leads the hypocritical Pharisees to hate Jesus even more.  Pray: Jesus, I am like the bruised reed or the smoldering wick.  Have mercy upon me this day.  Amen.

 

Friday, January 7, 2022                                         Read Matthew 12:22-37.

Jesus teaches that the miracles that He does gives solid proof that the Kingdom of God has come.  “Blasphemy against the Spirit,” is simple unbelief in Jesus; to reject the Gospel is to reject Jesus Himself.  In that there can be no forgiveness.  Pray: Jesus, thank You for the forgiveness and new life You won for me at the cross.  Help me live for You.  Amen.

 

Saturday, January 8, 2022                                   Read Galatians 4:8-20

In his ministry, Paul wore many hats.  In this section, he writes as a pastor.  They are dear to him, like little children.  Paul does not want them to relinquish the freedom they received when the Gospel was preached to them.  The apostle can’t stand the thought of the people becoming enslaved by laws and traditions that drive people away from faith the true God.  Pray: Lord, prepare my heart to hear and receive the blessings found in the Gospel of Jesus in worship.  Amen.