Another week of Treasuring God's Word!

 

TGW – Feb 28-March 5, 2022

Monday, February 28, 2022                                Read Genesis 2:15-28

Martin Luther, on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: “This tree…was Adam’s church, his altar, his pulpit.  Here he was to yield to God the obedience he owed, to give recognition to the Word and will of God, to give thanks to God, and to call upon God for aid against temptation.”  Pray: God, bless all marriages that husbands and wives find their joy with You at the center of their relationships.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2022                                       Read Genesis 3:1-13

Some wonder, “Why did God allow Adam and Eve to be put in the spot of temptation?” God was giving the two the opportunity to give Him glory by consciously choosing good and being obedient to His Word.  How do we know Satan was the voice behind the snake? See John 8:44, Revelation 12:9 and 20:2.  Pray: God, help me look to You for faith and strength in times of temptation.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, March 2, 2022                                Read Psalm 24

While this psalm makes reference to the Triune God, vs. 7-10 remind us of the Advent season of the church year.  Jesus is our King of Glory; He brings salvation and life eternal with Him.  As we live out daily life, we are right to keep an “upward view” for Jesus has promised He will come again for His church.  Pray: Redeemer, come and open wide, my heart to Thee, here, Lord, abide.  Amen.

 

Thursday, March 3, 2022                                     Read Matthew 16:21-28

Why does Jesus speak so sternly? Because Peter was speaking the devil’s language!  Look again at vs. 24 – Jesus invites His followers to take up the cross of discipleship and follow Him through service, and possibly suffering, into glory.  Pray: Jesus, help me to recognize the devil’s language and to turn my back to His lies and doubts.  Amen.

 

Friday, March 4, 2022                                           Read Matthew 17:1-13

What an amazing moment! The voice of God, the glorious appearance of Jesus, the vision of Moses and Elijah.  All this took place to strengthen the disciples, especially with Jesus’ suffering and death to soon take place.  Pray: Lord, thank You for fulfilling the Law for us so that we might be deemed righteous and ready for the coming Kingdom.  Amen.

 

Saturday, March 5, 2022                                      Read Ephesians 1:15-23

See again vs. 17-19.  What is Paul’s prayer for his readers? That they might know the Lord Jesus better.  How does this happen? Through reading and studying Scripture, worship, prayer? Are you using the tools you have to better know Jesus? Pray: Lord, may my time this weekend at worship help me to better see Your Son and trust Him for life and salvation.  Amen.

A Prayer For Peace

Almighty God, Ruler of all things and all men: You hold the universe in Your palm, You have set all things to move in harmony, You desire that men dwell in unity and love.

We confess we have spoiled creation by our sin, we have disrupted harmony by our rebellion, we have divided our nation by selfishness.

We trust You will permit sin to rule the day, You can bring order out of our confession, You make nations instruments of Your will.

We implore You that You would crush man's lust for illicit power, stir in men respect for Your creation, kindle in men love for Your creatures.

To this end we pray: raise up leaders everywhere who do Your will, make the nations obedient servants of Your purposes, teach men to live in service to one another.

Grant tranquility, that the peace which the world cannot understand may be preached to the nations in the name of Your Son Jesus.  Amen.

Lutheran Book of Prayer, pages 106, 107

The difference between Law and Gospel

Martin Luther makes in simple terms the distinction between Law and Gospel: 

The Law is a statement of debit - this is so because we have not kept God's Law perfectly and are in His debt.

The Gospel is a statement of credit - this is so because Jesus paid our sin debt by His suffering and death on the cross.

The Law shows us our sin.  The Gospel shows us our Savior.  And we can't really see what Jesus has done for us and offer sincere thanksgiving to our Lord until we have felt the weight of the Law.  When that happens, it makes the Gospel all the sweeter for us.  We are saved by grace through faith alone in Christ our Lord.  And that's good news!

Luther quote from, "Martin Luther - In His Own Words." by Kilcrease and Lutzer, page 44 

Be Like Andrew!

Be Like Andrew

            The best advertising slogans are short, catchy and memorable.  For example, if you hear the phrase, “Have It Your Way,” you know it’s a commercial for Burger King.  If someone says, “When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight,” you know they’re talking about Federal Express.  Or how about this long-time classic phrase: “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking?” Could only be talking about a Timex, right?

            By in the 1990’s, Gatorade sold a lot of product with a three word phrase: “Be Like Mike.”  Yes, people who played basketball and even those who didn’t play wanted to be like Michael Jordan.  He was the most recognizable athlete in the world.  He had it all – fame, fortune, acclaim.  So Madison Avenue picked up on this fan devotion and convinced us that if we drank Gatorade, ate McDonald’s hamburgers, wore Hanes undershirts and used Ray-O- Vac batteries, we could be like Mike.

            While many people have wanted to emulate him, there is only one Michael Jordan.  In fact, I’m not sure that rich and famous sports stars and celebrities are the kind of people that we should model our lives after.  While there are people like Kurt Warner who are worthy of our admiration, most celebrities leave much to be desired.  However, in the first chapter of John’s Gospel we find someone who sets a good example for us.

            His name is Andrew.  This fellow is nothing like Michael Jordan.  Andrew isn’t rich or famous.  Just a humble fisherman, really.  But Andrew has a keen interest in spiritual things.  He wants to know what God is like.  He’s interested in knowing the Christ.  He wants to be sure that there is a place for him in God’s Kingdom.

            So you can try to imagine how Andrew must have felt when he heard John the Baptist say, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”  It’s as if John is saying, “There’s the one you need to follow.  The Christ is here.  God’s promise has been fulfilled.  Go!” And off Andrew went and he spent the rest of the day with Jesus.

            Do you remember what Andrew did next? The Scriptures tell us that the very first thing Andrew did was find his brother, Simon.  Andrew had good news and he couldn’t wait to share it.  “We have found the Messiah!” Andrew exclaimed.  And Andrew brought Simon to Jesus.

            No, we can’t be like Michael Jordan.  But we can be like Andrew.  We can tell others about the love of Jesus for the world.  We can share with our friends following Christ is the best thing in the world.  We can tell the folks we work with how God is always at work, changing us, and giving us a new life and a new way of looking at things. 

            We can be like Andrew and invite those we love and care for to come to church with us.  What a perfect way to introduce Jesus to another person.  A person you really value could come with you and receive Jesus’ forgiveness and hear of His life and death and resurrection and begin to know and trust the Lord as their very own Savior from sin and death.  What could be better than that! And it can happen.  Pray about it.  Ask the Lord for courage and faith so that you can be like Andrew. 

Something to ponder

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurs to God?

Erwin Lutzer, as quoted in "Revitalize," page 100

Treasuring God's Word is here

TGW – Feb. 21-26, 2022

Monday, February 21, 2022                                Read Genesis 1:1-31

“Genesis records many firsts – the first people, the first family, the first sin, the first city…Today’s reading zeroes in on the first week of our world’s existence…As you read, note the care God took as He made this home for us – the first paradise.” (Today’s Light Bible)   Pray: Lord, everything you do is “good.”  Thank You for your goodness and mercy to me.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, February 22, 2022                                Read Genesis 2:1-14

Interesting – the word “formed” in vs. seven is a Hebrew word related to the word for a “potter.”  The provision that God provides  demonstrates His loving kindness on behalf of the first man.  Pray: Lord, just as you provided for the first man, so You have provides everything I need and so much more.  I praise You for Your gifts of grace and compassion.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022                         Read Psalm 23

God’s loving care for His people is pictured as the work of a shepherd.  This image would have special meaning for David, who was a shepherd, and his readers.  Today, we read the psalm and can’t help but think of the Good Shepherd, our Savior Jesus, who lays down His life for His sheep.  See Isaiah 40:11.  Pray: Lord, keep me in the one, true faith so that I dwell in Your house in eternity.  Amen.

 

Thursday, February 24, 2022                              Read Matthew 16:1-12

Pharisees – from a word meaning, “to separate.”  They were primarily laymen who were focused on avoiding anything that could make them ceremonially unclean.  And they expected the people to do the same.  The disciples disappoint Jesus for having forgotten how He had met the needs of thousands.  Pray: Jesus, help me to treasure Your Word and obey it.  Amen.

 

Friday, February 25, 2022                                    Read Matthew 16:13-20

Two wonderful things happen in these verses.  First, Peter makes a grand confession of faith in Jesus – the Lord is divine, the Messiah sent from God!  Second, Jesus gives the ministry of the keys to the church.  Pray: Jesus, thank You for the forgiveness of sins which frees me from guilt and shame.  Your grace is amazing!  Amen.

 

Saturday, February 26, 2022                               Read Ephesians 1:1-14    

The purpose of this letter is to strengthen and build up the Christian church in Ephesus in love and peace.  This is one of the “prison letter,” that Paul wrote (Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are the others).  Pray: Jesus, verse seven reminds me that You forgive sins because You are merciful.  Help me to celebrate and give thanks for Your mercy at worship this weekend.  Amen. 

Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor

Martin Luther, born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, initially began studies leading toward a degree in law.  However, after a close encounter with death, he switched to the study of theology, entered an Augustinian monastery, was ordained a priest in 1505, and received a doctorate in theology in 1512.  As a professor at the newly established University of Wittenberg, Luther's scriptural studies led him to question many of the Church's teachings and practices, especially the selling of indulgences.  His refusal to back down from his convictions resulted in his excommunication in 1521.  Following a period of seclusion at the Wartburg castle, Luther returned to Wittenberg, where he spent the rest of his life preaching and teaching, translating the Scriptures, and writing hymns and numerous theological treatises.  He is remembered and honored for his lifelong emphasis on the biblical truth that for Christ's sake God declares us righteous by grace through faith alone.  Luther died on February 18, 1546, while visiting the town of his birth.

Church Joke #565

How about sending the wrong message...

Inscribed in stone over the great front doors of an old church being restored was:

"This is the Gate of Heaven."

Just below it someone had placed a small cardboard sign that read:

"Use other entrance."

Have a blessed weekend!

Valentine, Martyr

A physician and priest living in Rome during the ruler of Emperor Claudius, Valentine became one of the noted martyrs of the third century.  The commemoration of his death, which occurred in AD 270. became part of the calendar of remembrance in the Early Church of the West.  Tradition suggests that on the day of his execution for his Christian Faith, Valentine left a note of encouragement for a child of his jailer written on an irregularly shaped piece of paper.  This greeting became a pattern for millions of written expressions of love and caring that now are the highlights of Valentine's Day in many nations.

"Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 1209

The woman believed Jesus to be Savior of sinners

I found the following about the story of the Woman at the Well in John, chapter four, very interesting:

Jesus now reveals Himself to the woman in a few simple words.  I am He, the man that is speaking to you.  Jesus is the one Savior that can and will give to all men the full Gospel of salvation.  He is the Savior of the world.  There was not danger in this announcement of the Lord in Samaria, for, unlike the Jews, the Samaritans did not regard the promised Messiah as a king who was to inaugurate political changes, but as a prophet and teacher who would give them the full revelation of God's Word and will.  But the plain words of Jesus had taught the woman the true meaning of the Messiah, and she, the sinner, believed Him to be the Savior of sinners.

Paul E. Kretzmann, in "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 1203 

Treasuring God's Word - 2/14-2/19

If it's Monday it's time for another week of TGW.  God bless your devotional time this week!

TGW – Feb. 14-19, 2022

Monday, February 14, 2022                                Read Ruth 2:8-23

Happy Valentine's Day! What a change of attitude for Naomi! God has brought into her and Ruth’s lives a man who extends favor to them both.  Boaz continually makes sure that Ruth is safe and taken care of.  “Kinsman-Redeemer” describes the honor and obligation that belongs to someone who is a near blood relative.  Pray: Jesus, thank You for being my redeemer shedding Your blood on the cross to pay for my sins.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, February 15, 2022                                Read Ruth 3:1-18

Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, continues to show great grace to Ruth, “a woman of noble character.”  Boaz promises to take on the role of kinsman-redeemer should the one who could take on that role refuses to do so.  In the meantime, Boaz does not send Ruth away empty handed.  Such grace! Pray: Lord Jesus, You pour out Your grace upon me.  Receive my praise from my grateful heart.  Amen.

 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022                         Read Psalm 22:1-31

Many passages in this psalm describe with remarkable precision many aspects of Christ’s crucifixion making it a marvelous revelation of the Gospel – Christ crucifixion foretold.  Were you able to identify the verses which describe the passion of the Christ? Pray: Christ Jesus, bless my meditation this day as I think about the lengths You went to save me.  Amen.

 

Thursday, February 17, 2022                              Read Matthew 15:21-28

The story of the woman who has great faith.  V.22 – She identifies Jesus as the One sent by God; V. 25 – She worships the Lord; V.27 – She shows her unworthiness but is willing to accept the smallest act of grace from Jesus.  The Lord responds to faith, whether from Jew or Gentile.  Pray: Jesus, as You heard the request from the Canaanite woman, You hear my request too.  Today I ask You…

 

Friday, February 18, 2022                                    Read Matthew 15:29-39

Jesus continues to draw large crowds.  The disciples are presented a second opportunity to trust Jesus to feed the people.  The fail again.  Never the less, the Lord meets the needs of the people.  Pray: Jesus, help me to trust You with this concern that I have…

 

Saturday, February 19, 2022                               Read Galatians 6:11-18

Paul gives one last reminder to his readers of the harm his opponents cause by their insistence that the males be circumcised.  Such an act could lead to person to feel superior to others.  See verse 15 again – when did you become a new creation? In your baptism! Pray: Jesus, ready my heart to hear Your Word and receive Your supper in worship this Sunday.  Amen.

Hunting Flies

The pastor's wife walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.  "What are you doing," she asked.  He answered, "Hunting flies."  "Killing any," she wondered.  'Yes, three males and two females."

Intrigued, she asked, "How can you tell them apart?"  He replied, "three were on the beer can and two were on the phone."

Have a blessed weekend!

Reaching out with God's love

Bodie Thoene, a best-selling author of Christian fiction, once worked as a script writer for the late actor, John Wayne.  In "Today's Christian Women, " magazine, she explained how the opportunity came about.

By the time I was 19, I was commuting to Los Angeles and doing feature articles on different stunt men and other film personalities for magazines.  Four years later, an article I wrote with John Wayne's stuntman won the attention of the Duke himself.  One day he invited me and my husband, Brock, to come to his house.  He talked to us as if we were friends, showing a keen interests in us as individuals.  From that day on, I began writing for his film company.  Brock helped me with the historical research.

We were awestruck.  Here was this man who had been in film for 50 years and he takes a young couple with small children under his wing.  Once I asked him, "Why are you doing this? You're so good to us!"

John Wayne replied, "Because somebody did it for me."

Interesting, isn't it, that the famous actor didn't take credit for extending a kindness to another person? His motivation, instead, came from a kindness that had been shown to him at another time and occasion.

So it is regarding love.  We cannot take credit for the love that we offer to others.  We love because we were first loved by God.  Indeed, we wouldn't even know what love looks like except that we have seen the love of God in His Son, Christ Jesus.  Touched by the sacrificial love of the Savior, we want to reach out and love our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Think about it - who do you know who needs a touch of God's love today? 

TGW for Feb. 7-12!

Pinched for time? Here's a daily devotional for busy people.  Thanks for checking out this week's Treasuring God's Word!

TGW – Feb. 7-12, 2022

Monday, February 7, 2022                                  Read Ruth 1:1-18

Verses 16 and 17 often make for a fine Wedding text.  Ruth makes it clear that her love for Naomi is complete, so much so that Ruth is willing to renounce her Moabite God to worship Naomi’s God, the one true God.  Pray: God, help me believe that when life’s situations seem dire to me, I can still trust in Your promise to bring good from bad.  Amen.

 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022                                  Read Ruth 1:19-2:7

Whom does Naomi blame for her bitterness? Almighty God! And yet, here is an important lesson for us to learn.  Even in the midst of Naomi’s suffering, God is at work, creating a way for Ruth to provide the necessary support to survive.  The two women receive God’s love and care through Boaz.  Pray: Lord, help me to remember that when life is seemingly gone sour for me, You are at work to grant hope where there is hopelessness.  Help me trust you! Amen.

 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022                           Read Psalm 19:7-11

It is important to remember that the use of the word, “Law,” often refers to the whole revelation of God, both Law and Gospel.  See vs. 11 again.  Notice the blessings received when the Word of God becomes a treasure to the reader.  The Word is “trustworthy,” “right,” “radiant,” and so on.  Pray: Lord, keep me from willful sins that they not rule over me.  Amen.

 

Thursday, February 10, 2022                              Read Matthew 14:22-36

First, let’s read the text for what is it – a miracle of Jesus.  Second, we can relate to Peter.  How often have we trusted Christ in a particular situation but, at some point, took our eyes off of Him.  It was Jesus who enabled Peter to walk on water.  It was Jesus who saved Peter when He began to drown.  Pure grace! Pray: Holy Spirit, strengthen our faith so that we always confess You as the Son of God! Amen.

 

Friday, February 11, 2022                                    Read Matthew 15:1-20

Why do the Pharisees even try? Again, Jesus sees through their hypocrisy.  Their traditions lead people to disregard the true Word while failing to love neighbors.  Do you think Jesus cared that he offended the religious leaders? In a word, “no!”  Pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Amen.

 

Saturday, February 12, 2022                               Read Galatians 6:1-10

Paul brings this amazing letter to a conclusion by encouraging his readers to: share carrying each others burdens…support God’s servants…do good to all, especially those in the church family.  Pray: Thank You, Lord, for my church family.  Make me sensitive to the needs of those around me and give me courage and faith to reach out and offer help and love.  Amen.

Church joke #560

A pastor was in the middle of his sermon when he noticed a man had fallen asleep with his head on this wife's shoulder.

"Wake up your husband!" the pastor snapped.

The wife smiled and replied, "You put him to sleep.  You wake him up!"

God bless your weekend!

Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Is Listening

The church where my dear, sweet wife and I are currently attending, St. Mark Lutheran in Phoenix, has a sermon series going, "When God Whispers Your Name."  A very good text that ties into that theme is found in 1 Samuel, chapter three.

The Old Testament book begins with the story about Hannah's barrenness.  Hannah prays that should God enable her to conceive a child she would dedicate that child to the Lord's service.  God, in His mercy, enables her to conceive a child.  "Hannah's Song," as found in the beginning verses of chapter two is pure praise and thanksgiving for God's compassionate love for His people.

In chapter three, we find God whispering to Samuel.  But Samuel believes that Eli the Priest is calling out for him.  Three times God calls Samuel by name.  By that point, Eli realizes that is is God who calling to Samuel.  The priest tells Samuel that when it happens again, respond with the words, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

So, we have here some blessed instruction.  When God whispers your name, tell Him that you, His servant, is listening.

This is the best response we can give to God.  So often, we are tempted to listen to every other voice under the sun except the voice of God.  But He does speak to us - in His Holy Word! He speaks and we listen - to His Word of forgiveness...His promise to hear us when we pray...His good news that He has sent to us a Savior...His instruction that we love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  Yes, God speaks all these things to us and much more.

So, when we hear God speak to us, we say, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."  What then shall we do? Jesus said, "Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and obey it."  (Luke 11:28).  We put that 
Word of God into practice in our daily life.  We see Scripture for more than just words on a page but, instead, as the very Word of God.  Just as you would spend quality time with a good friend, spending time with Jesus brings with it rich fruit of faith.  His love motivates us to love others.  His faithfulness leads us to be faithful as well.  His promises assure us that Jesus is with us now and will be until He comes to gather His church on the Last Day.

God called out "Samuel."  The young man replied, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."  May the Holy Spirit move us to speak the same to us when God whispers our names.

What is contentment?

Contentment is not a human production.  It's God's work in us as He keeps our eyes fastened on Jesus.

Richard Lauersdorf, "As Luther Taught the Word of Truth," page 129

What if God kept a photo book?

I have a number of study Bibles I use to prepare sermons and Bible studies and the like.  But my go-to Bible for nearly 25 years has been Concordia Publishing House's "Today's Light" Bible," edited by Jane Fryer.  After each daily Bible reading (can you read through the Scriptures in about two years following their program), Fryer offers a rich devotional thought.  She gets Law & Gospel and doesn't confuse the two.  I have been reading through Hebrews and I was taken by Fryer's comments on chapter 11, which I call "The Hall of Faith."

Suppose God kept a family photo album.  What snapshots might He include? Hebrews 11 gives us some broad hints:

    God "spoke well" of Abel's offerings (vs. 4)

    Enoch "pleased" God (vs. 5)

    Noah became an "heir of righteousness that comes by faith" (vs. 7)

    Abraham "obeyed" (verse 8)

    Jacob "worshipped" (verse 21)

But we know these "children" - and there's more to the story.  Where are photos of Noah's drunkenness or Abraham's lies? Where are the news clippings that detail Jacob's cowardice? If all the facts were in, this chapter would be a "hall of shame."

But all the facts are in.  Jesus' death on the cross destroyed sin's power to accuse those who belong to God by faith.  You see, God did not just sweep human guilt under the rug.  He atoned for it at the cross.  Noah's sins are forgiven! Abraham's sins are forgiven! Your sins and my sins are forgiven! Hebrews 11 is an accurate record of the lives lived by these people made perfect by faith (Hebrews 10:4).