Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"All of Life is a Journey"

Then Jacob continued on his journey. (Genesis 29:1)

Jacob went on a journey to his uncle Laban because he was fleeing for his life. His brother Esau had threatened to kill Jacob because the latter had cheated him out of his inheritance.

When we go on a journey, it us usually under more pleasant circumstances. We want to visit friends or relatives, see new sights, find rest and recreation. As we travel it is well for us to remember that not only this trip but all of life is a journey. The passing of every day brings us closer to our destination, our eternal home, the many mansions Jesus has prepared and reserved for us in the Father’s house, which is heaven.

As we travel through life it is important that we do not linger at places when we should be just passing through or passing over. Someone has said, “The world is a bridge; the wise man will pass over it, but will not build his house on it.” We are strangers and pilgrims on earth and we are on our way home.

How fortunate we are that Jesus Christ is our constant companion on life’s journey! He is the Way, the Truth, the Life. We come to the Father through Him who died for us and rose again.

Life, then, is not, as a modern playwright has said, a “long journey into night” but a journey into day – an eternal day!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Our Journey with Jesus"

Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal Life.” (John 6:68)

When an 87-year-old Christian man died in St. Louis, Missouri, it was reported that he had not missed Sunday School and Bible class in 80 years. This implied that he attended these also during his vacation or holiday periods.

It may not be possible for all of us to attend instruction and worship in God’s house while away from home, but wherever we are, it is possible to continue in fellowship with Jesus, our dearest Friend. At a time when many people stopped following Him, our Lord turned to His disciples and asked, “Will you also go away?” Peter was the first to speak: “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

While we travel, seek rest, or visit new places we Christians are always in the company of Jesus. He accompanies us, for He has promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). We can approach Him confidently in our prayers and in informal worship services we arrange ourselves. We can read His Word and be edified. As we move about we can take note of God’s beautiful creation, keeping in mind Saint Paul’s words, “All things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). This too is worship.

Why do we want to journey with Jesus? There is no one else to whom we can go. He alone has “the words of eternal life” because He died on a cross to gain forgiveness, life, and salvation for us. That fact brings blessings to any journey!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, to Have Friends"

"But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.'" (Luke 15:29)

Friends are important to us. Most of us cannot do without them. But each vacation we note that our friends change. We live in a world that is changing every day. Things we might have had in common with our friends one year ago we no longer have in common today. One couple found that a two-day visit with friends had to be cut short because change had taken place and tensions arose.

This was probably just a little of the feeling that the brother of the prodigal son experienced when his younger brother came home and their father scheduled a big feast, inviting a host of friends.

The older brother had stood by his father through all those long years and he had never gotten so much as a goat to barbecue for himself and some friends!

Lord, to have friends! Good friends are important for our well-being. A friend is someone in whom I can trust. A friend can help me over some of the rough spots of life. A friend is someone who can be leaned upon.

Vacation or holiday is a time to cultivate friends, both old friends and new friends. Too often, however, we tend to forget that one Friend who will stand by us through thick and thin and who never changes -- Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

If your vacation consists of seeing friends, if it is one of cultivating old friends or new friends, don't forget the best Friend of all -- and don't forget that He is more than a friend; He is the Savior of all!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, Night Life is Something Else"

"When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'" (Revelation 18:18)

This vacation was going to be special. The couple had lived in the big city for more than five years. They had never taken time to take in all the sights. Now they would. Two weeks' vacation. They were going to stay home and go out every afternoon and evening and see the sights of their home town. They were both looking forward to it.

They soon discovered their city had two personalities. It had one personality in the daytime. It had another personality in the nighttime. The city of the daytime was all hustle and bustle. It was business. It was concerned primarily about the economics of supply and demand. It seemed to be in a hurry to get to an unknown destination. The city at night was different. It seemed to move along leisurely, at times with a kind of hesitant fear. It seemed to be trying to escape reality. Dancing away the blues and drinking away loneliness was the apparent mood. It was a city with pockets of violence -- the acting out of anger from troubled minds. It was a combination of night lights and darkness. It was fun and violence. It was happiness and at the same time scary. They had been used to the day city. But the city at night was somewhat a whole new experience.

Lord, night life is something else. They were glad that their permanent city was the heavenly Jerusalem. They were glad, too, that they had taken this special vacation. They also felt they could stand with people of God (a picture of the church) in God's book of Revelation which says, "When they see the smoke of her burning they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'"

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, I am Tired"

Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. (John 4:6)

Traveling is tiring. When Jesus was tired of traveling, He rested.

How dangerous it is for us to travel when we are tired. Fatigue can impede judgment. Our reflexes become dull and slow. The person driving a car under such conditions is not only endangering his own life, but the lives of those riding with him as well. More, he is endangering the lives of all others traveling the same road.

God made our bodies with all kinds of little safety valves. One of the valves is getting tired. When we have used up all our energies, we cry out, "Lord, I am tired." Then it is good to follow the example of our Lord and rest. This gives the body time to rebuild. We can travel on without being a hazard to ourselves or others.

Part of a pleasant vacation is to arrive at our destination safely. God helps us to travel in safety. One of the warning signs is when we get tired. We praise the Lord for having so wonderfully made us. And the next time we have traveled so far and think "Lord, I am tired," let us follow Jesus' example and sit down for refreshment and rest.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, Relatives!"

"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." (Genesis 45:5)

Vacations are hardly ever planned without some thought given to relatives. Now that opens a real Pandora's Box. The arguments are many. They can be boiled down. Should we spend our vacation, or part of it, visiting relatives? The answer to that question has spoiled many a holiday or vacation.

The pros and cons of this matter were racing through the mind of a man standing beside his brother's coffin. It had been along time since he had sat down to visit with his brother. Distance had kept them apart. He chose not to visit his relatives during vacation time. He felt like he would be using their homes as vacation hotels. Now he thought maybe he should have spent some vacation time visiting relatives. He was feeling guilty. He was in need of repentance and confession. He also knew that his brother had died of a heart attack while visiting relatives. They had engaged in a big argument shortly before the fatal attack.

There are times when relatives become so close they squeeze out God. Things become tense. The relationship breaks down. The result too often is sinful. It happened with Joseph and his brothers, all sons of Jacob. But Joseph spoke the Word of God to his brothers: "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."

God doesn't tell us to spend our vacation with our relatives, nor does God tell us not to spend vacation time with our relatives. We need not feel guilty no matter which way we decide. But don't forget, God wants to go with us no matter which way we decide. So let's not try to squeeze Him out.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, the Food Tastes Different"

And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the people. (Matthew 14:19)

"Lord, the food tastes different" was the consensus of the entire family after eating a supper outside around the campfire. Supper had been prepared under some very primitive conditions that evening. The family was deep in the wilderness, high in the mountains. Their vacation was one of backpacking.

Only the bare essentials could be put into the backpack. Food had to be rationed, no extras. But like so many find -- this family also found -- that cooking and eating in God's great outdoors awakens the taste buds and gives everything a better flavor. The food just seems to be more appetizing. None of it is to be wasted.

Thousands sat down on the grass of a hillside one day to eat with Jesus. They weren't backpacking. They were just out with Jesus. Soon it was mealtime. Only one little boy had thought of carrying a lunch. Jesus miraculously took that lunch and prepared a feast so that all could eat. They picked up in baskets the food remaining after all had eaten. None of the food was wasted.

The days spent on vacation are probably when people eat out most often. Naturally, the thought will arise, "Lord, the food tastes different." It is a time to ponder how truly God blesses us. Not only does He provide special moments and settings to awaken our taste buds, but He reminds us how He and He alone takes care of the needs of our body. We are not to waste His blessings. We are to use them as God intends.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, it is Tomorrow"

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. (Joshua 10:13)

Did you ever have a day that you never wanted to end? It sometimes happens for me when I am having fun. Then again when I am doing something that gives me a lot of self-satisfaction, or when I need more time to finish an exciting project or game. So often tomorrow arrives and I haven't finished yesterday.

The temptation to complain on vacation about tomorrow is great. Tomorrow comes too fast. There is never enough time to do all the exciting things we've planned. Too much time was spent at relatives' houses. So many things caught the attention it wasn't long before a whole day was "lost." No wonder we feel like saying, "Lord it is tomorrow."

Joshua took the problem to the Lord, He asked God to cause the sun to stand still in the sky. He needed God's help with time and overcoming the enemy. "The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." God helped Joshua in a very special way.

God is not partial about whom He helps. He can help you and me too. He can help us in a very special way to hold on to today. He can help us when we awake in the morning with the thought "Lord, it is tomorrow." God helps us in so many very special ways. He comes to us in the person of His Son, Jesus. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Faith can make His presence real for us. Lord! It is tomorrow. Good!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, Rain Today!"

"He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons: He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." (Acts 14:17)

Rain can ruin a day planned for fun and for outdoor activity. Such a day can make one depressed. The day is spent in boredom. Our plans must all be changed. The possibility exists that we won't have time to do everything we had planned.

Cheers! Good is in the rain. God shows us how good He is to us. Whether we ask for it or not, He gives us rain and crops in their season. Crops do not grow without rain. God is so good to us filling us with food and making us happy.

Our plans are not so important that they cannot be changed. We often find that changed plans for our activities are more fun than we imagined they would be. Isn't it wonderful that God doesn't change His plans? It is good that He continues to send us rain and seasons. It keeps us full and happy.

We hang our heads in shame for grumbling. We raise our eyes to heaven speaking words of thanks for the rain today.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, Vacation Time is Here"

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Vacations are special. They cause change to come into our lives. They cause us to make some rather special decisions. Vacations involve whole families. It doesn't make any difference if the whole family plans to vacation together or plans to vacation at different times. The routine that goes with being together will change.

The special feature of any vacation is the opportunity to see ourselves in a different setting. We will see ourselves as travelers or, perhaps, in an athletic setting, as visitors; as handy persons, and in a number of different ways. Vacation gives us the opportunity to "re-create." Sometimes when a vacation is over, we are tired and need to get back to the old routine for rest. Actually, it is the change that produces rest, not the playing or loafing around.

Vacation time is here. The long awaited rest is needed. Is it possible not to get the rest? There is a way to be sure the vacation will give that needed rest. Remember, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus can make our lives all new everyday. He constantly gives change to those who live in Him. Through faith in Christ Jesus we are given the change that brings rest.

On holiday or vacation we have extra time and opportunity to evaluate ourselves. We can look at our relationship with God. We can look at our relationship with others. We can renew our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We can reposition His yoke upon us to help us realize that the load is not too heavy. In this way, we can have a restful vacation -- rest for life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Your Strength"

Isaiah 30:15 "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

A widow in our parish reads this verse from the inspired prophet Isaiah every day. That's a good way to begin every new day and a good way to begin a new week.

"In quietness" -- the quietness of personal and private meditation! We need to escape from the clatter and clamor of this hurry-scurry, work-and-worry world. We need to meditate on the green and refreshing pastures of God's inspired Word. We need to gather with our fellow brothers and sisters in the sanctuary of our church for quiet worship.

God's Word, the good news of the Gospel, can give us confidence, courage, and calmness. We need the comfort and companionship Christ brings to us. His death on the cross assures us of pardon for every distressing and destructive sin. Then comes strength -- the strength and support that Christ's healing Gospel gives to our hurts, heartaches, and heartbreaks. So often we feel trapped by life -- trapped by our job or by our bills or by our ill health. Let Jesus snap the trap by coming to Him for help and healing. He will give peace and rest to our souls.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Putting Life into the Old Bones"

Mark 9:23-24 "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"

When the father of the demon-possessed boy says, "I do believe," he puts himself totally into Jesus' hands. He trusts Jesus to put him in touch with His healing power.

You will go to church on Sunday with the words in your heart and mind: "I do believe." You will say it in many ways throughout the service. You will be entrusting yourself to Him who suffered, died, and was raised again for you. Many people will find it important to hear you make this confession.

When the father cries, "Help me overcome my unbelief," he admits his faith is not what he wants it to be. He doesn't come with perfect faith, and he asks Jesus to increase it, knowing that only Jesus can do that.

You will not take perfect faith to church with you, either. You will take questions, doubts, concerns, and some unbelief with you. Your going will be important, though, for there you will hear the Word that puts new flesh on old bones, receive the Sacrament, and have your faith strengthened by the confession of others while you share your words of faith to strengthen them.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Beyond Doubt"

Acts 1:3 "After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God."

Have you ever doubted -- doubted whether you would be able to pay the bills, find that new job, or even that Jesus really lived and died for you?

Thomas is probably the best-known doubter. He doubted that Jesus had really risen. Thomas said, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put...my hand into His side, I will not believe" (John 20:25).

Knowing Thomas' doubt, Jesus appeared to Thomas and showed him His hands, feet, and side. Jesus asked Thomas to touch Him and see that His crucified body was indeed alive again. He told him to stop doubting and believe.

Jesus didn't abandon or forsake doubting Thomas; He convinced him. Jesus does the same for us. He comes to us through His Word, and through His body and blood in the Lord's supper, to remove our doubts and convince us that He is indeed alive and with us. Jesus turns our doubts into confident faith so that, like Thomas, we exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Lord, Night Life is Something Else"

"When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'" (Revelation 18:18)

This vacation was going to be special. The couple had lived in the big city for more than five years. They had never taken time to take in all the sights. Now they would. Two weeks' vacation. They were going to stay home and go out every afternoon and evening and see the sights of their home town. They were both looking forward to it.

They soon discovered their city had two personalities. It had one personality in the daytime. It had another personality in the nighttime. The city of the daytime was all hustle and bustle. It was business. It was concerned primarily about the economics of supply and demand. It seemed to be in a hurry to get to an unknown destination. The city at night was different. It seemed to move along leisurely, at times with a kind of hesitant fear. It seemed to be trying to escape reality. Dancing away the blues and drinking away loneliness was the apparent mood. It was a city with pockets of violence -- the acting out of anger from troubled minds. It was a combination of night lights and darkness. It was fun and violence. It was happiness and at the same time scary. They had been used to the day city. But the city at night was somewhat a whole new experience.

Lord, night life is something else. They were glad that their permanent city was the heavenly Jerusalem. They were glad, too, that they had taken this special vacation. They also felt they could stand with people of God (a picture of the church) in God's book of Revelation which says, "When they see the smoke of her burning they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?'"

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Changeable Weather"

Malachi 3:6 "I the Lord do not change."

The weather changes suddenly and frequently in many parts of the world. One day it is sunny, but the next day it rains. It is warm one day but cold the next.

Our lives also are filled with change. A job promotion, our child receiving an award, or an unexpected word of kindness from a friend are examples of sudden happy events. However, even pleasant changes may require adjustments. Sometimes life suddenly seems to change for the worse. We learn we have cancer; a loved one dies; we lose our job. These events may make us wonder whether we can continue on life's journey.

With life swirling and changing around us, it is comforting to know that one thing is constant: God's steadfast love for us in Jesus Christ. The Bible describes how God always stands by His people. When God's creation became corrupted by sin, God immediately promised a Savior. The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled that promise. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:.

No matter what happens, no matter how quickly events change, God promises never to leave or forsake us. That is an unchanging promise from an unchanging God.