Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Free Indeed"

Today's Reading: John 8:12-41 & Psalm 88

“I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin … if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36
   

Freedom—what a precious word! But are we certain we understand what true freedom means?

Listen to the protest of those in the crowd: “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone” (John 8:33). Despite their claim, they were living in political bondage—under Roman occupation—and under an even heavier bondage, sin. Fast forward to the 21st Century, where some still claim, “We are slaves to no one.” They consider themselves free—free to exercise whatever sexual lifestyle appeals to them. Free to use God's gift of sex without the Christ-honoring commitment of marriage. Free to choose abortion. They’re living under bondage to the lie that happiness is attainable without Christ and His Word—and under an even heavier bondage, sin.

Are you truly free? One sadly mistaken idea of freedom declares, “I can do as I please.” But freedom without control is no freedom at all. A pianist who stops practicing is not free to play at concerts. An automobile, without a set of working brakes, is not free to be driven on public streets. True freedom is not something we get by claiming a “right.” Quite the opposite; true freedom is a matter of grace—what God, through, in, and on account of Jesus Christ has done and is doing to us and for us.

Free from, and also free to. Free from the condemnation of sin. Free to move with bold discipleship in living our God-given, Grace-filled freedom.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Risky Behavior"

Today's Reading: John 8:1:11 & Psalm 11

“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
   

Jesus—the one without sin—faces the woman caught in adultery. Should He now pick up a stone? She certainly had committed adultery—there were eyewitnesses. But no. Instead of throwing either real stones or figurative ones of shame, blame, and condemnation, Jesus throws out forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

Did Jesus tell the woman He would forgive her only if she never committed adultery again? Or did He forgive her, and then direct her to leave her life of sin? There’s a big difference between the two: one is self-righteousness, the other is Christ’s righteousness. Here we see the stunning brilliance of God's forgiveness. It’s free—completely, absolutely, with no pre-conditions to be met.

“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Purely, simply, and only because of Jesus Christ, God forgives, accepts, and loves all who trust in Jesus as their Savior. Like the woman, we stand humbly before Christ. He forgives us, and, by the power of His Spirit, we leave our life of sin. Yes, we fall and yes, we fail. But God still forgives, throwing out forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

And, now, the forgiven throw out forgiveness, acceptance, and love to others. Rather than judging or condemning others, we can forgive them in Christ, accept them in Christ, and love them in Christ. Sound a bit risky? Yes—but then, hasn’t God taken a risk on us?

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Attoney for the Defense"

Today's Reading: John 7:40-53 & Psalm 82

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” John 7:50-51
   

A good year before Judas kissed Jesus to betray Him, the Temple leaders sent guards to spy on Jesus. They wanted to catch Him saying something wrong and then bring Him before their court to stand trial. But the guards, impressed with Jesus’ message, chose not to arrest Him. “What?” they sneered. “Are you so uneducated in theology that you’re fooled by this Man?”

Those Temple leaders didn’t know that one of their own had already had an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus had gone to Jesus … by night, secretly. He believed what Jesus was saying, even believed in Jesus. He just didn’t want to tell anybody. So now he’s got to say something … but what?

Nicodemus rises to his feet. Is he rising to defend Jesus? Maybe. Come on, Nicodemus! Plead the cause! Speak up for Him! “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” (verse 51). Nicodemus gets only a sarcastic question in return: “Are you from Galilee, too?” (verse 52). Now he has to choose—either he stands with Jesus and bears witness to Him, or he stands with the Temple leaders. He backs down.

The scene has not changed. There is still a crying need for an attorney for the defense—a courageous man … woman … teen … child … who by word, by action, and by lifestyle stands up and says, “I have heard Him. I believe in Him. Jesus is my Savior.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"Living Water"

Today's Reading: John 7:1-39 & Psalm 107:1-9

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38
   

Near our home on Lake Taneycomo is a small pond—until about mid-July. Then it dries up and disappears. You see, the stream that feeds it shrinks to a trickle in the summer months; and as the stream dries up, so does the pond. But the streams of living water Jesus talked about? The Holy Spirit creates a life in us, and that life is a stream—a river—that never runs dry!

Thirst—an experience common to us all. Thirst—a need that must be satisfied, for thirst not satisfied can quickly bring on death. And so it is with God’s grace, His love—the need for it is common to us all. Without it, we’re forever lost, spiritually dead in unforgiven sin.

Though you and I may be honest enough to admit we are sinners, that’s not enough. Even unbelievers can and do confess, “Well, nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes.” True confession must be followed by Absolution. And Absolution—the forgiveness of sins confessed—is effective and valid only if pronounced in the name of Jesus Christ: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Where is the gracious and Grace-giving river that never runs dry? In His Word and in His Sacraments. Thus the Holy Spirit and all the gifts He brings to us and all believers—chief of which is the gift of saving faith, followed by the strengthening and exercising of that faith—come to us through Word and Sacrament.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Question of Loyalty"

Today's Reading: John 6:52-71 & Psalm 12

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
   

The question of loyalty inevitably confronts a follower of Christ. It arises in various ways, but it always involves the Savior.

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, a great number willingly and eagerly chose to go follow Him. The things He said and did must have deeply impressed them. But after hearing more about God’s will and His plan for salvation, they realized that following Jesus involved real and true discipleship. This was not in their plans! Many drifted away.

Now the Lord faces the Twelve and places the loyalty question squarely before them. After watching so many leave, they might have thought, “Is Jesus right—or are all those former followers right?” Torn between leaving with the crowd and staying with Jesus, the disciples had a hard decision to make.

The same situation confronts you and me and every other true believer and follower of Christ. Some who profess loyalty to Christ later waver and drift from His side. Materialism and secularism continue to claim more and more followers of Christ. Perhaps only half the membership of a given congregation shows up at church on Sunday morning. Why?

Again and again, the loyalty question confronts us. You don’t want to leave, too, do you? Christ’s question demands a direct, definite yes or no. Listen to Peter’s answer. Can you give the same reply?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Come!"

Today's Reading: John 6:25-51 & Psalm 71

All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. John 6:37
   

That’s a pretty straightforward and easily understood promise from our Lord, isn’t it? Christ promises that whoever comes…I will never drive away. His church—His fellowship—is not an exclusive gathering of people from any one race, economic status, or educational level.

In fact, some are shocked by the inclusiveness of Christ’s church. Mary Magdalene was an adulteress. Peter denied any relationship with Him. The thief on the cross had committed treason and murder. The leaders of organized religion of Christ’s day accused Him of welcoming sinners and eating with gluttons. His church looks more like a hospital than a health spa or country club.

The one requirement for entering Christ’s church? Come! Christ calls you to come. Most people gladly hear that, but they want God to accept them on the basis of what they’ve accomplished. Or, if they’ve done something wrong, they want God to excuse them—for someone else is to blame. If you think God accepts you because of what you’ve done, or excuses you because “it wasn’t your fault,” forget it! Likewise, forget it if you think you can’t come to Him because you’re too unworthy … or you need to “get it together” first … or you want to “put your house in order.” Don’t even think of entering a plea with God—other than the two-fold plea that He died for you and He wants you to come.

Coming to Christ means nothing more and nothing less than this: trust Him to be your Savior and Lord. It means simply and totally trusting in Him. Do not delay. Come!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Great Things"

Today’s Reading: John 6:1-24 & Psalm 37

Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:7
   

When we view Philip in comparison to other disciples—Matthew, John, Peter—he comes out looking rather run-of-the-mill. Rather ordinary. But still, I believe he has something very definite to say to us.

Think about the time Jesus had a hungry crowd of 5,000 at His feet. Philip was there; doing the same thing we often do—seeing only the problem. The balance in the disciples’ treasury was not large enough to buy even a little food for each person. The lad in the crowd with his five loaves and two fish couldn’t possibly help feed these people. Philip didn’t have a clue as to what Jesus could do with one little boy’s lunch, did he?

We have a lot in common with Philip. We’re convinced we just don’t have enough. But, as with the 5,000 and with the disciples, so also with us. God, through Christ, continues to help at the right time … His time. He knows our needs. He knows the best time to act. And He knows what resources He has given to us … even if we have forgotten.

Think of that young boy. He obviously trusted Jesus. Jesus multiplied his two loaves and five fish. Philip might be among the loudest to remind us that miraculous things can still happen to the lunches of little boys—and little girls—when given to Jesus. And the “lunches” of big boys and big girls can also do great things when they are placed at the foot of His cross.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Time is Coming"

Today's Reading: John 5 & Psalm 6

“I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” John 5:25
   

There are few things of which we can be certain. In fact, the list of things you and I are not sure of could be endless! But of this I am most certain … a time is coming. This certainty is built upon the truth of His resurrection and the knowledge that His Word is the most certain quantity in our lives.

Jesus, the Conquering Hero of death and hell, has earned and won the right and the power to speak that mighty come forth to all the dead. And come forth they shall! And come forth we shall, if we already have been laid to rest. My friends, we will be neither forgotten, nor overlooked. A time is coming!

The greatest of all events will be ushered in by the voice of Christ calling “Come forth!” What marks this as the greatest of all events? Not just the sheer number of people involved. Not just that we will see loved ones we’ve not seen since their caskets were lowered into the grave. Not just that we will meet those about whom we have only heard—Luther, the apostles, David, Moses. But that we will, with our very own eyes, witness the culmination and completion of God's plan of redemption.

We dare never take for granted something as important as our standing in eternity. Beloved, ask yourself: Do you see, with the eyes of faith, His resurrection? Do you, indeed, look for the resurrection of the dead? It is a certainty, you know.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why, Lord?"

Today's Reading: John 4:31-54 & Psalm 34

When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to Him and begged Him to come and heal His son, who was close to death. John 4:47
   

Consider that royal official. He traveled from his home in Capernaum to Cana, where Jesus was staying. Perhaps as he traveled to beg on behalf of his dying son, he was thinking, “Why did You let this happen to me … to my son?” Yes, Jesus allowed this man’s son to become sick unto death. And yes, Jesus still allows wounds to be inflicted on our loved ones … and on us. But never are we to look upon such wounds as signs of God's anger toward us.

Jesus loved the official and He loved his son. Jesus loves us, and our loved ones. Not the official, nor his son … not us, nor our loved ones … are ever afflicted with wounds—physical, mental, or emotional—because of God's anger over sin! All suffering for sin was and is forever accomplished on Calvary’s Holy Hill.

As long as we’re in this world, we are attacked by Satan and encased in a sinful flesh that wants nothing to do with faith. It’s impossible for us to keep the faith unless God, who gives faith, protects and strengthens the faith He has given to us. Go ahead and ask, “Why did you let this happen to me?” But be sure to listen to God’s answer.

He may answer loudly, “Because I love you!” He may answer softly, “Because I love you.” From the cross and in His Word, He always answers, and it’s always the same: “Because I love you.”

[Soldier4Christ]

"Let's Get Personal"

Today's Reading: John 4:1-30 & Psalm 122

“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10
   

CALLER: Hello, Pastor! We don’t belong to a church, but we’re wondering if you’ll baptize our baby. PASTOR: I’m quite sure we could arrange that. Have you ever had a church home?

CALLER: Sure! I went to church when I was a boy and we were married in a church. PASTOR: But right now…

CALLER: We’re just not settled yet. You know, your church reminds me of my church back home. You just can’t find many churches that look like churches anymore, can you? PASTOR: True, architecture varies, but I’m sure you’d agree that the important thing about a church is its teachings. To be Christian, a church needs to be centered on Christ and His Word.

CALLER: I remember the pastor of my old church saying things like that. I also remember that church had a red carpet. PASTOR: Suppose we get back to your son’s Baptism. I’d like to stop by this week and make arrangements with you and your wife.

CALLER: This week? Well…let me get back to you, okay? Bye now!

The Samaritan woman was a bit like the caller—it’s okay to talk about religion, as long we don’t get personal. But Jesus declares Himself to be the Living Water—our personal Lord and Savior.

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Unlimited Offer"

Today's Reading: John 3:16-36 & Psalm 33

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
   

The advertising industry has a gimmick for grabbing my attention and yours. How many times have you heard “this is a limited offer”? Or “limited to the first 15 callers” Or “available only as long as supplies last”? Well, not so for our friend Nicodemus.

Nicodemus is a searcher and, yes, he is searching for God. No unbeliever, he simply desires to know more about God. Not unlike us, is he? We know God, but we want to know more about God.

Our Lord presents Nicodemus—and us—with an unlimited offer in what is probably the most-quoted and most-loved verse from Holy Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Note those two “unlimited” words. World. Whoever.

Our world and our life are loaded with limits. Limited time. Limited resources. Limited finances. Limited opportunities. But here comes God with an unlimited offer—His love! For whom? The world! Again, for whom? Whoever!

Nicodemus came searching for God. He received not only an unexpected answer, but an unlimited offer. He made the discovery I pray you have made. You don’t have to search for God—He already has found you! He has found you…and He has an unconditional, unlimited offer for you.

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"In My Name"

Today’s Reading: John 16:17-33 & Psalm 5

“I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.” John 16:23
   

Picture this: In the Great Hall of heaven, God sits on His throne. You approach this Great Hall’s magnificent doorway. You find the door propped open for you—propped open for you forever by the Cross of Jesus Christ.

We come to God our Father through His open door, a door held open because of the Cross of Jesus Christ. That’s what Jesus meant when He invited us to ask in My name. In His intense love for us, He showed us how to come before God, our Father. So that we don’t stumble along the way, He said clearly and simply to ask in My name.

Martin Luther was fond of saying, “Pray as though everything depends on God, then work as though everything depends on you.” In the name of Jesus, the Christian folds his hands and prays, “Give us this day our daily bread,” and then—in the name of Jesus—unfolds those hands and gets to work. In the name of Jesus, the Christian prays for good health, and then—in the name of Jesus—sees the doctor and takes the prescribed medicine. In the name of Jesus, we pray for the well-being of our family, and then—in the name of Jesus—we meet the needs of those entrusted to our care.

When praying in the name of Jesus, I announce that He is Lord of my life; I admit that He has infinitely better knowledge about my tomorrows than I do; I affirm that what is impossible for me is possible for Him. And the same for you.

Ask in My name. Come on in—His door is open!

Good morning,Pastor Rogers,every body.I ask in Jesus Christ `s name that your needs be  met today and mine and God loving Holy  Spirit of peace and wisdom be upon us .have a happy day.love in Jesus Def.

[Soldier4Christ]

Good morning,Pastor Rogers,every body.I ask in Jesus Christ `s name that your needs be  met today and mine and God loving Holy  Spirit of peace and wisdom be upon us .have a happy day.love in Jesus Def.

Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Searching"

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16
   

When I first read the Associated Press story last week, I was angry with the mother of Sol Factor, a man who lives in Beachwood, Ohio. No, I don’t know the 83-year-old lady, but I was upset anyway. You see, for the past 17 years, Sol has been trying to find the lady who gave birth to him in July of 1946.

Let me acquaint you with last week’s story. Rosa Pollak, Sol’s mother, survived the Nazi holocaust and gave birth to a son. Mother and child were separated at a United Nations-sponsored hospital for refugees in Munich. Rosa went to Israel, and Sol came to the United States where he was adopted in 1950 by an American couple. Forty years later, Sol began the search to find his birthmother, a task that required wading through unending Nazi archives. It took seventeen years to find her, but last week Sol received a letter from the Israeli counterpart of the Red Cross. The letter said:

"We regret to inform you that we located the above mentioned person, but she would not like to be contacted by the inquirer.”

Sol said he would respect the wishes of his mother. Sol was disappointed. I got mad. How, I wondered, could a mother not want to see her son? How could she hold out? How could she turn her back on her own flesh and blood?” Impossible! Incomprehensible! Inconceivable!

That was when I remembered Martin Luther’s explanation to the Old Testament commandment, which is the text for this devotion. He wrote that we should “put the best construction on everything.” Trying to follow the reformer’s suggestion, I tried to put the best construction on Rosa’s refusal. “Maybe,” I thought to myself, “the days of the concentration camp and its aftermath were too painful to resurrect.” “Maybe Rosa has the memory of a baby, and she doesn’t want to ruin it. Maybe Rosa’s pregnancy was a secret she had hidden from her family in Israel. Maybe some dark and un-confessed sin or tragedy had resulted in her son’s birth.”

There were a lot of ways I could put the best construction on Rosa. I had simply not chosen to do so. I expect others to give me the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard for me to do the same for others.

What a contrast we are to the Savior who, even though He knew the greatness of our sin, was still willing to die for us. What a contrast are our words when compared to those of the Redeemer who pleads our case before the Father in heaven. In light of what Jesus keeps saying about us, maybe it’s time to show our appreciation by speaking as His witnesses and putting the best construction on the works of all who are around us.

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Amen.

pray for me Please"going fishing"in Jesus name.just spreading the love of God through the Truth of the WORD."Jesus"see you later pastor Rogers