Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Anniversary Thoughts: One Flesh"

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
   

The Hebrew word for “be united” or “cleave” to his wife means “stick together like glue.” When a man and woman marry, God is joining them together in a permanent adhesive bond. He knows what is good for us. He promises to sustain us in our marriage bonds.

One could focus on the negative. If God joins man and woman together, why are so many marriages breaking up? As a society we have sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind. For generations couples have been divorcing and remarrying, and the children and grandchildren have followed suit in ever-increasing measure. Tremendous discord, emotional scars, and wounds of emptiness and bitterness have been the result. That’s sin at work.

But I would much rather focus on the positive. God takes sinful people and forgives. He provided a third partner in our marriage, His Son Jesus Christ. I can love my wife because Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. He has washed us with water through the Word and presents us to God without blemish, because He has paid the price for our sins.

With such cleaving, uniting, bonding on Christ’s part, we can cleave to each other as one flesh. I love her and she loves me. Our lifelong commitment to each other flows from His unwavering commitment to us. From the solid “one flesh” foundation comes a delight in romance, wine and roses, intimate evenings together, and the prospect of delectable surprises and adventure in our future together.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Anniversary Thoughts: Companionship"

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18
   

I’m preparing to take my wife out for dinner on our wedding anniversary. Memories flood my mind as I treasure our time together. “It is not good for the man to be alone.” I remember lonely nights before I met her, times when I wondered whether God would provide a wife for me.

“I will make a helper suitable for him.” What a delight to meet her on that spring banquet weekend at college! Three years of daily letters flowed, because we lived in different states. Communication flowed as we learned to know each other, our interests, values, common faith, family backgrounds, and dreams for the future. We rejoiced that by God’s grace we completed each other.

We stood together at the altar and promised to be faithful. We began our journey together – new job, moving from school to church, the birth of children, more moves as pastor from church to church. Struggles. Challenges. Adjustments. Disagreements. But always companionship. Three children born. Ages and stages. Still companionship.

God deserves all praise and honor as we celebrate our anniversary together. He made us as unique individuals. He brought each of us into His kingdom through Holy Baptism. He brought us together. He forgives our sins when we strain the marriage relationship. He constantly reminds us of His Son Jesus Christ, who died for us. God is our Companion, though undeserved by us. Therefore we enjoy each other’s companionship as we seek God’s continuing purpose for our life together.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Cold Logic"

He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame. Proverbs 18:13
   

A final communication barrier deals with people according to cold logic and a clinical approach. A wife comments sadly, “I don’t feel free to talk to him any more. When I come with my problems, he is always giving me a quick answer that makes me feel stupid. I feel frustrated because he tries to be so logical and rational about everything. When he does listen, I think he is trying to play psychiatrist, and I serve as an interesting subject for analysis.”

Even when we desire to help, quick answers, easy advice, and cold logic make the other person feel unimportant and uncared-for. Often we use logic to avoid listening to the deeper feelings of our spouse. We remain detached and uninvolved. Proverbs tells us: “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.” We fail to listen empathetically and speak caringly.

Communication barriers abound – surface talk, nagging, the silent treatment, full-scale war, empty flattery, and cold logic. At root, selfishness, jealousy, resentment, and indifference. We confess our sins toward family members and others whom we love. Paul states the goal of good communication: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Wholesome talk. Building others up. According to their needs. His words of life, of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, of forgiveness, of healing. His words spoken to us, received in the water, the bread and the wine. His words spoken through us to the family because we have listened with love. Communication barriers broken down.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Empty Flattery"

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28
   

Angry and cutting words certainly raise communication barriers, but seemingly positive words can also cause problems if they are insincere. A discouraged wife commented, “He talks a good game. When he is trying to get on my good side, he makes all kinds of promises and whispers sweet nothings into my ear. But I know he really doesn’t care about me; he is simply not being sincere.”

Empty flattery, we call it. Words abound, but they mean little because the heart lies elsewhere. Proverbs castigates such insincerity: “A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” How easily we slip into hollow words, flattering words, manipulative words which mask our selfish, scheming, and even vengeful hearts!

Paul describes the honest speech which God desires us to use: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). As a result of our relationship to God in Christ, we speak from the heart. Sometimes we confront our loved one. Sometimes we register our concerns and problems. Sometimes we express our tender feelings. But always we speak the truth in love – honest, sincere, caring words. God speaks words of judgment against our sin, including empty flattery. He pulls no punches with us, because He loves us. But He also speaks His word of mercy, most clearly spoken in His Son Jesus Christ, the Word-made-flesh. On Calvary, Jesus by His death spoke the truth in love for us. Cleansed by His blood, we lay aside flattery and speak honestly and lovingly from the heart.

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"Full-Scale War"

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17:14
   

Sometimes marriages exist on noncommuncation, whether surface talk or the silent treatment. But with equal frequency marriages feature full-scale war.

A spouse describes their sad relationship, “We manage to converse civilly when other people are around, but whenever we find ourselves alone, we seem to fight constantly. Even the most innocent remark leads to full-scale warfare.” An old, well-known comedy recording introduces a couple named the Bickersons, who constantly shout at each other and outdo one another in taunts, put-downs, and insults. You laugh but wonder whether you should cry as this parody unfolds. Too true for comfort!

Again Proverbs brings wisdom about the lethal potential of quarreling: “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” The imagery of a dam breaking and a deluge of water rolling over us accurately describes our full-scale warfare. Paul bluntly advises us: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31).

Jesus had to deal with heated disputes among His disciples as well as the taunts, jeers, and accusations of His opponents. But He went to Calvary in full payment for our sins. Full-scale war raged between Christ and the combined forces of evil. He won the victory. Peace has been established between God and humanity. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you” (John 14:27). Living in that peace, we can avoid quarrels; and when full-scale war develops, we can seek His forgiveness and establish, on that basis, a loving, quarrel-free relationship with one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Silent Treatment"

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
   

Strange how communication barriers generate other barriers. You may have loved yesterday’s devotion which exposed the sin of nagging, especially if that problem belongs to your spouse. But don’t feel too smug because today God exposes as a serious sin “the silent treatment.”

A frustrated wife says, “He won’t say a word. I come to him with my hurts and disappointments. I need his support, but he clams up and refuses to answer me. He doesn’t care about me at all. He just buries his head in the newspaper.”

How devastating! Sometimes we nag because we want some reaction from our spouse. No answer. We beg and plead. No answer. We even try to compliment. No answer. The silent treatment often becomes a deliberate weapon to frustrate and repay the other person for verbal abuse. We may feel superior for holding our tongue, but often we stand guilty of lovelessness and thoughtlessness.

Proverbs states the positive value of speaking at the right time: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!” Once again we come face to face with our need for forgiveness and our responsibility to forgive one another. Paul says it so well “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Yes, while Christ knew when to keep silent before His accusers, He also knew when to speak words of encouragement, caring, and forgiveness. His death on the cross and glorious resurrection makes us His own and frees us to “find joy in giving an apt reply.” The silent treatment no longer.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Nag, Nag, Nag"

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 13:3
   

A disgruntled husband complains, “I can’t get a word in edgewise. All she does is nag, nag, nag. I can’t take any more of the screaming. She criticizes everything I do or don’t do. She remembers everything I have ever said and uses it against me.”

If surface talk creates a communication barrier, then certainly nagging and constant criticism create an even more serious one. When one family member attacks, the others either lash back or tend to withdraw and sulk. Over a long period of time, nagging causes deep hurts and bitter resentments.

For this reason the writer of Proverbs asserts, “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” James offers a practical way to break down this communication barrier: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). That listening ear helps us tune in to the other person’s needs. Listening carefully will slow down our speaking and as a result keep our anger from rising to the surface. Good advice indeed.

But on our own, we stand helpless. Only One can forgive us our nagging and strengthen us to change long-established patterns of rash speech. He is the One who “was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). When He was being crucified, He spoke words of forgiveness. When He was suffering on the cross, He spoke words of comfort and concern for others. God’s powerful remedy for nagging: quick to listen to Him and each other, slow to speak criticism, and slow to anger – because we have been forgiven for His sake.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Surface Talk"

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
   

Poor communication causes relationship problems. In the next several devotions we will identify communication barriers and seek ways to break them down.

A spouse comments, “We used to talk for hours about important things. We made so many exciting discoveries about each other. Now all we ever talk about is the weather, the children’s runny noses, and what we will eat for supper. Or we just sit in front of the television and never say anything.”

Surface Talk. A major problem in marriage and family relationships. How shallow, discouraging, and separating! We do the same thing in offices, at social engagements, and in churches. When surface talk serves to avoid more caring and honest communication, relationships deteriorate.

Proverbs suggests the wonderful potential for meaningful conversation: “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5). Proverbs also describes how to break through the surface talk: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Speaking the caring word and listening to the heart opens up new channels of communication.

Recognizing our selfish hearts and the rut of surface talk, we turn in repentance to our Father, who speaks to us at the deepest level of our being about the forgiving love of Jesus Christ, His Son, who gave Himself for us on the cross. Listening to His Word, we can listen to one another and speak words of deep caring. Surface talk no more.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Foundational Building"

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11
   

Covering up a flimsy building won’t work, but how can we build solidly as individuals and as a church? Paul addresses this question as he writes to the church at Corinth. Troubles have developed in the church he founded. The Corinthian Christians have formed parties or factions loyal to Paul, Apollos, or Cephas (Peter). Paul points them to the true foundation.

He writes, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds” (1 Corinthians 3:10). He refers positively to the various builders, but then adds that the only valid foundation is “the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, by His saving death and resurrection laid the only foundation for our relationship to God and our relationships with one another. The church builds only on Christ crucified.

How do we build solidly? Will we use “gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw” (1 Corinthians 3:12)? Only the Day of the Lord will reveal how solidly we have built. But all building needs to be foundational building, that is, building on Jesus Christ, the true Foundation. As we go again and again to Jesus in Word and sacraments, He will forgive us and lead us to choose only the finest of building materials. We will not act for self-glorification or out of party spirit, but will seek to honor Christ and share Him with others. Built solidly from the ground up, the church will stand and testify to the Savior before all the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Flimsy Building"

“Because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall.” Ezekiel 13:10-11
   

We Americans love outward appearances. Homes are built quickly, with little concern for quality, but the paint and the trim look impressive. Automobiles feature fancy gadgets, plush seats, and racing stripes, but rattles and vibrations come early. Poor workmanship covered up to look good.

Unfortunately, we often build our lives in the same fashion. Not much attention to a solid foundation of Biblical truth. Not much character building. Not much painstaking attention to quality parenting. Instead, we concentrate on body building, social graces, fashion design, and cosmetics. Flimsy building covered up to look good.

Ezekiel uses similar imagery to describe the false prophets of Israel. They cry “‘Peace’ when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10) and make Jerusalem falsely secure. In reality Jerusalem is like a flimsy wall built on a shaky foundation. The prophets merely cover that wall with whitewash to make it look good. But the Sovereign Lord will unleash a violent wind with hailstones and rain so that the wall collapses. Flimsy building exposed. No whitewash cover-up will help.

But God also brings hope. He sent His Son Jesus Christ as chief cornerstone of a new building. By His sin-atoning death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus provides a solid base for the building of His church. By baptism we are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). No flimsy building. No need for cover-up. We concentrate on inner growth in the Word, which keeps us strong.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God’s Cookout"

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and the finest of wines. Isaiah 25:6
   

Cookouts are very popular in America these days. Almost every backyard has some sort of grill. Fathers bend over glowing charcoal as they wear a chef’s hat and apron. Isaiah 25 describes heaven as a cookout on a mountain, with God spreading out a wondrous feast complete with the best of meats and the finest of wines. Do you have time for God’s cookout?

The description of choice meats sounds inviting, but only if you are hungry. Many don’t have time for God’s cookout. They are busy tending to their jobs, getting promotions, paying bills, going on vacations, fishing, boating, and golfing. They just don’t have time for heaven. Is that your problem? Could it be that you really aren’t hungry enough for God? Full of hamburger, one doesn’t have room for even the tastiest steak. Full of ourselves, we may not be hungry for God and His love.

When we live only to satisfy our whims, we discover that everything tastes flat. Even the finest wine and filet mignon fail to satisfy. Spacious swimming pools and growing bank accounts do not satisfy. Selfishness is sin, and the wages of sin is death. When we seriously probe our lives, we admit our growing hunger for God.

And He fills us. He sent His only Son to fast 40 days in the wilderness and to drink the bitter cup of suffering by dying on the cross. By His death Jesus invites us to attend God’s great cookout in heaven, freely and without charge. He not only invites us but encourages us to invite others as well.

Thank about these things the next time you are gathered with your family in the backyard for a cookout.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Miracle of Birth"

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139.13
   

Some notes on the birth of our middle child on Father’s Day many years ago: the birth of a child is one of the miracles of life, even in a world which daily experiences the wonders of 20th-century technology. That truth becomes very personal when my wife is in the delivery room and I wait out the early morning in a father’s room at the hospital.

I look out the window and see a beautiful day dawning, a fiery sun rising against a clear blue sky, and my thoughts turn to God. He is making the sun rise. He controls also the stillness and darkness of the night. And He is with my wife and the doctor and our baby in the delivery room. I don’t know if our baby is a boy or a girl. Only God knows what abilities and potential are within the baby right now coming out of the womb. But our baby is in God’s hands, and that means everything to me. He also cares for my wife. He is the God who loves us so much that He sent His own dear Son to be born just like our baby is being born. That Son was willing to die for me and my wife and that baby – so that all of us can be forgiven and free to serve Him.

Even before I know the results in the delivery room, I thank God for being God and for loving us. “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3).

Soon the waiting is over. At 5:49 a.m. our daughter is born. We rejoice together in the recovery room, anticipating her baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We want her to know the God who brings the miracle of birth, who helps mothers in the delivery room, and who sent His Son to heal our broken, sick world by his death on the cross. It is a happy Father’s Day for many reasons, but most of all because of God the Father, who makes it all possible.

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"Fishers of Men International"

“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” Luke 5:10
   

Summer provides a good opportunity to go fishing. At the beginning of His public ministry Jesus met the disciples at their own lake and then used fishing imagery to call them into His service.

Jesus unveils His fishing plan. Starting with a miracle on the lake, He calls the disciples to follow Him. For three years He trains them. Then He goes to the cross to pay for their sins, rises from the dead, and commissions them for a worldwide fishing trip. He calls us to a similar fishing trip. Made His own in Baptism, we learn from Him, and we witness in family, community, nation, and world.

But we face obstacles to our fishing. The disciples struggled with catching men, because they were provincially bound to Galilee and constantly worried about unfavorable fishing conditions as opposition to Jesus mounted. We often live provincial lives as well. How difficult we find it to picture Christ coming for people of every city, state, tribe, and nation! We become so preoccupied with daily unfavorable fishing conditions that we lose sight of God’s international plan.

The Lord reveals His fishing method. He saturates us with His powerful, life-changing Word. Peter heard that Word from the pulpit of his boat before launching on that Galilee fishing adventure. And we hear that Word in worship and Bible study. Jesus applied that Word to the daily experience of the disciples. How could they ever forget the miraculous catch of fish, the mountaintop transfiguration, the footwashing, the holy meal, the nail-pierced hands of the risen Lord? No wonder they responded to His call. We too respond to His ongoing call as “fishers of men international.”

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"Promises in Peril"

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine." Isaiah 43:1
   

How often we live in fear of perils! Automobile accidents, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, house fires, robbery, and the list goes on. Israel faced many perils as well, partly from foreign nations who threatened destruction. The individual traveler took life in his own hands by venturing forth on a journey to cross rivers and climb mountains.

Isaiah offers God’s promises to a repentant people who look to the promised Messiah for salvation and deliverance. His words also provide real comfort to us as baptized Christians living each day for the Savior who paid for our sins. Let these vivid words of Isaiah strengthen you for the day: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3).

Promises in peril. God’s promises, clearly stated in His Word, promises for the New Testament church as well as Israel, promises for you as an individual child of God. Redeemed, called by name, we belong to Him, now in the midst of our trials and forever in heaven. Thank God for His powerful promises.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Envy Rot"

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30
   

According to movie scripts, treasure hunters seeking pirate gold or jewels usually come upon hideous skeletons of greedy cutthroats who died in pursuit of ill-gotten wealth. The rotting bones bear mute testimony to the futility of greed.

Proverbs makes a similar point by saying, “Envy rots the bones.” We always want what others possess – the fancier car, the more luxurious home, the high-paying job, the college scholarship, the attractive family. We daydream about enjoying these things, resenting those who prosper, and venting our frustrations on everyone around us. No wonder Proverbs describes envy as rotting the bones. The acid of envy eats away at our insides, rotting our peace, our purpose, and our hope. Purely and simply, we sin.

But the proverb also says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body.” We look to the Prince of Peace, who came with a heart only for others. He knew who He was and why He had come. He gratefully accepted the Father’s provision, renouncing the kingdoms of this world. At peace with the Father, He endured the storm of suffering and death for our sins. Though dead in the grave, His bones did not rot, for He rose on the third day to bring peace to the world.

Repenting of envy, we accept His forgiveness and receive His peace. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). We gratefully accept God’s daily provision, rejoice in the blessings of our neighbor, and live like Jesus for others. God eliminates envy rot. Peaceful hearts give new life to our bodies.