Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Learning From Last Year"

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance. Romans 5:1-3

The other day, at a church potluck dinner I met a new member of my church who has an interesting job. He holds a position in "quality control" at a company, which makes telephones. It was fascinating to hear how they subject their product to withstand intense cold and heat, dropping, banging and abuse.

In every way imaginable, they torture those phones to find the exact point they will break. The company wants to find the weakest link, so they can build a better and more reliable instrument.

At the conclusion of the old year, I think we ought to look back and see how the Lord has allowed us to be placed into some pretty unusual and uncomfortable situations. Having done so, the next step is to realize those problems have come to us to accomplish a Divine purpose.

Those things came to us so the Lord might help us to learn. He was trying to help us become better than we ever would have been, if we had experienced a life filled only with ease and plenty.

Now, I know it's hard to believe, when we feel we are being pushed past our limit, that God is working for our own good, but it's true. Our caring Lord who sent His Son to save us wants you and me to be the best we can be. From all the staff at Lutheran Hour Ministries, we pray God grant you a blessed New Year.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Moving On"

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Most of the people who know Chet Fitch agree that he has a sense of humor.

Maybe it’s more accurate to say most of the people who KNEW Chet Fitch said he HAD a great sense of humor. I have to make that correction because, last fall, Chet Fitch died at the ripe, old age of 88.

Knowing that Chet had gone to his final reward, 34 of Chet’s friends were surprised when, a few weeks ago they received a handwritten Christmas card from their departed friend.

Chet’s return address was listed as “HEAVEN”.

The letter read, “I asked (the) Big Guy if I could sneak back and send some cards. At first He said no; but at my insistence He finally said, 'Oh well, what the heaven, go ahead but don't (tarry) there.' Wish I could tell you about things here but words cannot explain. Better get back as Big Guy said He stretched a point to let me in the first time, so I had better not press my luck. I'll probably be seeing you (some sooner than you think). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Chet Fitch”

According to the lady who mailed Chet’s cards, he had been working on his joke for two decades. When the postal rates went up, he gave her extra money to cover the postage. When someone passed away or lost touch he would update his mailing list.

It occurs to me that Chet had a pretty good understanding of what St. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Chet knew that heaven was a gift which he had received because of the sacrifice of his Savior. Because of Jesus’ blood shed upon Calvary’s cross, Chet knew that death would be a gain.

Chet’s attitude is one that I pray is shared by all who are reading this devotion. The truth is some of us who are celebrating this New Year’s Day will not be around to see the first day of 2009. And not all of us will become octogenarians like Chet.

Even so, all those who believe on the Savior can be confident that death is not the end and there is another life, a better life waiting for us in heaven.

With thanksgiving for the Lord’s love and the heavenly home He has given us is the right way to begin the New Year. . . and the right way to end it, no matter when that end may come.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Adoption"

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

South Korean-born orphan Jade seemed to be born under a lucky star.

When she was only four-months-old, Jade was adopted by a Dutch diplomat and his wife.

Brought into a family who already had two biological children, it appeared as if things couldn’t get any better for Jade who moved with the family to Indonesia and Hong Kong.

Life was good for Jade. At least that’s the way it seemed.

But Jade’s new parents never applied for Dutch citizenship for their child.

And now Jade’s adopting family have taken her to the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department saying they could no longer take care of her. Jade, they said, was ‘emotionally remote.’

In short, Jade’s parents returned their adopted child. As the article said, they returned her like an ‘unwanted Christmas necktie.’ The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, has said the child was discarded like a “piece of household rubbish."

Now it’s impossible for me to know any of the facts behind Jade’s return, other than that which has been reported in the Time article. So, please don’t think of this devotion as being written as a condemnation upon Jade’s adoptive parents.

No, this devotion is written in thanksgiving that our adoptive Father in heaven hasn’t, because of our ongoing disobedience, kicked us out of His family. Because of Jesus’ birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection, we have been adopted into the Savior’s family of faith. In our new family, no longer are the forces of darkness able to lay claim to us.

Even so, we must confess we are not the best of adopted children.

Each day we commit numerous sins. Each day we rebel against the loving hand of our adoptive Father. Rather than banishing us from His presence, our heavenly Father forgives us of those transgressions. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we are washed of our sins and remain an adopted child in the household of the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Finding Jesus"

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10: 10

Not so long ago, at one of my speaking engagements, the silver cross I normally wear was stolen from a supposedly secure room at a public auditorium.

As the cross had been a gift from friends when I was last in Jerusalem, I was very upset.

Almost as upset as the folks in Bal Harbour, Florida, who had their baby Jesus statue stolen from their nativity scene.

That’s right somebody stole a baby Jesus statue, even though it had been bolted down.

Because the people who put up the crèche set were so saddened by the theft, when they replaced the statue they took a few extra precautions. First, they had the scene placed behind a Plexiglas screen. Second, they inserted a global positioning device in the statues of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.

That way if the figures are ever stolen again, the police will be taken directly to the sculptures and, hopefully, the guilty culprits.

Now, I could spend the rest of this devotion ranting at the immorality of people who would steal silver crosses and Jesus statues.

Instead, I would like to offer a warning about those spiritual thieves, the historical enemies of humankind who are dedicated to stealing, killing, and destroying those who are numbered among God’s elect.

Truly, sin, death, and devil are out there, and they have targeted all those who acknowledge Jesus as their Savior and Lord. In this New Year, you can be absolutely certain they will place obstacles in your path and stumbling blocks on the road you will be traveling.

They will try to discourage and depress you, dishearten, and destroy you. But they will fail as long as you look to Jesus. God’s Son, our sinless Savior, has come so all who believe on Him might have life and have it to the full. That was the promise Jesus made 2,000 years ago.

It is a promise He will keep in 2008 and every year until He returns again on Judgment Day. And when that day comes, we will find what He truly meant when He said, in Him we will have life and have it to the full.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Song Of Ascents"

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Do you ever long for change? Maybe you are tired of school and studying. Maybe you are tired of your job, or of not having one. Our hearts long for changes for the better. Have you ever longed to be closer to God? Would you go somewhere far away for His sake? What if this means changing where you live and are comfortable?

Our whole life is filled with changes, but the greatest one of all will be our walk to heaven. That is why the words of this song should be significant to each of us. Because we all are coming from and going to somewhere. We sigh like the ancient traveler who penned the Psalm before us today. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come?” God is our help and gives us His hand.

There are moments in our lives when all we want to do is turn from life’s everyday occurrences and walk away. We get tired and worn out from our day-to-day work. But then comes the Lord’s Day, a day of new mercy. Every week, God calls us to this soul-refreshing change by celebrating the Holy Day. “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” This means that every one of us should plan not only his work, but also schedule for rest and a time for other people and God.

These are words for a pilgrimage song. The word “pilgrimage” itself holds many good things. It would be good if we could label our life as such – it would mean a good lifestyle, good relationships, and walking a straight path. Pilgrimage means to go to a sacred place. If you are only watching your step you can easily run into something, but if you are constantly looking at some distant object, it will be easier to find the straight way. When the most important thing –our relationship with God –is seen as the essential, then it opens all other doors.

This is a song. Indeed, it’s better to sing along the way during life, than to moan about it. It won’t be any easier if you complain and count each step. What does it mean when you see somebody singing along the way? It represents a good mood, joyfulness, hope, and God’s blessing. And we should take into account that it’s very important what we sing. “My help comes from the Lord… ”

Which way are you going? Who is your guide? The author of these words had a good, right, and holy goal. He was on a journey with a trustworthy Guide. And He can also be yours, wherever you are!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Our Compass"


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

So, how’s the New Year going for you?

As we launch into 2008, I remember the story of a ship that had to be abandoned because a giant storm had caused it to take in too much water. As the sailors were climbing into the lifeboats to make their escape, one of them suddenly jumped out of his rescue vessel and ran back into the sinking ship. After what seemed like forever, he reappeared holding something under his coat.

What could have been worth this man taking such a risk? Very simple, he had forgotten his compass.

You and I have just entered a new year. No doubt we will, in these next 361 days, encounter some storms. Some of those storms will seem strong enough to sink us.

Although we always need the Savior, it is precisely during the moments when the waves of difficulty are crashing down and we are unsure of our way that we will need to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our Compass.

So, if you haven’t made any resolutions for this year, I encourage you to make this one: Trust your crucified and ever-living Savior in this new year. And, if you encounter someone who is adrift, share the power of the Lord with that person.

There is no more accurate Compass than our Lord of love who always points the right way for those who trust in Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Wise Men"

And going into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Today is Epiphany, the day when the Christian church remembers the coming of the Wise Men to worship the baby Jesus.

In contrast to those Wise Men, let me tell you about some fellows who are not so wise. First, there is the man in Brazil who shot himself in the eye. Why? He had a bad toothache and used a gun to try and shoot out the infected tooth. He missed. Then there is the very unwise Maryland man who tried to counterfeit some $100 dollar bills. He used his home photocopier to print his duplicates on lime green paper. Need I tell you that he was quickly caught?

The world is filled with people who do unwise things.

I’m one of them. You probably are, too. Most of us, if we’re being honest, have all found ourselves in the unwise category at one time or another. Most of us, if we’re honest have had embarrassing moments when we did something that was absolutely inspired in its absurdity. And if you’re saying, “Not me!” then let me ask, “How many times have you pushed on a door which is clearly labeled “Pull”?

Are you nodding your head and saying, “Yes, I've been there; I’ve done that. I’ve done silly things, and, even worse, I’ve done sinful things.”

If that is your honest confession, then rejoice, for the Holy Spirit wants to move us into the caravan of the Wise Men. We can stand by the side of these Wise Wanderers and, in faith, worship Him who is God’s great Gift of grace. At a Bethlehem house, on a Jerusalem cross and, before a borrowed tomb, we can see the wonder of God’s love, which comes to us through the Savior’s sacrifice.

And if the Lord wills it, we can, like the Wise Men, give the Christ Child our gifts. No, I’m not referring to presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh; I’m saying a really wise man and woman will give Jesus the gift He wants the most: a saved, sin-free heart.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Living Water"

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

A long time ago I heard the story of a pastor who was encouraging his people to give more. The preacher’s words were challenged when one of his members got up and said, “Reverend, I thought you always have taught us that salvation, like water, is free. Now you’re asking us to pay. Which of the messages is right?” The quick reply of the pastor shows that he was far smarter than I am. He said, “Both are right. Nobody can contradict the truth: water is free. But it is equally true, if you want water where you are, somebody has to pay for the plumbing.”

Well, it appears a number of market-savvy entrepreneurs have decided you need to pay for both the water and your salvation. To help you on your spiritual quest they’re marketing religious water.

Yes, you heard that right. They’re selling religious water. For example, there is a California company distributing “Holy Drinking Water.” And what makes their water more “holy” than any other?

Simple–the warehoused water is blessed by an Anglican or a Roman Catholic priest.

Not to be outdone, another company is marketing “Spiritual Water.” Spiritual Water comes right out of the tap, but it does sport some really nifty labels. For example, there is the Virgin Mary bottle, which has the “Hail Mary” prayer printed in both English and Spanish. And what does “Spiritual Water” do?

According to the company, it will help you “stay focused, believe in yourself, and believe in God.”

Now I know that sarcasm should have no place in these devotions. For that reason, I’m not going to say that kind of silliness can drive a man to drink. No, I won’t say that. I’m simply going to observe that P. T. Barnum, the fellow who said, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” is probably rolling in his grave. He has to be kicking himself because he never thought of a scam as crazy as this one.

I’m also not going to tell the Daily Devotion listeners to boycott these products. This devotion will simply refer back to Jesus who plainly said He was the “living water.” They refer to the Child whose birth we just remembered, whose perfect life, suffering, unjust death, and glorious resurrection needs no bottled water to help us get into heaven.

Only through faith in Him as our substituting Savior can we be given forgiveness. Only through Him is there salvation. Only through Him can our spiritual thirst be quenched.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Silly Myths"

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7

I’ve got a choice.

Either I can listen to my loving mother or I can pay attention to the highly respected British Medical Journal. It appears, in matters medical, they have a difference of opinion.

When I was young, mom said, “Kenny, if you don’t move back from the television screen, you’re going to ruin your eyes.” Now, the British Medical Journal, in an article which contradicts seven commonly held “medical myths”, says that’s simply not so.

For those of you who are wondering, the other six myths are:

1. Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
2. Shaving makes your hair grow back faster and coarser.
3. Eating turkey makes you drowsy.
4. You have to drink eight glasses of water to stay healthy.
5. We only use ten percent of our brains and
6. Hair and fingernails continue to grow after a person dies.

According to the British Medical Journal none of those “medical myths” are true.

While I’m pleased the British Medical Journal has exposed these myths, I pray the Christian community may do the same for the silly religious myths, which seem to be so widely accepted.

“What myths?” you ask.

Well, there is the myth that all religions are basically the same; then there is the myth, which says if you lead a good life, you will get to heaven. Then, of course there is the religious tall tale that says Jesus is a great Teacher, a good Example, and an all-round fine fellow, but He is not the Savior.

Because Satan and the world delight in propagating these myths, we need to hear the words of St. Paul who said we should train ourselves for godliness. We need to hear Scripture, which says Jesus Christ alone is the Savior who gives believers eternal life. We need to believe salvation cannot be earned but always comes to us as a blood-bought gift. We need to believe the Lord’s Word, which tells God’s complete and total truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Peace?"

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Luke 2:14

Christmas is over. The day of Epiphany, the celebration of the Wise Men coming to worship the infant Jesus, has been remembered.

For me, the opportunity of preaching on Christmas Day at Christ Victorious, a growing mission congregation in Minnesota, made these festival days most special indeed.

Sadly, it is impossible for all Christians throughout the world to say the same thing. Reports have come out of India’s Orissa province that violence has interrupted the Christmas worship of many of Christ’s followers. It is not the first time such an attack has taken place. In 1999, an Australian missionary along with his two sons, aged 8 and 10 were burned to death in their car. Orissa is also the only Indian state where someone has to register with the police before they switch religions.

This Christmas week, 450 police were called in to impose a curfew to quell the violence that had erupted after militant Hindus burned down six Christian churches on Christmas Day. The persecution continued when the day after Christmas, two more churches, along with ten homes belonging to the Savior’s followers, were also attacked. One person has been killed; many more were injured.

As I compared and contrasted the ease with which our North American Christmas is celebrated with that being remembered by our ill-treated brothers and sisters in India, I had to wonder how differently we must hear the announcement of the Christmas angels: “Glory to God in the highest and peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

While you and I must truly give thanks for a country of religious freedom, I doubt if we appreciate the coming of the Savior to seek and save lost sinners of this world more than those whose Christmas’ celebration calls for a considerable and possibly dangerous spiritual commitment.

This is why as you continue your clean-up after Christmas, as you put away your ornaments and presents, I encourage you to pray for those Christians whose post-holiday work includes the rebuilding of their homes and churches.

Let us ask the heavenly Father to send His Holy Spirit upon these mistreated believers so their hearts may continue to sing, “Glory to God in the highest.” May they remain faithful to the Savior who was born to give Himself as the Ransom to save us all from sin’s condemnation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"My Way"

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

Last week two stories made it into the news. One was a story you couldn’t escape: the assassination of Benazir Bhutto who was running for President of Pakistan. The other story was one reported only in passing: how a mother helped her 6-year-old girl lie and win four tickets to a Hannah Montana concert.

The first story needs no explanation; the second calls for some clarification. Hannah Montana is a TV show about a teen-age girl singing star who has a separate, secret identity as an average student. Tickets to a Hannah Montana concert are almost impossible to get. That’s why, when a girl’s clothing store had an essay contest to give away four tickets, a Garland, Texas, mother, along with her daughter, offered their submission.

The composition began, “My daddy died this year in Iraq.”

The only problem is the story was a story. It didn’t happen. The girl’s father is living and doing just fine.

Now the reason I mention these two stories is simple: they are one and the same. A terrorist who thinks his way is best and believes he is justified in taking the lives of others is not so very different in mindset from the mother who helps her daughter lie in an essay. That mother spoke for both when she confessed, “We did whatever we could do to win.”

Both think they are right in advancing their cause, even if it hurts others.

That is not the kind of attitude Christians should espouse. When he was writing to the church at Rome, St. Paul said, “None of us ought to think of ourselves more highly than we should.”

In making that statement, Paul was letting Christ’s people know we should follow the example of the Savior. Look at Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection and you will quickly see Jesus put Himself to the back so that we might be saved. Never, not once, do the Gospels report Jesus saying anything like, “Hey, I’m the Son of God, I deserve to be treated better than this.” No, Jesus sacrificed Himself for our salvation.

As we live our lives, it is right we do so in humility that builds up others. As we go through today may our witness be made with sober judgment according to the faith that God has given.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Only God"

“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29 (NIV)

People can be attracted to many things. These things can become like gods to us. They may be people, ideas, or goods that are used everyday. They are things in which young people, especially, place their trust, or invest their time and money.

In our modern day, technology is a powerful god. It controls every facet of our lives. It makes our lives livable. We can know what the weather will be many days in advance. We can communicate from anywhere to anywhere at anytime. The world has shrunk into a global village. The computer has revolutionized our everyday work and greatly impacted our lives. We tend to believe everything the computer puts before us.

Young people use computers as recreation. Video games, music, films, and all kinds of information can be found on them. To some extent, they occupy a large majority of their time and consume much of their energy and concentration. It is a god for them. This god applies its rules to them, and they become addicted to it. The god of technology shows itself as the solution for everything in life. But the God of Jesus Christ, that God who is our Father, is ranked as outside of its scope.

Football, basketball, and movies raise some stars to the level of gods. Young people swallow whatever they say and offer. Their glamorous lives are taken as models for living. Their clothes are quickly received as new fashions. Young people mimic what and who attracts them. They adore these fashion stars.

Our God, the Father of Jesus Christ, is the only true God. He is not like the gods of this earth who come out of human minds and human hands. He is the One who has been from the beginning and will be into eternity. He is the Creator of heaven and earth and has provided a Savior through His Son, Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Light"

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

It was during the 1800s, in Birmingham, England, a poor, little boy went to one of the newly formed Sunday schools. There he heard his teacher say Jesus was the "Light of the world". The lad, being unfamiliar with adults and the symbolic language we sometimes use, took the teacher's remark quite literally.

After class, the boy came up to his teacher and reflectively said, "If Jesus really is the light of the world, I wish He'd come and visit the street outside my home. It's awful dark where I live."

As we start this new year, it occurs to me that the entire world is, like that little boy, longing that the light would come to them. Throughout recorded history, unaided and unsaved humankind has been living in the dark. The events of this past year, in every corner of the globe, tell us that it's pretty dark where almost everybody is living.

Indeed, it’s quite possible there are dark homes on your street or in your neighborhood.

If that is the case, it is my prayer that this new year may be filled with the light, which comes from our crucified and ever-living Lord Jesus. And, if your home already is filled with Jesus, the Light of life, won’t you shine some of it to those around you.

As the song says, “this little Gospel light of mine, I’m going to let it shine”. It may be a children’s song, but it is an opportunity for every man, woman, and child who live in the Light of the Lord to shine.

[Def]

"The Only God"

“But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” Mark 8:29 (NIV)

People can be attracted to many things. These things can become like gods to us. They may be people, ideas, or goods that are used everyday. They are things in which young people, especially, place their trust, or invest their time and money.

In our modern day, technology is a powerful god. It controls every facet of our lives. It makes our lives livable. We can know what the weather will be many days in advance. We can communicate from anywhere to anywhere at anytime. The world has shrunk into a global village. The computer has revolutionized our everyday work and greatly impacted our lives. We tend to believe everything the computer puts before us.

Young people use computers as recreation. Video games, music, films, and all kinds of information can be found on them. To some extent, they occupy a large majority of their time and consume much of their energy and concentration. It is a god for them. This god applies its rules to them, and they become addicted to it. The god of technology shows itself as the solution for everything in life. But the God of Jesus Christ, that God who is our Father, is ranked as outside of its scope.

Football, basketball, and movies raise some stars to the level of gods. Young people swallow whatever they say and offer. Their glamorous lives are taken as models for living. Their clothes are quickly received as new fashions. Young people mimic what and who attracts them. They adore these fashion stars.

Our God, the Father of Jesus Christ, is the only true God. He is not like the gods of this earth who come out of human minds and human hands. He is the One who has been from the beginning and will be into eternity. He is the Creator of heaven and earth and has provided a Savior through His Son, Jesus Christ.

it was by decree 
 " He is the first and the last."
H e is "The Alpha and the Omega."

[Soldier4Christ]

"Leaving The Bad Behind"

Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53: 4-5

The people of Korea have an interesting New Year's custom.

Wishing to forget things unpleasant and make a fresh start, each person recalls all the bad habits he wishes to have removed. Then, he writes all of these evils on a kite, which he flies high into the air. When the kite is almost out of sight, the person cuts the string. The kite makes a nosedive and then disappears out of sight. The individual goes home rejoicing that all the bad things from the past year are gone forever.

Don't you wish it were that easy?

My experience has taught me that the nasty transgressions and habits of the past have a tendency to stay with us longer than we would ever like. Even a high-flying kite can't take them away.

No, if anyone is going to start this New Year, or even this new day fresh and forgiven, something more cleansing than a paper kite is going to be needed.

We’re going to need Jesus. Only in Jesus can our sins be sent sailing; only in Jesus can we be given peace. That’s what Isaiah wanted us to know when he wrote, “The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” It is cause for thanksgiving.

Now, I don’t think we ought to throw out the entire Korean custom. The idea of listing all our sins and sorrows is a good one. It’s something repentant Christians ought to do regularly. Just as regularly we should, by the Holy Spirit’s direction, place that list into the nail-pierced hands of the Savior.

When that is done we can rejoice for those bad things from our past are gone forever.