Above the doors at the church I serve as pastor there is a sign on the inside which reads, "You are now entering the mission field." How true this is, especially regarding mercy, as in mercy shown to others, out in the world.
When we come to worship God, too many fail to understand why we are really there. Too many think that worship is what we are bringing to God, what we are doing FOR God, as if He needs something from us.
In our hymnals in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, Lutheran Service Book, the introduction in the front reminds us of the following....Our Lord is the Lord who serves. Jesus came into the flesh not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many...Our Lord serves us today through His holy Word and Sacraments. Through these means, He comes among us to deliver His forgiveness and salvation, freeing us from our sins and strengthening us for service to one another and the world...The Lord's service calls forth our service--in sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Him and in loving service to one another.
Mercy then, has a very real and meaningful place in our lives, as we, having been stregthened through God's Word and Sacrament, go out into the world to show Christ's mercy and love to others. It is a meaningful and ESSENTIAL part of the Christian life, necessarily flowing from the faith we have been given.
A question for you all--If there is no mercy in us, is there Christ in us either?
Thank you for reading, and God bless you as you show mercy to the hurting world.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Lord Have Mercy: Part 2 in a series on MERCY
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. [5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philip. 2:4-5
Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the LCMS, in his book entitled, Christ Have Mercy: How to put your faith in action, quotes the following from Luther regarding our own use of mercy toward others....
Our Lord and Savior Jesus has left us a commandment which applies equally to all Christians, namely, that we are to render...the works of mercy[Luke6:36] to those who are afflicted and in a state of calamity, and that we are to visit the sick, try to free captives, and do similar things for our neighborr so that the evils of the present may be somewhat lessened. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us the brightest example of this commandment when...He descended from the bosom of the Father into our misery and our prison, that is, into our flesh and our most wretched life, and took upon Himself the penalty for our sins so that we might be saved.
By keeping ourselves open always to the needs of others, we become less selfish, less self-centered people, and less vulnerable to the rampant sin of entitlement. Not only that, but we begin to have a greater compassion and love for other human beings and what they are going through.
Quite often we immediately judge others who might be behaving in a less than desirable way, or even downright rudely toward others. Instead of allowing for the possibility that they just might be going through something terribly difficult and trying to understand and help that person, we may be too quick to write them off as just being a jerk.
When the Bible tells us that JEsus had COMPASSION on people, look at what happens next in each case. He DOES something! That's because compassion means doing something....it does NOT mean just feeling sorry for someone and moving along to something else because you don't want to be bothered with it. Compassion necessarily means ACTION. Jesus demonstrates that for us.
Perhaps it is time to put YOUR faith in action!
Thanks for reading, and God bless you with compassion and mercy for others!
Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the LCMS, in his book entitled, Christ Have Mercy: How to put your faith in action, quotes the following from Luther regarding our own use of mercy toward others....
Our Lord and Savior Jesus has left us a commandment which applies equally to all Christians, namely, that we are to render...the works of mercy[Luke6:36] to those who are afflicted and in a state of calamity, and that we are to visit the sick, try to free captives, and do similar things for our neighborr so that the evils of the present may be somewhat lessened. Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself gave us the brightest example of this commandment when...He descended from the bosom of the Father into our misery and our prison, that is, into our flesh and our most wretched life, and took upon Himself the penalty for our sins so that we might be saved.
By keeping ourselves open always to the needs of others, we become less selfish, less self-centered people, and less vulnerable to the rampant sin of entitlement. Not only that, but we begin to have a greater compassion and love for other human beings and what they are going through.
Quite often we immediately judge others who might be behaving in a less than desirable way, or even downright rudely toward others. Instead of allowing for the possibility that they just might be going through something terribly difficult and trying to understand and help that person, we may be too quick to write them off as just being a jerk.
When the Bible tells us that JEsus had COMPASSION on people, look at what happens next in each case. He DOES something! That's because compassion means doing something....it does NOT mean just feeling sorry for someone and moving along to something else because you don't want to be bothered with it. Compassion necessarily means ACTION. Jesus demonstrates that for us.
Perhaps it is time to put YOUR faith in action!
Thanks for reading, and God bless you with compassion and mercy for others!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Kyrie Eleison: Lord Have Mercy: Part one of a series on MERCY
Psalm 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
I think that we can relate to these words of David. Of course, he wrote this Psalm in repentance of the sin(s) he committed with and regarding Bethsheba. But we can relate. Did you know, those of you who have worshiped God in a Divine Service, that when you are saying, or more probably singing Kyrie Elesion, you are saying/singing, "Lord have mercy?"
But the question is, why are we asking God for mercy? Is it for sins committed? Is it because we live in a sin-corrupted world? Is it that we just need help with all the day to day challenges and difficulties we must endure? I would venture to say that it is ALL the above.
Here in Rapid City, we should be singing, if not shouting from the top of the Black Hills, the words: "KYRIE ELEISON!" Recently, we have had multiple tragedies, some of which have affected me personally, and some indirectly by affecting others I know. It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is tragedy upon tragedy. It really could be quite depressing, and cause great anxiety.
Except that we ought to know, like David knew, that even under the worst of circumstances, we can call on God for mercy. The author of Hebrews reminds us:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
Thanks for reading and don't be afraid to call on God for mercy!
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
I think that we can relate to these words of David. Of course, he wrote this Psalm in repentance of the sin(s) he committed with and regarding Bethsheba. But we can relate. Did you know, those of you who have worshiped God in a Divine Service, that when you are saying, or more probably singing Kyrie Elesion, you are saying/singing, "Lord have mercy?"
But the question is, why are we asking God for mercy? Is it for sins committed? Is it because we live in a sin-corrupted world? Is it that we just need help with all the day to day challenges and difficulties we must endure? I would venture to say that it is ALL the above.
Here in Rapid City, we should be singing, if not shouting from the top of the Black Hills, the words: "KYRIE ELEISON!" Recently, we have had multiple tragedies, some of which have affected me personally, and some indirectly by affecting others I know. It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is tragedy upon tragedy. It really could be quite depressing, and cause great anxiety.
Except that we ought to know, like David knew, that even under the worst of circumstances, we can call on God for mercy. The author of Hebrews reminds us:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16
Thanks for reading and don't be afraid to call on God for mercy!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wisdom vs Knowledge Part II
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.... Proverbs 2:6
First, it is important that wisdom comes from God. True wisdom, in which are included: knowledge and understanding, comes from the mouth of God.
This is kind of an important point. If wisdom comes from the mouth of God, then it seems to me that it would be extremely important for one to be in God's Word, that is, if one wanted to become wise.
Wisdom helps one to discen between right and wrong, between good and evil, between righteousness and unrighteousness. Take Solomon for example-- And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. [9] Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
[10] It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. [11] And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, [12] behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 1 Kings 3:8-12
It was an understanding mind and discernment that Solomon asked for. Basically, he was asking the Lord for wisdom in order to be able to rule the people. And God was pleased with this request, because fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This is what Solomon desired. I wonder what the world would be like if we all desired and asked for true wisdom, which comes from being in the Word of God. Something to ponder.
Thank you for reading and God bless you!
First, it is important that wisdom comes from God. True wisdom, in which are included: knowledge and understanding, comes from the mouth of God.
This is kind of an important point. If wisdom comes from the mouth of God, then it seems to me that it would be extremely important for one to be in God's Word, that is, if one wanted to become wise.
Wisdom helps one to discen between right and wrong, between good and evil, between righteousness and unrighteousness. Take Solomon for example-- And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. [9] Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
[10] It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. [11] And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, [12] behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 1 Kings 3:8-12
It was an understanding mind and discernment that Solomon asked for. Basically, he was asking the Lord for wisdom in order to be able to rule the people. And God was pleased with this request, because fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This is what Solomon desired. I wonder what the world would be like if we all desired and asked for true wisdom, which comes from being in the Word of God. Something to ponder.
Thank you for reading and God bless you!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
For those who are grieving at the tragic shooting of 3 police officers in Rapid City Yesterday
PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, in this fallen world, distinctive dangers await those whom You have called to be police officers and firefighters. Wicked people challenge them, and evil circumstances await them; yet by Your call, they willingly serve and protect the public good and exercise Your providence among us. Grant them safety and diligence in the performance of their duties. Protect them from the various hazards and temptations particular to their vocations. Create or sustain faith in You as their Savior among them, keeping them secure unto life everlasting. AMEN.
WHERE WAS THE LORD?
A DEVOTION FROM PORTALS OF PRAYER-SPECIAL EDITION:WHERE IS GOD NOW?
Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."-John 11:21
You can almost hear the accusing questions in Martha's words. What she really was saying is, "Lord, why weren't You here? What took You so long? How could You let this happen?" When we experience some sort of catastrophe or loss, those same questions can run through our minds too. "Where were You, God? Why didn't You stop this?"
Jesus never answers Martha's questions. Instead, He directs her to the truth of who He is. "I AM the resurrection and the life". Though we may not understand why things happen the way they do, the reality is that God is at work for us in Christ to rescue us and give us life and resurrection. He labors for us, not simply to give temporary relief from earthly troubles, but to deliver us eternally from all evil. Not even death can conquer the one who trusts Jesus. He says, "Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live." Just as Jesus died and then rose again, so also will all who are baptized into Him. First death, then resurrection--this is the Christian life.
Therefore, we live in hope and confidence, even in trying times. Our Lord leads us through death into life! Lord, help me to trust that in You there is life, even in the midst of death. AMEN.
PRAYER: LORD GOD, HEAVENLY FATHER, YOU HAVE SEARCHED US AND YOU KNOW US. BEFORE A WORD IS ON OUR TONGUES, YOU KNOW IT COMPLETELY. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US FAITH IN YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST, AND MAKING US YOUR BAPTIZED CHILDREN. PRESERVE US IN FAITH EVEN THOUGH SIN, SATAN, AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO TEAR IT FROM US. THROUGH THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, ROOT US ALWAYS IN YOUR HOLY WORD, THAT BY YOUR GRACE WE MAY KNOW AND TRUST OUR SAVIOR'S MERCY AND BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORSAKE ME OR LEAVE ME; THROUGH THE SAME JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.
Thank you for reading, and God bless those who protect and serve us!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
Luther wrote: "We are old fools! The more educated and intelligent we become, the less we know and understand."
When I read this quote it reminded me of a study that I did in a class on the subject of wisdom. The question I pose to you today is this....Is there a difference between wisdom and knowledge? When I was attending college at the Univ. of Missouri (MIZZOU for short), I can honestly say that I did not know there was a difference. In college, all is a quest for more knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. Perhaps in this world there is some truth to that. Though I find myself saying again and again, it is not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that matters more. Don't get me wrong,
I am not getting cynical about knowledge in my old(er) age. But life experience, and more importantly God's Word, have taught me that wisdom is far, far superior to knowledge. Having written that, I am truly very thankful for all the knowledge I have accumulated in school, college, and seminary--not to mention all the experience that has helped me learn!
If college was a quest for more knowledge, then seminary taught me about true wisdom, and how much more important it is.
I will leave you with this Scripture quote from Psalm 111, and will pick this topic up again tomorrow!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
When I read this quote it reminded me of a study that I did in a class on the subject of wisdom. The question I pose to you today is this....Is there a difference between wisdom and knowledge? When I was attending college at the Univ. of Missouri (MIZZOU for short), I can honestly say that I did not know there was a difference. In college, all is a quest for more knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. Perhaps in this world there is some truth to that. Though I find myself saying again and again, it is not WHAT you know, but WHO you know that matters more. Don't get me wrong,
I am not getting cynical about knowledge in my old(er) age. But life experience, and more importantly God's Word, have taught me that wisdom is far, far superior to knowledge. Having written that, I am truly very thankful for all the knowledge I have accumulated in school, college, and seminary--not to mention all the experience that has helped me learn!
If college was a quest for more knowledge, then seminary taught me about true wisdom, and how much more important it is.
I will leave you with this Scripture quote from Psalm 111, and will pick this topic up again tomorrow!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Monday, August 1, 2011
All the little things.
Sorry I have been away from posting for a while. Things have been rather hectic!
Why is it that all the little things that drive us crazy all happen at once? I'm talkin about all
those things that you would rather never happened, but by themselves aren't such a big deal really.
Unfortunately, they tend to all come at the same time. We got a crack in our windshield of the van. Then the "Service Engine" Light comes on in the car. Then my watch battery goes out. Then my sunglasses break when I pick them up. Ok, I am not going to touch anything! (I won't take credit for the van's winshield being cracked either, but sadly the other things I did touch).
Again, if these things each happened one at a time, separated by a little time (weeks, not days), none of them would be horrible, except maybe the two car things (a bit more expensive). I guess today is a venting day. It's hot, I have been running around doing errands I didn't expect to be doing, and I am tired.
When life is dragging you down with all the "little things," Jesus has some divine intervention for you...some words of comfort and mercy for your life.....
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Thanks for reading and God Bless You!
Why is it that all the little things that drive us crazy all happen at once? I'm talkin about all
those things that you would rather never happened, but by themselves aren't such a big deal really.
Unfortunately, they tend to all come at the same time. We got a crack in our windshield of the van. Then the "Service Engine" Light comes on in the car. Then my watch battery goes out. Then my sunglasses break when I pick them up. Ok, I am not going to touch anything! (I won't take credit for the van's winshield being cracked either, but sadly the other things I did touch).
Again, if these things each happened one at a time, separated by a little time (weeks, not days), none of them would be horrible, except maybe the two car things (a bit more expensive). I guess today is a venting day. It's hot, I have been running around doing errands I didn't expect to be doing, and I am tired.
When life is dragging you down with all the "little things," Jesus has some divine intervention for you...some words of comfort and mercy for your life.....
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Thanks for reading and God Bless You!
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