Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Lord's Addition"

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47
   

Sometimes we fall into the trap of supposing that there is something we can do to save ourselves. If we pray enough, or attend church services, or live good lives, we can rectify the wrongs we do and earn God's approval. That's the way we may be tempted to think from time to time.

Or we may conclude that others are saved because of our activity. Perhaps God used us as the instrument to bring the Gospel to someone who believes and is saved. But we may confuse the instrument with the cause and conclude that we were the reason why another is brought to Christ.

We are reminded in Acts that it was the Lord who added to the number of believers those who were saved. Actually, only God can do that. Salvation is too gigantic a task for a human being to accomplish. Only Christ's death on the cross was sufficient for our salvation. Only He had the power to defeat death and Satan. Only He could convince us of the truth of the Gospel message and bring us to faith through His Word and Baptism.

This is God's work alone. We can only humbly accept His mercy and rejoice that He uses us to make Christ known to others.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Trophies"

They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25
   

I have some trophies on my bookshelves. I worked hard to win them and displayed them proudly. Now they seem merely a fleeting memory of a triumphant hour.

How avidly we collect trophies, not just those that stand on bookshelves but houses, cars, jewelry, and club memberships. We work hard, look for opportunities, take risks, and savor the victories.

Paul writes about athletes training rigorously to win a coveted garland crown. "They do it," he says, "to get a crown that will not last." And only one gets the prize. How futile the pursuit of fading crowns or trophies that will gather dust.

Paul goes on to describe a more worthwhile pursuit for "a crown that will last forever." He sees the Christian life as a race or boxing match. Rugged training and self-discipline are needed for a life of service to God. But the crown of eternal life comes only by God's grace. His Son came to earth, obeyed the Father's will, and endured suffering, pain, and death on the cross for our sins. Risen from the grave, He freely offers the crown of life. We respond by living for Him, never taking our eyes off Jesus Christ and our crown of life. Our trophies gather dust. His trophy shines forever.

[Soldier4Christ]

"First Things First"

"I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
   

Everywhere around us people are busy. Conversations with people of all ages and occupations reveal that most people have hurried schedules and jam-packed lives. And why? With improved communication, transportation, and technology, we should be more efficient and have more time, right? No, the more quickly we can do things, the more we cram into our lives.

What takes up our time? When there seems to be more to do than time and energy to do it, then Christian stewards must reassess what is important. God tells us that what is important is testifying to the Gospel of Jesus. Our testimonial is the same, but each of us has been chosen to testify to the Gospel in different ways, using differing gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4). Our first priority is to use our gifts and accomplish our task of witnessing to Jesus, whether in our home, our workplace, our school, our church, or our community. In so doing, we have our priorities in order and are fixed "on things above" (Colossians 3:2).

The gift of salvation sets up a new set of priorities for the investment of our time and the use of our talents as we testify to Him, for Jesus' sake.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Law and Gospel"

For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17
   

The Bible contains two distinctively different messages. For instance:

Have you ever felt depressed, desolate, on the verge of despair because of some wrong you had done -- a deliberate lie? A dishonest business deal? A deliberate sin of sex? Did you feel miserable, worthless, guilty before God?

That was the condemning message of God's Law. His Law demands perfection; it passes judgment; it pronounces the inexorable verdict of guilt and the punishment of death.

On the other hand, did you ever feel free as a bird, completely at peace with God, fully forgiven through faith in Christ, consciously living in His grace? That was because you had heard and believed the message of His Gospel.

The Law, after all, can only demand, condemn, and ultimately kill. But the Gospel, the good news of God's love in Christ, assures us of forgiveness, peace, and joy. It is important that in our Christian faith and life we distinguish clearly between these two. When God's Law threatens to destroy us, we must always flee to Jesus' open arms and hear His Gospel: "Your sins are forgiven ... Go in peace" (Luke 7:48-50).

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Vast Company of Saints"

In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5
   

Imagine this: You are the only Christian on the face of the earth. All others have left the faith. Consider the problems this would raise. You are the last of the believers. Your spirit would soon sag. You might even start questioning your faith, for if everybody else had rejected it, you would wonder how you can be sure of what you believe yourself.

If the Good News you wanted to share fell on the deaf ears of others while it was bursting within you, and you could not find anybody to share it with, it would tear you up inside.

Such probing can possibly help you appreciate how good it is to be surrounded by a vast company of saints. They help you know that people have testified to that same faith through the ages. They keep your spirits high as you gather with them, talking about the faith and worshiping together. They strengthen you for daily living as you engage in the struggle of life together. The many members of Christ's body are joined into one great company of saints through the ages.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Joy of Being a Witness"

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
   

Throughout the ages, martyrs have been thrown to the lions, boiled in caldrons by pagan tribes, or imprisoned in totalitarian nations for worshiping Christ. The death of Jesus Christ for our sin and His resurrection to life again has given Christians the courage to suffer all, knowing that for those in Christ, death is but the door to eternal life.

The word "martyr" comes from the same Greek word as "witness." In New Testament times, a witness to Christ stood a good chance of becoming a martyr. Today, too, even though our society officially guarantees freedom of worship, Christians increasingly face persecution. There are many subtle and overt pressures to deny Christ.

Our role is to imitate the saints and martyrs who have gone before us. We witness to the truth of Jesus Christ, who alone can save us from our sins and grant eternal life.

Christians always face opposition from the world (unless they compromise their faith) because they are not of this world. The world takes out its anger at God on those who represent Jesus. But despite insults, hatred, and rejection, Christ promises that the kingdom of heaven is ours.

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Unexpected Return"

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1
   

Sometimes people don't appreciate your acts of Christian love. But human approval is not our motivation -- the love of Christ prompts our love for others. Jesus descended from heaven to take upon Himself the sin that separated us from God. He carried it to His cross and left it in the grave when He rose again.

Jesus' grace toward us remains constant. Though we will all disobey His will and fail to appreciate God's generous gifts, He still loves us.

In thankfulness we serve Him with our lives, especially by performing acts of Christian generosity. We do so without a thought of reward and often without receiving a word of thanks.

But today's reading says that the bread of compassion you cast upon the waters of others' lives does indeed return to you. Matthew 25:31-40 describes how the Lord Himself will acknowledge our words of love on the Last Day. He sees what is done in secret, and He knows the thoughts and motivation of our hearts. He appreciates the service we render Him, even if no one else seems to notice. Eternal life awaits those who serve Christ in faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Your Highest Authority"

"We must obey God rather than men!" Acts 5:29
   

Many people give orders -- bosses, parents, and government representatives. God commands us to obey those in authority (Romans 13:1-7).

But Peter and the apostles were in an unusual situation. The authorities commanded them to stop preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. Peter replied with conviction, "We must obey God rather than men!"

When human authorities contradict the authority of God, we have no choice but to obey God. God is our Creator. His Son is our Redeemer, who willingly suffered and died to take away our sins and rose again as Lord of all. His Spirit moves us to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to serving God. The Triune God is our highest authority; there is none higher.

When we perceive a conflict between God's will and human commands, we must obey God. But we must be absolutely certain that we are acting according to God's Word. We can delude ourselves into thinking that our own desires are the desires of God. Through prayerful study of Scripture, the Spirit will enable us to know whether we are struggling against unchristian directives, or whether the human authorities are to be obeyed as God's representatives.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Giving Account"

Each of us will give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
   

All of us, whoever we are and whatever our station in life, will have to give an account of ourselves to God. That means that we will have to answer to God for our conduct as well as the use we have made of the time and the other things that He has given us.

This does not apply only to the rich or those who have received special talents. All of us have some possessions, gifts, and abilities that we can use in the service of God or our fellow human beings. How we do this is of concern to God. He requires us to give an account to Him of how we are using what we have.

Are we using those precious eyes, which He has given us to behold things that are good and beautiful, to read His holy Word? Are we using our ears to listen to Him and to respond to the cries of the needy? Are we using our mouths to witness to Christ, to speak words of kindness, to pray, and to praise? Are we using our hands to help and our feet to rescue the troubled? Are we sharing our blessings with the less fortunate? Are we following God's commandments?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Life's Flat Tires"

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
   

Car trouble is a serious matter, especially on a long trip. Whether it is a flat tire, a dead battery, or something more complicated (and more expensive), these unexpected events disrupt our journey. They can alter our plans drastically.

Our lives are filled with "flat tires." We may become seriously ill, lose our job, or have financial problems or marital difficulties. God has not promised us carefree lives. However, He has promised to be with us at all times and to give us strength to handle any situation, no matter how serious or hopeless it might seem.

Tribulations are not pleasant; however, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28). Our tribulations should strengthen our faith (James 1:2-3). They also can assist us in being better witnesses for Christ. They allow us to speak from personal experience about God's love.

Jesus through His Word and sacraments is the mechanic for all the breakdowns along our journey through life. He can repair all our problems and make us stronger than ever. Most important, His death on the cross has repaired our broken relationship with God. Our bill? Paid in full -- we own nothing.

[Soldier4Christ]

"You Can't Do it All"

"Select capable men from all the people -- men who fear God ... and appoint them as officials." Exodus 18:21
   

Moses had to learn what to do. He had to learn what not to do. It was harder to learn what to have others do. Learning to delegate is a hard lesson. Bookstores are filled with books offering help. A recent fad book portrayed such insights to be learned in one minute.

In one minute you can read Exodus 18:17-23. It is the word of Jethro to his son-in-law, Moses. Jethro outlined the art of delegation. He said that Moses should get others to help so the objectives would be met. When studying administration at the University of Nebraska, I was surprised to see this Bible story in secular textbooks. Dwight L. Moody, an evangelist of a bygone day said: "It is better to train ten people to work than to do the work of ten people."

Jesus trained the Twelve. He also trained the 70, then 120 more. He knew that He was returning to heaven. Others would carry on the mission of proclaiming salvation. He enlisted and equipped people for ministry, then sent them out. The principle still applies. Jesus still gives pastors, teachers, and other workers "to prepare God's people for works of service" (Ephesians 4:12).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Today"

"Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
   

Someone has said, "Today was tomorrow yesterday." Indeed it was. And it is just as true too that today will be yesterday tomorrow. Yesterday is past; we cannot change that. Tomorrow is not yet here. We cannot yet live in that. Today is all we have as the day to live in.

Many of us are behind in today's tasks because we are catching up with what we should have done yesterday. Some of us are hampered from doing our best today because we are worried about what might happen tomorrow. Others of us are frustrated because we are not meeting the responsibilities that lie before us today. Procrastination is the word for it. Most of us are inclined to do what we like to do and postpone what we don't like. Today can easily slip by without our having brought to it our very best.

It is a part of the Christian life that we do with vigor the task set before us. Paul told the Colossians: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24). Serve the Lord heartily, that is, with all your heart -- today! It is this moment, this hour that God gave us to serve Him. It is all we have.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Listen-- then Speak"

"This, then, is how you should pray... Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:9-10
   

True prayer is always a person's answer to God's Word. Prayer is half a conversation -- the last half. How important that we see our prayers in this way -- as our part in a conversation with God that was begun when God called us through His Word.

A good conversation requires patient listening as well as talking. When one ceases to listen and does all the talking, that person is no longer taking part in a conversation, but is making a speech. If we see our prayers as our part of a conversation initiated by God, we shall understand how important listening is to prayer.

In our life with God we need to alternately talk and listen. Both activities are essential for a healthy relationship with God. To pray and then not meditate on God's Word is to ask a question and then fail to listen for the answer.

We pray, "Your will be done." In answer to this prayer, God will give us the strength to follow His direction. But the knowledge of His will is to be gotten from His Word. He has given us His Word to serve as "a lamp to [our] feet and a light for [our] path" (Psalm 119:105). "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16) and "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The Christian life is the outcome of this two-way conversation between God and His trusting child.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Shifting Winds"

We will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by ... men in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:14
   

Wind direction and speed are important parts of weather observations. The wind can change abruptly, and some manmade religious doctrines change about as often as the wind. Many churches abandon biblical teachings. We hear about religious cults and novel religions. Some of these messages are tempting because they are more appealing to our sinful nature than the doctrines found in God's Word.

How can we distinguish the true Christian religion from all the false claims? The answer is to study the Scriptures. The Bible is the Word of God, against which we compare every human teaching. Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures" (John 5:39). Paul told Timothy to learn the Scriptures so he might be "wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" and be "thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15,17).

Our Bibles should not be gathering dust on shelves. They should be well-worn and full of notes and underlining. A thorough knowledge of the Bible will help us withstand all of the shifting winds of life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"On a Mission"

"As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them." John 17:18
   

From the Latin word for "send" we derive the word "mission." Depending on our experience, we may get various pictures in our minds from that word. Some will think of the space shuttle missions. Others will envision a courier bearing secret messages, bombers on a seek-and-destroy mission, or perhaps a physician on a mission of mercy.

In any case, "mission" brings to mind someone going out to do an important task. Jesus was the greatest missionary because He was sent by His Father to redeem the world. He completed His task on Good Friday and announced it by saying, "It is finished."

Jesus honors Christians by sending them to proclaim the benefits of His divine work. We are invited to take part in His great work. Not all can or need go to faraway places. We can have a part in Christ's mission in many ways. With our own talents and means and opportunities, we can respond to Jesus' sending.

Our Lord calls us to Himself that we may believe and be saved. But He does not coddle us forever. He sends us out that others may be saved.