Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Status"

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. Matthew 23:5

Anybody who knows cars knows the name, Ferrari. Not everybody wants a Ferrari, but everybody knows a car that carries the Ferrari name is hot, stylish, fast, and very, very expensive.

To own a Ferrari means you have arrived. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t entirely surprised when Reuters News Service ran a story telling how the police in Rome had broken up a gang that was selling fake Ferraris. Now, counterfeiting is nothing new in Italy. In Italy you can buy a fake Rolex watch and you can purchase a phony Gucci handbag, but a fake Ferrari is taking things to a whole different level.

According to the article, police confiscated twenty-one cars, with some selling for about twenty thousand euros or about thirty thousand U.S. dollars. And was there a market for a fake Ferrari? You bet. Of the twenty-one cars confiscated, fourteen of them had already been sold to people who wanted to look good.

Sort of like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, don’t you think? No, the Pharisees didn’t buy false Ferraris, but they did dress in a way designed to make others think they were important, pious, and very religious. Back then, Jesus warned His followers not to use those phonies as a role model. On the contrary, in Jesus’ family, the greatest person would be the one who showed His love to the Savior by bending down to serve others.

You know, when Jesus talked that way, He wasn’t just spouting words. Jesus never asked His followers to do something He had not done already. And Jesus, the Son of God had stooped down to serve. Look into Bethlehem’s manger and see the baby; stand before Calvary’s cross and see the Savior’s service of sacrifice. Observe. Jesus stepped down from His position in heaven to live, suffer, die, and rise so all who believe on Him might be saved.
Jesus stepped down so you and I might be brought up.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Savior's Reward"

March 13, 2008

Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. . . His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:19,21

Korean War veteran Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a special man. Recently, he received the Medal of Honor for having saved the lives of his fellow soldiers by wiping out a machine gun nest and taking out more than a dozen of the enemy.

Yes, Master Sergeant Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a special man. Maybe I ought to say he was a special man. Master Sergeant Keeble died over twenty-five years ago. It is only now, more than a quarter of a century after Keeble’s death, that the country he served so well has finally gotten around to honoring him for his valor.

Keeble's family is well aware that sometimes it takes a while to get your reward.
That’s what Jesus was trying to say when He told the parable of the talents. You remember the story: The master of the household had to go on a long trip, and he entrusted his fortune to the hands of his servants. Two of the servants worked with what had been entrusted to them, but one buried his trust in the ground. Finally, when the master returned, he rewarded the faithful servants and punished the one who was a slacker.

Sometimes it takes a while to get a reward. That's what the Lord Jesus wants His people to know. Christians don't always get what’s coming to them right away. Folks who have been faithful to the Christ often find themselves frustrated, hurting, and carrying a cross. It's not unusual for them to wonder: "Is it worthwhile?"

Jesus answers that question. The unknown day will come when He will return and on that day He will show His appreciation for faithfulness. No, He isn’t going to reward us with heaven. That blessing is ours because of His suffering, death, and resurrection. He will reward us in a different way.

Which way? I don’t know exactly what form Christ’s reward will take, but according to the parable, it’s a gift worth waiting for, and it’s a gift that is definitely coming.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Giving Is The Top Level Of Living"

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Proverbs 25:21

A woman once told me the wonderful story of love and patience she had for her sisters and brothers. Giving herself for the benefit of her siblings was her top level of living. She was the oldest child in a family of seven children. Her mother died when she was seventeen. She was attending high school but since her father was often gone due to work, she became more of a mother than a sister to her siblings.

This woman gave much of herself to her brothers and sisters. She was responsible for the home’s upkeep, supervising schoolwork, caring for the family during sickness, and looking after her siblings’ daily needs. In brief, she took care of them as if she were the mother. These demands impacted her own grades in school and, eventually, she had to forego her own education. She even declined all offers of marriage.

One after another, her brothers and sisters finished school, and married. Finally, when everyone was on his or her own and it was time for her to think about herself, she was more than forty years old. She remained unmarried. But did she regret what she had done for her brothers and sisters? Not at all! She knew that giving is the top level of living.

In the above account, this woman sacrificed much for her relatives. Would she do it for her enemies? Possibly, but perhaps not, it’s hard to say. Yet, there is someone who has gone the distance for His enemies—Jesus Christ! By our sinful natures, we are His natural enemies. But for us, He came down from heaven. He took our place on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. He is ready to receive us in His Kingdom. For Him, giving was everything.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Confused"

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

It's not too long before we have to deal with the nightmare of figuring out our taxes.

For me, the hardest part of tax preparation is understanding the weird language the government uses. Of course, convoluted language is not confined to the IRS.

A number of years ago, the city of Boston had this rule for all-night parking. See if you can make sense of it. This is what it said, and I quote: "On even-numbered dates, park on the odd-number side of the street. On odd-number dates park on the even-numbered side. If you park after midnight, the rule is reversed. Where parking is allowed only on one side, park on the side opposite the 'No Parking Anytime' sign."

I read that to my staff and we did fine with the first two lines.

After that, we agreed the words seemed like tangled fishing line. We got confused.

When the Lord talks to us, He doesn't use language like that. He talks in ways we can understand. When He says He loves us, wants to save us, be with us, help us, you don't have to be a genius to figure out His intent.

The reason God speaks so simply to His children is He wants the message to be understandable. He doesn't want anybody to miss out on Jesus’ blood-won gift of forgiveness and heaven.

So what's the point for today? Simple. I may not be able to figure out how to park in Boston, but God has told me the way to eternal life. The way comes through a clear-speaking Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the heaven-sent Holy Spirit.

May He bless you throughout this day, no matter where you park.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Good Opportunities"

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

I’ve always been impressed when I hear of a person who can make the best out of a bad situation.

The newspapers once told of a holdup man who tried to rob a Detroit store. The thief dropped his weapon and ran when he realized the cashier had set off the alarm.

It didn't take long before the store was swarming with uniformed police officers. I mean it was swarming with more than one hundred police. Observing all the men in blue, the store manager quickly picked up the public address microphone and announced: "We now have a special sale in progress for police officers only!"

That manager ought to get a raise for making the best out of a bad situation.

Not many of us have that ability.

When bad moments arise in our lives, we can easily become bitter, feeling frustrated and angry. Some folks feel God has it in for them and is getting satisfaction from watching them suffer.

That is hardly the way our loving God works. He not only wants good for us; He also promises, because of His crucified and ever-living Son, to help us when bad times arise. With Jesus by our side and the Holy Spirit working in our hearts we can be given the ability to see things differently and make the best out of bad situations.

That's the gift God gives us today –the faith to lean upon Him so He can make the best out of every situation.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Right Day"

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. Romans 14:5-6a

I’m not Irish. My father’s name was Klaus; my mother’s maiden name was Reinhardt.

Since I’m not of Irish descent, don’t like green beer, and am not afraid of snakes, I haven’t really been upset at how St. Patrick and his day are being moved around.

In case you haven’t heard, let me explain. This year, for the first time since 1940, the traditional day to honor St. Patrick falls during Holy Week. It is traditional not to have a day of celebration during the penitential days of Holy Week. In the Church calendar’s scheme of things, no other festival, not even St. Patrick’s can trump Holy Week.

So the questions for many have been, “What holiday shall we celebrate—and when? Do we remember St. Patrick, or do we recall the Savior’s passion?”

Some communities, like Savannah, Georgia, a most traditional and conservative Roman Catholic city, have bumped St. Patrick’s festivities to Friday. Most churches are celebrating the Saint on Sunday. It can get confusing.

In our text, St. Paul says the specific day of celebration just isn’t all that important. If you want to celebrate on one day, fine. If you pick another, that’s fine, too. God doesn’t want a particular day as much as He wants personal, heartfelt worship.

In the fourth chapter of John, the twenty-third verse, Jesus said much the same thing: “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”

This is why whether you wear the color green or not, whether you remember St. Patrick or not, the Lord most sincerely encourages you to worship His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember His birth, His life, His suffering, death, and glorious third-day resurrection. Remember what He suffered so all who believe might be saved.

This day, every day, remember, repent and rejoice in the Redeemer who has paid our ransom.

[Soldier4Christ]

"I'm Confused"

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21

Every once in a while I come across a news story I just can’t figure out. That’s probably one of the reasons I’m not a judge.

The story behind today’s Daily Devotion deals with two teenagers from Oregon who were suspended from South Albany High School. They were punished because they refused to put away their crucifixes. One of the boys was ordered to hide a necklace, the other was told to take off a string of rosary beads that had a crucifix and a tiny picture of the Virgin Mary.
The boys, one of whom was suspended for five days, the other for three, said they were only wearing gifts they had received from their mothers.

Religious persecution? If so, I’m ready to take a stand!

But wait, there’s a rest of the story. Chris Equinoa, the principal who gave the order said, “it’s related to gangs,” according to one of the suspended youth. Albany police say officers in nearby towns have been dealing with crucifixes and rosaries being used as gang symbols for the last several years.

Executive assistant to the superintendent, Jim Haggart added, “We're not trying to squash any religious symbols and we're not trying to get into religion, but we are trying to get into student safety, and that's what we're really concerned about.”

So, who’s right? I can’t tell, but God can. If the matter isn’t decided before, it will most certainly be resolved when the Savior comes back to judge the world. On that day Jesus is going to separate the wheat from the chaff. Judging justly, He will decree, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus was fully aware there would always be hypocrites—men and women, who, like Judas, know the Savior and may even pretend to be one of His disciples. They might say the right things, but they won’t act like disciples, and they certainly won’t believe like disciples.

This is why, by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power, we need to try and do the will of our Father in heaven. Saved by the blood of the Savior, let us, most sincerely, proclaim the love of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

[Soldier4Christ]

"To All Men"

March 19, 2008

Be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Frank Woodruff Buckles isn’t a liar, but he has been known to take a few liberties with the truth.

Many years ago, at the beginning of the First World War, Frank Buckles told a military recruiter he was seventeen years old. That day Buckles shrunk the truth. He was just fifteen. Now, many years later, he is America’s last known veteran of the “war to end all wars”.

Of course, Buckles knows the First World War didn’t end all conflict.

On December 7th, 1941 he was a civilian in the Philippines. The day Pearl Harbor was bombed, Buckles was taken prisoner. He stayed a prisoner for thirty-nine months. He still has the tin cup from which he ate all his meals, and he has his dog tags and he has his medals.

He also has his memories: one hundred and seven years’ worth of memories.

It is hard for me to imagine the world in which he was born. It was so changed from ours. No IPODs, no air-conditioning, no rockets, no microwave ovens, no digital cameras, no computers, no TV, no penicillin, no, well, he didn’t have a lot of what we have.

What Frank Woodruff Buckles did have back then, just as he has now, is a Savior who loves him very much. The Lord Jesus Christ was with him when he was born into an un-antiseptic world; He was there when Buckles drove the ambulance that carried the war’s wounded. Jesus sat by his side in the POW camp, and He was there a few weeks ago when the President of the most powerful nation in the world’s history honored the service he had made to his country.

A changeless Christ in a changing world.

That is what the Bible teaches.

It is what should provide comfort to all of us during all the changing circumstances of our lives. To know and trust that no matter where we are, no matter where we go, no matter how long, or short our lives may be, the Christ who gave His life for our salvation will continue to be with us.

Who else, other than a Christian can rely upon a heavenly Father, a Divine Savior who has said: ‘“I will never leave you nor forsake you”? Who else can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

[Soldier4Christ]

"Teach Your Children"

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

California’s Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger is very upset.

While, the good Governor isn’t as intimidating as he was back in the days he played the role of Conan the Barbarian, I still wouldn’t want to mess with him. What has the Governor so perturbed?

Simple, on February 28th, Judge H. Walter Croskey ruled on a case of child abuse which is alleged to have taken place in a home-school situation. Appealing to a 1953 law, the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services had asked this family’s children be enrolled in public schools so teachers can spot any abuse of the little ones.

Judge Croskey took the request one step further when he declared all of California’s children, ages 6 to 18 can only be taught by credentialed teachers in public or private schools — or at home if a parent has a teaching degree. That’s bad news for many of the state’s 200,000 home-schooling parents.

It’s also what caused Governor Schwarzenegger to say, "Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will."

I think the Lord would agree with the Governor, at least in the first part of what he said. In the book of Deuteronomy God instructed parents to continuously teach His will and Word to the children He had entrusted to them. Truly, as Christian parents God has given us a wonderful and blessed opportunity to tell our little boys and girls of their Savior and just how much He loves them.

By law, telling little children of what Jesus has done for them is something no state school can do. It is our job, our joy, our God-given trust. As the Lord said to Moses, teaching the children is a job parents should diligently do when they sit in their houses, when they walk along the way, when they get up, and when they lie down.
To tell the children of what Jesus has done, and to tell them 24/7. That’s not a job, it should be a blessed and treasured opportunity.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Trust In The Lord"

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"God has been so good to me. I thank Him everyday." These are the words of a woman I visited on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico. We sat together in her home. It was a humble structure with a dirt floor. She is raising her children alone since her husband is in jail. She lives with a brain tumor, which, thankfully, hasn't grown but has affected her vision. She belongs to the local Lutheran mission and has come to know about a loving and good God. She understands that she is in His capable hands, and He finds a way to provide for her and her family no matter what. She trusts in His goodness and love. She has found joy-the joy only God can give.

The joy Paul speaks of in 1 Thessalonians has nothing to do with our circumstances. It has everything to do with our relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth, whose great love kept Him on the cross because He wanted us to be with Him forever in heaven where everything is perfect. With eyes of faith and gratitude, we see the perfection of living in a relationship with Jesus, our King and Savior. With those eyes, our daily circumstances are very small, but our God is big and His promises provide the joy and security we need to thank Him everyday in all circumstances.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Someone To Talk To"

I call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6

Soon, it will be Monday, and with all the sounds and voices that talk at us and not to us, most of us are not too overjoyed about going back to work.

It wasn't that way for Thomas Edison and his wife. Most people know the great inventor was quite deaf. They don't know that when he was courting his wife, he taught her Morse code. In fact, Edison proposed to her by tapping out the request into her hand. She accepted in the same way. Throughout their marriage they frequently spoke to each other in code and, when they went out, Mrs. Edison would keep her husband abreast of the conversation by telegraphing the words to her husband.

Although we certainly appreciate the ability to hear, many of us still long for someone with whom we can be alone and share the thoughts of our souls.

It's sad so many people don't realize they have a God who is always inclined to listen to their deepest thoughts, their innermost feelings. We don't need to learn any special language or code to talk to Him. We don't have to worry about Him spilling our secrets. We don't even have to say the words out loud. All we need do is speak to Him and believe He will, because of His Son, our Intercessor, listen to us. Truly, we will never discover a human being who will be as attentive as our listening God. Throughout this week, I encourage you to talk to Him. Tap out the message of your heart and mind and believe, with gladness, knowing that He will, in Jesus, hear us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Not What They Appear"

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Wise men often say, “Beware! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

I started to learn that lesson for myself when I, at the age of seven, ordered a bodybuilding course from a comic book. Over the years, full-length mirrors have told me the promise was too good to be true.

Too good to be true. When Pam came home from the grocery store, with a smile on her face she said she had learned the same lesson. She explained that she had been drawn to the sign in the butcher's window. In big letters it said, “T-bone, 50 cents!” It was only when she got much closer that she could make out another line, written in smaller print: “T-bone with meat, $7.50.”

As we deal with each other, we all learn to be cautious.

All of us have fallen for deals that were too good to be true. It's a terrible shame when that same attitude slips over to our dealings with the Lord. Too many people, when they hear God say He loves us, ask, “Why?” When He tells them to trust Him, they wonder, “Should we?” When He tells them He wants to save them, they speculate, “What's the catch?”

My only answer to those questions is, “God doesn't pull any tricks on people. His Word is good, and because of the suffering, death, and resurrection of His Son, we know we can trust Him absolutely.” What a joy it is to say, “Here is Someone who is never going to take me for a ride.” Other things may be too good to be true, but Jesus is God’s gracious goodness who is true.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Your Worth"

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

I get tired of listening to people berate the Christ and those who follow Him.

Yes, it’s true the history of the church is checkered, but our Savior’s love and compassion is not. Jesus Christ was born into this world to carry the sins of humankind, to seek and save the lost, to buy back the soul of every person who was destined to hell.

Because this is true, the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to put aside any and every prejudice so he might write, ‘there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. We are all one in Christ Jesus.’

Jesus Christ saves sinners. All of us. Male and female. It’s sad those who put down Jesus don’t appreciate the radical nature of the Savior’s sacrifice.

Today… right now… in India girls are being aborted because their parents think they are too expensive. Indeed, according to Dr. Puneet Bedi, a New Delhi obstetrician, "In India, you can kill a daughter and get away with it…” The problem which is greater today than at any other time in history, has caused India to adopt a policy which will pay families to raise their daughters.

If a family gives birth to a daughter, they get paid; if they vaccinate her, they get paid. They get paid if they send her to school, if they feed her, if they delay her marriage.

A spokesman for the India Alliance for Child Rights says, “It's a very sad way of valuing a person. Is it a person or is it a commodity?"

The Holy Spirit answers that question: In Romans 6:23 it says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God wants us to know that men and women, on their own are sinners who deserve condemnation; but by the Father’s grace, and through faith in the Savior’s sacrifice men and women alike can be forgiven and become recipients of life eternal..”

A radical Redeemer? Absolutely! We are blessed to have a Savior Who died to save both Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female.

And whether you are man or woman, this kind of Savior is cause for rejoicing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Minds Made Up"

Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

“The Greatest Generation” is the title of a Tom Brokaw book describing the folks who are my mother’s age. And while every generation has elements of greatness, that generation is special.

That truth was brought home to me recently when I read a Washington Post article about “a small army of old ladies” determined to do what they could to help America’s troops. No, they weren’t knitting bulletproof vests nor were they being modern-day Rosie The Riveters constructing Liberty Ships.

These wonderful ladies, some in wheelchairs, others with painful arthritis, are clipping thousands of coupons—coupons they send to military families in the Middle East and elsewhere overseas.

As they say, “every little bit helps”. Apparently, God isn’t the only One who loves a cheerful giver, for the ladies have received thank-you letters from appreciative Americans around the world.

These ladies of “The Greatest Generation” are providing a special example for all of Christ’s followers. They know that while they may not be able to do much, they certainly can do something.

That’s the attitude every Christian should have. We who have been redeemed by the suffering and sacrifice of the Savior should show our thanks for God’s grace in a multitude of ways.

True, our witness to the Savior may not change the course of nations; we may not rescue millions from the fires of hell, but we are Christ’s ambassadors. When the things we do, great and small are motivated by the Spirit to glorify the Savior, the Lord will accomplish His purpose.

The hymn writer said it beautifully, “Let none hear you idly saying, ‘There is nothing I can do.’ While the souls of men are dying And the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, ‘Here am I, send me, send me!’”

[Soldier4Christ]

"Just That Simple"

The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His rules. 1 Kings 8: 57-58a

1925.

1925 was the year Mussolini declared himself dictator of Italy and Hitler published "Mein Kampf". In 1925, the Scopes Trial said evolution shouldn't be taught in public schools and in 1925, Wally Pipp, first baseman for the New York Yankees felt sick and asked for a day off. Lou Gehrig took Pipp's place and played the next two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight games. In 1925, Clarence and Mayme Vail got married.

There have been many changes since 1925. Mussolini and Hitler, along with their World War, are ended. Lou Gehrig's record of consecutive games has been broken, and evolution is now taught in public schools. Things have changed, but Clarence and Mayme are still married.

Clarence and Mayme are now listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the longest-living married couple in the world.

Now with eighty-plus years of marriage under their belts, one would think the couple might be able to impart some serious wisdom. If you ask them the secret of their success, beyond not dying, they will tell you there is no secret. They seriously believed the promises they made to each other and to God. Mayme put it this way: "You take your vows, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, and I guess you just stick to it, come what may."

And things did come. There were six children and thirty-nine grandchildren, one hundred and one great-grandchildren and forty great-great-grandchildren. Along with the good also came the bad. In 1946 tuberculosis came to Clarence. Mayme promised if her hubby survived, she would attend Mass every day for the rest of her life.

She kept that promise for sixty years, too. She kept it until they moved into a retirement home last year, and she had to cut down to two Masses a week.

The things said in last week's MSNBC article had me searching the Scriptures. I thought Clarence and Mayme's words seemed familiar. They were. When Solomon dedicated the Temple he said, "The LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments. . . "

That's what Clarence and Mayme did. They trusted God, and He has been with them, as He is with all those who rely on Him. Through better or worse, richer or for poorer, God has stuck by us come what may.