Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Pretty Enough"

And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:3

Everybody I know, and I do mean everybody, is talking about the Olympics.

Understand, they're not zeroing in on the athletic competition; they're talking about the opening ceremonies. It was an outstanding bit of showmanship.

As people think back, they recall certain highlights. One of those bright moments would be young Lin Miaoke who, as China's flag was carried into Beijing's National Stadium, sang, "Ode to the Motherland."

Sadly, there is a problem with that memory. Lin wasn't singing. She was just mouthing the words of the song that were being belted out by a seven-year-old girl by the name of Yang Peiyi.

"Why," you ask, "didn't they let Yang sing in front of the great crowd in the stadium and the millions who were watching at home?"

The answer is a simple one: Yang wasn't pretty enough.

That's right. Highly ranked politicians decided that the people in the ceremony had to look good to the world, and Yang didn't fit their mold of perfection. Yang will, for the most part, remain unknown while the world applauds the girl they saw on television.

When I heard that story, I thought of the Savior and how He dealt with lepers.

While we don't know the physical condition of the man Jesus encountered in the text for today's devotion, we do know that the man was required to keep a distance from anyone who was healthy. As the disease progressed, staying away wouldn't have been too difficult. The disease ensured lepers weren't very pretty.

And what did the Savior do for that leper? He didn't run away in revulsion and self-preservation. He didn't shout at the leper or throw stones at him.

No, Jesus reached out to touch that leper and heal him.

This should be a comfort to all of us. We know that a lack of physical beauty and the sins that stain our souls will not stop the Lord Jesus from coming to us. He, who gave His life on the cross and rose from the grave so we might be forgiven and adopted into the family of faith, reaches out to all of us.

You heard that right: In spite of who we are, the risen Christ, with nail-scarred hands, reaches out to touch us, wash us, and heal us.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "You Never Know"

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 2 Timothy 4:6

As a pastor, I have seen many amazing things while I was making hospital calls.

I remember watching a loving wife give permission to her husband who was sick and dying from cancer to go home to Jesus. He took one more breath and then fell asleep in the Lord.

I've also heard doctors tell people, "There is no hope. Medicine is helpless. You need to put your affairs in order because death is coming."

Some of those folks, 30 years later, are still going strong.

Even the doctors say, "It's a miracle."

According to a survey reported last week by MSNBC, the people of America agree. Fifty-seven percent of us said God's intervention could save a family member even if ongoing or prolonged treatment seemed ineffective.

In short, the Lord can perform miracles if that is His will and wish.

Of course, as a Christian who has already been saved from eternal death by the Savior's life, suffering, death, and resurrection, you knew that already, didn't you?

On the other hand, we need to remember temporal death still awaits us.

David knew his end would come some day. That's why he wrote about how he would fear no evil when it was his time to walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23).

Paul knew death was coming when he wrote to Timothy about his time of departure.

The amazing thing is, because of their faith, these heroes of Scripture were ready to be called home to their Lord.

They didn't consider heaven a bad thing, nor did they think death as an event to be feared and avoided.

This is-considering the way the rest of humanity feels about death-a minor miracle.

Removing the fear of death from His followers is something Jesus does on a regular basis. He did it for the king and the apostle; He can do it for you.

Understand, I'm not encouraging you to rush up and embrace death. I am saying each of us should, like Paul, be ready for our time of departure.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Honesty in a Job"

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Employers are saying tough economic times have brought about an increase in job applications.

Some of those applicants are getting creative - - at times overly so - - when they hand in their resumes.

According to CareerBuilder magazine, some of those resumes qualify as great works of fiction. For example, one applicant claimed to be part of the Kennedy family; another said he had graduated from a school that doesn't exist.

There was one candidate who handed in his application with someone else's picture, while one job seeker offered a sample of his work. Unfortunately, for him the work he had plagiarized was stolen from the person who was doing the interview.

My favorite resume exaggeration was submitted by a person who claimed to have been in the military before he was even born!

Having read these tall tales, I was pleased to remember Jesus never lied about who He was or the work He had been sent to do.

It was work that He alone could do.

Jesus could have entered this world as a King, but He was born in a stable. He could have lived in a palace and been waited on by servants, but He preferred to serve others. He could have lived for Himself, but He chose to let Himself be sacrificed so sinners might be forgiven of their sins and saved.

His was a job for which you and I could never have applied.

His was work for which our sins had completely disqualified us.

His was a job which has saved us from Satan and sin.

That the Christ did all that was needed to rescue us now gives us the opportunity to apply for the job of being grateful worshipers.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Myths"

And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 2 Timothy 4:4

Last week, I couldn't find a single news agency that hadn't carried the story of "Bigfoot."

It seems two men, both police officers, claimed to have found the legendary man-ape frozen in a block of ice in Georgia.

They claimed their find would move Bigfoot from the category of legend to being a verified reality.

It turns out they were partially right. When their Bigfoot was thawed, it quickly became apparent he wasn't a legend; he was a hoax.

Bigfoot was nothing more than a rubber suit.

When newsmen tried to contact the men who had made the find, their telephone answering machine said they were looking for leprechauns, the Loch Ness monster, and dinosaurs.

As much as I was amused by the Bigfoot story, I was saddened to realize there are many people who put Jesus' life, death, and resurrection into the same category. As St. Paul wrote to Timothy, when it comes to Christ, many will turn away from the truth and wander off into following myths.

As a person who has been rescued by the Savior's sacrifice, I rejoice that Jesus is no heaven-sent hoax on humanity.

Jesus did live; He did die, and He did rise from the dead on the third day.

The living Savior, who appeared to Peter, James, the 11 disciples, the fishing disciples, and hundreds of disciples, was no fake or fraud, no conman, or charlatan.

Jesus is the real thing; He is the Savior of the world, the Savior we need to forgive us and make us adopted children in the family of faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Joy Unstoppable"

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," were the words of a woman I visited on the outskirts of Tijuana. As I sat with her in her home, it was evident she lived a humble life. Her home was a meager structure with a dirt floor. Her poverty is compounded by the fact that she is raising her children alone since her husband is in jail. She also lives with a brain tumor, which hasn't grown but still has affected her vision. She belongs to the local Lutheran mission and has come to know about a loving and good God. She understands she is in His capable hands, and He finds a way to provide for her and her family no matter what the circumstances.

This woman trusts in His goodness and love, and it is that confidence that has given her hope in the midst of a difficult and trying life.

This woman has also found joy - - the joy Paul speaks of in 1 Thessalonians. This delight has nothing to do with her situation. Instead, it has everything to do with her relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth. Jesus, who died on the cross, offers true joy. With eyes of faith and gratitude, believers see the perfection of living in a relationship with Jesus, their King and Savior. With those same eyes, they see their daily circumstances are very small but their God is big, and His promises provide the joy and security they need to thank Him everyday in all circumstances.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Ready To Listen"

August 31, 2008

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

People like pastors to pray with them. At least some people do.

Maybe they think a pastor has a more direct line. We don't, but we do like to pray.

Some years ago, I was on the phone and talking with a friend. During the course of the conversation he asked me to have a prayer with him over the phone. I had just begun with, "Dear Lord," when my daughter came in.

Overhearing that "Dear Lord", she stopped in her tracks, and without any kind of smile said, "Is that God on the phone, daddy? If it is, don't let Him hang up when you're done, I've got a couple of things I need to talk to Him about, too."

Did you smile at that story? I'm glad you did. You probably smiled because you recognized that, as a little child, she believed God was really right there, and He really wanted to listen to her prayer.

Since that day, I've drawn a great deal of contentment from the knowledge that my daughter, without any kind of sophistication, had a better understanding of God than her daddy, the preacher.

She knew what I sometimes forget: God really is ready to listen. Maybe you've forgotten that, too.

Which is why, if you have felt that God is distant in your life, or if you think He has stopped paying attention to your prayers, I'd like you to think of my daughter.

Even more, because of Jesus and the reunion His life, death and resurrection have brought about, God is really there, and He is ready to listen to His children. Because of the Savior, your heavenly Father wants to know what you have to say.

The truth is: God doesn't hang up on you. If you've got something to say to Him, He's ready to listen to you.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "You Are Valuable"

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

Some news stories just get a guy's attention. Last week when the BBC ran an article entitled, "Priest to hold nun beauty pageant," I was hooked.

It seems Father Antonio Rungi had proposed a beauty contest for sisters. Trying to elevate an unappreciated vocation, Rungi hoped to emphasize the sisters' more discreet charms as shown by their spirituality, social awareness, charity, and other qualities.

You may note that the verbs in the above paragraph were in the past tense. That is because the contest is in the past tense.

That's right; the contest that would have appeared on the Internet has been canceled. From his home in Italy, Father Rungi explained, "My superiors were not happy. The local bishop was not happy. . . ."

That's the kind of thing that can happen when you are ahead of your time.

Even though the contest is over, the devotion I wanted to write about Father Rungi's idea is still before you.

You see it occurs to me that Rungi has a point. There are many vocations that are under appreciated, even as there are many people who are under appreciated.

You may be, or, at least feel like you are, one of those unapplauded souls.

As I think back on my life, I remember church custodians who were expected to do the impossible. I remember ladies who folded and compiled Sunday's worship folders, teachers who received little more than a thank you card at Christmas, retired pastors who make countless sick and shut-in calls. Almost all were unappreciated.

How very sad. Now, according to Jesus, these folk, like the rest of us, are valued. They're valued more than many sparrows. And if the sparrow comparison doesn't comfort you, then consider this.

Jesus thought you valuable enough to enter this world and live His life so you would never die. He willingly sacrificed Himself so you might be freed from your sins and able to enter heaven.
If no one else in this world ever appreciates you, remember you are valuable to Jesus. Never forget that because of the Savior's wounds, someday, a new you will be able to stand before the heavenly throne.

Will you be beautiful? I suppose so. I do know you will be forgiven and loved.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Rise!"


But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" Acts 3:6

Twenty years ago Radi Kaiof was a paratrooper in the Israeli military.

Then, 20 years ago, Radi received an injury that left him paralyzed. The doctors were quite sure when they told him he would never walk again.

The doctors were wrong - - at least, sort of. Thanks to an invention called ReWalk, Radi is on his feet once again.

Now, it's hard for me to explain what ReWalk looks like and what it is. Let's just say it's a hard "suit" with motorized leg supports, body sensors, a backpack, and a control box. Utilizing a remote control wristband the user tells the machine what he wants to do: stand, sit, walk, climb, or go down stairs. He leans forward and the robotic legs take over.

The inventor, a fellow by the name of Goffer, says, "It raises people out of their wheelchairs and let's them stand up straight. . . It's not just about health, it's also about dignity."

When I came upon that Reuter's news story last week, I thought what a wonderful age we live in. Yes, the ReWalk suit might be cumbersome and inconvenient, but people who were once unable to get to their feet are now able to move. Miraculous!

Then I realized, ReWalk wasn't a miracle at all.

ReWalk is a wonderful thing, a brilliant invention, a device which will bring great good to some who are physically challenged. Even so, ReWalk doesn't make the paralyzed unparalyzed.

Miracles are God's domain, and He specializes in doing them. Jesus raised up the paralytic, as did Peter and John in the text for today's devotion.

What wonderful words these are: "but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk." And the man did.

This takes me to what I want this devotion to say. I want you to know Jesus has, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, told each of us to rise from our sins and be forgiven. He wants us to behind the crippled life we once had and be restored.

And if you're thinking why doesn't He heal my body, too? I can reply, "Just wait. He will." The age of God's grace is not over.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "False Advertising!"

September 3, 2008

Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:12

The old bait and switch.

The old bait and switch was what two teenage girls discovered was happening in some of New York's restaurants and fish stores.

Using DNA bar coding, these girls discovered that some very inexpensive fish was being labeled and sold at prices ordinarily commanded only by the more expensive varieties of seafood.

To advertise and sell a cheap product in the place of an expensive good product, that's the old bait and switch. It was a practice the girls found occurring at half the restaurants and six out of ten grocery stores they tested.

Now, I'm not a lover of sushi, but that's still not right.

To paraphrase what Eve said to the Lord might put it in perspective: the places where I buy my food deceived me, and I ate.

Of course, bait and switch is nothing new. Right from the fall of humankind, the devil and the world have tried to pawn off shoddy products for the real thing.

In the Garden of Eden, Satan suggested his wisdom was better than the Lord's. To the children of Israel, he said slavery is better than freedom under God. To Judas, he whispered 30 pieces of silver were of greater value than Jesus' life.

Truly, each of us have fallen victim to the bait-and-switch strategy of the devil. Most of us, if we're eventually brought to that point where we see things with repentant eyes, recognize that God tells the truth and the devil has truly earned the name, "father of lies" (John 8:44).

When Jesus said He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6), He was telling the truth. Yes, the world would have you believe there are many roads, many paths, many saviors who will take you to heaven, but they are just using the old bait and switch.

Their roads and paths all lead to a dead end. Their saviors all are charlatans - - counterfeits to the last.

Now, if you were upset and angered by stores pawning off cheap dead fish for expensive ones, I would encourage that same outrage be directed against the devil and the world's bait and switch.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Excuses"

Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel." Mark 1:14a-15

Richard Cooey is 5-feet, 7-inches tall. He tips the scales at 267 pounds.

Some would say Richard Cooey is endangering his life by being so heavy. Richard Cooey thinks being so heavy might just save his life.

Does that sound strange? Well, it is. You see Richard Cooey is on Ohio's death row. He's been convicted of raping and killing two University of Akron students in 1986.

Right now, Richard is asking for clemency because he's too fat to be executed. His lawyers maintain the executioners would have difficulty finding his veins to administer the lethal injection and Cooey's weight would diminish the effectiveness of one of the lethal drugs.

Richard Cooey also argues he did what he did because he was beaten as a child and because he abused alcohol.

Richard Cooey further holds the attorney's who represented him at his first trial didn't do a proper job of sharing that information with those who tried and convicted him.

Richard Cooey finally believes his attempted escape from prison and punishment a few years ago shouldn't be held against him.

About the only thing Richard Cooey hasn't said is "I'm guilty" or "I'm sorry." County Prosecutor Sherri Walsh said, "In the 22 years since the defendant committed these brutal acts, he has never demonstrated one second of genuine remorse for murdering these two young women."

That takes us to the topic of repentance. Immediately after John the Baptizer was arrested, Jesus began to preach a twofold message to the communities of Galilee. The Savior told everyone to repent and believe the Gospel.

Sadly, repentance is not a quality that comes easily to humankind. Rather than repent, most would prefer to pass the blame, offer up excuses for their behavior, or do everything and anything other than say, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner."

Yet, it is sinners whom Jesus came to save, and it is sinners who rejoice in the Gospel of grace that comes through His suffering, sacrifice, and resurrection.

Now I don't know what will happen to Richard Cooey. I certainly pray repentance becomes a part of his vocabulary. If it does, even though Richard Cooey may have to pay the price the law demands, the Lord Jesus can and will set him free.

How do I know? I know because Jesus once did exactly that for a repentant thief who was hanging on the cross next to Him. I know because Jesus has done that for me.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "There Is Much Good To Do"

For it is by grace you have been saved . . . . For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works . . . . Ephesians 2:8a, 10a

Travis was raised in a Christian family with strong Christian influences. He was taught the foundations of the faith and what it means to live every day in the joy of his Baptism. Thanks to his family, his grounding in the Word of God was strong.

But school, the teenage years, and the pressing decisions that come with growing older all have a way of testing the durability of one's faith. Issues that are small and in themselves inconsequential take on an added dimension when they crowd in upon our efforts to seek the Lord through prayer and Scripture reading. Fortunately, Travis remained convinced that God would neither fail nor forsake him, recalling Deuteronomy 31:6, which says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, whose dying and rising forgives our sins and reconciles us to God. As Christians, we have been created by Christ Jesus Himself to do good works. God has a plan for us to influence and impact the world so His glory is displayed to all generations. This gets us fired up to do something good. Are you similarly empowered? There is much to do - - for those we love and for those we don't even know.

How has the Lord shown the world the workmanship He's produced in your life?

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Nicer"

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

People can be vain. Not you or me, but others, you know, people.

It was time to leave for church. The husband was watching the clock, but his wife seemed to be running a little behind.

He wandered in and out of the bedroom several times, noting her progress at getting ready.

He went out and started the car to let it warm up. Then he came back and stood at the door, watching her put the finishing touches on her makeup.

"Honey, you look nice," he said with the slightest hint of irritation in his voice. "But you'd look nicer in the car!"

Now, the only point of that story is to ask this question: "How would you look nicer?"

It's not a hard question. Many people are ready to offer us suggestions. Have you ever had someone look at you and say, "You'd look nicer, if (you did this). You'd be happier, if (you did that). You'd enjoy life more, if (you had this).

That's where the Lord is so very helpful.

Because of Jesus Christ, His life, suffering, death and resurrection, we look "nicer." No longer covered in sin and transgression, we are white, clean, forgiven and saved.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Believing"

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

Grandmas.

Today, on Grandparent's Day, I'd like to talk about Grandmas.

Did you know part of a grandmother's job description is that she must carry a wallet filled with pictures of the little darlings?

Recently, I met a grandmother who had made the promotion of her grandchildren into an art form. Now, I must confess, her grandkids are really beautiful and well behaved -- so much so that I complimented her on them. I said, "These are some charming little ones. How old are they?"

Without thinking a second, grandma replied, "The doctor is five, and the ambassador is three."

I wouldn't be surprised if those kids do just as Grandma hopes. They are very blessed. Not many kids have had somebody believe in them as strongly as these kids' grandmother did.

But wouldn't it be great if we did? When somebody believes in us, we try harder. If somebody expects great things of us, we try not to let them down. Yes, all of us wish we had somebody who cares for us like a Grandma.

But of course, we do! Jesus, our Savior, having transformed us by taking our place and punishment has redeemed us and has given us work to do.

He believes we will try to do good to others; that we will take a stand for our faith; that we will serve the Father in heaven.

He believes that we will, in every way, live our lives in a manner which shows we are thankful for what He has done for us.

We may not become ambassadors or doctors, but we can be Jesus' faithful followers.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Great Escape"


But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:36

It's déjà vu all over again.

From my hotel room in Eugene, Oregon, I watched CNN cover the evacuation of New Orleans and other communities in the Gulf. Conservatively, it was estimated that 2,000,000 people fled Hurricane Gustav as it bore down upon them.

Thankfully, the disaster of a few years ago seems to have taught many people a lesson.
New Orleans learned that everyone should be ordered out; the Corps of Engineers learned barriers needed to be beefed up; the police and National Guard learned the streets can't be turned over to looters.

Most of all, people seemed to have learned they need to escape the destruction that was coming.

I give thanks for that. As my father used to say, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." The people of the Gulf aren't about to be caught unprepared a second time.

It occurs to me that the same kind of learning curve is not applicable to people when it comes to spiritual storms.

In Scripture, the Lord has told us that we need to be alert. We need to be ready to escape the tragedies and terrors of life that are most surely coming. The Bible repeatedly warns us that our life in this world is temporary, and the day will come when we will have to stand before the Lord who will judge us.

Sadly, many people disregard the Lord's counsel. Even though they have seen storms sweep down upon those who are close to them, they live as if they will, somehow, escape any such situation.

This is why I give thanks the people of the Gulf have learned to escape physical storms, and I pray they will do the same for spiritual tempests. Let us ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit so all people may with faith in Jesus Christ be allowed to escape the spiritual gales that are bearing down upon them.

[Soldier4Christ]

 "Enough"

If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead. Luke 16:31b

Scripture is clear: if we are going to be saved, it will only be through freely given faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Of course you knew that, didn't you? So did St. Paul. He made that wonderful truth clear when he wrote the church at Rome that we are all sinners-sinners who have received the gift of grace through Jesus.

Sadly, for some people, Jesus' gift of grace might not be enough to transform them into serious followers of the Savior.

That's not my opinion, that's what an Associated Press article said last week. The story told how some churches are sweetening the deal of salvation by using modern marketing incentives to woo worshipers to their pews.

The article specifically referred to a Congregational United Church located in the Midwest. The congregation had given $50 worth of gas to new worshipers.

True, one couple did leave the congregation because they thought their church was offering newcomers a bribe, but the pastor defended the act by explaining it this way: "It's a method of marketing for the church. . . For a $200 investment we've made, we got featured in the local newspaper once, twice on TV, and it's the buzz around town. I can't get a quarter-page ad for $200."

The pastor was probably right. If your goal is "marketing for the church," a congregation ought to do everything it can to sell itself.

Thankfully, most of the pastors and parishes I know, while trying to put their best foot forward, remain dedicated to sharing the Savior's story of suffering, sacrifice, and third-day resurrection.

They're in good company. As I read through the New Testament, I can't find the Savior or any of His followers offering incentives to prospective buyers.

On the contrary, after Jesus fed the 5,000, He made a deliberate decision not to keep the bread and fish flowing to help hold the crowd that had been following Him (John 6:15). If one paraphrased the words of Abraham from the parable above, they might read like this today: If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should give them a $50 gas card.

Our churches may not be good at marketing, but they do share Jesus' blood-bought salvation, and that should be enough for any sinner.