This week I thought that I would take some time to put down a few thoughts about Jesus' ascension into heaven. Tomorrow night we are having an Ascension Eve worship service, so I have been thinking about this subject quite a bit recently.
I would like to start off with some thoughts about Matthew's recording of the Great Commission in chapter 28.
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the age."
Ok, so admittedly there is not so much in this text that specifically speaks about Christ's ascension. However, I don't think we can leave out this important text when talking about how Jesus left this world to return to the Father. The reason being the commands that He gives to the disciples to "Go" and also to "make disciples." Another reason is the promise that Jesus leaves them with: "I will be with you always." Those commands are also for us, as is the promise that Jesus made. So Jesus is not leaving us alone to do this work in and of ourselves, He is with us as He promised. What comfort this should give to us all, that our Lord Jesus is WITH us always!
Tomorrow I will write some more thoughts on ascension, according to Acts chapter one.
Thanks for reading! Good night, and God bless!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Because I Live: Part 5
I thought that in honor of Memorial Day this coming Monday, I would post some thoughts on the freedom we have in life, by the grace and mercy of God in His goodness, which has been defended by many men and women for so long.
To begin with, a few well-known words about the freedom we enjoy in this nation....
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.
Began as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not.
By 1865 the practice of decorating soldiers' graves had become widespread in the North. The first known observance was in Boalsburg, Pa on October, 1864, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide, was likely a factor in the holiday's growth. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic – the organization for Northern Civil War veterans – Logan issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" should be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle.
There were events in 183 cemeteries in 27 states in 1868, and 336 in 1869. The northern states quickly adopted the holiday; Michigan made "Decoration Day" an official state holiday in 1871 and by 1890 every northern state followed suit.
As we live our lives under the blanket of the freedoms that these men and women provided and protected for us, let us not also forget that God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) have given us true freedom in our lives--freedom from sin, death, and Satan. As we honor this weekend those men and women who have served our nation, let us never forget to honor and serve the Lord our God in all things!
Thanks for reading! God bless you and yours! And happy Memorial Day! God bless the USA!
To begin with, a few well-known words about the freedom we enjoy in this nation....
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.
Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.
Began as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not.
By 1865 the practice of decorating soldiers' graves had become widespread in the North. The first known observance was in Boalsburg, Pa on October, 1864, and each year thereafter. The friendship between General John Murray, a distinguished citizen of Waterloo, and General John A. Logan, who helped bring attention to the event nationwide, was likely a factor in the holiday's growth. On May 5, 1868, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic – the organization for Northern Civil War veterans – Logan issued a proclamation that "Decoration Day" should be observed nationwide. It was observed for the first time on May 30 of the same year; the date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of a battle.
There were events in 183 cemeteries in 27 states in 1868, and 336 in 1869. The northern states quickly adopted the holiday; Michigan made "Decoration Day" an official state holiday in 1871 and by 1890 every northern state followed suit.
As we live our lives under the blanket of the freedoms that these men and women provided and protected for us, let us not also forget that God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) have given us true freedom in our lives--freedom from sin, death, and Satan. As we honor this weekend those men and women who have served our nation, let us never forget to honor and serve the Lord our God in all things!
Thanks for reading! God bless you and yours! And happy Memorial Day! God bless the USA!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Because I Live: Part 4
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; [8] for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. [9] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 1 Tim. 4:7-10 St. Paul's words here are to encourage Timothy (and us also) by stating that bodily training (excercise and the like) are of value....in THIS LIFE. But he goes on, writing that godliness is better. First of all it is not just beneficial for you, but also your godliness will benefit others too. Secondly, and more in line with my theme for the week, godliness is beneficial not just for this life, but also reaching into life eternal.
Because that sounds a little strange [that your godliness now can benefit your future eternity] Paul goes on to write "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance." As if to say, "Hey, this is important! Learn it! Love It! LIVE IT!
To help us live it, Paul gives further advice--"To THIS end we toil and strive." Well, that doesn't sound so good! But we have a powerful reason for toiling and striving toward accomplishing this on a daily basis...."Because we have our hope set on THE LIVING GOD, the Savior of all people, especially those who believe."
Our lives are full of things that we must do to maintain our bodies, for health, life, stamina, and just to be able to do anything. Excercising, eating right, stress relief, rest and sleep. All of these things are important (as we keep hearing) to properly maintain our bodies, so that they can work properly, and we can live.
What Paul points out is that there is something of even greater importance for us....to be godly, which is even more valuable for our lives. In fact it has value for other people's lives as well.
As we live our lives day to day, let's try and add some godliness-(actively pursuing God's purposes). You can start by being in His Word daily to find out what His will for your life is!
Thanks for reading, and God bless your pursuit of godliness in your life!
Because that sounds a little strange [that your godliness now can benefit your future eternity] Paul goes on to write "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance." As if to say, "Hey, this is important! Learn it! Love It! LIVE IT!
To help us live it, Paul gives further advice--"To THIS end we toil and strive." Well, that doesn't sound so good! But we have a powerful reason for toiling and striving toward accomplishing this on a daily basis...."Because we have our hope set on THE LIVING GOD, the Savior of all people, especially those who believe."
Our lives are full of things that we must do to maintain our bodies, for health, life, stamina, and just to be able to do anything. Excercising, eating right, stress relief, rest and sleep. All of these things are important (as we keep hearing) to properly maintain our bodies, so that they can work properly, and we can live.
What Paul points out is that there is something of even greater importance for us....to be godly, which is even more valuable for our lives. In fact it has value for other people's lives as well.
As we live our lives day to day, let's try and add some godliness-(actively pursuing God's purposes). You can start by being in His Word daily to find out what His will for your life is!
Thanks for reading, and God bless your pursuit of godliness in your life!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Because I Live: Part 3
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:1-11 A change has happened in us. Did you know that? Paul is speaking to believers of course, that we have been changed by Christ. Once we were dead in our sins, now we are alive in Christ. Once we walked in darkness, now we walk in the light of Christ. Once we were not a people, now we are God's people. These are words that my congregation heard last Sunday. They are words that apply to all believers, because a change has occured in us. In our baptisms, Paul writes, we become united with Jesus, into His death and resurrection. This happens so that we can "walk in newness of life." A NEW LIFE! That sounds wonderful. But quite often, people read this text and think that the Christian life will be one without pain, suffering, sorrow, heartache, tragedy or any other maladies. And then we become perplexed when we find out that this is not the case--either from personal experience, or witnessing these things happening to other Christians. Then what do we do? The temptation is there to think that being a Christian doesn't matter, that our lives are no different than those who do not believe in Christ.
But Paul assures us in this text that this is not true. We are different. We are changed, and for the better. The thing is we still live in a sinful, and sin-damaged world. It is a daily battle to be in the world, but not of the world. How is that accomplished?
We live in this sinful world, but are not OF the world, when we uphold God's Word, when we "walk"/live in His ways, and when we know and DO His will. Now (as those who are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection) more than ever, we have the desire to live our lives in Christ. We WANT to follow God's commands of what to do and what not to do, instead of following the world, and its ideas and its ways. Our lives take a decidedly different path turning away from sin, and toward God. This is why the message of repentance was-is-and always will be so important for us.
May we all, with the help of God, appreciate the new lives we have been given in Christ, and walk in the light of the Lord all our days!
Thanks for reading, and God bless you in your walk with Him!
But Paul assures us in this text that this is not true. We are different. We are changed, and for the better. The thing is we still live in a sinful, and sin-damaged world. It is a daily battle to be in the world, but not of the world. How is that accomplished?
We live in this sinful world, but are not OF the world, when we uphold God's Word, when we "walk"/live in His ways, and when we know and DO His will. Now (as those who are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection) more than ever, we have the desire to live our lives in Christ. We WANT to follow God's commands of what to do and what not to do, instead of following the world, and its ideas and its ways. Our lives take a decidedly different path turning away from sin, and toward God. This is why the message of repentance was-is-and always will be so important for us.
May we all, with the help of God, appreciate the new lives we have been given in Christ, and walk in the light of the Lord all our days!
Thanks for reading, and God bless you in your walk with Him!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Because I live: part 2
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
This is one of my favorite passages from one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is one of many such statements in the Gospel of John that begins with the words [ego eimi] ,which is "I am." In order to explain more thoroughly who Jesus is, the Gospel of John builds on the OT event of Moses asking God by what name the people should call Him. And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.' " Exodus 3:14
Much of John's Gospel is explaining who Jesus is to His disciples, to all the people, and to us. I like chapter 14 though, because it gives us a glimpse into the fact that Jesus wants us to be with him forever. And in explaining that they "know the way to where He was going", He gets questioned by Thomas, "Lord we don't know where you are going, how can we know the way?" Jesus answers with this well-known quote: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
What does it mean for us that Jesus is the LIFE?
It means that without Him we are still dead in our sins. It means that without Him there is no eternal life. But on a positive note it means that because He lives, that is, because He was resurrected from the dead, and destroyed the power of dead, those who believe in Him also will have eternal life in and with Him. How fitting that He who is the author of life (John 1:3; Acts 3:15), would call Himself THE LIFE, and He is. Without Jesus there is no true life, no eternal life. That is something wonderful for us to remember always, and to be thankful for as we live our lives in Him.
Next time I will write more on living our lives in Jesus.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
This is one of my favorite passages from one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is one of many such statements in the Gospel of John that begins with the words [ego eimi] ,which is "I am." In order to explain more thoroughly who Jesus is, the Gospel of John builds on the OT event of Moses asking God by what name the people should call Him. And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.' " Exodus 3:14
Much of John's Gospel is explaining who Jesus is to His disciples, to all the people, and to us. I like chapter 14 though, because it gives us a glimpse into the fact that Jesus wants us to be with him forever. And in explaining that they "know the way to where He was going", He gets questioned by Thomas, "Lord we don't know where you are going, how can we know the way?" Jesus answers with this well-known quote: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
What does it mean for us that Jesus is the LIFE?
It means that without Him we are still dead in our sins. It means that without Him there is no eternal life. But on a positive note it means that because He lives, that is, because He was resurrected from the dead, and destroyed the power of dead, those who believe in Him also will have eternal life in and with Him. How fitting that He who is the author of life (John 1:3; Acts 3:15), would call Himself THE LIFE, and He is. Without Jesus there is no true life, no eternal life. That is something wonderful for us to remember always, and to be thankful for as we live our lives in Him.
Next time I will write more on living our lives in Jesus.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Because I live...
I was just looking again at the readings for next Sunday. The Gospel lesson from John chapter 14 includes these words of Jesus, "Because I live, you shall live also."(v19)
It got me to thinking about what kind of living/life that we have been given in Christ.
That will be the subject of my blogging this week.
Today, however, I want to focus on some other words from Jesus about the life we have in Him.
It comes from the "Good Shepherd" text in John chapter 10.
So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...."
What does it mean to have life abundantly. Is it the same as if Jesus had said instead, "that you may have an abundant life?" What do you think of when you hear THAT? I think that many would think that abundant life means having everything you could possibly desire here on earth. Some think of it as lavish living. A great big home? Lots and lots of money piled up? Or how about that old bumper sticker: "He who dies with the most toys wins"?
When it comes to Jesus, He desires to give us true life; life that is beyond this world; life that is eternal. So when Jesus says that He has come that we may have life and have it abundantly, He desires for His "sheep," that is us, to have the gift of eternal life with Him. Indeed, that makes Him a very GOOD SHEPHERD. Next time, I will write about Jesus Himself as the LIFE, as in John 14's "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE."
Thanks for reading! God Bless you!
It got me to thinking about what kind of living/life that we have been given in Christ.
That will be the subject of my blogging this week.
Today, however, I want to focus on some other words from Jesus about the life we have in Him.
It comes from the "Good Shepherd" text in John chapter 10.
So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. [8] All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. [9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...."
What does it mean to have life abundantly. Is it the same as if Jesus had said instead, "that you may have an abundant life?" What do you think of when you hear THAT? I think that many would think that abundant life means having everything you could possibly desire here on earth. Some think of it as lavish living. A great big home? Lots and lots of money piled up? Or how about that old bumper sticker: "He who dies with the most toys wins"?
When it comes to Jesus, He desires to give us true life; life that is beyond this world; life that is eternal. So when Jesus says that He has come that we may have life and have it abundantly, He desires for His "sheep," that is us, to have the gift of eternal life with Him. Indeed, that makes Him a very GOOD SHEPHERD. Next time, I will write about Jesus Himself as the LIFE, as in John 14's "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE."
Thanks for reading! God Bless you!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
A thorough cleaning.
Well I did it again. I skipped blogging yesterday for something a little more important. For some reason I got into one of those cleaning modes. All day long with this, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, picking up, mopping, cleaning toilets and bathtubs and showers. By the end of it I was worn out, and my muscles sore. But at least the house was clean...well, clean-ER, than it had been in a long time.
Which gets me to thinking....you know our hearts could use a good cleaning once in a while, I mean every day actually. David understood this. Oh I wouldn't say he was perfect at it by any stretch of imagination. All you have to do is study his life to know that he was pretty sinful, just like us. But take a read of what David wrote in Psalm 51....Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. [5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. [6] Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. [7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. [9] Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. [10] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Wow! What powerful words from David after understanding that it was he who had sinned. We sing these words as an offertory when we use DSIII in LSB. It is a reminder to us that our hearts are dirty with sin and need a thorough cleaning (daily). But this cleaning won't come from dusting or mopping, pickng up, scrubbinig, or sweeping. This cleaning comes only from the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ our Savior. He cleanses our hearts from sin so that we may have a nice clean "house" for the Holy Spirit to make His dwelling place there.
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
Which gets me to thinking....you know our hearts could use a good cleaning once in a while, I mean every day actually. David understood this. Oh I wouldn't say he was perfect at it by any stretch of imagination. All you have to do is study his life to know that he was pretty sinful, just like us. But take a read of what David wrote in Psalm 51....Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! [3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. [5] Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. [6] Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. [7] Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. [9] Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. [10] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Wow! What powerful words from David after understanding that it was he who had sinned. We sing these words as an offertory when we use DSIII in LSB. It is a reminder to us that our hearts are dirty with sin and need a thorough cleaning (daily). But this cleaning won't come from dusting or mopping, pickng up, scrubbinig, or sweeping. This cleaning comes only from the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ our Savior. He cleanses our hearts from sin so that we may have a nice clean "house" for the Holy Spirit to make His dwelling place there.
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The importance of prayer: Part 4
My apologies for those who have been following this blog for no post yesterday. I had a wonderful opportunity to go with my son's 5th grade class on their camping trip up in the hills near Custer, SD. It was cold, and wet at times, but we made the best of it, had fun, praised God, and came back home safe and sound. I even lost 5 pounds in the process.
I wanted to continue writing about the importance of prayer, where I left off last time on praying without ceasing. St. Paul writes:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Col. 4:2
I had a wonderful opportunity yesterday to do this while we were on our 3 mile hike in the Black Hills. At our stopping point there was a large rock formation and the rest of the group proceeded up, while I stayed behind and waited (what seemed like a LONG time) for them to return. It can be a little unsettling being in the middle of a vast forest and hills when you are alone. So I prayed, I talked to God... A LOT. When I could hear the voices of the group beyond the rock, echoing in the valley between us, I was thankful. When I started seeing them head back down the hill where the rock formation was, I was thankful to God again. I was thankful that nobody got injured on the hike. And of course, I was very thankful when we all arrived back at camp and could rest our tired selves. Oh yeah, I was thankful for the rest too! The truth be told, we could do as Paul writes in I Thessalonians 5:1 Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing....I Thes. 5:16-17 ...and we could do it quite easily, because we are never without things to be thankful for or rejoice about. And there is nothing at all that we can't come to God with in prayer or just to talk with Him. That is mostly what I was doing on the "mountain" yesterday while I was on the hike, and especially during the time while I was alone. And truthfully, I never really was alone. God was there the whole time.
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
I wanted to continue writing about the importance of prayer, where I left off last time on praying without ceasing. St. Paul writes:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Col. 4:2
I had a wonderful opportunity yesterday to do this while we were on our 3 mile hike in the Black Hills. At our stopping point there was a large rock formation and the rest of the group proceeded up, while I stayed behind and waited (what seemed like a LONG time) for them to return. It can be a little unsettling being in the middle of a vast forest and hills when you are alone. So I prayed, I talked to God... A LOT. When I could hear the voices of the group beyond the rock, echoing in the valley between us, I was thankful. When I started seeing them head back down the hill where the rock formation was, I was thankful to God again. I was thankful that nobody got injured on the hike. And of course, I was very thankful when we all arrived back at camp and could rest our tired selves. Oh yeah, I was thankful for the rest too! The truth be told, we could do as Paul writes in I Thessalonians 5:1 Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing....I Thes. 5:16-17 ...and we could do it quite easily, because we are never without things to be thankful for or rejoice about. And there is nothing at all that we can't come to God with in prayer or just to talk with Him. That is mostly what I was doing on the "mountain" yesterday while I was on the hike, and especially during the time while I was alone. And truthfully, I never really was alone. God was there the whole time.
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The importance of PRAYER: Part 3
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Ephes. 6:10-18
It is important that we pray for one another for the battle that is our life in Christ in this sinful world. There are enough things in this world that fight against our faith, to the end that God gives to us this marvelous weapon of prayer for the battle. Here in these verses Paul talks about putting on the whole armor of God, and lists what those things are, which are for our use and at our disposal, free gifts of God to use in the fight to keep and promote faith and the gospel to all nations. In other words, God does not send us Christians out ill-equipped for what we are going to face. Rather, God gives it, and what He gives, He expects us to use. Paul here is encouraging us to do so, because we will need it.
Notice that he adds at the end to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Prayer is such an important thing for Christians, that Paul includes it as part of the armor and weaponry that God gives to us in the battle of faith that we are in, that we may endure in the faith unto the end.
Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus, going on before! Oh, and as we are marching, let us not forget to pray without ceasing. (More on that next time!)
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
Ephes. 6:10-18
It is important that we pray for one another for the battle that is our life in Christ in this sinful world. There are enough things in this world that fight against our faith, to the end that God gives to us this marvelous weapon of prayer for the battle. Here in these verses Paul talks about putting on the whole armor of God, and lists what those things are, which are for our use and at our disposal, free gifts of God to use in the fight to keep and promote faith and the gospel to all nations. In other words, God does not send us Christians out ill-equipped for what we are going to face. Rather, God gives it, and what He gives, He expects us to use. Paul here is encouraging us to do so, because we will need it.
Notice that he adds at the end to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Prayer is such an important thing for Christians, that Paul includes it as part of the armor and weaponry that God gives to us in the battle of faith that we are in, that we may endure in the faith unto the end.
Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus, going on before! Oh, and as we are marching, let us not forget to pray without ceasing. (More on that next time!)
Thanks for reading, and God bless you!
Monday, May 16, 2011
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER: PART 2
Have you ever struggled with what or how to pray about something? I think that we all have. I know that I have. The desire to pray about it is there, but the words just do not come, or we get distracted away from the task at hand and our urgent prayer becomes a fleeting thought. If one gets frustrated enough with this aspect of praying, one might just give up and stop praying all together. But let's think about that for a minute. What you just read would mean that we stop talking to God. How can that be a good thing?
When I am teaching about prayer, I talk about the frustration that occurs sometimes when we try to pray. (One of my biggest frustrations is that as I am praying right before I go to sleep, that my mind wanders and I fall off to sleep very quickly--it makes me feel like I am one of the disciples that Jesus rebukes in the Garden of Gethsemane). I think that Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer for such a reason. It is a perfect prayer that includes a wide scope of things, everything really that faithful people would need to pray about. So if you are struggling to come up with the words, don't hesitate to pray the Lord's prayer--besides, God knows what you are struggling with already!
St. Paul also offers us further encouragement. In Romans 8 he writes:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
What a comfort this is for us, to know that God sends us His Holy Spirit to help us out when we don't know what to pray. Perhaps we should be praying for the Holy Spirit's help and guidance more often. Something to think about. In the meantime, may the Lord our God bless you with a fruitful and abundant prayer life, that you may communicate with Him at all times and in all places, and under any circumstances.
God Bless you and thanks for reading!
When I am teaching about prayer, I talk about the frustration that occurs sometimes when we try to pray. (One of my biggest frustrations is that as I am praying right before I go to sleep, that my mind wanders and I fall off to sleep very quickly--it makes me feel like I am one of the disciples that Jesus rebukes in the Garden of Gethsemane). I think that Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer for such a reason. It is a perfect prayer that includes a wide scope of things, everything really that faithful people would need to pray about. So if you are struggling to come up with the words, don't hesitate to pray the Lord's prayer--besides, God knows what you are struggling with already!
St. Paul also offers us further encouragement. In Romans 8 he writes:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
What a comfort this is for us, to know that God sends us His Holy Spirit to help us out when we don't know what to pray. Perhaps we should be praying for the Holy Spirit's help and guidance more often. Something to think about. In the meantime, may the Lord our God bless you with a fruitful and abundant prayer life, that you may communicate with Him at all times and in all places, and under any circumstances.
God Bless you and thanks for reading!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
THE IMPORATNCE OF PRAYER: PART ONE
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42
It would seem that PRAYER was a very important part of the lives of people in the apostolic Church. I wonder how important is it to us today? For the next several posts I will be exploring this question through the scriptures, particularly the letters of St. Paul.
It is an interesting question to say the least. When asked, "Do you pray?" most Christians would answer that they do. But to follow that question up with others, such as: "How do you pray?" or "For WHAT do you pray?" I think you would get a plethora of answers. No matter, even the disciples asked Jesus to TEACH them to pray. And Jesus gives to them and to us a most magnificent prayer, the prayer above all prayers, His own Words. Perhaps that is for another posting.
What strikes me about the Church in Acts here in chapter 2 is that the people DEVOTED themselves to those things, prayer being one of them. What things do we today devote ourselves to? Are we devoted to talking on the cell phone? What about being devoted to facebooking? Or how about being devoted to texting, emailing, chatting and the like?
Did you notice what is the common denominator for all the things I listed? They are all forms of communication that we use today. Prayer is a form of communication. It is THE form of communicaiton which God gives to us to communicate with-you guessed it-HIM.
Perhaps we should all give thought to how much time we spend communicating in these other ways (myself included), and spend some good quality time in communication with God-through prayer.
More on this on Monday.
Thanks for reading!
It would seem that PRAYER was a very important part of the lives of people in the apostolic Church. I wonder how important is it to us today? For the next several posts I will be exploring this question through the scriptures, particularly the letters of St. Paul.
It is an interesting question to say the least. When asked, "Do you pray?" most Christians would answer that they do. But to follow that question up with others, such as: "How do you pray?" or "For WHAT do you pray?" I think you would get a plethora of answers. No matter, even the disciples asked Jesus to TEACH them to pray. And Jesus gives to them and to us a most magnificent prayer, the prayer above all prayers, His own Words. Perhaps that is for another posting.
What strikes me about the Church in Acts here in chapter 2 is that the people DEVOTED themselves to those things, prayer being one of them. What things do we today devote ourselves to? Are we devoted to talking on the cell phone? What about being devoted to facebooking? Or how about being devoted to texting, emailing, chatting and the like?
Did you notice what is the common denominator for all the things I listed? They are all forms of communication that we use today. Prayer is a form of communication. It is THE form of communicaiton which God gives to us to communicate with-you guessed it-HIM.
Perhaps we should all give thought to how much time we spend communicating in these other ways (myself included), and spend some good quality time in communication with God-through prayer.
More on this on Monday.
Thanks for reading!
Friday, May 13, 2011
God Will Provide: Part 2
Sorry no post yesterday....when I tried to blog, the site was down, and I had a very busy and challenging day yesterday.
To continue where I left off on Wednesday about trusting in God....I think that when it comes to keeping the 1st commandment "To fear, love and trust in God above all things," this is where we Christians struggle the most. We sort of ventured into a discussion on this in our Thursday morning Bible Study on the Life of David yesterday. It would seem that David struggled with this aspect of faith just like we do. One moment he is praying, and writing psalms and praises to God, and turning to God in all circumstances for guidance and answers; the next, it is like he has completely forgotten about God all together, and is going it alone or seeking advice in all the wrong places.
Max Lucado-noted Christian author writes the folowing about David's struggle....
No hope and most of all no God. David focuses on Saul. David imerses himself in fear until fear takes over....Confused-David talked to God. Challenged-David talked to God. Afraid-he talked to God...most of the time. But not this time. On this occasion, David talks to himself....not David's finest hour. He lies to the Philistine king an covers up his deceit with bloodshed. He continues this duplicity ofr 16 months. From this season no psalms exist. His harp hangs silent." Bottom line--he did not trust in God above all things, and let his fears and anxiety get the best of him.
We are much like that, and so I asked my study group what things may cause them to lack trust in God. Be aware of your own. Resist those urges to handle things yourself or turn to someplace else, and turn to God, knowing that He has power over all things, for He created all things.
Psalm 27:7-8
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
[8] You have said, "Seek my face."
My heart says to you,
"Your face, Lord, do I seek."
Thanks for reading!
To continue where I left off on Wednesday about trusting in God....I think that when it comes to keeping the 1st commandment "To fear, love and trust in God above all things," this is where we Christians struggle the most. We sort of ventured into a discussion on this in our Thursday morning Bible Study on the Life of David yesterday. It would seem that David struggled with this aspect of faith just like we do. One moment he is praying, and writing psalms and praises to God, and turning to God in all circumstances for guidance and answers; the next, it is like he has completely forgotten about God all together, and is going it alone or seeking advice in all the wrong places.
Max Lucado-noted Christian author writes the folowing about David's struggle....
No hope and most of all no God. David focuses on Saul. David imerses himself in fear until fear takes over....Confused-David talked to God. Challenged-David talked to God. Afraid-he talked to God...most of the time. But not this time. On this occasion, David talks to himself....not David's finest hour. He lies to the Philistine king an covers up his deceit with bloodshed. He continues this duplicity ofr 16 months. From this season no psalms exist. His harp hangs silent." Bottom line--he did not trust in God above all things, and let his fears and anxiety get the best of him.
We are much like that, and so I asked my study group what things may cause them to lack trust in God. Be aware of your own. Resist those urges to handle things yourself or turn to someplace else, and turn to God, knowing that He has power over all things, for He created all things.
Psalm 27:7-8
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
[8] You have said, "Seek my face."
My heart says to you,
"Your face, Lord, do I seek."
Thanks for reading!
God will provide: PART 1
Blog for May 11th, 2011 (not sure what happened to the original post, so I am reposting this!)
I’m sitting in the car shop waiting for my van to get work done. It needs new tires. One of those things that you hate to have to do, but if you don’t do it, eventually you could run into big troubles. I think life is full of such things. Things we don’t want to have to do, but are necessary for us to do. Often times we worry about those things and cause ourselves more grief than we know how to deal with. Worry is something that I think so many people struggle with on a daily basis, some more than others. We worry about the economy; we worry about our children and how they will adapt to changes in their lives; we worry about paying bills;,we worry about illnesses; we worry whether we will have a job next week; we worry how we will get everything done that needs to get done, and oh so much more. WORRY, WORRY WORRY. I am starting to get a little anxious just thinking about it.
Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Con sider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [34] "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
This is definitely a first article issue. God promises, as Luther stated in his Small Cetechism, that God will provide all that we need to support this body and life. It is also a first commandment issue in that we should fear, love and TRUST in God above all things. It is that trust part that we Christians have the most difficulty with. I will share more about this tomorrow. Right now I have to pay for the tires!
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
All About Perspective
Perspective- 1. to look through or see clearly.
2. the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye. Representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance.
3. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed. The capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.
4. aiding the vision.
One of the very first things that my art instructor told me about was perspective. He simply placed an envelope full of pictures on my desk with a little note which encouraged me to look at each picture and think about perspective-which in this case would be definition number 2 above. It was very helpful with my art, and now I can't look at a scene, drawing, or painting the same way that I used to.
Perspective, no matter which of the definitions you are looking at above has to do with our sight. How we see things: in the world, all around us, in our own lives, and in the lives of others.
Jesus was talking about perspective when he confronted disciples about their own sinfulness in part of the sermon on the mount. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [4] Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:3-5
This is a difficult task to be sure, because we can lose perspective about our own faults(sins) and only perceive what others are doing, thus giving ourselves the illusion that we are better than others. Jesus puts an envelope full of pictures in front of us and says "study your perspective." Step back from the picture for a second and take a different look, a look in the mirror in this case. Then you will see that you have sinned and have faults as well.
May we take a few moments when we are quick to judge somebody, to gather some perspective and see ourselves for who and what we are-redeemed and forgiven children of God, just like the person we are about to pass judgment on.
Thanks for reading!
2. the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye. Representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance.
3. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed. The capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.
4. aiding the vision.
One of the very first things that my art instructor told me about was perspective. He simply placed an envelope full of pictures on my desk with a little note which encouraged me to look at each picture and think about perspective-which in this case would be definition number 2 above. It was very helpful with my art, and now I can't look at a scene, drawing, or painting the same way that I used to.
Perspective, no matter which of the definitions you are looking at above has to do with our sight. How we see things: in the world, all around us, in our own lives, and in the lives of others.
Jesus was talking about perspective when he confronted disciples about their own sinfulness in part of the sermon on the mount. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [4] Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:3-5
This is a difficult task to be sure, because we can lose perspective about our own faults(sins) and only perceive what others are doing, thus giving ourselves the illusion that we are better than others. Jesus puts an envelope full of pictures in front of us and says "study your perspective." Step back from the picture for a second and take a different look, a look in the mirror in this case. Then you will see that you have sinned and have faults as well.
May we take a few moments when we are quick to judge somebody, to gather some perspective and see ourselves for who and what we are-redeemed and forgiven children of God, just like the person we are about to pass judgment on.
Thanks for reading!
Monday, May 9, 2011
"Rejoice and Be Glad!"
[24] This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
How did you wake up this morning? Happy? Full of joy? It is Monday after all. Often we wake up in a cranky mood and blame it on not having our coffee yet, or we say, I'll feel better after a shower. And perhaps drinking a cup 'o joe and taking a nice steamy shower can get the blood flowing and boost us awake a bit more. But might I suggest something else? David tells us, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Hmmmmm, interesting concept. Now I am quite certain that David had his share of difficult days, manic Mondays, and woeful wakings. But I also think he was on to something good here. What if we were to look at and approach each day as a day that belongs to the Lord? Perhaps if we woke each day, being thankful that it is another day that God has blessed us with to enjoy His creation, to enjoy each other's company, to have an abundant life in Him. I think it might make a huge difference in how we approach the day, in how we approach life in this world, in how we live our lives in Him each day.
So enjoy that cup of coffee, take a nice warm shower, and remember that this is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad!
Thanks for reading.
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
How did you wake up this morning? Happy? Full of joy? It is Monday after all. Often we wake up in a cranky mood and blame it on not having our coffee yet, or we say, I'll feel better after a shower. And perhaps drinking a cup 'o joe and taking a nice steamy shower can get the blood flowing and boost us awake a bit more. But might I suggest something else? David tells us, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Hmmmmm, interesting concept. Now I am quite certain that David had his share of difficult days, manic Mondays, and woeful wakings. But I also think he was on to something good here. What if we were to look at and approach each day as a day that belongs to the Lord? Perhaps if we woke each day, being thankful that it is another day that God has blessed us with to enjoy His creation, to enjoy each other's company, to have an abundant life in Him. I think it might make a huge difference in how we approach the day, in how we approach life in this world, in how we live our lives in Him each day.
So enjoy that cup of coffee, take a nice warm shower, and remember that this is the day that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad!
Thanks for reading.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
"As Sweet as Honey"--Ezekiel 3:3
Ezekiel 3:1-4 And he said to me, "Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." [2] So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. [3] And he said to me, "Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it." Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. [4] And he said to me, "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.
I couldn't resist beginning my blogging with this text, considering the title of my blog, "O Taste and See That the Lord is Good." In the Lutheran church, we have a prayer regarding the study of God's holyWord, and a saying to go along with that prayer. It goes something like this...Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word of God. What a fitting text this is then to exemplify that. For Ezekiel, who was facing a difficult ministry amongst a stiff-necked people, reading the scroll just wasn't enough. God's Word must permeate every part of his being in order for him to have the strength to go on about doing the task set before him.
Wouldn't it be great if we would all approach the Word of God in such a way. To understand just how much we need it in our lives. To desire for God's holy Word to permeate every aspect of our being. Oh how blessed we would be. May you desire to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the holy Word of God as you face your daily challenges in life.
Thanks for reading!
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