Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Harmony in the House"

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
   

The choir sang in beautiful four-part harmony. If just the sopranos or tenors had sung, they would have sounded good, but the four voices together enriched each other.

People in a home are like a choir. To live in harmony, they don't all have to be alike, look alike, or act alike. In fact, it is good when they are different and complete one another. Family members who live in harmony enjoy companionship. They share joys and sorrows.

A harmonious home life requires much effort. We must put up with others when they are irritable. God paid dearly to make our forgiveness possible. His perfect Son shed His blood for our faults. As He forgives us, we daily forgive one another.

It is wrong to dig up the past, to put other members of the family down, or especially to criticize them in public. We ought not make comparisons or take each other for granted. We are to thank and commend one another. Daily we need to turn to the Lord for strength to make harmony in the home a habit. Let us stick together and work together so that as a family we may walk in the way of the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Happy Chefs"

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
   

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That’s the claim, which ‘Sin City’ has been making about itself for over a year now. It’s a claim that they take seriously as the gambling community tries to do everything glitzier, gaudier, and more garishly than anyone else.

It’s a claim that is no longer true.

Last Saturday the faithful folk from the Amish community of Millersburg, Ohio took something away from Vegas. If that line doesn’t make you curious, nothing will. Now, lest you imagine rows of bearded men and bonneted women standing before the slot machines and breaking the bank, let me explain.

The record for the world’s biggest buffet, a buffet of 510 dishes, is held by the city of Las Vegas. Maybe, I should say that it was held by the city of Las Vegas. On Saturday the Amish, with the help of area restaurants, bakeries and home cooks, held a buffet of 600 dishes and shattered the record that was set last year at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Once again God’s David’s have brought down the world’s Goliath. Only this time, rather than using a stone and slingshot, the Lord’s representatives cooked up Hungarian sauerkraut soup, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé and corn casseroles. As one of the organizers of the event said, “We might not have glitz and glamour, but we know how to cook.”

When I read that last line, “we know how to cook,” I smiled. Then I remembered the old hymn that says, “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!” (Lutheran Worship Hymn 318, author Daniel March)

When the hymn-writer composed those lines, I’m sure he didn’t have an Amish buffet in mind, but I’m equally sure that he knew the Lord has given each of His people a gift that can be used in His service. For the Amish of Ohio, God’s gift is cooking and they’ve used that aptitude to raise tens of thousands of dollars to feed the poor. I like that. They understood what St. Paul was saying when he wrote, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do to the glory of God.”

That’s a good directive for today to all of God’s people. We ought to remember: whether we’re working, or playing, or making a dish for a giant buffet, it should glorify the Lord who sent His Son to save us. When God’s work is our pleasure, the Christ is lifted up for all to see.

[Soldier4Christ]

"We’re Not So Bad "

Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:10-12
   

When hurricane Katrina blew ashore a lot of things went wrong. The news reports have been filled with horror stories telling those things. We’ve all heard how the levees went down, how some people in nursing homes were abandoned, how some patients in hospitals may have been euthanized, how the government didn’t react as quickly and as thoroughly as they might have, and how pillaging gangs prowled through the streets. Yes, a lot went wrong.

Indeed, a casual observer might quickly conclude nothing went right. If that’s what you have come to believe, a writer for Time, John J. DiIulio Jr., wants to set the record straight. He wants you to know that the reaction of the Christian community to the Katrina catastrophe was very right. In an article published on March 22nd, Mr. DiIulio says, “news stories, government reports and academic studies have confirmed, religious organizations were among the ‘first responders’ to respond well in the days after the storms hit. Since then, whether measured by volunteers mobilized, dollars donated, houses rebuilt or people counseled and consoled, national religious nonprofits have led the region’s recovery efforts.”

What Mr. DiIulio Jr. wrote is no shock to many of us. We know how some Lutheran pastors refused to leave their flocks, choosing instead to shepherd their people until the National Guard physically removed them. In the months that followed the Katrina calamity, we’ve watched the steady procession of volunteers who, having received love from their crucified and risen Savior, wish to reflect that love to those in need. We’re proud to know a multitude of people who: ‘Love one another with brotherly affection; who rejoice in hope, are patient in tribulation and constant in prayer.’

We know these things, but it’s still nice to have someone else say these things, even if it has taken more than a year-and-a-half for someone to say it.

Which is why the next time you hear someone say the Savior is a failure and His forgiven saints are hypocrites, or that all of society’s shortcomings are our shortfall, you can hold up your head and remember the Savior’s redeemed saints can sometimes get it right.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Right and Wrong"

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." 1 Peter 1:24-25
   

We are living in a world of unprecedented change. In one generation we have gone from horse travel to the space shuttle. Technology continues to accelerate, making possible more advanced computers, new medical procedures, and conveniences unthinkable years ago.

There is nothing wrong with progress. But we must take care amid the rapid changes occurring today that we do not drift from our Christian moorings. God and His Word, the Bible, never vary. They are our secure anchor during life's tempests.

Recently we heard a Christian defend unethical business practices: "That's what you have to do these days to get ahead." A church member who fell into sexual sin said apologetically, "I know the Bible says it's wrong, but it feels natural and right." Such statements are symptoms of an age that suffers from the disease of relativism. However, God tells us that what's wrong is wrong, and His Word is right. People and their ideas flower quickly and fade with time, but God's Word is permanent, enduring forever.

Thank God that in our changing world we have His changeless promise of forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Before the Face of God"

Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:10
   

One of the wealthiest men in the world, when asked how much money he needed to live comfortably, answered, "I would starve on $2,000 a week." We never seem to have enough. We buy a house and promptly want to remodel. We get a raise and shortly find ourselves living to the limit of our higher income. We buy a new car and covet the newest models as soon as they hit the market. This is our fate as long as we chase after earthbound goals. Contentment is a handmaid to the attitude that sees wealth and possessions as gifts through which to give God glory. "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:.

There is nothing wrong with a fine home, a reliable car, or a comfortable income. All these may be used to glorify God. The trouble comes when they begin to take a preferred place to God on our list of values. "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).

God has a special plan for our lives. He is the giver of all good things. He grants us places to live and clothes to wear. But He gives us the grace to love Him above all else. His Son has taught us to live before the face of God with humility and gratitude, contentment and gratification.

[Soldier4Christ]

"You Can Do It!"

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2
   

After he had run all 26 miles of the New York City Marathon, one runner had this to say of the cheering crowds along the way: "My goal was to make the 16-mile mark, but the inspiration the people gave made me think twice about not finishing. The winner had passed by an hour before, but the crowd stayed on cheering us all. 'You can do it,' they yelled. How could I give up in front of this throng? I was beginning to feel sore in my thighs and hips. I had no energy left, but I plodded on to that faraway finish line."

All of us need encouragement in the daily race of our Christian life. That's why God puts us with other people. We can cheer one another on. Our congregations are meant to be support groups. In them we do bear one another's burdens.

Through God's Word and sacraments we can encourage those who tire of doing good, lift those who stumble and fall, and comfort those who ache and hurt from the blows of life. We tolerate stress and pressures better if at least one other person knows about it and cares.

[Soldier4Christ]

"To the Ends of the Earth"

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
   

Jesus commissioned us to be witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, our own cities and towns, and to the ends of the earth. On one hand we say the world is getting smaller with satellites circling the earth and jets crossing the oceans in a matter of hours. What happens in one part of the world is known instantly throughout a vast communication network.

But the world is also getting bigger. Fifty years ago there were just over two billion people in this world. Today there are more than five billion. And only one-fourth of them know, or profess to know, Jesus as their Savior. Christians must be ever more diligent and determined in proclaiming Jesus Christ and His cross. It is to be part of our very nature to herald Jesus and His word of reconciliation to those with whom we live and to those whom we don't know and have never and will never meet. Jesus said, "You will be My witnesses." He did not say "you ought to be" or "you should be," but "you will be." Each Christian, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is equipped and committed to share the love of Jesus with others, at home, in the neighborhood, and across the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Up to Speed"

"If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." John 14:23
   

Individuals who know what is going on around them and are able to size up a situation and then can deal with it are sometimes referred to as "up to speed." Corporations are always looking for people who measure up. Universities search out students who, they feel, will be able to cope with college academics successfully. Sales managers are in constant search for talented people who can sell themselves as well as their products.

Our gracious God is always looking for those who in their lives reflect their love for Him. They do so by becoming involved in His Word and then applying it to their lives. They are the people of God who ask the question "What does my Lord want me to do?" not "What's in it for me?" They eagerly accept responsibilities in His church to show their appreciation for what He has done for them in Christ, the Savior from sin.

Christ makes this great promise: "My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." It is thrilling to have a national figure as an intimate friend but to share the intimacy of God is breathtaking.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Listen!"

Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
   

We are bombarded with noises and voices. Since much of what we hear is unpleasant or unimportant, we often don't listen carefully.

There are times when love demands that we listen. When someone is hurting, it may be even more important for us to lend an ear than a helping hand. That person may not want or need advice -- just someone to listen with patience. A few well-chosen encouraging words may be helpful.

When there has been a disagreement between people, there must be some honest speaking and loving listening if the relationship is to be healed. Often we are anxious to say some very honest things but are not willing to listen to one another.

Good listening does not mean just being silent while others speak. A good listener tries to see the problem the way the speaker sees it. He tries to feel for him, experience with him.

We tend to do all the talking also when we pray. It's hard for us to listen to God when He says "forgive"; "be angry but do not sin"; "speak the truth in love"; and "love others as yourself"! If we really listen to God as He speaks in His holy Word, we'll be better listeners to other people.

[Soldier4Christ]

"New and Improved"

[You] have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:10
   

You've seen the ads claiming that products are "new and improved." That also describes Christians.

Saint Paul talks about some of the works of the old nature: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, anger, malice, and slander. These words characterize the sinful nature in all people. But later Paul lists some traits of the new nature: compassion, kindness, meekness, patience, love, and harmony. That's quite an improvement! Actually, it's more than an improvement; it's a radical change brought about by the Holy Spirit, who renews us so we become more and more like Christ, our Savior.

Periodically we should look at our lives and ask which nature is most evident: the old or the new. Are our lives characterized by anger, impatience, selfishness, jealousy, and envy? Or do words like gentle, kind, and loving describe who we are?

"All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). The Christian life is a constant struggle to put off the old nature, with which we were born, and to live according to the new nature, given us in Baptism. By the power of the Spirit dwelling in our hearts, God renews us, making us truly new and improved.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Prayer Plus Response"

"I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail." Luke 22:32
   

A son hearing his father pray that the wants of the poor might be supplied said, "Dad, I wish I had your grain." Why, son? What would you do with it?" asked the father, a farmer. The son replied, "I would answer your prayers."

Is it not true that answers to our prayers sometimes lie in us? We pray for the worldwide mission program. A proper response to this prayer would be to support missions with our personal witnessing and generous offerings. We pray for good government. Again, a proper response to such a prayer would be that we strive to be law-abiding citizens. As parents we pray that the faith of our children may not fail. A proper response to such a prayer would be that we teach them the Word of God with all diligence.

Jesus prayed and then acted. He prayed for the apostles and for all believers through the centuries. His prayer was followed by action, for He went to the cross, suffered, died, and rose again for the salvation of the whole human race. He prayed for His disciples that their faith would not fail and then lovingly encouraged them to faithfulness. If the answer to some of our prayers lies in us, may God lead us to action!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Who Wants to Go"

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send" And who will go for Us? Isaiah 6:8
   

There is no silence so deep, none so embarrassing, none so penetrating as the silence that usually follows the question, "There is work to do! Any volunteers?" Those at the meeting sit very still in their chairs, eyes cast down, as the chairman searches the group for some sign of willingness to serve. The poor moderator, at that moment, has some inkling of the pained silence in heaven as God too seeks servers.

God does seek servers! Not because He needs our response. Not at all. Messengers by the millions, the angels, yearn to do His bidding. Yet for the love of humankind He gives us opportunities to share in His plan for the world. God permits us to give food to the hungry, wisdom to the ignorant, healing to the sick, forgiveness to the penitent, and hope to the confused. He wants to use us so we may have the joy of participating in service. It is regrettable that the most common response to His call is silence. Instead of an eager "I'll go!" the loyal sons and daughters of the loving Father too often sit mute.

Who wants to go and serve God by telling sinful humankind that God gave His only Son on Calvary's cross to set us free? By God's grace, let each one of us say with Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me!"

[Soldier4Christ]

"Reliable"

"Show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORD as long as I live." 1 Samuel 20:14
   

We would want it said of us that we are reliable. We want friends and family to be able to depend on us to react predictably when some specific situation arises or when "the pressure's on." People want to be able to count on us. They want to know that we will be as good as our word and unchanging in our support and friendship.

To be reliable is a basic ingredient of any friendship. C.S. Lewis observed that few of us have many friends. We have acquaintances. In a mobile and fast-paced society, building lasting friendships is difficult. Self-interest takes precedent over concern for others. We curve in on ourselves.

King David in Psalm 12 decries the lack of faithfulness among people and talks about deceit and deception. But David also knew the reliability of lasting friendship. He had found that in his relationship with Jonathan.

Jonathan, in turn, likened the love he wanted from David to the kind of reliable love he had experienced from the hands of God. That kind of reliable love and friendship is not only like the love of God but also stems from that love. God's love authors our kindness and love for others.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God's Will"

You ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15
   

Does the old phrase "the good Lord willing" still play a part in our planning? Most of us have heard stirring graduation speeches or motivational seminars where we are told, "You can be whatever you want to be." The intention is to inspire higher goals and greater ambition. While we appreciate encouragement, as Christians we are wary of any promise that leaves God out of the picture.

James noted that even we Christians are tempted to make plans without considering the will of God. He reminds us that we who live under a loving God depend on His good pleasure. When we plan for the future, we must seek guidance and direction from Him. When we add "If the Lord wills," we are doing much more than tacking on a pious phrase. Those words express our willingness to change or abandon our plans in favor of God's design.

Life brings disappointments and questions: What was wrong with my plan? What is God's will for my job, education, or marriage? Because we know the Master Planner, we can accept His ways for us. To all our dreams and wishes and prayers we can add, "If the Lord wills." The God who sacrificed His own Son to redeem us will not let us down!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Blessed to Bless"

"I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2
   

What a wonderful promise the Lord gave to Abraham, the father of the Hebrew people and an ancestor of Jesus: "I will bless you, ... and you will be a blessing." God blesses us too that we may bless others.

Can we hear? Let's listen to others with a sympathetic ear. Can we speak? May we use the gift of speech in a constructive way -- to heal, enrich, and build up self-esteem. Has God blesses us in a material way? Let us share our possessions and be generous to the church. Do we have a skill in business, music, teaching, working with children and youth, or some other talent? May we use our God-given ability in the church and elsewhere to improve other lives. If we are healthy, we may assist the weak. If we are frail and sickly, we can benefit others by praying for them.

Have we in time of trouble and sorrow experienced the help of God and the love of people? Let us share the strength and support we have received, showing understanding to people who are troubled. Let us tell how God has sustained us in time of difficulty. Do we know Jesus as personal Savior and Friend? Let's pass on the good news. All of us have been blessed in some way. May we in turn be a blessing.