Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Caution -- Saints at Work!"

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14
   

As I drove down the highway, I saw a sign: "Caution -- Men at Work" It meant, "Watch out. Things are happening here, men are working, and improvements are being made. Watch out for equipment."

And I thought: Could this be said about my church? Could we put up a sign on the front lawn that says, "Caution -- Saints at Work"? Are things happening here? Are saints working? Are improvements being made? Could I put up a sign like that in front of my house?

And I asked myself: Would it be a good thing if every Christian were just like me? If all the members of my congregation were as strong or as weak as I am, where would we be? If I should drop out of life today, would there be any great difference in the holy Christian church or even in my congregation? How much do I help my fellow members to be better Christians? How much do I draw others to Christ by my good example day after day?

The things I say and do, the way I say and do them -- this must give away the fact that I belong to God, that the living and saving Christ dwells in me. The kind of neighbor I am, the way I spend my time and money, the way I raise my children -- all this shows God's light in me.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Youth for Christ"

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth." Ecclesiastes 12:1
   

Our Creator has always placed a high value on the services of young people in His kingdom. There was Joseph, who at the age of 30 became the prime minister and food administrator of mighty Egypt. Samuel was a comparatively young man when he rose to leadership in Israel at a time of great political disturbance. David the youth turned the tide of the Philistine invasion when, by his sling, he conquered the bragging giant, Goliath. Paul put his young assistant, Timothy, in charge of the church at Ephesus and instructed him not to let anyone look down on him because he was young but to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

We think also of the devotion of the faithful young women mentioned in the Bible. Ruth, as a young widow, showed a remarkable faith in God and devotion to God's people. Beautiful Esther was God's instrument in saving His people from annihilation. Many more loyal young men and women used their youthful energies to build God's kingdom.

God continues to want some of that enthusiasm, courage, endurance, and daring that is so characteristic of youth for His kingdom work. "Now, who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord?" (1 Chronicles 29:5).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Promoting Reconciliation"

I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the Gospel. Philippians 4:3
   

The world is full of wonderful differences. Variety fills God's creation. He has gifted His children, too, with unique personal identities and perspectives. Differences are good.

Yet sometimes the differences develop into barriers. Sometimes people are unwilling to celebrate the differences and instead let them grow into hard feelings or hurt feelings, into resentment or quarrels.

Apparently this is what happened between two of Paul's fellow workers in spreading the Gospel in the city of Philippi: Euodia and Syntyche. Sadly, it still happens among Christians today when people disagree.

The heavenly Father speaks to us through Paul as He did to the Philippians of that day. We dare not be a part of the problem. There is no room for taking sides or laying blame, no room for accusation or deceitful gossip. We must be a part of the solution by helping one another work out differences that rob us of closeness and unity. We dare not write others off as bickering troublemakers. We are partners together in sharing the Good News that God loves and forgives us in Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Expressing One's Joy"

At His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Psalm 27:6
   

Joy is one of God's great gifts. His kingdom, declares Saint Paul, is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). The same apostle prays in behalf of his readers that God may "fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). The fruit of the Spirit is like a string of precious pearls, including these: "Love, joy, peace, patience ..." (Galatians 5:22).

The chief source of the joy of Christians is Jesus Christ, who, having completed our salvation, rose from the dead to put our joy on a firm and permanent footing.

Aside from the great gift of salvation, God grants other gifts, and these prompt our joy and thanks: the birth of an new baby, recovery from illness, doing well in school, better opportunities at one's work, enjoyable travel, visits with friends. Since it is from God that all blessings flow, it is only right that we thank Him. This is how the psalmist determined to express his joy, with singing and making music to God. We do this as well!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Children of God"

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. 1 John 5:1
   

"God has no grandchildren, only children." Think about that quote for a moment.

Moses was willing to make the Children of Israel God's "grandchildren" by taking the punishment for their sins on himself. But God said no -- "Whoever has sinned against Me I will blot out of My book" (Exodus 32:33).

The religious leaders of Jesus' time thought they had a special "in" to heaven because they were Abraham's "grandchildren." Jesus let them know that their ancestry made no difference to Him.

No matter if we come from a long line of churchgoers, no matter if our grandparents were charter members and a stained-glass window in the church bears our family name, no matter if our relatives are missionaries and preachers -- we have to believe in Jesus as our Savior ourselves to have peace with God. Nor can we believe for our children, and that lesson may be harder to learn. God has no grandchildren!

That puts the relationship between God me where it belongs: between the two of us -- person to person. Jesus takes away my sins. It is through God's grace and the faith given to me in my Baptism that I am saved -- no one else gets in between. I am God's child -- intimately, directly.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Growth and Progress"

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. Philippians 1:6
   

Spiritual progress is an objective of all dedicated Christians. We are living in a progressive age. Much is made of material, intellectual, and scientific growth and development. Why, then, not include the most important part of a person, the spiritual self?

As dedicated Christians we seek to grow in knowledge of God's Word. We want to know more about our great, wonderful God. What are God's glorious qualities? What are His infinite thoughts toward us?

We want to grow in faith. Where faith is weak and wavering, gloomy doubt and unbelief chill the soul. Confident faith brings to our possession and enjoyment all the priceless treasures for which Christ has purchased us. It lays its strong hand on the whole storehouse of God's promises. It makes for strong convictions, for bold and courageous Christian living.

The opportunities for personal growth and progress in the Christian faith are virtually unlimited. They are within easy reach -- as close as your church for worship, as close as your Bible for reading, as close as your mind for meditation, as close as your heart for prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Successful Failure"

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6
   

It is praiseworthy that we like to be successful in all we do for the Lord, but sometimes we seem to fail utterly.

Jesus invited the people of Jerusalem to come to Him, but they would not. Paul did not win all to whom he preached the Gospel. In a parable that Jesus gave us, some of the good seed of God's Word fell on hard, shallow, and weedy soil and did not grow or produce a harvest.

God does not hold us responsible for success. He only asks that we work faithfully and to the best of our abilities.

God calls some of us to plant the seed, others to water it, but only He can make it grow. When a person believes in Jesus as Savior, that is entirely the work of God.

God can turn what looks like failure to us into success. What looks hopeless today may become God's great victory tomorrow. His ways are not our ways. We are sure that His Word will accomplish what He wants and our labors are not in vain in the Lord. In this confidence we serve faithfully -- doing our sowing and watering -- and leave the success in God's hands.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Sharing the Burden"

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
   

You are carrying two bags of groceries home. Your arms ache, and your legs are rubbery. A friend meets you and carries one of the heavy bags for you. What a relief!

The Bible tells us to carry each other's burdens. What burdens? We may do this by sharing with others their sorrows, unrelieved problems, or ugly, inescapable situations. We sometimes forget that those who are alone need someone with whom they can talk. If we are willing to listen discreetly and respect the other person's confidence, we can help the lonely see things more clearly and help them in making decisions.

Christ told us to love one another as He loved us. We do that when we concern ourselves with the needs of others, easing their burdens by our words and deeds of love.

As we carry each other's burdens, we are mindful that Christ "took up our infirmities and carried our diseases" (Matthew 8:17). For Jesus' sake God lifts the burden of our sins from us. That's the greatest relief of all. Set free from this load, by God's grace we are both willing and able to help carry another's burden.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Flaws are Dangerous"

Forgive my hidden faults. Psalm 19:12
   

Comparatively few are guilty of glaring sins such as murder, robbery, adultery, or embezzlement. But what about the hidden sins, the so-called flaws, which many of us may deem unimportant?

Just how unimportant is a flaw? Is it unimportant in the giant steel cables that are designed to give strength to the bridge they support? in a balance sheet? in a precious stone?

Suppose there had been a flaw in Jesus. Would we have a Savior from sin? Would we have peace with God? Would we have the certain hope of life eternal? The answer is "no" to every question.

If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit there are flaws in us. Are they really unimportant to our families? Let husbands and wives answer that question. Let children be our judge. Do these flaws seem insignificant to those who work at our side? Let those who suffer from our impatience and stubbornness answer. Let those who put up with our thoughtlessness speak up. Do these flaws limit our usefulness and hurt our effectiveness?

It is little things that tear marriage to pieces. Talking and talking when there ought to be silence. Brutal silence when there ought to be words of encouragement and cheer. The pinpricks, the constant needling, the maddening irritations -- these are dangerous flaws.

We certainly have a need to pray, "Forgive my hidden faults." In Jesus we have forgiveness through His death for sins such as these.

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Direction of Life"

Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." Mark 9:24
   

The above words, spoken by a frantic father, speak to the conflict in which Christians often find themselves. It is the struggle between belief and unbelief, between faith and doubt. So long as a person is able to pray, confessing his faith to God and asking Him for help to overcome unbelief, he is still a Christian. His faith, though shaken, is maintaining the upper hand. The direction your life takes, whether toward greater faith or toward unbelief, depends in large measure on whom we want to serve: the true God or ourselves. When we allow God to be central, grow in the Word, set Christian service as the goal of living, and in all things seek first the kingdom of God, then we are going the way of faith. This often involves a struggle, for going God's way takes us in an entirely different direction than what our sinful nature would take.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, completely obedient to His Father, gave Himself for us. Thanks to His atoning work, our sins of unbelief are forgiven. When we stumble because our faith is unsteady and we are not ready to place God first in our life, we need to pray what the distraught father prayed. God hears such a prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Designer of Unique People"

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Romans 12:6
   

Many of us are unhappy with ourselves. We have one or more features we wish we could change to be more like another person. When we are uncomfortable with who we are in comparison with others, we may have forgotten that our true goal is to be more like Christ.

In Christ, God redeemed us as His own. "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5). Through His Spirit, poured out on us in Baptism, He endows each of us with special gifts and talents for rendering service to Him. God calls us to put our abilities to work for the good of the whole church--a labor of love that is a joy.

If we are experiencing a loss of creativity or enthusiasm in our service, it may be an indication that we have stepped out of the area for which God has uniquely equipped us. Spiritual maturity brings a self-awareness of where we function best. All God asks is that we express our uniqueness in Christian service. When we are the persons God has designed us to be--and we are doing the work for which He has equipped us--we will find satisfaction in our service again. It's a better way to live.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Alive"

"This is what the LORD says--He who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you." Isaiah 44:2
   

"Get a life!" is the contemporary reply we hear to rebut a whiny spirit or complaining tone. Usually spoken humorously, the phrase has considerable merit; carping or being disgruntled doesn't belong in the life of one who knows Jesus Christ.

But what is this life we are supposed to "get?" Is it a life filled with only good things? Is it a life where the way is always smooth? To be worthwhile, life should have more depth than that. It ought to include an inner composure that shows in the way we live, no matter our circumstance.

That's a life we don't have to work hard to "get." It is already ours. For God formed us in our mother's womb. God knew us before we were born. Our days are literally in His hands. We have His Word on it. And He will help us along the way because by His grace, He chose us to be His adopted children through Holy Baptism.

So the psalmist can sing that God knows everything about him (Psalm 119:168). How uplifting and sustaining that is! God's knowledge of us is nothing to be feared. Rather, we are led to praise God and to thank Him for His wonderful works by which we are alive in Christ and on the way to life everlasting.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Impressionable Minds"

Think about such things. Philippians 4:8
   

We are all born with certain hereditary characteristics and a sinful nature. Yet our minds are also quite impressionable to the influences of our environment, ready to keep a record of everything we encounter along life's way. Stored there, many of our past experiences affect our present thoughts and actions.

We must marvel at God's design in providing us with this gray matter between our ears. Our minds and those of our children are our greatest stewardship responsibilities. We must be careful about what our minds receive.

So much is available to us that poisons our minds. That was true in Paul's day too. He exhorts the Christians at Philippi to watch what they feed their minds. He encourages whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or deserving praise, saying: "Think about such things."

The best nourishment for our minds is worship in the body of Christ with fellow Christians and a regular study of the Scriptures. Through them the Holy Spirit, having brought us to faith in Christ, works all good within us. And the promise holds true: "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

[Soldier4Christ]

"It's How You Say It"

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
   

There is an old saying, "Think three times before you speak." That rule would save us from saying many unkind, bitter, and harmful words.

We season food with salt to make it taste better. We need to learn to season the things we say with the salt of love, kindness, and helpfulness. Homes are much happier when we watch not only what we say but also how we say it.

According to an ancient story a king requested his wise men to interpret his dream. The first said: "Your dream has a sad meaning. All your relations--mother, brother, sister, and wife--will die and leave you alone." The king was displeased and had him lashed. A second wise man said: "Your dream promises you much happiness. You will be blessed with long life and health. You will live longer than any of your kindred." As a reward the king gave him 100 gold pieces. Both men said the same thing, but how they said it made the difference.

How do we speak to others about their soul, their need for the Savior from sin, or about their church attendance? Do we argue heatedly? That is what Paul warns against. Harsh words stir up anger. Instead, we need to cultivate a pleasant way of speaking and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us season our answers and remarks with love, kindness, understanding, and concern.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Happiness in God's Vineyard"

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40
   

Jesus taught that happiness lies in servanthood, in being useful to somebody, in loving and serving another. You don't necessarily find happiness in a high-salaried position or getting married or acquiring property. You don't find it in what the modern world has come to think of as being independent -- of meeting one's own needs first. Jesus thinks happiness is just the opposite of that: not being independent but being sympathetic and indispensable to someone.

Jesus Himself is the best example of the kind of happiness that makes itself useful to others. Because Jesus went about doing good, people flocked around Him, never leaving Him alone. This pursuit of happiness in life seeks day after day to give the best to someone who needs a lift. Despite His suffering, Jesus found the happiest moments of life going to the cross, carrying it for all of humanity.

Life is God's vineyard. Our purpose in it is to make an investment. When we take our eyes off ourselves, follow the example of Jesus, and gratefully do the Father's will, serving our heavenly Father by serving those around us, the result will be happiness.