"Today's Devotion" For September 30, 2005
Read: Matthew 24:1-14; Romans 8:18-25
STANDING FIRM IN JESUS UNTIL THE END
"...but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world, and then the end will come."(Mt. 24:13b-14)
How great is your threshold for pain? Personally, I'm a wimp. I hate pain. If I could do without it I'd be a "happy camper." Reality, however, is different. Pain is very much a part of life. In fact, in the martial arts for instance, it's taught that embracing pain and making it a part of you actually defeats it and it no longer is in control. To be honest, I've never really understood that philosophy. However, there's one lesson on pain that I remember clearly. It stands out like a beacon in the night.
While stationed in San Diego at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in the early 80's, I was a Training Battalion Chaplain. While doing my sick bay rounds one day I ran across an interesting situation - and a lesson about pain. One of the Navy nurses, a Lieutenant Commander was speaking to a Marine recruit who had gone to sick call. He was "goldbricking," - he was at sick call in an attempt to get out of training for at least that day. While she examined him and asked him questions about his "illness" he whined about how tough boot camp was. The nurse, a mother of three children smiled sweetly at him and just nodded her head as he regaled her with the painful aspects of training and how much he was hurting. She gave him some advice, counseling him on persevering and encouraging him to continue to do his best. Good advice, but not well received by the recruit. I marveled at her patience. Finally, after spending a good bit of time listening to him, she put her hands on his shoulders, looked him squarely in the eye, and said, "Son, until you have given birth to a child, and particularly twins, as I have, don't even presume to talk to me about pain." His jaw dropped and the silence was deafening.
Talking about pain, just take a look at the world around us. Pain is everywhere. We see murders, drug abuse, broken families, orphaned children, scandal and corruption in high places (and low), wars, terrorism, bickering and fighting among families, communities, political leaders, and nations. Then there's the pain of famine, hunger, homelessness, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The list is seemingly endless when it comes to the sources and causes of pain and suffering. Yet the bottom line cause for all this pain and suffering is identified by a three-letter word: SIN. According to the Bible, SIN is a condition of separation between God and humanity. It's a condition that causes broken relationships among people and between humanity and the created order. The whole of Creation suffers from this condition. The decay it brings with it is everywhere. As soon as anything is born it already begins to die. No matter how hard we might work to alleviate pain and suffering around the world and no matter how hard we might work to avoid pain and suffering for ourselves the truth is that pain and suffering cannot be avoided this side of heaven. They are a reality of life. While we human beings want things to be good and pain free we can rest assured that such will not happen while the earth still exists.
As we face the pain of the world caused by Sin, we do so with the assurance that in Christ Jesus we are able to overcome and endure until He calls us home to Himself. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ calls us to Himself, forgiving us of all our sins, and commands us to get the Good News - the Gospel - out to the world so it might know, in Him, the cessation of its pain and suffering. Ironically, getting the Gospel out is also a painful process. People need to hear it in order to be reborn by faith in Christ into God's Kingdom. Such faith in Jesus is essential for new life and hope. Without that hope in Christ there can be nothing but eternal suffering. Yet, human beings balk at the Good News; they laugh at it's "simplicity" and "foolishness" (cf. I Cor. 1:18ff.), and make the entire process of sharing God's love in Christ with others painful, stressful, and sometimes quite dangerous
Yet, as the people of God, redeemed in Christ and filled with God's gift of faith in Him, we are called to stand firm in Jesus in the face of all such opposition. Jesus compares the suffering caused by Sin and the struggle to share the Gospel in the face of Sin's opposition to birth pains. The wonderful outcome of the pain and struggle of the "birth pains" that are a result of the Gospel being shared in the world probably has no greater example than a discussion with a mother who has given birth. She will tell you that while she was in great agony while giving birth to her child, that the pain is all forgotten when that newborn, that new life, is placed into her arms. That's the joy and promise of new life and new birth for a lost and fallen world. Its return to God, its rebirth in Christ, is a painful experience. But what joy and peace there is in the end when salvation and heaven are ours!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, all around me I see pain and suffering. Wars, famine, rumors of war, terrorist acts, poverty and hunger are all occurring at this very moment. It's easy for me to be distracted by all these things and forget that You paid the total penalty for the Sin of the whole world. Despite the pain and suffering and all the evil in this world, Your grace, mercy, and love prevail. The Good News of the kingdom is being made known all over the world. Please, Lord Jesus, help me, by the power of Your Spirit, to forget the pain of living and revel in the peace You bring to my relationship with God. Help me to live a life that proclaims Your kingdom and let my voice be an instrument of Your love. In Your most holy and precious name I pray, O Precious Savior. Amen.
*****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
It's Not Just A Matter Of Washing Your Hands
"Today's Devotion" For September 29, 2005
Read: Matthew 15:1-20; Acts 10:9-16
IT'S NOT JUST A MATTER OF WASHING YOUR HANDS
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." (Acts 10:15b)
Good hygiene is truly an admirable practice. It seems that every where we look these days someone is issuing a warning about germs and the spread of disease. Why we even have hand sanitizers which claim to kill 99.9 percent of all germs. Incredible! Personally, I have some reservations as to the ultimate effectiveness of such a level of cleansing and purifying. I wonder sometimes if such "germ" warfare doesn't in fact create "super germs" and lower the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases with a strong immune system - made so be exposure to various germs and diseases.
Certainly we can see that the scribes and Pharisees were stalwarts in the "war on germs." They took Jesus to task for the failure of His disciples to wash their hands before eating. After all, because the disciples failed to wash their hands before they ate, they were opening themselves up to sickness and disease. This couldn't be pleasing to God; in fact ceremonial law required such hand washing just because God wanted to establish good hygienic practices among His people.
Unfortunately, the scribes and Pharisees had missed the point of God's command. They saw hand washing before eating as an act of a pure heart and effective worship of God. Based on the oral traditions of the rabbis, oral traditions that covered some 500 laws, these leaders of the people were convinced that obedience to them was essential to pure worship of God and pure living for Him. They just plain missed the point - such laws were given by God, not as a burden, but as guidance for good health and good relationships between people in the community.
This same thought process affected Peter in our reading in Acts 10. Peter, falling into the same trap of the scribes and Pharisees, also missed the point of the ceremonial laws. Just as the scribes and Pharisees, Peter had fallen into the trap of making the ceremonial law concerning "clean" and "unclean" animals to a level unintended by God. Rather than seeing this particular set of laws as a guideline for serving the Lord, He was convinced that obedience to the law concerning what meat to eat was necessary for his relationship with God. In order to disavow Peter of such thinking, God sent down a number of "unclean" animals and ordered Peter to "kill and eat." When Peter declined, God makes it clear that Peter was thinking in terms of "righteousness by the deeds of the law," not righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. Peter was falling into the same trap as the leaders of the Jews - they were defiling themselves and the people of Israel by missing the point and seeking righteousness in all the wrong places.
It's not too difficult to relate to Peter's dilemma, as well as that of the scribes and Pharisees. We, too, can miss the point of God's Will if we're not careful. Jesus makes it very clear to the disciples that it's not what we eat that destroys our holiness before God - we don't ingest sin. Rather, our holiness is destroyed because our hearts are sinful and from within us come words and deeds that fly in the face of God's Will and serve to lead us in a direction opposite from Him. Our sinfulness is reflected in the words we use and the things we do. Even our thoughts lead us to commit sin as Jesus noted in His Sermon on the Mount, declaring the thoughts we have that are contrary to God's Will are the same as having actually carried out the deed. Thus, outward appearances aren't enough to declare us to be holy before God, for even the dirtiest beggar can be the most spiritually wealthy member of God's kingdom, while the wealthiest celebrity can be so spiritually filthy that they are not a member of the God's kingdom.
Ultimately, we are made righteous and cleansed in the blood of the Lamb, not because of what we have done, but because of God's own work for us in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Righteousness is God's work in us. Without His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness, no amount of "hand washing" will purify us from our sins. Thank God that we are washed in the blood of the Lamb - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - so that we stand clean and holy before our loving God and heirs of heaven in Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Father, keep me safe in Your loving arms from everything that would lead me astray. Let what comes out of my mouth be pleasing to You. May my actions reflect Your love to others. Stop me from foolishly thinking that if I just "wash my hands" I'll be clean and holy before You. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to realize how vital it is for me to look to Jesus to wash me clean from my sins and present me to You, holy and without Sin because of His righteousness. Father, I pray that You would keep me from being overwhelmed by the evil that surrounds me, and lead me to declare Your praises so that others might be brought into the kingdom of Your love. I pray this in the precious and most holy name of Jesus. Amen.
**********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 15:1-20; Acts 10:9-16
IT'S NOT JUST A MATTER OF WASHING YOUR HANDS
"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." (Acts 10:15b)
Good hygiene is truly an admirable practice. It seems that every where we look these days someone is issuing a warning about germs and the spread of disease. Why we even have hand sanitizers which claim to kill 99.9 percent of all germs. Incredible! Personally, I have some reservations as to the ultimate effectiveness of such a level of cleansing and purifying. I wonder sometimes if such "germ" warfare doesn't in fact create "super germs" and lower the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases with a strong immune system - made so be exposure to various germs and diseases.
Certainly we can see that the scribes and Pharisees were stalwarts in the "war on germs." They took Jesus to task for the failure of His disciples to wash their hands before eating. After all, because the disciples failed to wash their hands before they ate, they were opening themselves up to sickness and disease. This couldn't be pleasing to God; in fact ceremonial law required such hand washing just because God wanted to establish good hygienic practices among His people.
Unfortunately, the scribes and Pharisees had missed the point of God's command. They saw hand washing before eating as an act of a pure heart and effective worship of God. Based on the oral traditions of the rabbis, oral traditions that covered some 500 laws, these leaders of the people were convinced that obedience to them was essential to pure worship of God and pure living for Him. They just plain missed the point - such laws were given by God, not as a burden, but as guidance for good health and good relationships between people in the community.
This same thought process affected Peter in our reading in Acts 10. Peter, falling into the same trap of the scribes and Pharisees, also missed the point of the ceremonial laws. Just as the scribes and Pharisees, Peter had fallen into the trap of making the ceremonial law concerning "clean" and "unclean" animals to a level unintended by God. Rather than seeing this particular set of laws as a guideline for serving the Lord, He was convinced that obedience to the law concerning what meat to eat was necessary for his relationship with God. In order to disavow Peter of such thinking, God sent down a number of "unclean" animals and ordered Peter to "kill and eat." When Peter declined, God makes it clear that Peter was thinking in terms of "righteousness by the deeds of the law," not righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. Peter was falling into the same trap as the leaders of the Jews - they were defiling themselves and the people of Israel by missing the point and seeking righteousness in all the wrong places.
It's not too difficult to relate to Peter's dilemma, as well as that of the scribes and Pharisees. We, too, can miss the point of God's Will if we're not careful. Jesus makes it very clear to the disciples that it's not what we eat that destroys our holiness before God - we don't ingest sin. Rather, our holiness is destroyed because our hearts are sinful and from within us come words and deeds that fly in the face of God's Will and serve to lead us in a direction opposite from Him. Our sinfulness is reflected in the words we use and the things we do. Even our thoughts lead us to commit sin as Jesus noted in His Sermon on the Mount, declaring the thoughts we have that are contrary to God's Will are the same as having actually carried out the deed. Thus, outward appearances aren't enough to declare us to be holy before God, for even the dirtiest beggar can be the most spiritually wealthy member of God's kingdom, while the wealthiest celebrity can be so spiritually filthy that they are not a member of the God's kingdom.
Ultimately, we are made righteous and cleansed in the blood of the Lamb, not because of what we have done, but because of God's own work for us in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Righteousness is God's work in us. Without His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness, no amount of "hand washing" will purify us from our sins. Thank God that we are washed in the blood of the Lamb - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - so that we stand clean and holy before our loving God and heirs of heaven in Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Father, keep me safe in Your loving arms from everything that would lead me astray. Let what comes out of my mouth be pleasing to You. May my actions reflect Your love to others. Stop me from foolishly thinking that if I just "wash my hands" I'll be clean and holy before You. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to realize how vital it is for me to look to Jesus to wash me clean from my sins and present me to You, holy and without Sin because of His righteousness. Father, I pray that You would keep me from being overwhelmed by the evil that surrounds me, and lead me to declare Your praises so that others might be brought into the kingdom of Your love. I pray this in the precious and most holy name of Jesus. Amen.
**********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Living God's Will Focused On Eternity
"Today's Devotion" For September 28, 2005
Read: I John 2:15-17; Romans 1:18-32
LIVING GOD'S WILL FOCUSED ON ETERNITY
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (I Jn. 2:17)
There's a "storm cloud" on the horizon once again in the nation's classrooms. It seems that in one school system the school board recently moved to have "intelligent design" taught in the classroom alongside evolution. Parents of the children involved have taken the school district to court because they see the teaching of "intelligent design" as promoting a religion. Since "intelligent design" is a "dumbed-down" version of creation, it can hardly be called the teaching or promotion of religion. The debate and the lawsuits will continue. Scientists will be called to testify on either side of the question, and the end result is that people will still miss out on how wonderful a place the world really is.
When one believes that God created the heavens and the earth - literally everything in all the universe that exists - one sees nature as a magnificent work of art. The flora and the fauna of the planet Earth are incredible and magnificent in their design and function. Created by an all-wise and all-knowing God, the Earth and all that is in it provide for our every need. How awesome it is that the oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams reflect the power and majesty of God. Even more incredible are the stars in the sky which declare God's eternal, ever-present nature with His creation.
Standing in sharp contrast to the magnificence of creation are those things we human beings have invented. Harnessing the principles of physics as it has been created by God and with which He has blessed us, we human beings have created some pretty incredible things. Automobiles, trucks, trains, planes, rockets, and space shuttles are just some of the many forms of transportation God has given us the ability to invent and use for His glory and our benefit. God has also allowed us to, in a small way, utilize the principles of chemistry to power our vehicles and provide the world with some incredible inventions and magnificent artistry. God has also, as is obvious from all which He has touched with His love, made us a marvelous part of His creation. We're not just intelligently designed - we've been designed and built by God.
In spite of God's wonderful work in the world and in our lives, the world we live in is also a place of great evil. Since Adam and Eve fell into Sin (Gen. 3), Satan and his followers have had a huge influence on the world, most notably we human beings. St. Paul's letter to the Romans points out this evil, some of which we read about in the section listed in today's readings. In the same way as Adam and Eve did, we are in danger of losing sight of God's Will, tempted into putting the things God created ahead of our relationship with Him. John's warning against allowing our ambitions, desires, lusts, and cravings to take first place in our hearts is will placed.
Putting our focus on the here and now instead of eternity is much easier than trusting our Father's power to sustain the universe and each of His children. Too often our lives are planned to meet what we perceive our needs and ambitions to be, when in actuality, if we'd paid attention, we would have seen God showing us what our real needs are. At the top of that list is our relationship with Him. God, in His great love for us, has sent His Word and Spirit to guide us to share His love and forgiveness with others. He expects us only to know and live in His love, so that we might live forgiven lives, full of caring and concern for others. It's not as easy to live in God's will as it is to live according to the ways of the world. Nevertheless, God's people are focused on eternity and being fully in the presence of God. One thing is certain, when we do God's Will we will be noticed - after all, personal good or ill aside, what better way to share God's Will is there than to be noticed by the world around us.
Prayer: Father, doing Your will is really hard at times. I am tempted by the "pleasure" and "prestige" this world can give me and they sure look good. Please give me the faith I need and the wisdom I need to overcome these temptations and to focus on doing Your will as a witness and testimony to others of Your love and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Lord and Savior, in who's name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 2:15-17; Romans 1:18-32
LIVING GOD'S WILL FOCUSED ON ETERNITY
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (I Jn. 2:17)
There's a "storm cloud" on the horizon once again in the nation's classrooms. It seems that in one school system the school board recently moved to have "intelligent design" taught in the classroom alongside evolution. Parents of the children involved have taken the school district to court because they see the teaching of "intelligent design" as promoting a religion. Since "intelligent design" is a "dumbed-down" version of creation, it can hardly be called the teaching or promotion of religion. The debate and the lawsuits will continue. Scientists will be called to testify on either side of the question, and the end result is that people will still miss out on how wonderful a place the world really is.
When one believes that God created the heavens and the earth - literally everything in all the universe that exists - one sees nature as a magnificent work of art. The flora and the fauna of the planet Earth are incredible and magnificent in their design and function. Created by an all-wise and all-knowing God, the Earth and all that is in it provide for our every need. How awesome it is that the oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams reflect the power and majesty of God. Even more incredible are the stars in the sky which declare God's eternal, ever-present nature with His creation.
Standing in sharp contrast to the magnificence of creation are those things we human beings have invented. Harnessing the principles of physics as it has been created by God and with which He has blessed us, we human beings have created some pretty incredible things. Automobiles, trucks, trains, planes, rockets, and space shuttles are just some of the many forms of transportation God has given us the ability to invent and use for His glory and our benefit. God has also allowed us to, in a small way, utilize the principles of chemistry to power our vehicles and provide the world with some incredible inventions and magnificent artistry. God has also, as is obvious from all which He has touched with His love, made us a marvelous part of His creation. We're not just intelligently designed - we've been designed and built by God.
In spite of God's wonderful work in the world and in our lives, the world we live in is also a place of great evil. Since Adam and Eve fell into Sin (Gen. 3), Satan and his followers have had a huge influence on the world, most notably we human beings. St. Paul's letter to the Romans points out this evil, some of which we read about in the section listed in today's readings. In the same way as Adam and Eve did, we are in danger of losing sight of God's Will, tempted into putting the things God created ahead of our relationship with Him. John's warning against allowing our ambitions, desires, lusts, and cravings to take first place in our hearts is will placed.
Putting our focus on the here and now instead of eternity is much easier than trusting our Father's power to sustain the universe and each of His children. Too often our lives are planned to meet what we perceive our needs and ambitions to be, when in actuality, if we'd paid attention, we would have seen God showing us what our real needs are. At the top of that list is our relationship with Him. God, in His great love for us, has sent His Word and Spirit to guide us to share His love and forgiveness with others. He expects us only to know and live in His love, so that we might live forgiven lives, full of caring and concern for others. It's not as easy to live in God's will as it is to live according to the ways of the world. Nevertheless, God's people are focused on eternity and being fully in the presence of God. One thing is certain, when we do God's Will we will be noticed - after all, personal good or ill aside, what better way to share God's Will is there than to be noticed by the world around us.
Prayer: Father, doing Your will is really hard at times. I am tempted by the "pleasure" and "prestige" this world can give me and they sure look good. Please give me the faith I need and the wisdom I need to overcome these temptations and to focus on doing Your will as a witness and testimony to others of Your love and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, my Lord and Savior, in who's name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 26, 2005
"I Got No Worries!"
"Today's Devotion" For September 2, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 37
"I GOT NO WORRIES"
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Mt. 6:34)
Living from paycheck to paycheck is a common life experience for millions of families in our country. Around the world, millions of people don't even have the luxury of a paycheck. For so many people in other parts of the world, even a "soup kitchen" would be considered a luxury item. In at least 80% of the rest of the world even the poorest people living on the streets of our cities would be considered wealthy, especially in the Third World, where anxiety and worry about food, clothing, shelter, and the basic necessities of life can be very prominent in those societies. All this being said, isn’t it also obvious that even those who are well-off, no matter in what part of the world they might live, are not immune to feelings of anxiety and want? Having a lot of things and a lot of money doesn't necessarily bring contentment into a person's life. It's been said that a great many materially wealthy people either feel they don't have enough as yet or they find themselves with no idea of what to do with what they have.
As God's redeemed children in Jesus Christ we believe in His promises to bless us with every good thing and meet all our needs. At the same time, we're also not immune from worry and anxiety. Much as we'd like to believe that we truly trust the Lord to provide for our every need, all too often we find ourselves anxious about the necessities of life because we've lost sight of what's necessary and what's not. It's not uncommon for us to lose sight of what is the most vital part of life and living - a loving and forgiven relationship with our Heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians we still get caught up in trying to live life the same way everyone else is and in the process turn our hearts and eyes away from Jesus. We end up trapped in the temptations of sin, particularly the sin of worry. When this happens, the kingdom of God and His righteousness disappear from the "radar screen" of faith.
The folks "Down Under" in Australia have a saying that might have been written for God's people. The folks of Australia, when they want to communicate that something is important, having a saying which goes: "No worries, Mate!" It's their way of saying that something isn't important. That it's a "no sweat" proposition; that instead of getting into a "dither" we should stay calm and collected. "No worries, Mate!" reflects a very laid back attitude. Our Lord Jesus Christ is letting us know in no uncertain terms that when we focus on His grace, mercy, and love, we will continue to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (v. 33). "No worries, Mate!" keeps our eyes focused on Jesus so that we might trust that our Lord’s promises have made us His very own. We are confident, in Christ, that God will meet our every need according to His great love, grace, and mercy. Jesus assures us of this when He reminds us that He even saves the sparrow who doesn't fall to the ground without God being present.
When we focus on the grace, mercy, and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who went to the Cross for our sins and who is telling us that when we focus on His grace, mercy, and love, seeking "first the kingdom of God and His righteousness"(v.33), we will be able to say, "No worries, Mate!" When we focus our hearts and eyes on Him and trust His promises to provide for our every need, we begin to realize that we are, just as Jesus said, more valuable to our God than the birds of the air or the lilies of the field. We rejoice that God sent His son to suffer and die on the Cross so that we might be redeemed from Sin, death and Satan. In Hs willingness, in love, to do such an incomprehensible act, we can be certain that we need have "no worries" as we live each day in Jesus, for Jesus, and with Jesus in joy and peace.
Prayer: Father, it's really very easy for me to worry about money and other things so that I forget that You give me everything I need. That's what You've promised to me. Help me to faithfully hold onto that promise and trust that You will provide every one of my needs. I pray that You would help me to see that my greatest need is for the forgiveness of my sins and salvation which brings hope to a lost and fallen world order. You have faithfully and lovingly given me that huge gift. Help me to trust You for the little things as well. Hear me, Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2003 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 37
"I GOT NO WORRIES"
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Mt. 6:34)
Living from paycheck to paycheck is a common life experience for millions of families in our country. Around the world, millions of people don't even have the luxury of a paycheck. For so many people in other parts of the world, even a "soup kitchen" would be considered a luxury item. In at least 80% of the rest of the world even the poorest people living on the streets of our cities would be considered wealthy, especially in the Third World, where anxiety and worry about food, clothing, shelter, and the basic necessities of life can be very prominent in those societies. All this being said, isn’t it also obvious that even those who are well-off, no matter in what part of the world they might live, are not immune to feelings of anxiety and want? Having a lot of things and a lot of money doesn't necessarily bring contentment into a person's life. It's been said that a great many materially wealthy people either feel they don't have enough as yet or they find themselves with no idea of what to do with what they have.
As God's redeemed children in Jesus Christ we believe in His promises to bless us with every good thing and meet all our needs. At the same time, we're also not immune from worry and anxiety. Much as we'd like to believe that we truly trust the Lord to provide for our every need, all too often we find ourselves anxious about the necessities of life because we've lost sight of what's necessary and what's not. It's not uncommon for us to lose sight of what is the most vital part of life and living - a loving and forgiven relationship with our Heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. As Christians we still get caught up in trying to live life the same way everyone else is and in the process turn our hearts and eyes away from Jesus. We end up trapped in the temptations of sin, particularly the sin of worry. When this happens, the kingdom of God and His righteousness disappear from the "radar screen" of faith.
The folks "Down Under" in Australia have a saying that might have been written for God's people. The folks of Australia, when they want to communicate that something is important, having a saying which goes: "No worries, Mate!" It's their way of saying that something isn't important. That it's a "no sweat" proposition; that instead of getting into a "dither" we should stay calm and collected. "No worries, Mate!" reflects a very laid back attitude. Our Lord Jesus Christ is letting us know in no uncertain terms that when we focus on His grace, mercy, and love, we will continue to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" (v. 33). "No worries, Mate!" keeps our eyes focused on Jesus so that we might trust that our Lord’s promises have made us His very own. We are confident, in Christ, that God will meet our every need according to His great love, grace, and mercy. Jesus assures us of this when He reminds us that He even saves the sparrow who doesn't fall to the ground without God being present.
When we focus on the grace, mercy, and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who went to the Cross for our sins and who is telling us that when we focus on His grace, mercy, and love, seeking "first the kingdom of God and His righteousness"(v.33), we will be able to say, "No worries, Mate!" When we focus our hearts and eyes on Him and trust His promises to provide for our every need, we begin to realize that we are, just as Jesus said, more valuable to our God than the birds of the air or the lilies of the field. We rejoice that God sent His son to suffer and die on the Cross so that we might be redeemed from Sin, death and Satan. In Hs willingness, in love, to do such an incomprehensible act, we can be certain that we need have "no worries" as we live each day in Jesus, for Jesus, and with Jesus in joy and peace.
Prayer: Father, it's really very easy for me to worry about money and other things so that I forget that You give me everything I need. That's what You've promised to me. Help me to faithfully hold onto that promise and trust that You will provide every one of my needs. I pray that You would help me to see that my greatest need is for the forgiveness of my sins and salvation which brings hope to a lost and fallen world order. You have faithfully and lovingly given me that huge gift. Help me to trust You for the little things as well. Hear me, Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2003 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Faithfully Humble, Our Ultimate Reward Is In Heaven
"Today's Devotion" For September 26, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:16-18; II Samuel 12:13-23
FAITHFULLY HUMBLE, OUR ULTIMATE REWARD IS IN HEAVEN
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."(Mt. 6:18b)
One of the most common forms of acknowledgment in the Navy is a Letter of Appreciation. A Letter of Appreciation is an acknowledgment that a member of the United States Navy has done something a bit above the call of duty. The next level of acknowledgment is a Letter of Commendation. Those who receive such an acknowledgment have generally gone beyond the call of duty and have accomplished something unique. Above this level is the awarding of medals for services rendered, the lowest of those being the Navy Achievement Medal. The other branches of the service all have similar award structures in order to encourage and recognize special accomplishments by members of the military services. If you will allow a personal observation - it seems that way too often such awards are handed out as if they were candy, not "rewards" for extraordinary efforts.
Such recognition should come as no surprise to any of us. After all we're living in a world that finds that the giving of awards is a profitable venture. Our television sets beam award shows by the dozens into our homes throughout the year; award shows that hold up the accomplishments of artists in radio, television, and the movies. Athletes, not to be outdone, have their "showcases" as well, including the presentation of the coveted Heisman Trophy in college football. There's money to be made from sponsorships and commercials in these award events, because people, starving for recognition themselves, often find their satisfaction vicariously through those who receive the accolades. Sadly, it seems as if doing good deeds, selflessly and humbly, aren't as important as those done in front of the cameras. Society seems to make heroes out of almost anyone who does something good or overcomes a problem, even though their problems aren't any different from those faced by each of us daily. All too often, the real heroes, who risk their lives and health for the sake of serving others, are ignored or overlooked because there's nothing to be gained by acknowledging them. We might simply summarize the issue by noting that we live in a world that gives rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered. When people make any type of "sacrifice" for the "good of the cause" it has become commonplace, and almost expected, to advertise the effort and expect a reward.
Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting were the three pillars of Jewish piety in Jesus' day. In our reading from Matthew today, Jesus draws our attention to the third pillar, fasting. The Old Testament had already stated that God wanted people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over sin. In today's reading from II Samuel 12 David shows us the intent of fasting - a person's repentance and sorrow over sin. In repentance and sorrow over ones sins, the repentant sinner seeks God's forgiveness and calls on His Spirit to effect a change of heart for the sinner. Fasting was intended to be a pious act of a believing child of God, for the purpose of drawing closer to God. But, just as with everything else to which we human beings set our minds, fasting became an end in itself, and something to be highly advertised, highly regarded, and a sign of superior spiritual intellect. The practice of fasting in Jesus' day had deteriorated to the point that people advertised their "piety" by putting on sackcloth and ashes, looking gaunt and not cleaning up, and generally setting themselves up as paragons of piety and religious fervor.
According to Scripture, fasting had a place in one's spiritual life as it helped the mind focus on God's goodness and blessings, and the heart focus on "counting one's blessings." Yet, as Jesus notes, fasting had become an action of meritorious proportion to the Jews. It flew in the face of its intended purpose of repenting and expressing sorrow over one's sins. Thus, the act was intended to focus the believer's attention on God and His Will. Yet, all too often, the spiritual value to be gained from being a faithful "faster" falls by the wayside and all spiritual value is lost. Our Lord Jesus Christ calls upon us to do what is right and pleasing to God, not for show, but from the motivation of faith and love. We respond to God in prayer and sacrifice because of His grace, mercy, and love to us in Christ. When we take advantage of ways God shows us to deepen our spiritual relationship with Him, we take advantage of them without fanfare or any attempt at being noticed by others. After all, as Jesus points out, our Father "Who sees in secret will reward" us openly, so that others might see His hand at work and we might have a ready platform to share Jesus with others.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving me ways to practice my faith and to be strengthened in my relationship with You. Let me never put my devotion to You on display so that others might be impressed by me and not see Jesus. Guide me to seek only good things for others from Your almighty hand, counting my blessings as well. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, lead me, Father, to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice in a way that is pleasing to You and unobstrusive to others. Help me to live a life in Jesus that is faithful and humble, knowing that my reward is certain in Him and the accolades and rewards given by others pale in comparison to Your precious love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:16-18; II Samuel 12:13-23
FAITHFULLY HUMBLE, OUR ULTIMATE REWARD IS IN HEAVEN
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."(Mt. 6:18b)
One of the most common forms of acknowledgment in the Navy is a Letter of Appreciation. A Letter of Appreciation is an acknowledgment that a member of the United States Navy has done something a bit above the call of duty. The next level of acknowledgment is a Letter of Commendation. Those who receive such an acknowledgment have generally gone beyond the call of duty and have accomplished something unique. Above this level is the awarding of medals for services rendered, the lowest of those being the Navy Achievement Medal. The other branches of the service all have similar award structures in order to encourage and recognize special accomplishments by members of the military services. If you will allow a personal observation - it seems that way too often such awards are handed out as if they were candy, not "rewards" for extraordinary efforts.
Such recognition should come as no surprise to any of us. After all we're living in a world that finds that the giving of awards is a profitable venture. Our television sets beam award shows by the dozens into our homes throughout the year; award shows that hold up the accomplishments of artists in radio, television, and the movies. Athletes, not to be outdone, have their "showcases" as well, including the presentation of the coveted Heisman Trophy in college football. There's money to be made from sponsorships and commercials in these award events, because people, starving for recognition themselves, often find their satisfaction vicariously through those who receive the accolades. Sadly, it seems as if doing good deeds, selflessly and humbly, aren't as important as those done in front of the cameras. Society seems to make heroes out of almost anyone who does something good or overcomes a problem, even though their problems aren't any different from those faced by each of us daily. All too often, the real heroes, who risk their lives and health for the sake of serving others, are ignored or overlooked because there's nothing to be gained by acknowledging them. We might simply summarize the issue by noting that we live in a world that gives rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered. When people make any type of "sacrifice" for the "good of the cause" it has become commonplace, and almost expected, to advertise the effort and expect a reward.
Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting were the three pillars of Jewish piety in Jesus' day. In our reading from Matthew today, Jesus draws our attention to the third pillar, fasting. The Old Testament had already stated that God wanted people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over sin. In today's reading from II Samuel 12 David shows us the intent of fasting - a person's repentance and sorrow over sin. In repentance and sorrow over ones sins, the repentant sinner seeks God's forgiveness and calls on His Spirit to effect a change of heart for the sinner. Fasting was intended to be a pious act of a believing child of God, for the purpose of drawing closer to God. But, just as with everything else to which we human beings set our minds, fasting became an end in itself, and something to be highly advertised, highly regarded, and a sign of superior spiritual intellect. The practice of fasting in Jesus' day had deteriorated to the point that people advertised their "piety" by putting on sackcloth and ashes, looking gaunt and not cleaning up, and generally setting themselves up as paragons of piety and religious fervor.
According to Scripture, fasting had a place in one's spiritual life as it helped the mind focus on God's goodness and blessings, and the heart focus on "counting one's blessings." Yet, as Jesus notes, fasting had become an action of meritorious proportion to the Jews. It flew in the face of its intended purpose of repenting and expressing sorrow over one's sins. Thus, the act was intended to focus the believer's attention on God and His Will. Yet, all too often, the spiritual value to be gained from being a faithful "faster" falls by the wayside and all spiritual value is lost. Our Lord Jesus Christ calls upon us to do what is right and pleasing to God, not for show, but from the motivation of faith and love. We respond to God in prayer and sacrifice because of His grace, mercy, and love to us in Christ. When we take advantage of ways God shows us to deepen our spiritual relationship with Him, we take advantage of them without fanfare or any attempt at being noticed by others. After all, as Jesus points out, our Father "Who sees in secret will reward" us openly, so that others might see His hand at work and we might have a ready platform to share Jesus with others.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving me ways to practice my faith and to be strengthened in my relationship with You. Let me never put my devotion to You on display so that others might be impressed by me and not see Jesus. Guide me to seek only good things for others from Your almighty hand, counting my blessings as well. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, lead me, Father, to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice in a way that is pleasing to You and unobstrusive to others. Help me to live a life in Jesus that is faithful and humble, knowing that my reward is certain in Him and the accolades and rewards given by others pale in comparison to Your precious love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Seeing God's Hand In "HIStory"
"Today's Devotion" For September 24, 2005
Read: Matthew 27:27-31; Revelation 1:4-8
SEEING GOD'S HAND IN "HIStory"
"...and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. 'Hail, King of the Jews!' they said." (Mt. 27:29b)
I'm on a history "kick" this week. So let me ask you a question. What do you think of history? I've met people who say they could do without it; others who are engrossed in it. Personally, I have to admit I've been in both camps. At one time during my years of high school, college, and early in seminary, I was absolutely no fan of history. As far as I was concerned it was nothing more than trying to remember names, dates, and places long gone and without any context or impact on the present or my life. I've know many who have felt this same way. How about you?
On the other side of the coin, I had a renaissance of thinking when it comes to history ( a "Renaissance" - cute huh?) during my seminary days when I took a one month seminar course titled "The Philosophy of History." I had just finished a uniquely informative class - for a history class - in Reformation History by a professor I thoroughly enjoyed. He convinced me that I would truly enjoy his January seminar course, so I agreed, especially since the title evoked images of philosophical discussion, which I thoroughly relished, as opposed to a study of history. Truth be told, there was a lot more discussion of history than there was of philosophy, yet it was an incredibly eye opening experience. The end result was that I've been hooked on history ever since - and with a passion.
The very first day of the course set the tone for my years of study and experience ever since. On that first day, the professor pointed out that there were two ways to look at history. It could be viewed circularly or linearly. He noted that the circular view is the secular view and that it holds that history is a constant loop of cause and effect, cause and effect, cause and effect, with a predictable repetition of similar events over and over again. On the other side of the coin there is the sacred view which approaches history from a linear perspective, i.e., that there is cause, effect, and ultimate cause at work throughout history, because it's "HIStory" - God's Story. This position holds that everything happens for a reason determined by God's purpose and that there is determined end to all things to which everything inexorably marches.
What an incredibly freeing concept that is! History isn't just events of long ago, at certain times, and under certain circumstances that have no bearing on life today. Instead, all of HIStory is God's Story, showing His hand at work to bring His love, grace, mercy, and peace to the world. Thus, for example, it becomes understandable, when viewing the Thirty Years' War of the 1500's and 1600's, that the only reason for Cardinal Richelieu, a Roman Catholic, to have sided with the Protestants in the fight against Rome, was because he was first a French patriot. He knew that if Rome defeated the Protestants Germany would be reunited and would again become a terrible threat to France's domination of Europe. In the end his decision didn't just defeat Rome. It also allowed the Reformation to continue. God's ultimate plan for the proclamation of the Gospel remained in effect.
As we hear the soldiers mocking Jesus, something the Temple guards had already done, we see the work of God's hand moving His plan of salvation inexorably forward to completion. The soldiers' mocking confirmed God's purpose in all of Jesus' suffering, as from their very mouths came confirmation that Jesus was in fact the "King of the Jews." He was, and is, the promised Messiah. This mocking testimony of the soldiers and Temple guards confirmed Jesus' own statement that He would be delivered into the hands of men, not only the Jews - and so He was. He became, according to God's plan, the "scapegoat" for all mankind's sins. None of the characters active in this powerful event in history - the soldiers, Pilate, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest, the people of Jerusalem - had a clue that their unjust and unlawful acts toward Jesus were intended to accomplish their salvation from Sin and to bring them to eternal life with their Father in heaven.
As with all "HIStory," we who come later are privileged to see God's hand at work for our own good and that of the whole world. We do know, however, how God's hand was at work in this event in "HIStory" to bring about the world's salvation - our salvation - and we rejoice that He has carried out His plan just as He said. "HIStory" has testified to His love for us to this very day. "HIStory" shows us each day that we are receiving the benefits of the ultimate cause of Jesus' humiliation. What a marvelous gift!
Prayer: Father, with great joy I come before You, thanking You for carrying out Your Plan of Salvation for me and the whole world. No one has deserved such love from You, yet You give it freely each day in Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord. Please don't let me ever be guilty of being blind to Your hand in "HIStory" as were those who condemned Jesus to death. Instead, help me to see Your mighty and gracious hand in all of "HIStory," including my own, so that I may live my life with courage and joy, proclaiming courageously and joyfully Your love in Christ to others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 27:27-31; Revelation 1:4-8
SEEING GOD'S HAND IN "HIStory"
"...and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. 'Hail, King of the Jews!' they said." (Mt. 27:29b)
I'm on a history "kick" this week. So let me ask you a question. What do you think of history? I've met people who say they could do without it; others who are engrossed in it. Personally, I have to admit I've been in both camps. At one time during my years of high school, college, and early in seminary, I was absolutely no fan of history. As far as I was concerned it was nothing more than trying to remember names, dates, and places long gone and without any context or impact on the present or my life. I've know many who have felt this same way. How about you?
On the other side of the coin, I had a renaissance of thinking when it comes to history ( a "Renaissance" - cute huh?) during my seminary days when I took a one month seminar course titled "The Philosophy of History." I had just finished a uniquely informative class - for a history class - in Reformation History by a professor I thoroughly enjoyed. He convinced me that I would truly enjoy his January seminar course, so I agreed, especially since the title evoked images of philosophical discussion, which I thoroughly relished, as opposed to a study of history. Truth be told, there was a lot more discussion of history than there was of philosophy, yet it was an incredibly eye opening experience. The end result was that I've been hooked on history ever since - and with a passion.
The very first day of the course set the tone for my years of study and experience ever since. On that first day, the professor pointed out that there were two ways to look at history. It could be viewed circularly or linearly. He noted that the circular view is the secular view and that it holds that history is a constant loop of cause and effect, cause and effect, cause and effect, with a predictable repetition of similar events over and over again. On the other side of the coin there is the sacred view which approaches history from a linear perspective, i.e., that there is cause, effect, and ultimate cause at work throughout history, because it's "HIStory" - God's Story. This position holds that everything happens for a reason determined by God's purpose and that there is determined end to all things to which everything inexorably marches.
What an incredibly freeing concept that is! History isn't just events of long ago, at certain times, and under certain circumstances that have no bearing on life today. Instead, all of HIStory is God's Story, showing His hand at work to bring His love, grace, mercy, and peace to the world. Thus, for example, it becomes understandable, when viewing the Thirty Years' War of the 1500's and 1600's, that the only reason for Cardinal Richelieu, a Roman Catholic, to have sided with the Protestants in the fight against Rome, was because he was first a French patriot. He knew that if Rome defeated the Protestants Germany would be reunited and would again become a terrible threat to France's domination of Europe. In the end his decision didn't just defeat Rome. It also allowed the Reformation to continue. God's ultimate plan for the proclamation of the Gospel remained in effect.
As we hear the soldiers mocking Jesus, something the Temple guards had already done, we see the work of God's hand moving His plan of salvation inexorably forward to completion. The soldiers' mocking confirmed God's purpose in all of Jesus' suffering, as from their very mouths came confirmation that Jesus was in fact the "King of the Jews." He was, and is, the promised Messiah. This mocking testimony of the soldiers and Temple guards confirmed Jesus' own statement that He would be delivered into the hands of men, not only the Jews - and so He was. He became, according to God's plan, the "scapegoat" for all mankind's sins. None of the characters active in this powerful event in history - the soldiers, Pilate, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest, the people of Jerusalem - had a clue that their unjust and unlawful acts toward Jesus were intended to accomplish their salvation from Sin and to bring them to eternal life with their Father in heaven.
As with all "HIStory," we who come later are privileged to see God's hand at work for our own good and that of the whole world. We do know, however, how God's hand was at work in this event in "HIStory" to bring about the world's salvation - our salvation - and we rejoice that He has carried out His plan just as He said. "HIStory" has testified to His love for us to this very day. "HIStory" shows us each day that we are receiving the benefits of the ultimate cause of Jesus' humiliation. What a marvelous gift!
Prayer: Father, with great joy I come before You, thanking You for carrying out Your Plan of Salvation for me and the whole world. No one has deserved such love from You, yet You give it freely each day in Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord. Please don't let me ever be guilty of being blind to Your hand in "HIStory" as were those who condemned Jesus to death. Instead, help me to see Your mighty and gracious hand in all of "HIStory," including my own, so that I may live my life with courage and joy, proclaiming courageously and joyfully Your love in Christ to others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 23, 2005
My Dear Child, You're Not Home Yet!
"Today's Devotion" For September 23, 2005
Read: I Corinthians 1:1-9; II Corinthians 5:1-10
MY DEAR CHILD, YOU’RE NOT HOME YET!
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Lk.12:34)
Do you want to know you're appreciated? If you're like most of the rest of us, you're probably responding, "Yes! Of course I do!" Would you be surprised if someone were to respond, "No! I don't want any appreciation!"? Most of us would find such a response quite dubious and, perhaps, the response of someone with some deeper issues and concerns. For the most part, it's quite safe for us to say that everyone likes to be appreciated. It's human nature. We like to be appreciated for the things we do, especially those we do for other people. For the most part it's probably reasonable for us to note that it's the oddball who doesn't like being acknowledged and appreciated. And it's not that we might do things just for the accolades, although many people do, but rather that each of us just plain likes to think that receiving a "thank you" is a pretty neat thing.
While receiving a "thank you" for an act of kindness or an acknowledgment for a job well done is valuable and wonderful - a gift from God to encourage us along life's way - they are not the "stuff" that Christians are made of. Earthly accolades are wonderful. They lift our spirits, provide encouragement for our continued service to others, and give us a sense of accomplishment and worth. Yet, rather than being motivated by such things, we are motivated to such action by God's great love for us. As He has loved us so also do we love others in His name. Because we are His in Christ Jesus we can't help ourselves; it's part of our "new nature" in Jesus.
At the same time, however, we also face the daunting challenge of our sinful nature. Receiving reward, payment, acknowledgment, and recognition for our work, our service, and our acts of kindness is very much a part of the human condition. Rather than being truly altruistic about our "service" to others, the drive to receive "payment" for our "good deeds" can be overwhelming. Our sinful nature doesn't like settling for simple "thankyous" but instead prefers the more substantial forms of "thank you" mentioned earlier. It's easy, even for Christians, to feel like we're not appreciated for the good we do because no one is shouting our name or publishing our pedigree. That same sinful nature also tends to lead us to expect God to also reward us for our good deeds and service. What our sinful nature wants us to forget is that our reward - our treasure - isn't here on earth. Rather, according to Jesus' own promise to us, our treasure is found in heaven. It's a treasure - a reward - that is incorruptible and can never be taken away.
Do your remember the old saying, "Home is where the heart is?" While there's great truth in that statement, our Lord Jesus Christ gives us a different perspective on the "heart" aspect when He says: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This is a lesson driven home quite poignantly by the following story from the mission field of a century ago:
A missionary who had served overseas for 40 years was forced to return home to the United States because his health was failing. He arrived in New York on the same ocean liner that was returning Teddy Roosevelt home from an African safari. There he saw a huge crowd at the doc waiting to give Roosevelt a grand reception. As the missionary watched the hubbub and commotion and heard the accolades and cheers of the crowd, he began to feel both envious and sorry for himself. He arrived alone. There was no one to greet him. In a fit of despair he prayed, "Lord, I've given my life to serve You as a missionary and now not a soul welcomes me home." Hearing the pain and sorrow of His servant, our gracious Father replied, "My dear child, you're not home yet!"
Dear brothers and sisters - We're "Not home yet" either.
Prayer: Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit help me to overcome the temptation to expect rewards for the good things I do for others. Help to follow Jesus' example of selfless service to others. Let Him be a reminder to me that I am here to serve You and to serve others in Jesus' name, sharing in all things Your great love for everyone. Keep me focused at all times that my only true and meaningful reward and treasure is a result of Your grace in Christ, to be found in heaven and not my work. Lead me to continue to serve others in Your name, not for reward but because of Your great love for me. In Your precious name I ask this. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Corinthians 1:1-9; II Corinthians 5:1-10
MY DEAR CHILD, YOU’RE NOT HOME YET!
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Lk.12:34)
Do you want to know you're appreciated? If you're like most of the rest of us, you're probably responding, "Yes! Of course I do!" Would you be surprised if someone were to respond, "No! I don't want any appreciation!"? Most of us would find such a response quite dubious and, perhaps, the response of someone with some deeper issues and concerns. For the most part, it's quite safe for us to say that everyone likes to be appreciated. It's human nature. We like to be appreciated for the things we do, especially those we do for other people. For the most part it's probably reasonable for us to note that it's the oddball who doesn't like being acknowledged and appreciated. And it's not that we might do things just for the accolades, although many people do, but rather that each of us just plain likes to think that receiving a "thank you" is a pretty neat thing.
While receiving a "thank you" for an act of kindness or an acknowledgment for a job well done is valuable and wonderful - a gift from God to encourage us along life's way - they are not the "stuff" that Christians are made of. Earthly accolades are wonderful. They lift our spirits, provide encouragement for our continued service to others, and give us a sense of accomplishment and worth. Yet, rather than being motivated by such things, we are motivated to such action by God's great love for us. As He has loved us so also do we love others in His name. Because we are His in Christ Jesus we can't help ourselves; it's part of our "new nature" in Jesus.
At the same time, however, we also face the daunting challenge of our sinful nature. Receiving reward, payment, acknowledgment, and recognition for our work, our service, and our acts of kindness is very much a part of the human condition. Rather than being truly altruistic about our "service" to others, the drive to receive "payment" for our "good deeds" can be overwhelming. Our sinful nature doesn't like settling for simple "thankyous" but instead prefers the more substantial forms of "thank you" mentioned earlier. It's easy, even for Christians, to feel like we're not appreciated for the good we do because no one is shouting our name or publishing our pedigree. That same sinful nature also tends to lead us to expect God to also reward us for our good deeds and service. What our sinful nature wants us to forget is that our reward - our treasure - isn't here on earth. Rather, according to Jesus' own promise to us, our treasure is found in heaven. It's a treasure - a reward - that is incorruptible and can never be taken away.
Do your remember the old saying, "Home is where the heart is?" While there's great truth in that statement, our Lord Jesus Christ gives us a different perspective on the "heart" aspect when He says: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This is a lesson driven home quite poignantly by the following story from the mission field of a century ago:
A missionary who had served overseas for 40 years was forced to return home to the United States because his health was failing. He arrived in New York on the same ocean liner that was returning Teddy Roosevelt home from an African safari. There he saw a huge crowd at the doc waiting to give Roosevelt a grand reception. As the missionary watched the hubbub and commotion and heard the accolades and cheers of the crowd, he began to feel both envious and sorry for himself. He arrived alone. There was no one to greet him. In a fit of despair he prayed, "Lord, I've given my life to serve You as a missionary and now not a soul welcomes me home." Hearing the pain and sorrow of His servant, our gracious Father replied, "My dear child, you're not home yet!"
Dear brothers and sisters - We're "Not home yet" either.
Prayer: Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit help me to overcome the temptation to expect rewards for the good things I do for others. Help to follow Jesus' example of selfless service to others. Let Him be a reminder to me that I am here to serve You and to serve others in Jesus' name, sharing in all things Your great love for everyone. Keep me focused at all times that my only true and meaningful reward and treasure is a result of Your grace in Christ, to be found in heaven and not my work. Lead me to continue to serve others in Your name, not for reward but because of Your great love for me. In Your precious name I ask this. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Living At Peace In A Troubled World
"Today's Devotion" For September 22, 2005
Read: I Thessalonians 4:1-12; Romans 12:9-21
LIVING AT PEACE IN A TROUBLED WORLD
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom.12:18)
From the earliest British settlements in the "New World," our predecessors in the original colonies were fighting for their lives. There was the constant battle to live in a hostile environment. White, European settlers were encroaching on land that had belonged to the various native peoples for thousands of years before they came - and there was conflict and war. Two European powers brought their battles to these shores during The French and Indian War. Then came the American Revolution in 1776 and there's been hardly a moment of peace ever since. After the Revolution our ancestors faced the Barbary Coast Pirates. Then the British returned in 1812. Constant "Indian" wars sprang up as the population marched ever westward and displacement of Native Americans took place. The 1860's brought to a head the war over the issue of slavery with the secession of the South from the Union and the Civil War that ensued. Before the end of the 19th century American forces would be involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China and skirmishes in the Caribbean.
To start the 20th century, war was in the wind. The sinking of the USS Maine in Cuba started the Spanish-American War. Not so many years later, during the troubling summer of 1914 in the Balkans, Archduke Ferdinand of Germany was assassinated on the streets of Sarajevo. This was the ignition switch for "the war to end all wars." World War I was expected to last "a year," and instead was fought to a bloody standstill over four long years. From 1918 on numerous skirmishes, bush wars, and other conflicts continued to plague the world. The Empire of Japan had been fighting with the Soviet Union over ownership of islands and were trying to overthrow the government of Chang Kai-Chek and annex China. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and later formed an alliance with Italy and Japan, World War II ensued and would last for almost six bloody, destructive years. In the 1950's the Korean peninsula erupted with the invasion of the South by the North. The Cold War ensued as the growing conflict between communist ideology and democracy opened the door massive distrust among the nations of the world, leading to nuclear proliferation, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the "War" in Vietnam, and scores of other smaller, but deadly "brush fire" wars around the globe. Since the end of the Vietnam conflict military conflicts have arisen - to name just a few - in Grenada, the Congo and other areas of Africa, in Cambodia (now Kampuchea), Laos, Iraq and Iran, the Philippines, Kuwait, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Yes, this is a long history lesson. Why? Because when it comes to the ability to live in peace with everyone, human beings are naturally ill inclined to do so. Somebody, somewhere, is always at odds with someone else and willing to "shoot to kill" in order to make their case, win their point, or take control. The list above is not complete. There have been numerous other military encounters that occurred around the world during the last century and into this century. We don't live in a peaceful world. We don't even have to leave home to prove this as we view the daily news and hear about the murders and mayhem that are being committed on our own streets, in our own neighborhoods.
Is there any doubt in your mind that, if we all had a choice, we'd all choose to live in a world without conflict of any kind? In reality, however, it's very clear that such is not to be, despite our fondest hopes and dreams for a utopian world. The power of Sin in the world and how it affects people makes that very clear. Because of Sin's influence on us we find it difficult to live without conflict within our own families and among our friends and neighbors. Even churches have conflicts - and often don't resolve them very well at all. It's the old battle between our own nature and will and God's Will for our lives. Ultimately, we can't divorce the spiritual from the whole concept of peace because conflict is, at its core, a spiritual problem and real peace depends on God. In the end, living at peace with others isn't easy, despite the best efforts of well-meaning men and women.
With its "track record," it's unlikely that the world is going to be at peace anytime soon. It would probably also be a "safe bet" that people aren't going to start getting along much better in the foreseeable future. Yet, with the Holy Spirit's urging, St. Paul encourages us to "live at peace with everyone." As God has called us to be His very own and established His peace with us so we might know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Christ Jesus, so also does He urge us to share that same peace with everyone. Because we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ we have the great honor of being instruments of His peace in a troubled world. When we are at peace in Him, we can live lives that are peaceable and quiet. Our lives become examples to others so that they might see Jesus in us and come to know God's peace for their own live - a peace which overcomes the world and all its conflicts. We are at peace with God through Christ our Lord. That's a given. Of this we can be certain. In His peace then, despite the fact that the world is not very peaceful, we strive to "live at peace with everyone" and so share God's peace in a troubled world.
Prayer: Father, it sure would be marvelous if human beings could live in peace with everyone. I know that I'm often not even at peace with myself, so I'm pretty certain that I'm not going to find it very easy to live at peace with others. You have given me Your peace in Jesus Christ, yet I still often treat you as my enemy instead of my loving Father. The wars going on around the world only serve to bring light to the spiritual warfare that's constantly raging behind the scenes. Father, I pray for this world and ask that You would send Your Spirit in abundant measure to every human being so that they might know Your love and peace, and, knowing Your peace, seek to live at peace with each other. Father, I pray also that You would begin with me, helping me to grow in Your grace and peace so that I might live at peace with others as a true witness of Your love for me and the world in Jesus. I pray this in His precious and most holy name. Amen.
***********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved
Read: I Thessalonians 4:1-12; Romans 12:9-21
LIVING AT PEACE IN A TROUBLED WORLD
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom.12:18)
From the earliest British settlements in the "New World," our predecessors in the original colonies were fighting for their lives. There was the constant battle to live in a hostile environment. White, European settlers were encroaching on land that had belonged to the various native peoples for thousands of years before they came - and there was conflict and war. Two European powers brought their battles to these shores during The French and Indian War. Then came the American Revolution in 1776 and there's been hardly a moment of peace ever since. After the Revolution our ancestors faced the Barbary Coast Pirates. Then the British returned in 1812. Constant "Indian" wars sprang up as the population marched ever westward and displacement of Native Americans took place. The 1860's brought to a head the war over the issue of slavery with the secession of the South from the Union and the Civil War that ensued. Before the end of the 19th century American forces would be involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China and skirmishes in the Caribbean.
To start the 20th century, war was in the wind. The sinking of the USS Maine in Cuba started the Spanish-American War. Not so many years later, during the troubling summer of 1914 in the Balkans, Archduke Ferdinand of Germany was assassinated on the streets of Sarajevo. This was the ignition switch for "the war to end all wars." World War I was expected to last "a year," and instead was fought to a bloody standstill over four long years. From 1918 on numerous skirmishes, bush wars, and other conflicts continued to plague the world. The Empire of Japan had been fighting with the Soviet Union over ownership of islands and were trying to overthrow the government of Chang Kai-Chek and annex China. When Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and later formed an alliance with Italy and Japan, World War II ensued and would last for almost six bloody, destructive years. In the 1950's the Korean peninsula erupted with the invasion of the South by the North. The Cold War ensued as the growing conflict between communist ideology and democracy opened the door massive distrust among the nations of the world, leading to nuclear proliferation, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the "War" in Vietnam, and scores of other smaller, but deadly "brush fire" wars around the globe. Since the end of the Vietnam conflict military conflicts have arisen - to name just a few - in Grenada, the Congo and other areas of Africa, in Cambodia (now Kampuchea), Laos, Iraq and Iran, the Philippines, Kuwait, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Yes, this is a long history lesson. Why? Because when it comes to the ability to live in peace with everyone, human beings are naturally ill inclined to do so. Somebody, somewhere, is always at odds with someone else and willing to "shoot to kill" in order to make their case, win their point, or take control. The list above is not complete. There have been numerous other military encounters that occurred around the world during the last century and into this century. We don't live in a peaceful world. We don't even have to leave home to prove this as we view the daily news and hear about the murders and mayhem that are being committed on our own streets, in our own neighborhoods.
Is there any doubt in your mind that, if we all had a choice, we'd all choose to live in a world without conflict of any kind? In reality, however, it's very clear that such is not to be, despite our fondest hopes and dreams for a utopian world. The power of Sin in the world and how it affects people makes that very clear. Because of Sin's influence on us we find it difficult to live without conflict within our own families and among our friends and neighbors. Even churches have conflicts - and often don't resolve them very well at all. It's the old battle between our own nature and will and God's Will for our lives. Ultimately, we can't divorce the spiritual from the whole concept of peace because conflict is, at its core, a spiritual problem and real peace depends on God. In the end, living at peace with others isn't easy, despite the best efforts of well-meaning men and women.
With its "track record," it's unlikely that the world is going to be at peace anytime soon. It would probably also be a "safe bet" that people aren't going to start getting along much better in the foreseeable future. Yet, with the Holy Spirit's urging, St. Paul encourages us to "live at peace with everyone." As God has called us to be His very own and established His peace with us so we might know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Christ Jesus, so also does He urge us to share that same peace with everyone. Because we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ we have the great honor of being instruments of His peace in a troubled world. When we are at peace in Him, we can live lives that are peaceable and quiet. Our lives become examples to others so that they might see Jesus in us and come to know God's peace for their own live - a peace which overcomes the world and all its conflicts. We are at peace with God through Christ our Lord. That's a given. Of this we can be certain. In His peace then, despite the fact that the world is not very peaceful, we strive to "live at peace with everyone" and so share God's peace in a troubled world.
Prayer: Father, it sure would be marvelous if human beings could live in peace with everyone. I know that I'm often not even at peace with myself, so I'm pretty certain that I'm not going to find it very easy to live at peace with others. You have given me Your peace in Jesus Christ, yet I still often treat you as my enemy instead of my loving Father. The wars going on around the world only serve to bring light to the spiritual warfare that's constantly raging behind the scenes. Father, I pray for this world and ask that You would send Your Spirit in abundant measure to every human being so that they might know Your love and peace, and, knowing Your peace, seek to live at peace with each other. Father, I pray also that You would begin with me, helping me to grow in Your grace and peace so that I might live at peace with others as a true witness of Your love for me and the world in Jesus. I pray this in His precious and most holy name. Amen.
***********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Guided Through Life By The Light Of The World
"Today's Devotion" For September 21, 2005
Read: John 1:1-18; Psalm 119:105-112
GUIDED THROUGH LIFE BY THE LIGHT OF WORLD
One very cold and stormy winter night a young boy and his father were on their way home from school. Suddenly, with a grinding sound, the engine shut down and they coasted to a stop. Their car had broken down. It was pitch dark, except for slight gleam of the snow. It was an eerie darkness and difficult to see where they were going. The little boy was so frightened that he shivered more out of fear of being lost than from the cold. As his fear heightened his father turned on the small flashlight he carried to show the way. It didn't help much. The lad was still scared. He cried, "Daddy, how are we going to find our way with such a small flashlight? It doesn't give enough light!" Taking his hand, his father replied, "Son, it's true that the light is small and the beam doesn't shine very far. However, if we keep on walking the light will continue to go on ahead showing us the way."
Having a guide through the storms and pitfalls of life is so important. So often we'd like to know not only what's going to happen tomorrow, but the next week, the next month, the next year, and on and on and on. Rather than just seeing what today brings, we want to know more - see more - right now. Yet life is a series of steps taken one at a time. Each step can be filled with a lot of uncertainty and doubt or confidence and hope. Scripture reminds us that God's promise is to lead us through life, helping us to overcome uncertainty and doubt with faith - a faith that brings confidence and hope. Throughout Scripture we see pictures of light and darkness used to describe the difference between being in God's presence (light) and being separated from Him by Sin (darkness). Life in this world can be an exercise of light or darkness. We can walk with God according to His Word, or we can walk in the ways of the world, living contrary to that which is pleasing to God. We can look to God for guidance through life, or we can allow the philosophies of the world to guide our thinking and living.
Jesus came into this world to be the "Light of the world." He is the "light shining in the darkness" of Sin and unbelief to keep on guiding us into the presence of our heavenly Father. Instead of the philosophies of the world to guide us, we have His Word which not only reveals His love and forgiveness for us in Christ, but which also provides us with the "light" that guides us in living for Him and with Him. We are led by the Light of the world, Jesus our Savior, to live in Him and for Him, to share His love with others, and to see God's hand at work in the creation and the lives of people. We aren't going to get lost in this world because the light of His love keeps us heading toward Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You sent Jesus to lighten the darkness of Sin in this world. You have given me faith that I might be led by the light of Your Word, both written and "made flesh." Help me to let that light shine through me to others so that they might also see You, experience Your love, grace, and mercy, and ultimately glorify You because they have seen Jesus. Spread Your love and Light abroad in the world through me so that others might turn to You and be saved. In Jesus' name precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: John 1:1-18; Psalm 119:105-112
GUIDED THROUGH LIFE BY THE LIGHT OF WORLD
One very cold and stormy winter night a young boy and his father were on their way home from school. Suddenly, with a grinding sound, the engine shut down and they coasted to a stop. Their car had broken down. It was pitch dark, except for slight gleam of the snow. It was an eerie darkness and difficult to see where they were going. The little boy was so frightened that he shivered more out of fear of being lost than from the cold. As his fear heightened his father turned on the small flashlight he carried to show the way. It didn't help much. The lad was still scared. He cried, "Daddy, how are we going to find our way with such a small flashlight? It doesn't give enough light!" Taking his hand, his father replied, "Son, it's true that the light is small and the beam doesn't shine very far. However, if we keep on walking the light will continue to go on ahead showing us the way."
Having a guide through the storms and pitfalls of life is so important. So often we'd like to know not only what's going to happen tomorrow, but the next week, the next month, the next year, and on and on and on. Rather than just seeing what today brings, we want to know more - see more - right now. Yet life is a series of steps taken one at a time. Each step can be filled with a lot of uncertainty and doubt or confidence and hope. Scripture reminds us that God's promise is to lead us through life, helping us to overcome uncertainty and doubt with faith - a faith that brings confidence and hope. Throughout Scripture we see pictures of light and darkness used to describe the difference between being in God's presence (light) and being separated from Him by Sin (darkness). Life in this world can be an exercise of light or darkness. We can walk with God according to His Word, or we can walk in the ways of the world, living contrary to that which is pleasing to God. We can look to God for guidance through life, or we can allow the philosophies of the world to guide our thinking and living.
Jesus came into this world to be the "Light of the world." He is the "light shining in the darkness" of Sin and unbelief to keep on guiding us into the presence of our heavenly Father. Instead of the philosophies of the world to guide us, we have His Word which not only reveals His love and forgiveness for us in Christ, but which also provides us with the "light" that guides us in living for Him and with Him. We are led by the Light of the world, Jesus our Savior, to live in Him and for Him, to share His love with others, and to see God's hand at work in the creation and the lives of people. We aren't going to get lost in this world because the light of His love keeps us heading toward Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You sent Jesus to lighten the darkness of Sin in this world. You have given me faith that I might be led by the light of Your Word, both written and "made flesh." Help me to let that light shine through me to others so that they might also see You, experience Your love, grace, and mercy, and ultimately glorify You because they have seen Jesus. Spread Your love and Light abroad in the world through me so that others might turn to You and be saved. In Jesus' name precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
God's Love Keeps Us Secure In Christ
"Today's Devotion" For September 20, 2005
Read: Jude 24-25; Colossians 1:3-14
GOD'S LOVE KEEPS US SECURE IN CHRIST
"...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 25)
Do we live in a dangerous world? I suppose that depends on your perspective. If you believe that earthquakes - aftershocks in India from the December 28 earthquake and tsunami - are dangerous to human life and limb, then I guess you'd answer in the affirmative. Do we live in a dangerous world? Three week ago, yesterday, Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast States. People died. People were hurt. People have taken ill. Last week I saw some pretty nasty devastation and a lot of hurting people when I visited Alabama and Mississippi. The news today is that Tropical Storm Rita could become at least a Category 1 hurricane - it could grow even stronger if it continues into the Gulf Coast States. I suppose if you would call hurricanes a danger to human life and limb then you'd agree that we live in a dangerous world. Do we live in a dangerous world? If you count terrorism, nuclear proliferation, genocide, murder in the streets of our cities, and other physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual dangers, then, yes, it would seem that we live in a dangerous world.
No one wants to face danger in life. No one wants to experience harm of any kind. The truth is, however, that no one is ever perfectly safe and secure in life - too many things can affect us and harm us. At the same time, as we face the dangers of living, whether hurricanes, tornados, fire, epidemics, terrorism, war, nuclear proliferation, or murder in the streets, it's very important for us to realize that only the spiritual dangers can destroy us. Martin Luther, in his hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," penned these words: "And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife. Let these all be gone. They yet have nothing won. The Kingdom ours remaineth." For all who are hurting because of the power of the hurricane let these words bring comfort. For all who are hurting because of the fear and reality of terrorism let these words bring hope and peace. How marvelous it is to know for certain that it doesn't matter what kinds of dangers we face in this world, even the loss of our own live, no one can separate us from God's love for us in Jesus Christ.
Jude's words bring comfort to the people of God. Redeemed by Christ and restored in His righteousness to the loving arms of our Father in heaven, we are certain that God is in control at all times. Our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the Devil, the world, and our flesh. He has made us His very own and will bring us before His throne in heaven "without fault" because we are covered by His righteousness and cleansed by His blood. He keeps us free from Sin's bondage and will not let us go astray. At the same time He empowers us to face every danger of this world with peace and hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. There is always hope for God's people in the face of danger because our Father's glory, majesty, power and authority shows us He's in control. Ultimately, living in a dangerous world is made easier and more hopeful knowing that God's love keeps us secure in Christ.
Prayer: Father, I praise and glorify You because You have revealed Yourself to me in the gift of faith in Jesus. You have shown Yourself to me, not as an angry Judge, but a loving, gracious and merciful Father, sending Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. I am forgiven in Him. You have made me secure in Him so that I might have life abundantly, now, and forever in heaven. Help me to be a faithful and winsome ambassador of Your love for the world in Jesus so that others might have the same peace in Him that You have given me by Your grace and mercy. Guide me in my life to be an example of faithful living, secure in Jesus and unafraid of the dangers of the world. In Jesus' name I thank You for hearing me gracious Father. Amen.
************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Jude 24-25; Colossians 1:3-14
GOD'S LOVE KEEPS US SECURE IN CHRIST
"...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 25)
Do we live in a dangerous world? I suppose that depends on your perspective. If you believe that earthquakes - aftershocks in India from the December 28 earthquake and tsunami - are dangerous to human life and limb, then I guess you'd answer in the affirmative. Do we live in a dangerous world? Three week ago, yesterday, Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast States. People died. People were hurt. People have taken ill. Last week I saw some pretty nasty devastation and a lot of hurting people when I visited Alabama and Mississippi. The news today is that Tropical Storm Rita could become at least a Category 1 hurricane - it could grow even stronger if it continues into the Gulf Coast States. I suppose if you would call hurricanes a danger to human life and limb then you'd agree that we live in a dangerous world. Do we live in a dangerous world? If you count terrorism, nuclear proliferation, genocide, murder in the streets of our cities, and other physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual dangers, then, yes, it would seem that we live in a dangerous world.
No one wants to face danger in life. No one wants to experience harm of any kind. The truth is, however, that no one is ever perfectly safe and secure in life - too many things can affect us and harm us. At the same time, as we face the dangers of living, whether hurricanes, tornados, fire, epidemics, terrorism, war, nuclear proliferation, or murder in the streets, it's very important for us to realize that only the spiritual dangers can destroy us. Martin Luther, in his hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," penned these words: "And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife. Let these all be gone. They yet have nothing won. The Kingdom ours remaineth." For all who are hurting because of the power of the hurricane let these words bring comfort. For all who are hurting because of the fear and reality of terrorism let these words bring hope and peace. How marvelous it is to know for certain that it doesn't matter what kinds of dangers we face in this world, even the loss of our own live, no one can separate us from God's love for us in Jesus Christ.
Jude's words bring comfort to the people of God. Redeemed by Christ and restored in His righteousness to the loving arms of our Father in heaven, we are certain that God is in control at all times. Our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the Devil, the world, and our flesh. He has made us His very own and will bring us before His throne in heaven "without fault" because we are covered by His righteousness and cleansed by His blood. He keeps us free from Sin's bondage and will not let us go astray. At the same time He empowers us to face every danger of this world with peace and hope, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. There is always hope for God's people in the face of danger because our Father's glory, majesty, power and authority shows us He's in control. Ultimately, living in a dangerous world is made easier and more hopeful knowing that God's love keeps us secure in Christ.
Prayer: Father, I praise and glorify You because You have revealed Yourself to me in the gift of faith in Jesus. You have shown Yourself to me, not as an angry Judge, but a loving, gracious and merciful Father, sending Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. I am forgiven in Him. You have made me secure in Him so that I might have life abundantly, now, and forever in heaven. Help me to be a faithful and winsome ambassador of Your love for the world in Jesus so that others might have the same peace in Him that You have given me by Your grace and mercy. Guide me in my life to be an example of faithful living, secure in Jesus and unafraid of the dangers of the world. In Jesus' name I thank You for hearing me gracious Father. Amen.
************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Let's Get To Work With the Gospel
"Today's Devotion" For September 17, 2005
Read: Mark 1:21-28; I Corinthians 2:1-5
LET'S GET TO WORK WITH THE GOSPEL
"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (I Cor. 2:2)
Mark begins his Gospel by declaring it to be, "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God." By these words Mark is clearly pointing to the reality that, while Jesus is indeed the Son of God - "the Word made flesh" (Jn. 1:14), His life, ministry, and death on the Cross while on earth is only the beginning of God's Plan of Salvation for the world. God's continuing work of salvation comes through the preaching of the Gospel, as is evident in the preaching of the Apostles after Jesus' Ascension - we note St. Paul's statements in I Corinthians 2 for instance - and in the lives of those of us who follow after and are called to be "fishers of men."
By God's grace and blessing, through faith in Jesus, we are Jesus' "fishers of men" today. Through us the Gospel of Jesus Christ is presented and extended to more and more people. But first we had to be �caught for Jesus� before we could become "fishers of men." We had to hear the Word, the Holy Spirit had to work faith in our hearts, and subsequently, through Holy Baptism, God made us His very own. This is the work Jesus began, continues, and will continue through His disciples until the Last Day.
As Jesus walked the earth people saw His power and authority as He healed their diseases, illnesses, lameness, blindness, spiritual darkness, and cast out demons. He healed body, soul and spirit, which no one else had ever done before, nor has ever been able to do since. Even the evil spirits knew Him - it did them no good. Jesus, in His great love for sinners, drove out the evil spirits from those they had possessed, to free people to know Him and His love. This was a special part of His saving work and God's Plan of Salvation.
Jesus did all these things as part of His ministry and God's Plan of Salvation so that we might see Him and know Him truly as "the Holy One of God"; that seeing we might believe this "new teaching"; that believing we might heed His call to be "fishers of men"; and, that through our witness others might also hear.
Jesus didn't leave us when He ascended into Heaven. He is still among us, empowering us by Word and Spirit to share His love, grace and mercy with others. His miracles continue today as people are healed of diseases of body, mind, and spirit. His miracles continue today as His children are continually amazed by His great goodness and the authority of God's Word. Growing in His grace and experiencing His love and forgiveness which is new to us every morning, we are empowered and encouraged to carry on Jesus' work, carrying the Plan of Salvation forward into the lives of people everywhere. We've got a lot of people to tell so "let's get to work with the Gospel."
Prayer: Father, You sent Jesus to earth to save everyone from Sin, Death and Satan. By the power of Your Word and Spirit give me the strength of purpose and the courage of faith to "get to work" displaying that great truth with my life and through my words. Let the miracle of Christ's coming never cease for me that I may look forward each day to the completion of His work of salvation in my life and that of the whole world. Thank You, Father, for this marvelous, wonderful salvation in Jesus; in Whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Jesus Is In Total Control
"Today's Devotion" For September 16, 2005
Read: Matthew 26:1-5; John 11:45-57
JESUS IS IN TOTAL CONTROL
"'As you may know, the Passover is two days away - and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'" (Mt. 26:2)
Goal setting is a vital part of any planning process. No business plan, for instance, can be effective if concrete goals are not expressed. Action steps are delineated by which those business goals will be met. A college student determines a major field of study and sets a goal to get one degree or more in that field. Classes are chosen to meet the curricular requirements to reaching that degree goal. A husband and wife set goals for their marriage, to stay together and work through difficulties, to have a certain amount of children, to purchase a home, to live in a certain place, to put their children through college, etc. They arrange their finances and take the time necessary to develop their relationship and love to accomplish their family goals.
Yet no matter the goals and intentions, failure is often the end result. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a calamitous natural disaster, war, terrorism, crime, economic recession, or a stock market crash can end one's plans for the future. At this time of year, as students return to university classrooms they're finding that classes they wanted are already filled, some sections are already closed, courses they had scheduled have been cancelled, and their plans for jobs and income to pay their tuition bills have dried up. Of course these college "calamities" are but a microcosm of the "real" world the rest of us experience. After all we live in a world where illness, death, unfaithfulness, bankruptcy and other unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances can end a marriage, destroy a family, wipe out a family business, or annihilate a myriad of dreams for the future.
Thank God that such is not the case with our salvation. God's plan was never in jeopardy of failure, no matter the attempts of Satan to put it off course or destroy it. Jesus prepared His disciples for the ultimate and inevitable end of His ministry - His crucifixion. It was a sure and certain thing. God was in total control. The Father's Will would be done. Once Jesus made it clear as to what was going to happen to Him, Matthew notes that the chief priests and elders began to plot His death. Yet, God is still in control. Jesus will not be dissuaded or put off His mission. What He tells us about our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins, His grace, mercy, and love, and the Father's promise to bring us home to heaven is for certain. Nothing will keep it from happening. Our Lord Jesus is in total control. And that's a marvelous thing.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am comforted knowing that Your Word is sure and certain and Your plans for me are coming to pass. Nothing can take me out of Your hand or away from Your love. Only I can reject You and I pray that Your Spirit will keep me faithful and away from that danger. Help me to rejoice in such a certainty, knowing that You are in total control. Let my rejoicing lead me to share Your love unceasingly with everyone I meet. Help me to serve You, precious Lord. Amen.
******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Living Forgiven Lives
"Today's Devotion" For September 15, 2005
Read: Galatians 6:1-5; James 5:13-20
LIVING FORGIVEN LIVES
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (Gal. 6:1)
I don't know about you, but I seem to have a penchant for watching people "twist in the wind" when they've done something wrong. It seems I have this inherent glee in their discomfort. God forbid, however, that the shoe should ever be on the other foot. When it is, I'm outraged and upset that others can't be more forgiving and understanding.
One of the most difficult parts of life is forgiving others for what they've done to you. It seems that within the Body of Christ that's even harder to do, because we expect more from one another. Our natural, sinful state seems to take over and hold others more accountable for their actions than we hold ourselves for our own actions. We'll readily point fingers at other, but forget what stares at us in the mirror every day. I remember my dad saying, when, as children we blamed what we had done on a sibling, that every time we pointed a finger at another, there were three others pointing back at us. He, of course didn't mean we couldn't affix blame where it was warranted, only that our "stuff stunk" too.
There's no better way to have life's burdens lifted from our shoulders than to live with a heart filled with forgiveness and love. Being concerned about one another to restore one another in the aftermath of sin, only serves to reflect God's grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness to us in Jesus Christ. We love because He first loved us. We forgive because He has first forgiven. Living forgiven lives means living in peace with God and one another. Living forgiven lives gives us a whole new perspective and a peace that overcomes the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You consider me so important, that if I get lost from You, You will seek me out without stopping and without fail. Help me to treat my brothers and sisters in the faith, with the same compassion and forgiveness You have shown to me. Help me to be ready at all times to reach out with Your Word to those who are repentant of their sins so that they might be comforted with Your mercy and forgiveness. Thanks again, Lord, for loving me so much that Your forgiveness is mine, by faith, everyday. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Galatians 6:1-5; James 5:13-20
LIVING FORGIVEN LIVES
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (Gal. 6:1)
I don't know about you, but I seem to have a penchant for watching people "twist in the wind" when they've done something wrong. It seems I have this inherent glee in their discomfort. God forbid, however, that the shoe should ever be on the other foot. When it is, I'm outraged and upset that others can't be more forgiving and understanding.
One of the most difficult parts of life is forgiving others for what they've done to you. It seems that within the Body of Christ that's even harder to do, because we expect more from one another. Our natural, sinful state seems to take over and hold others more accountable for their actions than we hold ourselves for our own actions. We'll readily point fingers at other, but forget what stares at us in the mirror every day. I remember my dad saying, when, as children we blamed what we had done on a sibling, that every time we pointed a finger at another, there were three others pointing back at us. He, of course didn't mean we couldn't affix blame where it was warranted, only that our "stuff stunk" too.
There's no better way to have life's burdens lifted from our shoulders than to live with a heart filled with forgiveness and love. Being concerned about one another to restore one another in the aftermath of sin, only serves to reflect God's grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness to us in Jesus Christ. We love because He first loved us. We forgive because He has first forgiven. Living forgiven lives means living in peace with God and one another. Living forgiven lives gives us a whole new perspective and a peace that overcomes the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You consider me so important, that if I get lost from You, You will seek me out without stopping and without fail. Help me to treat my brothers and sisters in the faith, with the same compassion and forgiveness You have shown to me. Help me to be ready at all times to reach out with Your Word to those who are repentant of their sins so that they might be comforted with Your mercy and forgiveness. Thanks again, Lord, for loving me so much that Your forgiveness is mine, by faith, everyday. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
No Cake Walk
"Today's Devotion" For September 14, 2005
Read: Matthew 10:17-23; Acts 25:23-26:32
NO CAKE WALK
"On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles...At that time you will be given what to say..." (Mt. 10:18, 19b)
If there was ever a time that you may have thought that being a Christian was going to be a "cake walk", then this section of Matthew ought to disavow you of that misperception. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, and thus a "fisher of men", is not an easy road. Jesus tells the Twelve that they must remember Who is sending them, and expect to be treated as He would be treated.
As we go about living for Jesus in this world we can expect exactly what Jesus told the Twelve they would experience. There's probably no greater hindrance in human relationships than what is brought about by being a disciple of Jesus Christ in the midst of people who want nothing to do with Him. Just as was true of the Apostles, so also is it true for us. As Jesus experienced persecution, betrayal, and hatred, so should we expect the same as His disciples. As we face the world today as Christians, walking as disciples of Jesus Christ - "fishers of men" - we realize that as those faithful to Christ, we aren't terribly well received, sometimes even by our own government.
But persecution, betrayal and hatred can't stop us, just as it didn't stop the Apostles. These hardships will present us with opportunities to be Jesus' witnesses. We don't need to question our ability to be good witnesses or be afraid to share His love. We stand on His promises to send His Spirit Who will give us the words, the strength, and the courage to speak for Him. It's true that our witness may even sever some family ties. Nevertheless, we are assured by our Savior and Lord that we will be strengthened to be faithful and endure to the end. Jesus assures us that He will never leave us and He will return to take us to Himself. So take heart and witness boldly to the forgiveness of sins and hope of heaven that you have in Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called me to be a disciple who "fishes for men" each day of my life. You have called me to be a witness to others of Your love and forgiveness, even under the most trying of conditions. Help me to be faithful in my witness for You, and lead me to trust Your Spirit to give me the courage, strength, and words to say that will make a difference in the lives of others. Hear me, O Lord Jesus. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 10:17-23; Acts 25:23-26:32
NO CAKE WALK
"On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles...At that time you will be given what to say..." (Mt. 10:18, 19b)
If there was ever a time that you may have thought that being a Christian was going to be a "cake walk", then this section of Matthew ought to disavow you of that misperception. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, and thus a "fisher of men", is not an easy road. Jesus tells the Twelve that they must remember Who is sending them, and expect to be treated as He would be treated.
As we go about living for Jesus in this world we can expect exactly what Jesus told the Twelve they would experience. There's probably no greater hindrance in human relationships than what is brought about by being a disciple of Jesus Christ in the midst of people who want nothing to do with Him. Just as was true of the Apostles, so also is it true for us. As Jesus experienced persecution, betrayal, and hatred, so should we expect the same as His disciples. As we face the world today as Christians, walking as disciples of Jesus Christ - "fishers of men" - we realize that as those faithful to Christ, we aren't terribly well received, sometimes even by our own government.
But persecution, betrayal and hatred can't stop us, just as it didn't stop the Apostles. These hardships will present us with opportunities to be Jesus' witnesses. We don't need to question our ability to be good witnesses or be afraid to share His love. We stand on His promises to send His Spirit Who will give us the words, the strength, and the courage to speak for Him. It's true that our witness may even sever some family ties. Nevertheless, we are assured by our Savior and Lord that we will be strengthened to be faithful and endure to the end. Jesus assures us that He will never leave us and He will return to take us to Himself. So take heart and witness boldly to the forgiveness of sins and hope of heaven that you have in Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called me to be a disciple who "fishes for men" each day of my life. You have called me to be a witness to others of Your love and forgiveness, even under the most trying of conditions. Help me to be faithful in my witness for You, and lead me to trust Your Spirit to give me the courage, strength, and words to say that will make a difference in the lives of others. Hear me, O Lord Jesus. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
My Daily Bread
"Today's Devotion" For September 13, 2005
Read: Luke 11:1-13; I Timothy 6:6-19
MY DAILY BREAD
"...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You, and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Pr. 30:8b-9)
"Gimme, gimme, gimme." This is a mantra that seems to permeate our world. In many of our colleges and universities, students are setting goals to make their "first million" by a certain age. In corporations around the country, executives and managers are looking for ways to line their pockets at the expense of the company and its employees. Children are being neglected because parents are too busy making more money and buying more things. When you listen to all the people "out there" who are touting the next great money-making venture, you hear them asking the same question, "What do you want?" "How much do you want to make?" They play on the greed factor.
"Gimme, gimme, gimme" isn't just a mantra for those seeking great wealth and possessions. It's also a mantra for those who have little and feel oppressed. Terrorism finds a home among those who have "too little" as they see it, because it gives them a sense of power over those who have "too much." Many poor people turn to crimes like drug dealing and prostitution (among others) in order to achieve an elusive way out of poverty. We can look at them and perhaps understand why they might go in such a direction, but it points to the same malady that faces those who "have too much." Neither group trusts God for their "daily bread" - what they need each day for life - nor do they ask Him to give them what's essential.
Jesus teaches us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." He teaches us to seek the Father's blessings for our daily needs. Our heavenly Father gives us, not only physical necessities, but spiritual ones as well. Not only does He give us the food, clothing, and shelter that we need, but He also gives us the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we might grow in our faith and trust in Him and be effective witnesses to His love for the world in Jesus Christ. As you pray each day for your "daily bread" remember to thank God for what He has given you and seek His wisdom to use it wisely. If He gives you a lot, then pray that He will lead you to not taking it for granted. Pray also that He will lead you to use it to His glory and the benefit of others. If He gives you less than others, but all that you need, give thanks and pray that He will allow you to be content and at peace with what you have.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I like to have a lot more things than what I really need. Too often I look to have things that don't do anything to maintain my daily needs nor improve my relationship with You. Forgive me for my greediness and my ungratefulness. Lead me to faithfully pray "give us this day our daily bread" trusting that my Father in heaven will give me all that I need. Help me to reflect such contentment with His gifts to me that I may be an example to others and give glory to God. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 11:1-13; I Timothy 6:6-19
MY DAILY BREAD
"...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You, and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Pr. 30:8b-9)
"Gimme, gimme, gimme." This is a mantra that seems to permeate our world. In many of our colleges and universities, students are setting goals to make their "first million" by a certain age. In corporations around the country, executives and managers are looking for ways to line their pockets at the expense of the company and its employees. Children are being neglected because parents are too busy making more money and buying more things. When you listen to all the people "out there" who are touting the next great money-making venture, you hear them asking the same question, "What do you want?" "How much do you want to make?" They play on the greed factor.
"Gimme, gimme, gimme" isn't just a mantra for those seeking great wealth and possessions. It's also a mantra for those who have little and feel oppressed. Terrorism finds a home among those who have "too little" as they see it, because it gives them a sense of power over those who have "too much." Many poor people turn to crimes like drug dealing and prostitution (among others) in order to achieve an elusive way out of poverty. We can look at them and perhaps understand why they might go in such a direction, but it points to the same malady that faces those who "have too much." Neither group trusts God for their "daily bread" - what they need each day for life - nor do they ask Him to give them what's essential.
Jesus teaches us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." He teaches us to seek the Father's blessings for our daily needs. Our heavenly Father gives us, not only physical necessities, but spiritual ones as well. Not only does He give us the food, clothing, and shelter that we need, but He also gives us the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we might grow in our faith and trust in Him and be effective witnesses to His love for the world in Jesus Christ. As you pray each day for your "daily bread" remember to thank God for what He has given you and seek His wisdom to use it wisely. If He gives you a lot, then pray that He will lead you to not taking it for granted. Pray also that He will lead you to use it to His glory and the benefit of others. If He gives you less than others, but all that you need, give thanks and pray that He will allow you to be content and at peace with what you have.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I like to have a lot more things than what I really need. Too often I look to have things that don't do anything to maintain my daily needs nor improve my relationship with You. Forgive me for my greediness and my ungratefulness. Lead me to faithfully pray "give us this day our daily bread" trusting that my Father in heaven will give me all that I need. Help me to reflect such contentment with His gifts to me that I may be an example to others and give glory to God. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Modeling Your Faith Works Wonders
"Today's Devotion" For September 12, 2005
Read: Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1,7-14
MODELING YOUR FAITH WORKS WONDERS
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Heb.13:2)
When I was a small boy my dad gave me an old book that he had received as a child. Its title was "Angels Unaware." The book contained stories of ordinary people, people of faith, who opened their hearts, hands, lives, and homes to people who were in desperate need. Each of those who opened their hearts to others in need were also suffering and in need. Each story ended with a special blessing resulting for those who had sacrificed to love a stranger and share what they had. Each story ended with the special note that the people that had cared for those in need had "entertained Angels unaware." I don't know if the stories were true or fiction. I do know that they reflected the kind of hospitality and Christian life that I was taught to live.
A missionary tells the story of his encounter with the Batak tribe. He was given permission to spend two years studying their customs and language. When he was ready to leave, the chief asked if there was anything in the Christian faith that differed from their customs. He noted that they had laws that prohibited stealing, murder, taking another's wife, or bearing false witness. The missionary answered quietly, "My Master gives us the power to keep these laws." The chief was startled and asked, "Can you teach my people this power?" The missionary answered, "No, I cannot. But God can give it to them if they listen to His Word and ask Him for it." The chief gave the missionary six more months during which to demonstrate and teach the power of God. When the time was up the chief said, "Stay. Your law is better than ours. Ours tells us what to do. Your God gives you the strength to do it."
Whether it's "entertaining" strangers ("Angels Unaware"), or living a life that reflects the power of God's forgiveness and love in Jesus Christ to others, modeling our faith works wonders. It helps those in need, comforts those who are hurting in any way, and shows how to live in peace with one another. As the writer to the Hebrews reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb.13:8). His love never fails us nor does He withhold His forgiveness from repentant hearts. He gives us the power to live for Him and in Him. By His power we are able to exercise our faith and be effective models for others so they, too, can know the wonder and majesty of God's love. God uses us to lead others to Him and to touch them with His presence. What a marvelous opportunity to serve.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as You have given me the gift of faith through Your grace in Christ Jesus, help me to share that very gift with others. Show me how to be an effective model of faith and life today and everyday, so that others might learn to know Your love through me. Keep me ever mindful that modeling my faith works wonders in sharing Jesus with others; in Whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Hebrews 13:1-8; Luke 14:1,7-14
MODELING YOUR FAITH WORKS WONDERS
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Heb.13:2)
When I was a small boy my dad gave me an old book that he had received as a child. Its title was "Angels Unaware." The book contained stories of ordinary people, people of faith, who opened their hearts, hands, lives, and homes to people who were in desperate need. Each of those who opened their hearts to others in need were also suffering and in need. Each story ended with a special blessing resulting for those who had sacrificed to love a stranger and share what they had. Each story ended with the special note that the people that had cared for those in need had "entertained Angels unaware." I don't know if the stories were true or fiction. I do know that they reflected the kind of hospitality and Christian life that I was taught to live.
A missionary tells the story of his encounter with the Batak tribe. He was given permission to spend two years studying their customs and language. When he was ready to leave, the chief asked if there was anything in the Christian faith that differed from their customs. He noted that they had laws that prohibited stealing, murder, taking another's wife, or bearing false witness. The missionary answered quietly, "My Master gives us the power to keep these laws." The chief was startled and asked, "Can you teach my people this power?" The missionary answered, "No, I cannot. But God can give it to them if they listen to His Word and ask Him for it." The chief gave the missionary six more months during which to demonstrate and teach the power of God. When the time was up the chief said, "Stay. Your law is better than ours. Ours tells us what to do. Your God gives you the strength to do it."
Whether it's "entertaining" strangers ("Angels Unaware"), or living a life that reflects the power of God's forgiveness and love in Jesus Christ to others, modeling our faith works wonders. It helps those in need, comforts those who are hurting in any way, and shows how to live in peace with one another. As the writer to the Hebrews reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb.13:8). His love never fails us nor does He withhold His forgiveness from repentant hearts. He gives us the power to live for Him and in Him. By His power we are able to exercise our faith and be effective models for others so they, too, can know the wonder and majesty of God's love. God uses us to lead others to Him and to touch them with His presence. What a marvelous opportunity to serve.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as You have given me the gift of faith through Your grace in Christ Jesus, help me to share that very gift with others. Show me how to be an effective model of faith and life today and everyday, so that others might learn to know Your love through me. Keep me ever mindful that modeling my faith works wonders in sharing Jesus with others; in Whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Living As The Children Of Light
"Today's Devotion" For September 10, 2005
Read: Ephesians 5:8; Psalm 34
LIVING AS THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT
"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of Light." (Eph. 5:8)
During his Presidency in the early 1990's, President George H. W. Bush, father of our current President, often spoke quite glowingly about people who volunteered service to their communities. Calling them "Points of Light," he was fond of noting how such volunteers made a difference in their communities and around the nation. He praised their selfless commitment to serving the needs of others and honored many of them with a "Points of Light" award. The recent outpouring of money, food, clothing, shelter, jobs, and other acts of love and compassion from people around the country in behalf of Hurricane Katrina victims reflects the finest tradition of the "Points of Light" that the former President espoused and recognized.
It's quite probable that once the events of the past couple of weeks are consigned to our memories that a good number of people and agencies will be recognized for their service during this catastrophic event. At the same time, large numbers of those who are serving and will serve to help alleviate the suffering and sense of loss will be forgotten by most, except by those whose lives they touched. For many of those people, however, the reward is in the "doing" not in an award. The relief being offered by God's people is incredible, with churches and church schools around the nation opening their homes and schools to those displaced by this cataclysmic event. More assistance is on the way and more volunteers are planning to serve by cleaning up and rebuilding the homes, and lives, devastated by this event.
A few years ago I had noted that it's a sad note in history that the first President Bush felt it was necessary to recognize, on the national stage, those who had willingly volunteered to serve in their communities - not for honor or recognition, but out of love for their neighbors. I noted that honoring those who did something good is a reflection on the reality that we live in a world that only sees the bad things people do, not the good. That same thought still applies today. Perhaps we've even gone backwards because it seems that, especially in political circles, everyone is pointing fingers and assigning blame rather than working together to provide relief and wholeness to a bad situation. Again we are seeing the darkness of Sin that fills the world with hatred, distrust, and selfishness. Remembering the first stories out of New Orleans the nation was told that tens of thousands were dead or dying, that the hurricane was the fault of the President not signing the Kyoto Accords (environmental peace treaty), that police officers had fled, and that no rescue relief was available. Numerous other "claims and blames" were heaped upon the public's psyche in those first days. Yet, in the aftermath, we are finding that much of what was reported was not true, was amplified beyond proportion, and that a whole lot of aid was turned away because of poor leadership at the local and state levels.
There is a darkness that lies like a pall over the world. Scripture calls it Sin, and God tells us that Sin distorts the truth and fosters lies and hatred to God and toward our fellow human beings. There can be no truth in the world without the power of God to overcome the lies that Sin brings. That's why, as St. Paul reminded the Ephesians, and reminds us, God sent Jesus to overcome the darkness of Sin, clear up its lies, and restore humanity to a loving and right relationship with the Father. To be "light in the Lord" means that we no longer live in the shadows of truth blinded to the grace and mercy of God and His love for us. To be "light in the Lord" means that those who believe in Jesus Christ are able to see God's creation for what it truly is and realize a full and loving relationship with Him. We have been blessed to be called to His Light and to live as children of Light, that we might share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with a world that's "in the dark" without Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You sent the Light of the World, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners and overcome the darkness of Sin which hid the world from Your love and mercy. Forgive me for so often letting the darkness of Sin blind me to the Light of Your grace in Christ, and leading me to acts of selfishness and disregard for my neighbor. By the power of Your Word and Spirit I pray that You would daily restore me to You and Your forgiveness in Christ. Brighten my heart and mind with Your Word that I might live in Your Light and be "Light" that breaks through the darkness of Sin in the world so that others might see Jesus through me. Through Your Light, Father, I pray that You would bring peace to the hearts and minds of people everywhere so they might also "live as children of Light." In the name of Jesus, Who is the Light of the world, I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Ephesians 5:8; Psalm 34
LIVING AS THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT
"You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of Light." (Eph. 5:8)
During his Presidency in the early 1990's, President George H. W. Bush, father of our current President, often spoke quite glowingly about people who volunteered service to their communities. Calling them "Points of Light," he was fond of noting how such volunteers made a difference in their communities and around the nation. He praised their selfless commitment to serving the needs of others and honored many of them with a "Points of Light" award. The recent outpouring of money, food, clothing, shelter, jobs, and other acts of love and compassion from people around the country in behalf of Hurricane Katrina victims reflects the finest tradition of the "Points of Light" that the former President espoused and recognized.
It's quite probable that once the events of the past couple of weeks are consigned to our memories that a good number of people and agencies will be recognized for their service during this catastrophic event. At the same time, large numbers of those who are serving and will serve to help alleviate the suffering and sense of loss will be forgotten by most, except by those whose lives they touched. For many of those people, however, the reward is in the "doing" not in an award. The relief being offered by God's people is incredible, with churches and church schools around the nation opening their homes and schools to those displaced by this cataclysmic event. More assistance is on the way and more volunteers are planning to serve by cleaning up and rebuilding the homes, and lives, devastated by this event.
A few years ago I had noted that it's a sad note in history that the first President Bush felt it was necessary to recognize, on the national stage, those who had willingly volunteered to serve in their communities - not for honor or recognition, but out of love for their neighbors. I noted that honoring those who did something good is a reflection on the reality that we live in a world that only sees the bad things people do, not the good. That same thought still applies today. Perhaps we've even gone backwards because it seems that, especially in political circles, everyone is pointing fingers and assigning blame rather than working together to provide relief and wholeness to a bad situation. Again we are seeing the darkness of Sin that fills the world with hatred, distrust, and selfishness. Remembering the first stories out of New Orleans the nation was told that tens of thousands were dead or dying, that the hurricane was the fault of the President not signing the Kyoto Accords (environmental peace treaty), that police officers had fled, and that no rescue relief was available. Numerous other "claims and blames" were heaped upon the public's psyche in those first days. Yet, in the aftermath, we are finding that much of what was reported was not true, was amplified beyond proportion, and that a whole lot of aid was turned away because of poor leadership at the local and state levels.
There is a darkness that lies like a pall over the world. Scripture calls it Sin, and God tells us that Sin distorts the truth and fosters lies and hatred to God and toward our fellow human beings. There can be no truth in the world without the power of God to overcome the lies that Sin brings. That's why, as St. Paul reminded the Ephesians, and reminds us, God sent Jesus to overcome the darkness of Sin, clear up its lies, and restore humanity to a loving and right relationship with the Father. To be "light in the Lord" means that we no longer live in the shadows of truth blinded to the grace and mercy of God and His love for us. To be "light in the Lord" means that those who believe in Jesus Christ are able to see God's creation for what it truly is and realize a full and loving relationship with Him. We have been blessed to be called to His Light and to live as children of Light, that we might share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with a world that's "in the dark" without Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You sent the Light of the World, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners and overcome the darkness of Sin which hid the world from Your love and mercy. Forgive me for so often letting the darkness of Sin blind me to the Light of Your grace in Christ, and leading me to acts of selfishness and disregard for my neighbor. By the power of Your Word and Spirit I pray that You would daily restore me to You and Your forgiveness in Christ. Brighten my heart and mind with Your Word that I might live in Your Light and be "Light" that breaks through the darkness of Sin in the world so that others might see Jesus through me. Through Your Light, Father, I pray that You would bring peace to the hearts and minds of people everywhere so they might also "live as children of Light." In the name of Jesus, Who is the Light of the world, I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 09, 2005
God's Measurement For Success
"Today's Devotion" For September 9, 2005
Read: Matthew 25:14-40; Psalm 25
GOD'S MEASUREMENT FOR SUCCESS
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)
I was struck by an article in the local newspaper's sports section this morning - no, not physically:>). As a Packer fan I'm always interested in reading articles about the players. This particular article struck me because it was about a new, young player who has struggled and persevered mightily to make an NFL team, and has finally done so. He drives an older vehicle, has a modest home, and spends his free time talking to children about "success" - studying hard, working hard, caring for others, taking care of your family. He points out that he tries to show the children that whatever they do they can be successful whether as a carpenter, plumber, serving in the military, or any other occupation. His message is clear; his audience challenging.
A few years ago I asked a group of college students what their ideas about success were. I received the typical responses with which we're all familiar - "I want a good job"; "I want a nice house"; "I want to be financially comfortable"; "I want to advance to the top of my career field"; "I want others to know I made a difference." There were others like these but there was one which stood out. One young man said, "I'll consider my life to have been a success when I hear Jesus say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Mt. 25:23) as He takes me to heaven."
In the world of "self-help" and "success" these days, we're encouraged not to succumb to the "dream-stealers." We're encouraged to "reach for the top," to persevere to success, which is generally measured by power, prestige, position, and wealth. Every once in a while some "guru" might throw in "being happy," but too often "being happy" is tied in with the other measurements of success. In fact, if you read enough of such material, there's a distinct impression given that one can't be happy unless they attain those measurements of success. The commonly accepted advice is to model the success of others, according to the world's measurements of success.
Jesus' words in Revelation put the concept of success into perspective. According to our Lord, success for His people is receiving "the crown of life" at the end of a life that faces persecution and ridicule for being a believer in Christ. As we read the letter to the Church at Smyrna, and hear about the struggles they faced because they were faithful in their witness to God's love in Christ, we're reminded that it's our faithfulness to God, by the power of His Word and Spirit, which is the true measurement of success. It's God's measurement of success. It's the measurement by which we, as His redeemed children want to measure ourselves against each day. When we do, we'll realize that we fall woefully short of His standards. At the same time we also remember His promise that, as He looks at us through the righteousness of Christ, He will find us faithful and give us the "crown of life." Ultimately, God's "measurement of success" for our lives, doesn't depend us on, but on Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. By His grace, through faith, we are empowered by His Word and Spirit to live for Him as we live for others. Now that's success!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it's very easy for me to adopt the world's standards and measurements for success. They are very enticing. Wealth, power, prestige, and position can make life much easier to live, at least so it appears to my sinful heart. Forgive me for losing sight of the big picture which shows me that the only true success in life is measured by my relationship with you. Strengthen me in my faith and trust in You through Christ, my Savior and Lord, so that I might live my faith as I serve You and others in Jesus' name. Keep me safe from the dangers of following the world's measurements for success and accepting them for my own. Let my life be an example and model of what it means to live according to Your measurements for success found only through faith in Christ; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 25:14-40; Psalm 25
GOD'S MEASUREMENT FOR SUCCESS
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Rev. 2:10)
I was struck by an article in the local newspaper's sports section this morning - no, not physically:>). As a Packer fan I'm always interested in reading articles about the players. This particular article struck me because it was about a new, young player who has struggled and persevered mightily to make an NFL team, and has finally done so. He drives an older vehicle, has a modest home, and spends his free time talking to children about "success" - studying hard, working hard, caring for others, taking care of your family. He points out that he tries to show the children that whatever they do they can be successful whether as a carpenter, plumber, serving in the military, or any other occupation. His message is clear; his audience challenging.
A few years ago I asked a group of college students what their ideas about success were. I received the typical responses with which we're all familiar - "I want a good job"; "I want a nice house"; "I want to be financially comfortable"; "I want to advance to the top of my career field"; "I want others to know I made a difference." There were others like these but there was one which stood out. One young man said, "I'll consider my life to have been a success when I hear Jesus say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Mt. 25:23) as He takes me to heaven."
In the world of "self-help" and "success" these days, we're encouraged not to succumb to the "dream-stealers." We're encouraged to "reach for the top," to persevere to success, which is generally measured by power, prestige, position, and wealth. Every once in a while some "guru" might throw in "being happy," but too often "being happy" is tied in with the other measurements of success. In fact, if you read enough of such material, there's a distinct impression given that one can't be happy unless they attain those measurements of success. The commonly accepted advice is to model the success of others, according to the world's measurements of success.
Jesus' words in Revelation put the concept of success into perspective. According to our Lord, success for His people is receiving "the crown of life" at the end of a life that faces persecution and ridicule for being a believer in Christ. As we read the letter to the Church at Smyrna, and hear about the struggles they faced because they were faithful in their witness to God's love in Christ, we're reminded that it's our faithfulness to God, by the power of His Word and Spirit, which is the true measurement of success. It's God's measurement of success. It's the measurement by which we, as His redeemed children want to measure ourselves against each day. When we do, we'll realize that we fall woefully short of His standards. At the same time we also remember His promise that, as He looks at us through the righteousness of Christ, He will find us faithful and give us the "crown of life." Ultimately, God's "measurement of success" for our lives, doesn't depend us on, but on Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. By His grace, through faith, we are empowered by His Word and Spirit to live for Him as we live for others. Now that's success!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it's very easy for me to adopt the world's standards and measurements for success. They are very enticing. Wealth, power, prestige, and position can make life much easier to live, at least so it appears to my sinful heart. Forgive me for losing sight of the big picture which shows me that the only true success in life is measured by my relationship with you. Strengthen me in my faith and trust in You through Christ, my Savior and Lord, so that I might live my faith as I serve You and others in Jesus' name. Keep me safe from the dangers of following the world's measurements for success and accepting them for my own. Let my life be an example and model of what it means to live according to Your measurements for success found only through faith in Christ; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Acts Of Love Modeling God's Love
"Today's Devotion" For September 8, 2005
Read: I John 4:7-21; Psalm 86
ACTS OF LOVE MODELING GOD'S LOVE
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...We love because He first loved us." (I Jn. 4:11, 19)
Four years ago we Americans faced a terrible and tragic occurrence. The "Twin Towers" in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were struck by airplanes hijacked by terrorists. Thousands of people died during and after the crashes. Another aircraft was prevented from accomplishing its evil purpose because frightened but courageous men and women forced it to crash in the Pennsylvania countryside. In the face of these tragic and deadly events, we came together as a nation - albeit only for a relatively short time - and courageous acts of love and sacrifice were commonplace, particularly from the rescuers, many of whom lost their lives as well. Money, materials, workers, emergency personnel, and prayers were raised to meet the needs of our fellow citizens.
In the subsequent years a war on terrorism has been joined, the victims of a tsunami in southwest Asia have been served, and a crippling, devastating hurricane has nailed the Gulf Coast of our nation. From the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, while not widely reported in the media, come accounts of great bravery and great compassion exhibited by our troops. Soldiers and Marines have returned with stories of caring for orphans and old people, providing rations, and performing acts of kindness and love in the face of always impending calamity and death. Countless volunteers and professional rushed to the aid of the victims of the tsunami this past winter. The sacrifices made, the danger faced, and the love and compassion they showed to perfect strangers testifies to the depth of character of so many of our countrymen and women. Over the past week, acts of bravery, compassion, love, and concern have been the order of the day for thousands of volunteers who have gove south to rescue the stranded, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, and house the homeless.
All over the nation, those who have lost everything are being welcomed into the homes and neighborhoods of complete strangers far from home. People are offering opportunities for the victims to get back on their feet and begin a new life. Between the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and countless other religious relief organizations, food, clothing, medical supplies and care, counseling, and housing have been poured out. What a marvelous outpouring of love and blessing! It's a real testament to the fabric of this nation and its people.
Without, however, God's own great example of loving and caring for humanity, even in its worst condition, none of us would know how to love or care for others. St. Paul reminds us that "while we were still enemies" of God, Christ died for us. To our Father in heaven, regardless of the ugliness of our sins and unbelief, humanity was, and is, so very precious to Him that He will do all He can to bring us back into a saving, loving relationship with Him. Throughout every storm and trial in life He blesses us with everything we need. He showers His blessings upon "the just and the unjust." It makes no difference to Him whether we're rich or poor, strong or weak, influential or common; His love still comes in abundance and His forgiveness is still matchless for all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Every human act of love and concern for a neighbor has its root in God's love for the world. His loving kindness is reflected in our loving and caring for others. His love is reflected in acts of sacrifice and putting oneself in danger for the sake of others, even total strangers. By God's grace and blessing, by His power and strength, we carry out acts of love modeling His love knowing that He will bless others through us.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your great love for me, even though I've never earned it or deserved it. My sins would keep me from Your love and lead me to acts of selfishness and disregard for others. Yet in Your forgiveness and love, I have an example of what it means to love and care for others, regardless of their "comeliness." By Your grace and mercy I have been privileged to see Your hand at work in the lives of people in need through the loving acts of my fellow human beings. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, strengthen my faith in Christ as my Savior and Lord that I might carry out acts of love toward others, mirroring Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness toward me. Bless all the efforts put in by people to love others so that through those acts of love, Your blessings might be known. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.
*********************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 4:7-21; Psalm 86
ACTS OF LOVE MODELING GOD'S LOVE
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...We love because He first loved us." (I Jn. 4:11, 19)
Four years ago we Americans faced a terrible and tragic occurrence. The "Twin Towers" in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were struck by airplanes hijacked by terrorists. Thousands of people died during and after the crashes. Another aircraft was prevented from accomplishing its evil purpose because frightened but courageous men and women forced it to crash in the Pennsylvania countryside. In the face of these tragic and deadly events, we came together as a nation - albeit only for a relatively short time - and courageous acts of love and sacrifice were commonplace, particularly from the rescuers, many of whom lost their lives as well. Money, materials, workers, emergency personnel, and prayers were raised to meet the needs of our fellow citizens.
In the subsequent years a war on terrorism has been joined, the victims of a tsunami in southwest Asia have been served, and a crippling, devastating hurricane has nailed the Gulf Coast of our nation. From the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, while not widely reported in the media, come accounts of great bravery and great compassion exhibited by our troops. Soldiers and Marines have returned with stories of caring for orphans and old people, providing rations, and performing acts of kindness and love in the face of always impending calamity and death. Countless volunteers and professional rushed to the aid of the victims of the tsunami this past winter. The sacrifices made, the danger faced, and the love and compassion they showed to perfect strangers testifies to the depth of character of so many of our countrymen and women. Over the past week, acts of bravery, compassion, love, and concern have been the order of the day for thousands of volunteers who have gove south to rescue the stranded, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, and house the homeless.
All over the nation, those who have lost everything are being welcomed into the homes and neighborhoods of complete strangers far from home. People are offering opportunities for the victims to get back on their feet and begin a new life. Between the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and countless other religious relief organizations, food, clothing, medical supplies and care, counseling, and housing have been poured out. What a marvelous outpouring of love and blessing! It's a real testament to the fabric of this nation and its people.
Without, however, God's own great example of loving and caring for humanity, even in its worst condition, none of us would know how to love or care for others. St. Paul reminds us that "while we were still enemies" of God, Christ died for us. To our Father in heaven, regardless of the ugliness of our sins and unbelief, humanity was, and is, so very precious to Him that He will do all He can to bring us back into a saving, loving relationship with Him. Throughout every storm and trial in life He blesses us with everything we need. He showers His blessings upon "the just and the unjust." It makes no difference to Him whether we're rich or poor, strong or weak, influential or common; His love still comes in abundance and His forgiveness is still matchless for all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Every human act of love and concern for a neighbor has its root in God's love for the world. His loving kindness is reflected in our loving and caring for others. His love is reflected in acts of sacrifice and putting oneself in danger for the sake of others, even total strangers. By God's grace and blessing, by His power and strength, we carry out acts of love modeling His love knowing that He will bless others through us.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your great love for me, even though I've never earned it or deserved it. My sins would keep me from Your love and lead me to acts of selfishness and disregard for others. Yet in Your forgiveness and love, I have an example of what it means to love and care for others, regardless of their "comeliness." By Your grace and mercy I have been privileged to see Your hand at work in the lives of people in need through the loving acts of my fellow human beings. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, strengthen my faith in Christ as my Savior and Lord that I might carry out acts of love toward others, mirroring Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness toward me. Bless all the efforts put in by people to love others so that through those acts of love, Your blessings might be known. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen.
*********************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Strength And Hope In Time Of Trouble
"Today's Devotion" For September 7, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 37:1-13, 39-40
STRENGTH AND HOPE IN TIME OF TROUBLE
"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble." (Ps.37:39)
The news has been replete with accounts of people facing dangerous circumstances in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina over the past ten days. Some faced marauding bands of "bandits" bent on taking advantage of the situation and harming others. Others faced what they thought was certain death, isolated and alone in attics and on rooftops because of the floodwaters. For at least a week drinkable water was nonexistent, as was food and shelter. Yet people kept fighting, kept living, kept hoping, kept helping one another until, finally, help arrived and the lights came back on, as they did in the French Quarter of New Orleans the other night.
What's going to happen for the hundreds of thousands of people displaced and made homeless by the hurricane? If we stop and think, trying to put ourselves in their shoes, it's not too hard to understand that it can be chillingly fearful not to know what's going to happen. Having lost all their material comforts and necessities the questions are myriad. "Where will I find work and a job?" "Where will I live?" "Where are my children; my spouse; my parents?" "How will I pay my bills?" "Can I ever hope to replace all that I've lost?" "What does the future hold for me and my family?"
Do these questions sound familiar? They should. After all, these are questions that people ask everyday in one way or another. We live in an uncertain world. The newspapers and newscasts are filled with stories of terrorism, bombings, murders, drug crimes, and general discontent. Many of our national, state, and local leaders contribute to the uncertainty by their frequent forays into cowardice and finger pointing, exercising blame rather than leading and seeking solutions without recriminations - as we've so clearly seen happen during the tragic aftermath of the hurricane. While we aren't in the same situation as our neighbors in the Gulf Coast states, in many ways we can appreciate their suffering in the wake Hurricane Katrina, for we, too, are able to understand anxiety and fear; uncertainty and dashed hopes.
In the face of such uncertainty comes the marvelous hope and promise that God sends to all of us in Jesus Christ. Jesus reminds us that each of us is a precious child of our Father in heaven. Our Father cares for us so much that He sent His only Son to take our sins upon His head on the Cross, so that we might be redeemed and restored to Himself. Jesus' words are words of hope for all of us, and, we hope, to our neighbors down south who are worried about where their next meal will come from, where they might find a place to live, whether their homes will be rebuilt, where they might find work to support themselves and their families, and how they might have a host of other needs met. Our Lord is speaking to all of them, as He is to us and saying,. "Don't worry. You're not forgotten! Your Father is with you and providing for you. Take heart, for I am your strength and hope in time of trouble."
"With God nothing shall be impossible." He provides for our every need and sustains us in every circumstance. His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness abound to us everyday. In Christ Jesus then we are able to live bravely and boldly, overcoming fear and uncertainty with the sure hope and assurance that we are in the very palm of our Father's hand. It's a message of hope for our lives and the driving force behind our loving service to others to help alleviate their suffering and hardships. As we have been blessed by God, so also do we become a blessing to others. The folks down south are seeing that right now. God will also give us other opportunities to share with others that He is their "strength and hope in times of trouble."
Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times when I forget that You are in charge and that You hold me in the palm of Your hand. I thank You for giving me everything necessary in my life to sustain me in body and soul. I realize that I often take those things for granted and as I watch the struggles of those suffering the ravages of the hurricane I realize how really blessed I am. Be with those who are suffering from the aftermath of Katrina and lead me and all Your people to share with them, in their time of need, the blessings that have come to us from Your gracious and bountiful hand. Help me to share Your love and mercy with them as You have given it to me. At the same time, Father, I pray that You would give me the strength and hope necessary to overcome my own fears and worries about the future of my life and my needs. Help me to live bravely and confidently in Your love, trusting in Your mercy and assurance that You will bless me with whatever I need and that nothing can take me from You. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 37:1-13, 39-40
STRENGTH AND HOPE IN TIME OF TROUBLE
"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble." (Ps.37:39)
The news has been replete with accounts of people facing dangerous circumstances in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina over the past ten days. Some faced marauding bands of "bandits" bent on taking advantage of the situation and harming others. Others faced what they thought was certain death, isolated and alone in attics and on rooftops because of the floodwaters. For at least a week drinkable water was nonexistent, as was food and shelter. Yet people kept fighting, kept living, kept hoping, kept helping one another until, finally, help arrived and the lights came back on, as they did in the French Quarter of New Orleans the other night.
What's going to happen for the hundreds of thousands of people displaced and made homeless by the hurricane? If we stop and think, trying to put ourselves in their shoes, it's not too hard to understand that it can be chillingly fearful not to know what's going to happen. Having lost all their material comforts and necessities the questions are myriad. "Where will I find work and a job?" "Where will I live?" "Where are my children; my spouse; my parents?" "How will I pay my bills?" "Can I ever hope to replace all that I've lost?" "What does the future hold for me and my family?"
Do these questions sound familiar? They should. After all, these are questions that people ask everyday in one way or another. We live in an uncertain world. The newspapers and newscasts are filled with stories of terrorism, bombings, murders, drug crimes, and general discontent. Many of our national, state, and local leaders contribute to the uncertainty by their frequent forays into cowardice and finger pointing, exercising blame rather than leading and seeking solutions without recriminations - as we've so clearly seen happen during the tragic aftermath of the hurricane. While we aren't in the same situation as our neighbors in the Gulf Coast states, in many ways we can appreciate their suffering in the wake Hurricane Katrina, for we, too, are able to understand anxiety and fear; uncertainty and dashed hopes.
In the face of such uncertainty comes the marvelous hope and promise that God sends to all of us in Jesus Christ. Jesus reminds us that each of us is a precious child of our Father in heaven. Our Father cares for us so much that He sent His only Son to take our sins upon His head on the Cross, so that we might be redeemed and restored to Himself. Jesus' words are words of hope for all of us, and, we hope, to our neighbors down south who are worried about where their next meal will come from, where they might find a place to live, whether their homes will be rebuilt, where they might find work to support themselves and their families, and how they might have a host of other needs met. Our Lord is speaking to all of them, as He is to us and saying,. "Don't worry. You're not forgotten! Your Father is with you and providing for you. Take heart, for I am your strength and hope in time of trouble."
"With God nothing shall be impossible." He provides for our every need and sustains us in every circumstance. His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness abound to us everyday. In Christ Jesus then we are able to live bravely and boldly, overcoming fear and uncertainty with the sure hope and assurance that we are in the very palm of our Father's hand. It's a message of hope for our lives and the driving force behind our loving service to others to help alleviate their suffering and hardships. As we have been blessed by God, so also do we become a blessing to others. The folks down south are seeing that right now. God will also give us other opportunities to share with others that He is their "strength and hope in times of trouble."
Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times when I forget that You are in charge and that You hold me in the palm of Your hand. I thank You for giving me everything necessary in my life to sustain me in body and soul. I realize that I often take those things for granted and as I watch the struggles of those suffering the ravages of the hurricane I realize how really blessed I am. Be with those who are suffering from the aftermath of Katrina and lead me and all Your people to share with them, in their time of need, the blessings that have come to us from Your gracious and bountiful hand. Help me to share Your love and mercy with them as You have given it to me. At the same time, Father, I pray that You would give me the strength and hope necessary to overcome my own fears and worries about the future of my life and my needs. Help me to live bravely and confidently in Your love, trusting in Your mercy and assurance that You will bless me with whatever I need and that nothing can take me from You. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Faith In Jesus Puts Love Into Action
"Today's Devotion" For September 6, 2005
Read: I John 3:16-20; James 2: 14-26
FAITH IN JESUS PUTS LOVE INTO ACTION
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."(I Jn. 3:18)
In our everyday existence, there is, perhaps, no greater lip-service paid than to the idea of loving and serving others. In every major American city we find soup kitchens, rescue missions, homeless shelters and other such agencies which serve the needs of those "down on their luck" and the poor. For the most part, very few people pay much attention to the work of the few who provide such services. The occasional appeal may bring gifts of food, money, clothing, and short-term volunteers. Yet, the situations that lead to people's continued existence in poverty and despair continue. There's no doubt that better education, better health care, better work training, and better spiritual care can be key to people moving from despair to hope.
Amid the images of devastation, despair, and death in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina there have been glimpses of people putting their comfort and safety on the line to bring people to safety and restore some hope into their lives. This morning's local newspaper had an article about a local team of trained search and rescue volunteers who borrowed two boats, drove 1,000 miles, and spent the long weekend rescuing 51 people who were stranded by the flood waters. We regularly hear about the good service provided by the Red Cross, but now we're also hearing more about The Salvation Army because the "Army's" regular, everyday service is on the front lines of meeting the needs of the poverty stricken, the despairing, and the homeless. Countless other church agencies - Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Relief and others - which normally go unnoticed and unannounced have been joining efforts to provide aid to the victims of the hurricane. Everywhere, in the midst of this calamity, from individuals to organizations, Christians, motivated by God's love in Jesus Christ, are leaving their lives of creature comfort and putting themselves at risk to love their neighbors in Jesus' name. Faith is being put into action in ways we don't normally think about.
In the midst of the devastation of Sin, Death, and Satan, God put Himself and His love on the line for all of us. Faced with the horrors of what Sin, Death, and Satan were wreaking on His creation, God promised to send a Savior to redeem the world, save His people, and bring them into a new life. His promise has its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Whose suffering, death, and resurrection continues to bring hope, peace, and joy into a hopeless and despairing world. With lives renewed and restored to hope and joy the people of God, fully forgiven of all their sins, live out lives of love and service to others. While we see, front and center, the remarkable and courageous sacrifices made by God's people in the face of the current disaster relief efforts, we are also reminded that such acts of love are the foundation of our very existence as members of the Body of Christ. With God's help, motivated by His love, and filled with the peace of His full forgiveness of sins in Christ, we daily carry out acts of love and sacrifice for the sake of others. Filled with His Spirit, we hear the Apostle's encouragement and carry it out, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." That's our witness and our service in the face of Jesus' great love and sacrifice for us. Can we do any less?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times when I have looked down my nose at the less fortunate, the poor and needy, those who are hurting and those who are alone. Forgive me for those times when I push such people away, even my fellow Christians, and think that someone else should help, not me. Thank You for those who have given the extra effort to give of themselves, whether prayer, gifts of food, clothing, money, or shelter to the despairing and homeless as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Thank You for giving me such examples of Christian love to see and follow. Help me to grow more courageous in my faith that I might more fully let Jesus shine through my actions as I touch the lives of other in service and love. In the precious name of Jesus' I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
[SPECIAL NOTE: In the reading from James for today please note something of great importance. When James is speaking about faith - vv. 14-20, 24, 26 - he's referring to the mere, intellectual acceptance that God exists, not the faith in Christ that saves the sinner. We note that James calls such faith demonic (v.19), useless (v.20), and dead (v.26). Such "faith" is empty. True faith in Christ completes and shows itself in works of love.]
Read: I John 3:16-20; James 2: 14-26
FAITH IN JESUS PUTS LOVE INTO ACTION
"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."(I Jn. 3:18)
In our everyday existence, there is, perhaps, no greater lip-service paid than to the idea of loving and serving others. In every major American city we find soup kitchens, rescue missions, homeless shelters and other such agencies which serve the needs of those "down on their luck" and the poor. For the most part, very few people pay much attention to the work of the few who provide such services. The occasional appeal may bring gifts of food, money, clothing, and short-term volunteers. Yet, the situations that lead to people's continued existence in poverty and despair continue. There's no doubt that better education, better health care, better work training, and better spiritual care can be key to people moving from despair to hope.
Amid the images of devastation, despair, and death in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina there have been glimpses of people putting their comfort and safety on the line to bring people to safety and restore some hope into their lives. This morning's local newspaper had an article about a local team of trained search and rescue volunteers who borrowed two boats, drove 1,000 miles, and spent the long weekend rescuing 51 people who were stranded by the flood waters. We regularly hear about the good service provided by the Red Cross, but now we're also hearing more about The Salvation Army because the "Army's" regular, everyday service is on the front lines of meeting the needs of the poverty stricken, the despairing, and the homeless. Countless other church agencies - Lutheran World Relief, Catholic Relief and others - which normally go unnoticed and unannounced have been joining efforts to provide aid to the victims of the hurricane. Everywhere, in the midst of this calamity, from individuals to organizations, Christians, motivated by God's love in Jesus Christ, are leaving their lives of creature comfort and putting themselves at risk to love their neighbors in Jesus' name. Faith is being put into action in ways we don't normally think about.
In the midst of the devastation of Sin, Death, and Satan, God put Himself and His love on the line for all of us. Faced with the horrors of what Sin, Death, and Satan were wreaking on His creation, God promised to send a Savior to redeem the world, save His people, and bring them into a new life. His promise has its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Whose suffering, death, and resurrection continues to bring hope, peace, and joy into a hopeless and despairing world. With lives renewed and restored to hope and joy the people of God, fully forgiven of all their sins, live out lives of love and service to others. While we see, front and center, the remarkable and courageous sacrifices made by God's people in the face of the current disaster relief efforts, we are also reminded that such acts of love are the foundation of our very existence as members of the Body of Christ. With God's help, motivated by His love, and filled with the peace of His full forgiveness of sins in Christ, we daily carry out acts of love and sacrifice for the sake of others. Filled with His Spirit, we hear the Apostle's encouragement and carry it out, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." That's our witness and our service in the face of Jesus' great love and sacrifice for us. Can we do any less?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for those times when I have looked down my nose at the less fortunate, the poor and needy, those who are hurting and those who are alone. Forgive me for those times when I push such people away, even my fellow Christians, and think that someone else should help, not me. Thank You for those who have given the extra effort to give of themselves, whether prayer, gifts of food, clothing, money, or shelter to the despairing and homeless as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Thank You for giving me such examples of Christian love to see and follow. Help me to grow more courageous in my faith that I might more fully let Jesus shine through my actions as I touch the lives of other in service and love. In the precious name of Jesus' I pray. Amen.
***************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
[SPECIAL NOTE: In the reading from James for today please note something of great importance. When James is speaking about faith - vv. 14-20, 24, 26 - he's referring to the mere, intellectual acceptance that God exists, not the faith in Christ that saves the sinner. We note that James calls such faith demonic (v.19), useless (v.20), and dead (v.26). Such "faith" is empty. True faith in Christ completes and shows itself in works of love.]
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