Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Fortune"

In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
   

We sometimes say, "Some people have all the luck." But do they?

That person is not necessarily fortunate for whom everything seems to be going well. "Going well" means different things to different people. A millionaire who loses all of his fortune except $5,000 might think of himself as a pauper. A pauper who comes into unexpected possession of $5,000 might feel like a millionaire.

That person is fortunate whose life has solid moorings, who, in either good or evil fortune, lives by the sure hope that "in all things"--in good or evil alike--"God works for the good of those who love Him."

That person is fortunate who knows that as part of the family of God he is surrounded and upheld by God's unfailing love.

That person is fortunate who knows that in God's economy there is no such thing as "fate" or "luck" but that God is at work in and through everything that comes to us.

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. That doesn't mean we won't have bad days. It does mean that in the bad days we have Christ's strength to draw on.

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"Total Dependence"

O LORD, You preserve both man and beast. How priceless is Your unfailing love! Psalm 36:6-7
   

If God withdrew from the universe, all life would come to an end, and nothing would be able to function. The world could not exist.

God's power governs, directs, and sustains all He has made. All created things function according to the powers and properties that He has implanted in them. God is actively preserving everything that exists.

Our next heartbeat depends on God. The smallest seed sprouts and grows because of His power. The sun rises and sets according to His ordinance. Much of what God does He does through His creation.

We are dependent on God for everything, especially for our salvation, for by His grace He made us spiritually alive in Christ through our Baptism and forgave us all our sins.

As we recognize that all our help comes from the Lord, we thank and praise Him as the source of all good. We also remember Moses' caution that if the children of Israel enjoyed many good things and flourished, they should not claim the credit. Rather, they should acknowledge that everything comes from the hand of the Lord. We too acknowledge: "O LORD, You preserve both man and beast."

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"God and the Travelers"

"Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss." Acts 27:21
   

The apostle Paul was a traveling man, venturing far and wide by land and sea. He understood that not all journeys were safe and without danger (Acts 27:9-10).

Just think what Paul would say if he could see all the people on the move today. No doubt he would still predict danger and peril.

The problems of travel in Paul's day were mostly due to unmanageable weather elements and inadequate carriers. Today the major problem seems to be the travelers themselves. News reports of highway disasters and accident scenes are frequently attributed to driver negligence, alcoholism, road rage, and the like.

While alcohol, carelessness, speed, and fatigue are often causes of highway deaths, they are not excuses. Paul today would thunder against our violation of the commandment "You shall not kill." God, too, offers something to travelers as a basic rule for the road: "Love does no harm to its neighbor" (Romans 13:10).

But God also comforts travelers who face the unknown and events beyond their control He says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

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"In Jesus' Name"

"In that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me." John 16:26-27
   

"Just mention my name. Tell him I sent you." Sometimes the mention of a name gains admittance and the interest of people who otherwise would be unapproachable.

What comfort and power is ours, then, when the Son of God sends us to His Father and says, "Just mention My name!"

Timidly, we stand outside the door and say: "I cannot go in! God is God, and I am nothing but dust! How can God be concerned about me?" But Jesus urges: "Was I not born of flesh? Yes My Father loves Me! Just mention My name!"

Still we hesitate, "How dare I approach God? God is holy, and I have contradicted His will and deserved only His anger!" "Do not be afraid," says the Savior. "Has not the Father sent Me into the world to fulfill the Law you broke and then suffer the punishment you deserved? Just mention My name!"

"O Jesus," we cry, "You go in and ask the Father for me!" But He replies, "You can ask for yourself. He is your Father, and He loves you because you have loved Me! Just mention My name!" So as God's adopted children through Baptism, we go in boldly and speak the name of Jesus -- and the arms of God open joyfully to receive us as His own!

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Church in All the World"

"Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Romans 10:18
   

Have we ever stopped to consider that the Christian religion may be summarized in just two one-syllable words: "Come" and "Go"? The first word is the Gospel invitation, "Come to Me, all you who are ... burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The second word is the missionary command, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15).

For 2,000 years the church has been listening to that command and, with the Spirit's active help in Word and sacrament, has been endeavoring to fulfill it. The results are evident. Of the heralds of the Gospel it may truly be said, "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

The living church is a missionary church. If Christians feel no urge to carry the word of salvation to those, both at home and abroad, who are dying without hearing it, they may well lose that heritage themselves. By sharing its spiritual gifts with others, the church becomes ever stronger and more vital in its inner life.

The purpose of the church's missionary task is not to teach others to dress and act and live as we do. The great objective of Christian mission work is to proclaim the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation through Christ to all people. To this end the church keeps praying the Lord's own missionary petition: "Thy kingdom come!"

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"Greatness in Service"

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." Mark 10:43
   

In reading the New Testament, you may get the feeling at times that the kingdom of God is a topsy-turvy thing. It takes our human ideas and turns them upside down. God seems to have a very special kind of algebra in which every human plus becomes a minus and every human minus a plus.

For example, in the minds of many, greatness consists of power or wealth or fame. A great person is one who controls the affairs of people or nations, leads victorious armies, builds up a great fortune, displays scientific genius, or writes enduring literature.

But these human notions are exactly the opposite of God's standard of greatness. What must we do to measure up to the divine standard? We must become servants. That may seem strange, but it's exactly what our Lord says: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." And it all fits. For Christ Himself "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

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"The Telltale Mark of Maturity"

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
   

Note the day when you stopped thinking of yourself first and foremost. That day was the beginning of your maturity.

For the first years of life we are almost completely concerned about our own needs. We are insecure. We worry that we will not be taken care of. We grasp every chance to ensure our own rights. When the pie is divided, we want the biggest piece or, at least, as much as the next person. It takes a long time before our attitude changes. But gradually it does -- when someone captures our heart. Soon that other person -- the beloved -- assumes first place in our attentions. We begin to make sacrifices for the loved one. We value the person more than his or her possessions. This turning point is reached at different times with each person. Some may reach it at a relatively young age; others, tragically never.

With Christians it is the love of Jesus and their love for Him that triggers the turnaround. "He must become greater; I must become less'" (John 3:30) becomes the Christian's way of life. At that moment maturity sets in -- and a useful life begins.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Play It by Ear?"

There was evening, and there was morning -- the first day. Genesis 1:5
   

What shall I plan for today that I might fit it into the overall plan for my life? Or will I just take today and "play it by ear?" Planning the day can make for structured living. "Playing it by ear" can make for sloppy living. There is danger in both.

If we plan our day, we should never be so rigid that we become inflexible. Each day has its own surprises, and we must be ready for them because today's surprises are today's opportunities. They must be claimed for they may come our way only once. In keeping the goal of life before us, we must be open-ended enough to make an occasional detour to fill some special need. After all, we are in this world to serve, not to be served.

"Playing it by ear" can be risky and make life so loose that it has no direction or purpose. We need something to make life hang together and give it direction.

The apostle Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21). He said this because Christ had lived and died for him. When, by God's grace, Christ is our goal, we will find that our plans are God's plans.

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"Love Is Not Jealous or Boastful"

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4
   

In the Declaration of Independence we hold this truth to be self-evident: All men are created equal. Men may be created equal, but anyone can observe that there are obvious inequalities, obvious differences in talents, abilities, substance, and environment. The manner in which people use their gifts, whether industriously or indifferently, diligently or carelessly, can increase the difference.

In these differences are to be found the seeds of jealousy and pride, for humanity cannot refrain from making comparisons. Thinking of those who have more, a person can become envious; thinking of those who have less, once can become proud and arrogant.

Only a spirit of love can conquer both feelings -- envy and pride. Love born of God recognizes the biblical truth that God does not play favorites. To God, every person is a sinner in need, and only His love can supply that need.

Only at Calvary's cross can these rough edges of envy and pride be chiseled from our heart. There we are confronted with the truth that all that we are and have is an undeserved gift of God.

The heart that understands this is stripped of all envy and pride, because it regards all fellow human beings as persons in need of Christ's love.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Emergency Call Boxes"

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
   

Emergency call boxes are located along remote stretches of some highways. If a motorist experiences car trouble or some other type of emergency, he or she can use this device to summon assistance.

Many people believe that prayer is for emergencies only, for communication with God in times of trouble. We may pray fervently in times of distress, but we forget to talk with God when our lives are going well.

Heartfelt prayer should be an integral part of our daily lives. God wants to hear from His children. He wants us to tell Him about our needs, desires, and hopes -- everything that is on our mind. He wants us to thank Him for our blessings and praise His name. We receive great blessings by sharing everything in our lives with God. He hears and answers all of our prayers, and He has the power to solve every problem that we might face. Prayer is a time for us to listen to what God is telling us.

Prayer should not be reserved for emergencies. Rather, prayer is like calling home to chat with family and friends and catch up with good news, the Good News. It is the way we can live at peace. Prayer is the call box God has given us to stay in touch with Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Facing Life's Changes Fearlessly"

"Don't be afraid; from now you will catch men." Luke 5:10
   

There was a time when a person could choose a career and settle down secure for the rest of his or her working life. The fear of being uprooted seemed groundless.

How far this is from reality for most folks today! Even farmers, so traditionally stable, feel anxiety about losing their farms. Organized labor can be insecure. The fear of not being able to work is a reality to many. Does it cause you fear? Do potential life changes stir up in you fears about the future?

One wonders what fears the disciples experienced when Jesus called them from the security of good jobs as fishermen to a mid-life career change of catching men, a job they knew nothing about. But the one who called them calmed them. "Follow me," He said. In the command was the promise of His presence.

Is it really any different for us? Hasn't Jesus promised that He would be with us "to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20)? Surely, we can trust His presence in our labors, in our changes in labor, and in our moves from one place to another. The one who loved us enough to die for us is going to be present in any life change. And that's enough.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Friends"

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2
   

It had been a long time since Paul left the little community of faithful believers in Thessalonica. He had come to introduce them to Jesus, about whom they knew nothing at all. He had led them to confess their sins and accept the forgiveness that Jesus, God's Son, and their Savior, had died to earn for them. And he had gone on to bring that same Gospel to other communities around his world.

Although Paul had traveled to other places, he never forgot the Thessalonians. They were good friends whom he remembered with fondness. They were an intimate part of his prayer life. He needed to thank God for them. He needed to pray God's continued blessing on them. Who knows what blessings were poured out on the believers in Thessalonica through their good friend's faithful prayers for them?

As you walk through life, you also leave behind a trail of Christian friends, many of whom you still think of often and remember with fondness. But do you include them in your prayers? Are there people for whom you need to thank God right now? Are there friends who could benefit from your prayers today?

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"It's a Matter of Priorities"

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
   

Here is a practical illustration to reinforce the idea that God's will, what He wants us to do, should take precedence. When it does, there will be time enough for all the activities that ordinarily mark our daily lives. It's a matter of priorities.

Take a jar and fill in three-quarters full of raw rice. Then fill a second jar with Ping-Pong balls. The rice represents all the daily activities that take so much of our time. The Ping-Pong balls represent those things our Lord would have us do. Try pouring the balls into the jar of rice. Not many will fit. There isn't room. Now reverse the process. Put all the balls into the jar and pour in the rice. Isn't it amazing that when we get our priorities straight, the Lord's business first, we have room for all the things we deem important?

When we confuse priorities, God's will so often comes up short. But when by God's grace we put His will and His desires first, there's room for those things that ordinarily constitute our lives. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us keep our priorities straight and put first things first.

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"I Am with You -- for All Eternity"

"And He will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 11:15
   

Time and space are two mysteries no one can even hope to solve. We use the term "infinity," but we cannot begin to visualize space without end. And when we consider eternity -- time without a beginning or end, or perhaps even the absence of time -- our minds begin to reel.

Involved in these mysteries is the mystery of heaven. In this life we cannot hope to know where it is nor to understand it in terms of time. These are things that shall be revealed to us.

The Bible in glowing terms gives us a tiny glimpse of what heaven is like. We know that we shall live perfect lives of happiness there with perfect, glorified bodies, time without end. We know that there we shall meet again our loved ones who have gone before and that there we shall see God face to face. We know that there we shall forever experience the love of God in all its fullness.

In Christ Jesus, the Son of God, heaven itself has in one respect been brought down to this earth. For we have in Him already come to believe and to live in that love. In Him eternity has touched our world of time, for in Him we have been given, here and now, the gift of eternal life, which cannot be taken from us. And in this eternal life Christ Jesus is even now reigning in our hearts as Lord and King, even as He shall continue to reign for all eternity.

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"Annihilate The Children"

Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. Esther 3:13
   

The Reuter’s News Service picture I am looking at shows a mother sitting by the side of her baby who has been poisoned by mustard gas. A suicide bomber in Iraq detonated a blast that sent a cloud of toxic vapors into a residential neighborhood. Anyone who breathed those noxious fumes was sickened. Some have died.

Studying that picture, I am reminded of the Old Testament story of Esther. Esther was an orphaned Jewish girl who, 2,500 years ago, became queen of Persia. When Haman, Persia’s persuasive prime-minister came to power, he schemed to have the entire Jewish people murdered. Scripture describes the intensity of the man’s hatred in the royal decree that instructed the citizenry to “annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children.” The rest of the book of Esther tells how she, with the guidance and advice of her adopting father Mordecai, were able to defuse that explosive situation and save the people.

For centuries, in the month, which the ancient calendar calls Adar, the Jewish people have celebrated God’s subtle, but instrumental deliverance from that plot of the Persian nobleman. In 2007, the month of Adar converts into our month of March, and the Jewish festival of Purim concluded just a few weeks ago.

What hasn’t concluded is man’s hatred toward his fellowman. The blind fury of Persia’s Haman lives on in the heart of Iraq’s suicide bomber, the actions of abusive parents, the road-rage of rush-hour drivers, and, in the minds of all of us.

Because humans still hate, humankind still needs a Savior. Understand that when we speak of ‘a Savior,’ we’re not thinking of beautiful Queen Esther or a charismatic president or prime-minister. Even the best of these can only help a few people for a short period of time. We need THE Savior who alone rescues us for eternity; THE Savior who redeems us from sin, death and Satan, THE Savior who saves us, from us.

Jesus’ perfect life, His innocent suffering and death, and His glorious resurrection have rescued believers from certain death. Isaiah tells us, “the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (53:5) Which naturally leads me to ask this question: If the Jewish nation has celebrated their earthly rescue for 25 centuries, shouldn’t faithful Christians also remember their eternal rescue which Christ won for them upon Calvary’s cross?