Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"Adopted Children"

[God] predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5
   

Thousands of children are adopted each year. Without the experience we cannot fully understand the joy and happiness that come to those who adopt a child.

All Christians are adopted. When we became Christians, God adopted us into His family through this means of grace -- Word and Baptism. He made us members of the holy Christian church.

Only by God's undeserved love are we the children of God. None of us deserved to be in His family. By nature we were spiritual outcasts. Nothing in us made us worthy of His love. The sins charged against us made it impossible for us to be received as God's children if it depended on us. There was no earthly reason why God should adopt us.

But there was a heavenly reason -- His love! Through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Father made it possible for us to have our sins forgiven, to become the blood-bought sons and daughters of God. We remain God's children by clinging in childlike faith to Jesus as our only Savior.

What a privilege to be adopted as God's children! May we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, live a life of thanks and praise in His family.

[Soldier4Christ]

"You Can Make a Difference"

If, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned ... how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace ... reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
   

What power one individual has for good or evil! Adam disobeyed God, and humanity was cursed. The human race was preserved through righteous Noah. Moses prayed, and God spared the entire nation. David killed Goliath, and the army of Israel won the battle.

The prime example of the influence of one is the Lord Jesus. As Adam brought sin and death into the world, Jesus brought forgiveness and life. If we trust in Jesus alone, God accepts us and assures us of eternal life.

We don't rank with Jesus, Noah, Moses, or David. We are inclined to ask, "What difference can I make?" A good answer is given by the person who wrote, "I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, by the grace of God I will do."

None of us is indispensable. Yet each is important. Some acts of kindness will never be done if not by us. Some lonely people will never be reminded of God's love, and certain people without Jesus may never come to believe in Him unless we invite them. May we uplift the spirit of those around us and encourage them to do better, to have hope, and to be of good cheer!

[Soldier4Christ]

"Honesty in Business"

The merchant uses dishonest scales; he loves to defraud. Hosea 12:7
   

We hear and read much about corruption and questionable tactics in the business world. The abuses are symptoms of humankind's greed, found in societies the world over.

Hosea describes this greed in the words of our text. He shows that the desire for gain, acquired by deception and at the expense of the buyer, occurs frequently.

The merchant who resorts to deceit, the storekeeper who gives customers short weight, the dealer who mislabels the goods, the salesperson who hides the defects of a product -- all of these may deceive the buyer but their craftiness does not escape divine scorn. The commandment "Thou shalt not steal" applies to the dubious deals that are passed off as "good business."

It is, of course, possible to be a Christian businessperson and to adhere to the principles of fairness and honesty. This is the only policy that wins divine approval.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Stepping Aside for Others"

Love is not self-seeking. 1 Corinthians 13:5
   

Sometimes mountain trails have stretches so narrow that two hikers can barely pass each other. Only as one stands still at the side can the other go by safely. If both insist on their own way, danger could turn into disaster.

Often on life's trail our desires conflict with those of someone else. Too often neither gives in willingly -- with disastrous results for the relationship.

Jesus guides us in handling such situations. He inquired in Gethsemane whether a way other than Calvary might be possible. But He did not insist on His way. In keeping with His Father's will, He chose the way of the cross, suffering for us sinners.

Now, forgiven through faith in Him, we are able to forgive. Loved by Him, we also can love -- not only God, but others as well. Part of this love is not to insist on our own way.

Of course, we must insist on God's way. When His Word clearly speaks, we must follow, no matter how much conflict results. But when it is merely a matter of my way instead of another, because of Jesus I can willingly yield for the other to pass.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Confident in Prayer"

In the day of my trouble I will call to You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7
   

"God will answer me." Can we really be so confident? Yes -- God assures us that He will answer our prayers. "Ask and it will be given to you," said Jesus (Matthew 7:7). He even promised us the ability to move mountains by prayer if this should be necessary. All that is required is faith in Him.

Yes, faith! How often do we pray halfheartedly, doubting that God will hear? How often Jesus had to rebuke His disciples for their weak faith! And how often, in connection with His miracles, did He commend people for their faith! Effective prayer and faith go together.

In praying for spiritual blessings -- faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit -- we pray without qualification, for we know that it is God's will to give these blessings. In praying for earthly blessings, we are not always certain what God's will is. So we commit the matter to Him, knowing that He will do what is best for us and our loved ones. He has proved His love by giving His only Son into death to redeem us.

Adding the petition "Lord, strengthen my faith" to a prayer will work wonders. "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22).

[Soldier4Christ]

"Being Realistic"

What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 1 Corinthians 4:7
   

This is a humbling question that greets us at every point as we take inventory of our assets. Our body, mind, and soul are gifts of God. Our faith is nourished by the Bible, given by inspiration of God, and by Holy Communion, the very body and blood of our Lord.

We live in cities and on farms that were made possible by the hardships of rugged pioneers. In our education we had access to the treasures of the ages, gathered by an untold number of scholars. Our personality reflects the influences that have come to us from parents, teachers, friends, and associates. In making our living we are dependent on a political and economic order that calls for the cooperation of many. Behind all these human activities is God, who rules and overrules for our welfare. Yes, what do we have that we did not receive?

This question also deepens in us the sense of responsibility. There is no such thing as absolute ownership. Therefore nobody can say: "This is mine to be used as I please." We are divinely appointed stewards. As such we are to invest ourselves, our talents, and our possessions to the glory of God, for the temporal and eternal welfare of others.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Love, the Greatest Gift"

These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13
   

God is love. The supreme self-revelation of God is to be seen in the love of Christ. So it is not surprising that Saint Paul declares love to be the greatest of all things. It is the one thing that abides forever. Necessary as faith is in this life, love is greater because faith will end in seeing. Precious as hope is, love is greater because hope will end in fulfillment. Love is greater than all other gifts and blessings. It is greater than eloquence, than prophecy, than all learning.

See how powerful love is and how wonderful are its effects! Love teaches us to be patient and kind and generous. It keeps us from being envious and arrogant and proud. It makes for courtesy and unselfishness. It puts the best construction on everything. It dwells on the good rather than on the evil.

Christian love is the greatest civilizing and refining agency. No matter how great one's knowledge or power or fame, unless love is the moving force, no life is really good or great. The abundant life of which Jesus speaks is a life that is "rooted and established in love" and that knows "the love of Christ ... that surpasses knowledge" (Ephesians 3:17). Whoever lives in this love is a truly spiritual person.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Guided by Love"

Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. Ephesians 5:2
   

All of us want to control things in our lives. Parents control children. Teachers control students. Businesspeople control profits and losses. Farmers control weeds and insects. Children control toys. Drivers control cars.

As Christians, we want God's love to govern and direct our lives. Between God and His people there is a bond of love. So great is God's love for us that Jesus gave up His life for us on the cross. That love connection by faith brings response and change. Those who have been touched by God's love in Christ are so moved that they no longer live for themselves, but for Him.

Sacrificial love characterizes the Christian life. We are now controlled by Christ's love. Christ's love is God's power at work in our lives. Christ's love is God's way of governing His church to keep it radiant and vibrant.

The life of love has no hint of immorality, indecency, greed, or foul language. Rather it is a life openly lived to enable all to see the goodness, righteousness, and truth produced in it by the power of the Spirit.

"Love makes the world go round" is a song lyric. Christ's love also brings the world around. The power to love and to be controlled by love comes from God. We love because He first loved us.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Finishing the Picture"

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts ... they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
   

Workers were putting the finishing touches on the new church when a visitor walked in. the high wall behind the altar caught his attention. There an artist was working on a mural of Christ. Only His head and shoulders were visible.

"Will you finish in time?" asked the visitor.

"Oh, I'm finished," replied the artist. "The rest of Christ's body won't be on the wall. His members -- His arms, hands, legs, and feet -- will be in the pews."

Paul would surely agree with that artist. The illustration of the human body was a favorite of his when speaking of the church and its people with varied gifts and abilities -- each one important, and all of them functioning together, with Christ, the Redeemer, as their head. Paul also mourned when individual members did not function as Christ intended or when there was strife between them.

Baptized into Christ's body, we each have been given the Holy Spirit, who endows us with gifts to be used for the good of the whole church. How important it is that we complete the picture of Christ as we take our place in the pew!

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Companion to the Angels"

Praise the LORD, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Psalm 103:20
   

A Christian is a companion to the holy angels. Angels do many things in service to God. The psalmist, in this great psalm that calls on God's people to praise Him, tells us that angels do the work of the Lord and listen to and obey His Word. Daniel experiences this when the Lord sent angels to do His will and spare his life when King Darius had ordered him thrown into the den of lions.

As Christians, redeemed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and given new life in Him, we join the invisible angel messengers of the Lord in serving the Lord and praising His name. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the good news of the Gospel, we are called into our Lord's ministry to do His work and obey His Word. The angels are models for us, showing how we should continually listen to God's Word and do His will.

What an awesome responsibility, but also what a glorious privilege -- to do the work of the Lord! He who spared not His only-begotten Son will give us all things needed to carry out our Christian tasks in thought, word, and deed. Companions to the angels. It sounds nice. It is! It's a great life being a Christian.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Love-Hate Relationship"

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
   

We cannot love God and hate a person at the same time. These two opposites cannot dwell in a human heart. The spirit God has given to His believing children through faith in Christ is a spirit of love, but a hater is a murderer because he kills someone with a slow death.

God wants us to love everyone just as He has. This doesn't mean God requires us to have a feeling of affection for everyone. Often we are not even fond of ourselves. Loving our enemy doesn't mean that we must think of her as an agreeable person. This should be a great relief to us.

Even as we look at some things in ourselves with horror and shame, so we hate a person's actions, but not the person. As we hate our own cowardice, selfishness, conceit, greed, lust, and pride and still go on loving ourselves, so we should do the same for others. We are to feel sorrow for their evil and pray for their repentance. We are to love everyone, even though there is nothing lovable about them. When we find that difficult, let us remember that is what Christ has done for us. Some may not seem deserving of our love, but neither are we deserving of Christ's love. Let us love one another.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Courage for the Race"

Let us throw off everything that hinders ... and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
   

An athletic trainer tells us that there are many differences between winners and losers. Physical condition, hard training, mental attitudes -- all of these are important factors. But more important than all of these is the will to win. Without that there is not much hope of developing a winner.

The apostle Paul seems to have followed the games of his day very carefully. He knew the language of the sports world, and he probably noticed that where the competitors were fairly evenly matched, the prize went to the one who really wanted to win, whose heart was set on victory.

This is what we are to do in the race of life. We are to persevere. We are not to let any side issues take our minds off what we are to become as Christians, as followers of Christ. All kinds of tempting offers come to us, and we are inclined to take a short run down the alley where riches are the prize or up the canyon where fame is offered. All of this throws us off our stride. We have only one prize and goal, to live in the Word of God and the sacraments we become more and more like Christ and finally win the victory, eternal life.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Look Up"

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
   

Think of the many different things on which we set our hearts. In childhood it may have been a certain kind of candy or a toy we saw in a store window. We wanted it more than anything else.

That desire for something special goes with us through life, though the object of our desire may change to clothes or houses or cars.

That's the trouble. The things we long for keep changing in importance as we move through life. What seemed important in our youth has little or no value when we grow up. What we wanted most when we were in our teens becomes irrelevant when we move into adulthood. And in the light of eternity, they all become trivial.

That's why Jesus told us to lay up treasures in heaven -- not on earth, where rust and decay make them useless. And that's why the apostle Paul tells us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things.

Jesus has a place for us in heaven. Through His death and physical resurrection He has
freed us from the consequences of our sins. One day He will free us from all sorrow and disappointment, even from death. He wants us to be with Him forever. There's nothing more wonderful. Take time each day to treasure heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Keeping It Simple"

What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
   

Albert Einstein once said, "You have never mastered something until you can say it simply." Whether you are talking about physics, sports, or the Christian faith, there is a lot of truth in his statement.

So try it out! Say simply, in 20 words or fewer, what it means to you to live a Christian life. It's difficult, isn't it? We describe it with so many things -- praying, reading devotions, witnessing, worshiping, serving others, and the like. Things get complicated when we add society- or church-made rules calling for fasting, doing penances, or observing Sunday "blue laws."

But God did not intend for Christian living to become confusing or unduly burdensome. The words of Micah 6:8 are refreshingly simple -- do what is just or fair, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

If you are not sure where to begin, start at the cross. There is no better setting for seeing these words in action than in Christ's suffering and death for our salvation. In Jesus' life and teaching one sees justice, mercy, and humility in glorious simplicity. Faith in His work of reconciliation enables us to follow in His footsteps.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Our Father in Christ"

For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live. 1Corinthians 8:6
   

Perhaps the greatest but least appreciated privilege given to Christians is the opportunity to address God as "Father." Jesus Himself taught His disciples to address God with an intimacy and familiarity that was startling to the people of that day.

In one sense, God is our Father simply because He created us. But the basis for calling God "our Father" is that we are His children by faith in Christ.

We were prodigal sons and daughters who had squandered our inheritance, yet God called us back to Himself. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as ransom to buy us back from our slavery to sin. He has restored us to His family in Holy Baptism, and He continues to shower us with His gifts, and He promises that for Jesus' sake we will inherit everlasting life in the Father's heavenly mansions.

In the context of our redemption and of our adoption by Him, we call on our Father with confidence and boldness, sure in our relationship and certain of His blessings.