Day by Day

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"God Instills Leadership"

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you….” 1 Chronicles 28:20
   

Are you a leader, a follower, or a little of both? It’s hard to find leaders. Most will agree to serve on a church board, but when we ask who will chair, no one is eager to sign up. Why? The usual answer is they feel unqualified. They are glad to follow and do what needs to be done, but having the vision and leading the group is more than many want to do.

Are you like that? Do you find leadership an overwhelming task beyond your reach? I want to encourage you by letting you in on a secret—you can do it because God has proven you can. After all, look who God used: Moses said, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Young Joshua led God’s people to the Promised Land. Solomon inspired God’s people to build the temple. And God uses you and me to lead His people in the faith. No doubt it’s a daunting task, but we are not alone in what we do. When our Lord, in His boldness, instills and blesses our leadership, great and wonderful things happen to His glory. Where is your Advent heart calling you to serve?

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"God Disciplines"

“I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take My love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness.” Psalm 89:32-33
   

How many times do parents have to say no? If your children are anything like mine, once isn’t always enough. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes several corrections and maybe even some sort of punishment before they understand. God’s people were the same way. Throughout the Old Testament we see God’s people in bondage whether by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, or walking through the desert for 40 years. Why did God’s chosen people suffer? Why do seemingly bad things happen to seemingly good people? Before the bondage or wilderness journey the Israelites were misbehaving. Even after all God had done for them, they forgot quickly and fell back into their old ways, dismissing God’s commands.

Nothing has changed since the fall in the Garden of Eden. People keep going their own way even after God draws them close. We still wander and God still disciplines. We don’t walk in the desert for 40 years, we are not in physical bondage, but God at times allows us to go our own way and when we do, without Him in our lives, we suffer. Sin overwhelms. Our wandering created the necessity for a Saviour. God, in love, knew the need and filled it. The ultimate discipline we deserve was taken on by the promised Saviour … for you and for me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Tests Us"

Some time later God tested Abraham. Genesis 22:1
   

I dreaded tests. Just when I thought I knew my stuff and was prepared to repeat what I was taught—disaster would strike. I would draw a blank and was doomed. It wasn’t the teachers’ fault, but I still blamed them, accusing them of using trick questions or not telling me something was going to be on the test.

The same thing happens in life when we are tested. Some people become so confused and flustered they feel they’re doomed. Some even begin to resent God. In despair and frustration they turn on Him, then go a different way.

That’s not God’s intention. Luther reminds us that God tests us “to bring us closer to Himself.” Abraham committed himself fully to the Lord. He trusted God totally for everything and one day God, in His boldness, decided to test him. The test confused Abraham. God asked him to sacrifice his son. God supposedly loved Abraham, yet He asked him to kill his precious son. Why? Some scholars suggest God knew that Abraham was in danger of loving his son more than his God. The test would make him look closely at his life and arrange his priorities properly. This may seem harsh, but when faith and salvation are at stake God wants to draw us close to Him. As we begin the second week in Advent, where are your priorities?

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"How Strong a Refuge?"

For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
   

Is the wilderness truly protected in places like the mountain parks of the Canadian Rockies? Naturalists and park authorities have worked hard to establish and enforce policies making these parks a wilderness refuge. Yet threatening forces such as air pollution or climate change exist that no national park boundary or policy can keep at bay.

There are some who do not think they are capable of sinning in ways that threaten their salvation or who understand that our sinfulness represents a threat that no good actions or righteous thoughts can keep at bay. If one refuses to believe the truth about our sinful human nature, God allows the heart that dearly desires to be deceived to be deceived and does not force salvation upon it. But to those who hear God’s Word and recognize the true nature of sin, God offers a wonderful comfort: He has the power to hinder every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. And He uses it in the name of Jesus Christ. God deals with us boldly so that the boldness of sin will be overcome in us!

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"Bold Rejection"

“There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept My Words; that very Word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” John 12:48
   

In Banff National Park some interesting overpasses stretch over the four-lane highway. The bridge-like structures are covered with trees, shrubs, rocks, and grass in hopes that wildlife will use them to cross safely as they move from feeding grounds to breeding grounds. But bear, deer, elk, and moose have been killed in tragically large numbers while trying to cross because of motorists who reject the low speed limit.

A bold rejection of God’s Word is even more tragic than a bold rejection of a posted speed limit! It risks not just physical death, but the everlasting spiritual death of separation from God. How does God respond when we reject His Word outright or those parts we don’t want to hear?

God warns us boldly through His Word that, on the Last Day, Christ’s own words will condemn those who reject Him. Then He does something else: God builds a bridge of grace, using the broken body of Jesus as His building material. In these days of Advent, we affirm once more that Jesus did not reject us. He died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins so that our rejection would be overcome and we could freely feed on God’s Word!

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"A Deadly Allure"

And we are in Him who is true—even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:20-21
   

When you drive into Banff National Park, the view of a spectacular mountain greets you as you reach the crest of the first hill. It has a classic triangle shape with a waterfall cascading in steps down a craggy flank. Cascade Mountain is known for the number of deaths that occur when ice climbers fail attempting to scale its frozen falls. It is as merciless as it is irresistible to those who enjoy the extreme sport of ice climbing.

Idols are people, things, or ideas that mean more to us than God Himself. Like the mountain, idols might be beautiful and downright irresistible, but they are also deadly. They might hold out the promise of excitement or adventure. They may appear to give us a sense of purpose, or belonging, or focus in life. But what idols ultimately offer is false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. What does God do when we boldly worship idols? He holds out His Word before us to warn us of the danger. Then He boldly offers us understanding through that Word so that we may know that Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life!

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"Clearing a Path"

Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Luke 12:15
   

In recent years the town of Banff, Alberta, and its sister town Canmore have added so many beautiful homes and luxury resorts that they are choking off a vital wildlife corridor. Grizzly bears and cougars, among other animals, find it increasingly difficult to move from one natural area to another as these developments encroach upon the mountain slopes.

Like that valley, our hearts are much more narrow than they appear. It is amazing how the desire to accumulate material things can crowd out what really ought to be there! There is no sin in enjoying the blessings of plentiful food, comfortable homes, nice clothes, and the like, which God richly and daily provides in order that we may have all we need to support this body and life. The problem arises when things clog the corridors of gratitude and we become greedy for God’s blessings. There is only one way to truly clear out a clogged and cluttered Advent heart! God sent His Son to die for us so that the shock and offence of that drastic action could bulldoze through our sin and clear a path in our hearts to receive God’s gifts with humble gratitude!

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"An Avalanche of Immorality"

Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of Life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Philippians 2:14-16
   

The Canadian Rockies are prone to avalanches. Hot, dry winds known as Chinooks often melt the snow that cloaks steep slopes. The snow refreezes, forming an unstable base for the heavy snow accumulations that may follow. In such conditions, avalanches are inevitable.

Across North America, a moral avalanche has been gaining great speed. You do not have to go far to find people who insist on their freedom to follow their hearts into sexual sin! Whatever the boldness of our sin, God is more bold still. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and then holds out the Word of Life. In these Advent days we can live in the assurance that through Jesus Christ God forgives us and receives us so that the solid, stable, Word of Life is a foundation that will never slide out from under us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Not As Good As It Looks"

Sharper than any double-edged sword, [the Word of God] penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
   

The Canadian Rockies are known for their glaciers and their cold, clear melt-water lakes and streams. A thirsty hiker might be forgiven for giving in to temptation and drinking that ice-cold water. But unfortunately, much of the water is infested with a parasite that causes an illness known locally as “beaver fever.” The water tastes as good as it looks when you first drink it, but after a few hours you are sick.

One of the scary things about sin is that it can look good at first glance. Sexual sins can be hidden in the noble glow of love. The rejection of God’s Word can be tucked away beneath a blanket of sincerity. A heart cold toward God will barely be noticed when you impress people with your people-pleasing ways. But sin is deceitful. It infects us with a deception that begins in our own heart! This deception can only be overcome when the Holy Spirit works boldly through God’s Word to overcome our hearts! How wonderful to know that God’s own mercy comes to us in Jesus Christ so that we can encourage one another in these days of Advent and not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin!

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"Are You Prudent?"

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 27:12
   

The Rocky Mountain parks in Canada are famous for their beauty, but some who visit Banff or Jasper, Alberta, learn the hard way that some very real dangers hide in all that mountain beauty.

For example, most years a few tourists are mauled by grizzly bears and some die. Prudent visitors know that all wild animals are unpredictable and can be dangerously aggressive, no matter how innocent they seem. God reminds us in Proverbs 27:12 that “the prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”

God’s concern is about more than just the dangers of wildlife; He is concerned about the aggressiveness of sin. Too often we step into very dangerous territory completely unaware that what looks innocent is actually quite deadly. The best thing to do when you encounter sin and temptation is to get out of harm’s way. How? With boldness! God’s Word speaks to us boldly—concealing nothing and passing over nothing—so we can recognize the danger of sin when we see it. On this first day of Advent, we focus on the reason God needed to take the bold action of sending His Son. May the Holy Spirit make you prudent as He brings you into the refuge of God’s grace in Jesus Christ!

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"Living in the Daylight"

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
   

Many discussions about the end of the world focus on the exact time sequence and various other details. Paul, however, emphasizes the implications of Christ’s Second coming for daily living – living in the daylight. “Since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.” He first admonishes that we be awake and sober, not asleep and drunk. Does the world tranquilize us with its many pleasures so that we fall asleep? How easy to get wrapped up in television, bowling, social clubs, shopping, and travel! These activities, fine in themselves, can divert us from God’s plan for our lives. In addition, Satan tempts us to succumb to the sinful deeds of the night – revelry, drunkenness, and sexual immorality.

Second, Paul encourages us to put on the armor of God. The breastplate of faith enables us to trust God with each day’s problems. The breastplate of love flows from faith. Love penetrates the darkness as nothing else can. The helmet of hope equips us to live soberly each day. No matter how dark the day, the hope of Christ’s return keeps the light burning.

Third, Paul asks to “encourage one another and build each other up.” The world discourages us and tears us down. People scoff at our faith and ridicule our Christian standards. But we have the precious Gospel message to share with one another. “He [Christ] died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:10).

Yes, living in the light naturally follows from the fact that God has made us children of the light. By God’s grace we stay awake, wear the armor of God, and encourage one another with salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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"Ready for the Bridegroom?"

“The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” Matthew 25:10
   

The time – 7:15 a.m. The place – the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas. Many asleep, unsuspecting. Suddenly the unexpected, a devastating fire sweeps through the hotel. Over 100 lives lost. 500 injured. Tragedy. Not ready for the crisis.

The text describes a more joyful event – a wedding feast. But readiness remains the issue. The ten maidens await the wedding procession with lamps. Five are wise, with lamps trimmed and well-supplied with oil. Five are foolish, with lamps not supplied with oil. Unexpectedly at midnight the bridegroom comes. Our text tells what happens.

Are you looking forward to the Bridegroom’s coming? When you consider Jesus Christ coming again at the end of the world, do you thrill with anticipation or stir uneasily? Are you ready to die and go to heaven? Do these events remind you more of a destructive hotel fire or a joyful wedding feast? Confession time. Are you prepared for the Bridegroom’s coming? Preparation means trusting Jesus Christ alone for salvation. God prepared the way for Him to take on human flesh, to live a perfect life, and to die for the world’s sin. God prepares us to meet Jesus through Baptism, the Word of God, and the Lord’s Supper.

Lacking motivation and discipline, we often neglect God’s grace for us. Like the foolish virgins we may find that the lamps of our faith are going out. But God is faithful and just to rekindle our faith, to forgive us our sins of poor preparation, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thus we await His coming.

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"Thanksgiving Confession and Praise"

“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:18
   

Aware of God’s overflowing blessings recorded in Psalm 103 and conscious of being more often like the nine cleansed lepers than the one who returned to give thanks, we confess to God:

O Lord, we come before You as often thankless people – rich in turkey and dressing, but poor in thanks, rich in houses, cars, and TV sets, but poor in thanks.
For our thanklessness, forgive us Lord.

We often forget to thank You, Lord – for comfortable homes and abundant food, for pardon and forgiveness, for Your suffering and death on the cross, for Your resurrection and ascension, for our baptism and new life, for togetherness with Your family.
For our forgetfulness, forgive us Lord.

Sometimes, Lord, we are thankful for blessings, but not thankful enough to share them with others – our new-found life with the lost, our food with the hungry, our clothes with the ill-clad, our love with the unlovable.
For our selfishness, forgive us, Lord.

Forgive us, Lord, for our thanklessness, our forgetfulness, and our selfishness.

God forgives us our sin for the sake of His Son, Jesus Christ, and fills our hearts with true thanksgiving as we live for Him and for others. Now we can rejoice and praise Him with all our heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Thanksgiving Before the Throne"

“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” Revelation 7:12
   

Thanksgiving Day and the end of the Christian church year occur around the same time, near the end of November. They present contrasting scenes. The first conjures up thoughts of the family gathered around a bountiful table, voraciously consuming turkey and dressing. Thanksgiving, yes, but short-lived and often directed more toward material blessings.

The second suggests Judgment Day and then the gathering of the saints around the throne of the Lamb. There the multitudes of the redeemed join with the angels in an endless song of praise. It continues forever and focuses on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – who loves us and chose us as His people. This celebration combines Christmas Eve and Easter worship, infinitely magnified.

How can our thanksgiving each day become less like a short-lived Thanksgiving Day and more like the endless thanksgiving before the throne described in Revelation? We first confess that our old nature, still clinging to us, is indeed thankless. On our own, we cannot participate in endless thanksgiving.

Admitting our failure, we look to the Lamb. Jesus Christ came for us. His perfect life and self-giving death on the cross offered a spotless sacrifice to the Father. God now stands before us with His love and forgiveness, not just on Thanksgiving Day but 365 days a year. We also join the praising crowd in the fellowship of God’s people gathered around Word and sacrament. There we join with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in praising God. Every Sunday is a thanksgiving before the throne.

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"Have You Learned to be Content?"

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11
   

A picture of contentment. The family gathers around the bountiful Thanksgiving table with turkey and all the trimmings. Norman Rockwell captures the moment. A precious but fleeting moment. The larger question, however: Have you learned to be content?

Leaving the serene Thanksgiving tableau, many live in perpetual discontent, ruled by circumstances. Paul writes to the Philippians that “whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12), he has learned to be content. For the discontented, circumstances always spell trouble. Never enough. Always wanting more, more, more. We want more wages, profits, possessions. Perhaps we even want more of the turkey’s white meat than the person sitting next to us.

Some seek a false contentment. They strive to be self-sufficient and self-satisifed. The Stoics used the Greek word for contentment to describe a life-style of wanting little and not caring. Both desire and feelings were eliminated by an act of the will. Such an attempt at self-imposed contentment robs us of joy and peace.

Paul describes true contentment as Christ-sufficient and Christ-satisfied. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Jesus Christ was content to do the Father’s bidding. He came to earth in difficult circumstances, with the forces of hell pitted against Him. Yet He could enjoy the lilies of the field, sleep peacefully in a storm-tossed boat, stand silent before His tormentors, and ultimately cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30). “He died for all”: (2 Corinthians 5:15). He forgives sins of both discontent and false contentment.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving and savor the pumpkin pie, learn the meaning of true contentment – doing everything through Christ, who strengthens us.