Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Providing Love"

"Your Father knows that you need them." Luke 12:30
   

"Your Father!" What a tender touch these words give to the reassuring words of Jesus. He had just pointed His disciples to the flowers of the field and the birds of the air as evidence of God's providing care and had cautioned them against anxiety over the inevitable needs of tomorrow.

The tired child at the end of day will often confide her wants and needs to her earthly father and then drift of to a peaceful sleep. It is enough that Dad knows! He will find a way to meet his child's needs.

Our heavenly Father knows our every want and wish. And he is abundantly able and willing to provide. "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all -- how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). There is no need in our life, however great or small, that God does not know and which He will not fill if it's necessary for our eternal happiness. "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus," says Paul (Philippians 4:19).

In times of need let us remember that we are God's children. He is our living, loving, and almighty Father. Our welfare and happiness is a matter of His deep personal concern. He knows our names and our needs. It is enough that He knows, for could He know and withhold His help?

[Soldier4Christ]

"God's R.S.V.P."

Before they call, I will answer. Isaiah 65:24
   

Sometimes we get an invitation that asks us to let the host know if we're coming. The card often has "R.S.V.P.," a French abbreviation for "please respond." God invites us to pray and promises to answer every one of our prayers. Isaiah tells us that sometimes God answers even before we ask! This may seem impossible, but remember that we pray to a God who is able to do all things.

Does the Savior know all our needs and wants? Surely He does, but He still invites us to pray about any and all of them. God is capable of granting us anything He wants to and fully answers all our petitions according to His good and gracious will.

Naturally God does not desire to grant His beloved children things that would harm us, so at times He is compelled to answer no. But He always answers, and always in our best interests, just as a loving father will answer his child -- sometimes yes, sometimes no, and even sometimes wait -- but always in love.

Notice how in the Lord's Prayer Jesus encourages us to call on our heavenly Father for all things, especially for our spiritual needs of forgiveness and deliverance from evil. God always replies, and it's always for our best!

[Soldier4Christ]

"An Eyewitness Report"

We were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
   

Detractors of the Christian faith often dismiss it as merely pious myths, having nothing to do with reality. They forget that the very first propagators of the faith were eyewitnesses of the miraculous events that they proclaimed: the miracles of Christ, His transfiguration, His death, His post-resurrection appearances to the Eleven, an appearance to more than 5,000 at one time, and finally His visible ascension into heaven. Not myths, but facts! Not dreams, but reality!

The writers of the New Testament letters stress this again and again. John, who was closest to the Savior, writes: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched" (1 John 1:1) -- this is what the apostles declared to us.

Our faith, then, is based on the very words and works of Christ, transmitted by reliable witnesses who both saw and heard the precious Gospel as it unfolded before their very eyes. It was to them that Christ said: "Go ... preach the good news" (Mark 16:15). Thank God, we have received the Gospel from those whose eyes had seen the events they recorded!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Make Use of Today"

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
   

A motivational plaque declares, "Yesterday is but a dream; tomorrow is a vision of hope; look to this day for its life." This saying can be used to express the urgency of our lives as Christians. If yesterday were Christmas, today Easter, and tomorrow was Christ's second coming and the end of time as we know it, would we be living differently?

In C. S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters," the devil meets with his under-devils to plan how best to combat Christianity. Each under-devil is assigned the challenge to come up with a catchy slogan. One suggests, "There is no God." The devil feels this would be hard to promote. Another suggests, "There is no devil." Again the idea is rejected as not possible. The last little devil comes up with the slogan, "There is no hurry." The perfect slogan to defeat Christianity!

We always feel that there will be time. We do not feel the urgency to share the Gospel today. Would it make a difference if we knew that Christ was coming tomorrow? Whom do you know who needs to hear of Christ's birth, death, resurrection, and second coming? There is a valid warning in that slogan from "The Screwtape Letters." Christianity is impacted in a most negative way by Christians who feel there is no hurry.

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"The Real World"

He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21
   

A Christian may be a citizen of heaven, but he must first live on this earth. He dare not drown in a sea of mysticism; he must not lose contact with the realities of his present situation. In his union with God he should not drop out of the fellowship of humanity. He has duties and obligations toward other people in this world.

What it means to be a good Samaritan on a person-to-person basis is clear. But how are we to carry out the commandments of God in respect to social justice? Should love for fellow human beings prompt the Christian to participate in demonstrations on their behalf? Should the Christian be active politically in the same cause?

We know that in our dealings with other people the law of love is supreme. No legalism, no selfish considerations, no personal dislike of one's neighbor must stand in the way of our helping her in every way possible. That's what we're here for. Our assignment is to serve people, as the Son of Man came to serve. He died on the cross for all, but only those who believe in Him shall see life eternal. We who believe must do all we can to get this Gospel to everybody.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Who Sets the Priorities?"

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

A Christian counselor often hears someone say: "I don't know what the Bible says, but I think ..." This may apply to domestic problems, to making moral decisions, yes, even to doctrinal matters. It seems that more and more people are making judgments and decisions based on their own reason, even their own feelings and desires.

This would be good, except that He who made the heaven and the earth and all that is in them, including human beings, has given us a set of guidelines. We are to follow them if we are to attain happiness and avoid much of the misery that we bring on ourselves.

Who sets the priorities? God does, in the Holy Scriptures. There we find guidance for life -- for a happy marriage, for uprightness in business, and for right relationships in all our social dealings. Above all, in the Holy Scriptures we find Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and rose again to save us. That leaves us just one route to follow. Jesus said, "Search the Scriptures!" They are the unerring guide for all of life. They set this priority: Christ and His kingdom first!

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Wellspring of Life"

Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
   

We are apt to regard our thoughts as fleeting and unimportant and, as a result, imagine that it matters very little what we think as long as we say and do what is right. Yet, in the last analysis, everything depends on our thoughts.

It is true that our thoughts are the products and proofs of our character. But they are infinitely more than that. They are the very materials out of which our character, lives, and destinies are built. Evil thoughts mar and destroy. Good thoughts build up, elevate, and refine. What we shall be in the future is based on what we think today, for what we think today provides the basis from which all our words and actions spring.

Above all, as Christ rules in our hearts His radiance beautifies our thoughts. He enables us to lift our thoughts above all that is sordid and sinful and to keep them steadily in the presence of God. Paul had this in mind when he said, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things" (Philippians 4:. This is the peace that Christ earned for us by His death on the cross and that enters our hearts by faith in Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God’s Fishermen"

“Come, follow Me," Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
   

Have you ever wondered why some Christians wear a pin with a fish on it? The early Christians had an expression in Greek: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” In the days of persecution they abbreviated these words, using only the first letter of each word. These letters spell “icthys,” a Greek word for “fish.”

God has made us His fishermen, and “the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish” (Matthew 13:47). How privileged we are to be selected as His fishermen! We have a joyful task even greater than that of the angels as we witness for Christ among people here on earth.

Few of us consider fishing a tiresome chore. We eagerly await and enjoy every opportunity to use our rod and reel. As fishermen for Christ, we should seek out every opportunity to tell others that Jesus Christ is our only Savior from sin.

Let us react as the disciples did when Jesus told them He would make them fishers of men: “At once they left their nets and followed Him” (Matthew 4:20). We too follow Jesus when we share with others the message of God’s love and forgiveness in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Valuable Service"

Serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
   

We are saved to serve. We do not only take and receive; we also give and share.

Servants give themselves. It is more blessed to serve – to give oneself – than to give things. Foreign missionaries give their lives. They uproot themselves from family and friends, from their culture and security. They go to strange lands with different cultures and languages. It is simple for most of us to give money for their support. That is a blessed service, of course, but it is a different level from the service of self.

God accepts our service of things. He talks about feeding the hungry and giving a drink to the thirsty. He accepts these actions and things, done in love and faith, as good works. Most of that comes easily, but He also talks about housing the stranger, assisting the sick, and visiting the prisoner. Volunteers serve by cleaning the church. Others give a donation. A member visits the jail and ministers to its inmates. Others finance a chaplain, and that also is good. But it is the giving of ourselves in service that is most costly and difficult.

Every service given, whether of ourselves or of our possessions, is motivated by our love for Christ. He enables us to serve. As He empowers us through His Word and sacraments, our service becomes a privilege and a joy.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Enjoying People"

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
   

Do you enjoy the people God has placed into your life? Do you enjoy the person to whom you are married? Do you like to be around your co-workers? Peter Drucker, often called “the father of American management,” says the number 1 characteristic of leaders is that they enjoy other people.

The apostle Paul enjoyed people. When he thought of others, he remembered the positive blessings God had given to them. While he had many problems in Philippi (he was arrested illegally, beaten, humiliated, and run out of town), Paul remembered the good things about his Christian friends there. Having been forgiven by God through Christ, he was able to forgive others. In other words, by God’s grace he was enabled to “remember the best and forget the rest.” God empowered Paul to bring those people before God’s throne of grace in thanksgiving.

Life is too short not to enjoy the people God has placed in our lives. May we take Paul’s lead in thanking God for the blessings of the people around us. The love of Christ will overflow in us, causing us to find joy in caring for others.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Perfect Planning"

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
   

Prior planning prevents poor performance. Anyone who has planned a successful event will vouch for that. And those who have resorted to last-minute preparation with no prior planning can relate stories of disastrous results.

Prior planning is simple for the Christian: begin with God. He is the great planner. “In the beginning,” God planned and effected all creation. Through His Son, God devised and implemented a plan of salvation for the whole world. God announced His plans to send the Holy Spirit for all believers prior to Jesus’ return to heaven. What a perfect planner!

But God is also a personal planner for every one of us. Before we were formed in the womb, God chose a plan and purpose for each of us (Jeremiah 1:5). It makes perfect sense to consult God in prayer to discover His plans before we initiate ours. Too often we make our own plans, then ask God to fit Himself into them. That’s not a good idea. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21). God works out His will despite our selfish plans, but prayerful planning with God spells purposeful performance.

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"You Don’t Mean Me!"

"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11
   

God imposes many interesting challenges on us through the responsibilities of life. These come to us in business, in the church, in our personal lives. Unfortunately, many people try to excuse themselves from these challenges. By not using fully their abilities, many people deny themselves a rewarding experience.

Moses tried to do this very thing. God called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses said, “Who am I?” He told God that He must have gotten hold of the wrong man. Surely God could not mean him! Had God accepted his excuse, Moses would have been buried a forgotten shepherd.

How often we seek to run away from the challenges and opportunities that God in His wisdom gives us! The Lord dares us as Christians to live the life of heroic faith and service. He wants us to give of our gifts and ourselves to build the Kingdom. He promises blessings to us through the obligations we meet. How often do we excuse ourselves and say, “Surely, Lord, You do not mean me!” Let us learn to accept God’s challenge.

By God’s grace, we shall rise to the full stature of our being as Christians, redeemed for a life of service by our precious Savior, who came to Bethlehem, humble and poor, to enrich our lives now and in eternity.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Perfect Day"

This is the day the LORD has made. Psalm 118:24
   

The most difficult thing in life is to live in the present. Many of us diminish the joy of the present moment by regretting the mistakes of the past or by anticipating the troubles of the future. Hence the present moment, with its opportunities and responsibilities, escapes us.

In contrast to this, the word of the psalmist comes to us: “This is the day the LORD has made.” This is the day in which we are living. All the past days are gone forever; those to come have not yet arrived. So we live for this one.

This day is weighty. This day you must face your problems squarely; this day you seek to be a faithful spouse, a concerned parent, a conscientious employee, a true disciple of Christ. This day is weighty because God made it; He is in control of it.

What has God done to enable us to live not only in the present but also in His presence? In eternity God planned our salvation, ordaining that His Son be born, suffer, die, and rise again on set days to save us. Because there were such days, we are at peace with God today. Each day now comes as a precious gift of God, and we can rejoice in it.

[Soldier4Christ]

"In a Crowd"

Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof. Mark 2:4
   

It isn’t always easy to get through a crowd. If you have ever tried to elbow your way to a sale table or leave a sporting event with the throng, you know how rude and pushy a crowd can be. The crowd in the account as related by Mark was in the way, making it impossible for the paralytic’s friends to get him in front of Jesus or even into the same room with Him. It took ingenuity and a lot of determination to climb to the roof, remove some of its tiles, and lower their friend in front of the Master.

What stands in your way and keeps you from bringing your friends to Jesus? Is it the crowds of those who surround us, who do not know Jesus and who make sharing Jesus with friends uncomfortable? Is it the temptation to put off sharing Jesus and His love to a better time or more suitable place?

This man’s friends were persistent. Sharing Jesus with others calls for persistence. May the Spirit help us clear the way for things that would keep our friends from coming to Jesus. May the Spirit help us be ready to speak to them the words that share the message of forgiveness, life, and salvation. May the Spirit help us determine that nothing will stop us from bringing our friends to Jesus and Jesus to our friends.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why Do It?"

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
   

There is a reason behind every action one does. We cannot always tell what it may be, just as we cannot always know what prompts some of our own actions. What looks like a kind act may have an unkind motive behind it. In Jesus’ short sermon to the Pharisee who had invited Him to dinner, the Lord warns against doing good things to get some reward.

What the Lord cautioned against does not sound strange to us. We find ourselves tied up in that kind of thing. We often do things because we think we can get something out of it for ourselves. In a little while we find ourselves going around in circles, measuring out very carefully what we will do for someone and what the chances are for getting an equal return. The sad thing is that the circles get smaller and smaller until we find ourselves serving ourselves. And that is not a pretty sight.

Why do Christians work at the daily job? Why do they show love for others? Why do they do this willingly and enthusiastically? For only one reason. Christians know they are serving the Lord Jesus. They don’t expect a reward. Reward does not matter. What matters is the confidence that they are doing this for Christ. All of life is laid at the feet of the Lord.