"Today's Devotion" For October 31, 2005
Read: Luke 12:49-53; Isaiah 9:1-7
FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE CAUSES DIVISION
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." (Lk. 12:51)
On this day in the year 1517 a man by the name of Martin Luther, pastor of the Castle Church at Wittenberg, Germany, nailed 95 theses - theological statements for discussion and debate - to the door of that church. It was his intention to start theological discussion and debate on some key points of the Church's doctrine among the scholars of the city who would be attending mass the following day in honor of All Saints' Day (a major church festival). His action, while a normally accepted practice - the door of that church had all kinds of nail holes in it from similar postings over the years - began an uproar in the Christian Church that still has impetus today. While Luther's intention was to discuss some theological concerns that he had begun to notice in contradictions between the Church's teachings and what the Scriptures say, his posting had far greater ramifications - and the Reformation was born.
Martin Luther never intended for his theses to divide the Church. His intention was to seek the truth of God's Word and share it with his brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, as is so often the case when challenging falsehood, the bearer of truth ends up being the "bad guy." Luther's theses caused an uproar of "global proportions." Pointing to Scripture as the source and norm of the Christian faith, he became a dangerous heretic to the "powers that be." Various attempts to silence him met with his refusal to be silent. He was determined to make certain that the Gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, a gift of God's grace alone (no one earns it or deserves it), as declared fully and completely in Scripture alone would not be lost to God's people, but be preached to the joy and edifying of their faith and the salvation of their souls.
Yet the message of salvation through faith in Christ alone is anathema to the world. It's interesting to note the apparent "contradiction" in our Scripture readings for today. On one hand, Isaiah calls the Messiah the "Prince of Peace." On the other hand the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, declares that He didn't come to bring peace, but division. Jesus declares that He came to "send fire on the earth," an action of destruction rather than the bringing of peace. The apparent contradiction between Isaiah's picture of the Messiah as the "Prince of Peace" and Jesus' declaration that He came to divide and "send fire on the earth is cleared up when we understand fully just what Jesus means.
Faith in Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior from Sin and the only way to God's eternal presence puts us at odds with the majority of people in the world. Proclaiming the truth of the Gospel which declares Him to be the only way to heaven and the only way of forgiveness and a right relationship with God is seen as divisive and arrogant by the world. Yet, with God's help, filled with His Spirit and equipped by His Word, we face these challenges with joy and anticipation, knowing that our Lord Jesus has called us to be His witnesses to the whole world.
Faith in Christ Jesus may divide us from the world, but it's what has restored our relationship with God. Isaiah's picture of the "Prince of Peace" is one that conveys to God's children the marvelous blessing that Jesus has broken down the wall of separation that Sin places between Man and God. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ. And, while that may divide us from the world and its many "approaches" to God, it brings us God's forgiveness of all of our sins and the sure hope of eternal life with Christ. Faith may divide God's people from the world, perhaps even from family and friends, but it unites us with Christ and brings us the sure assurance of heaven.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for making me Your very own child by Your grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Your Word continues to fill me with Your knowledge and peace. Your Spirit continues to gladden my heart and strengthen my faith so that I might be filled with Your joy and focused on the sure hope of heaven You give me in Jesus alone. You have wiped away the stain of my sin through the precious blood of the Lamb, clothing me in His righteousness that I might stand before Your throne of grace holy and acceptable to You because of Jesus. Through Your gift of faith in Him, You have set me apart from the world, to live in it as Your true witness to Your salvation for all humanity in Christ, but to be apart from it as I live according to Your Will and purpose for my life. Help me to face every trial and difficulty of life, which come because I am Your true child, filled with Your grace and mercy, strengthened by Your love and forgiveness, and fortified with the power of Your Word and Spirit. Let my life serve to show the division that Sin causes in the world so that the light of Your truth can bring Your peace into the hearts of many. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
God Is Always Truthful - What About Us?
"Today's Devotion" For October 29, 2005
Read: Matthew 5:33-37; Psalm 132
GOD IS ALWAYS TRUTHFUL - HOW ABOUT US?
"The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that He will not revoke..." (Ps.132:11)
Honesty and truthfulness are virtues highly esteemed in our culture and society. Our national principles, based on religious tenets of truth and justice, hold that telling the truth is paramount for an open and free society. Our justice system, legal system, and political system work best when people are truthful in their actions and words. As a nation we have generally been incensed when our elected or appointed leaders have lied to us. One of our recent Presidents faced impeachment because he lied about some of his actions with a White House intern. At the same time as we become incensed over such betrayal of trust we have those who seek to mitigate the circumstances if the person involved in the prevarication holds their political or ideological philosophy. Of course, if those of conflicting political or ideological philosophy do the same thing then we're told that there's "corruption at the highest levels."
Sadly, it seems as if truth and honesty have taken a holiday once again in our government. Just yesterday, Stewart Libby, the chief of staff for the Vice President of the United States, was indicted by a federal grand jury on five felony counts, including obstruction of justice, lying to the FBI, and perjury to the grand jury. He immediately resigned, which could be construed as an honorable thing to do so the Administration can continue to do its job. Of course, as is always the case, those on the other side of the political and ideological aisle immediately claimed "corruption at the highest levels" (Senator John Kerry). At the same time an indictment is not a conviction and Mr. Libby will have his day in court, as is right and proper according to our system of justice. If he is indeed guilty of the charges filed against him, then he has broken the faith and trust of the American people and those whom he served and deserved the just consequences of his disregard for the law, justice, and the truth. At the same time, between the indictment and the ingenuousness of the Administration's opposition, we again seem to be facing a continuous disregard for honesty and the truth by more than just one man.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out the importance of honesty and the truth for His disciples. He calls on us to keep our word; to say what we mean and mean what we say. Yet somewhere, deep inside of us, is this terribly conflicting thought process that leads us to believe that if the truth is distasteful or honesty will get us in trouble with others we should avoid them. Sin so often leads us to believe that we can disguise the truth and somehow avoid the consequences. People get the mistaken notion that it's possible to lie to protect ourselves or someone else from the consequences of our actions or the actions of others. In reality, as the saying goes, "truth will tell." What's even more telling is that in the absence of truth and honesty in our dealings with others is a sign of the spiritual decay that affects our lives because of the power of Sin. In the absence of truth the devil's own lie will take the place of God's truth. God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ are replaced with a false sense of security in the things of the world and our own power to "shape our destinies."
While people may give their word and then go back on the truth and their promises to others, God doesn't. His Word is always sure and certain. There's never any doubt as to where we stand with Him. We know from His Word how much He hates Sin. We know from His Word that the "wages of Sin is death." We know from His Word that He promises humanity grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in the blood of Christ. We know from His Word that, through faith in Jesus, we are covered by His righteousness and stand before the Father without Sin. God never goes back on His Word. His forgiveness and our salvation in Jesus is certain - it's real every day. Regardless of the world's disregard for the truth unless it's convenient, God is always inconveniently truthful with us. He shows us our sins and He shows us our Savior. He lets us know His hatred for sin, but always shows us His love for us sinners. Living in Christ's love we are empowered to live in Him and for Him. We are blessed with His truth - a truth that comes from our hearts and flows from our lips - so we can be His witnesses to the world around us. Thank God we never have to worry about His Word - He always keeps it.
Prayer: Father, thank You for always keeping Your Word to me. You have promised me grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, hope and peace in Jesus. You give me Your Word that in Jesus my sins are forgiven and I have the sure and certain hope of heaven in Him. You give me Your Word that by the power of Your Spirit, working in my Baptism, I am able to live in Your love and share it faithfully and truthfully with others. As You have always told me the truth and always let me know what You expect, help me to live with that same truth and honesty in how I live and work. Let my word count for the truth at all times so that I might be a faithful witness to Your love and power in my own life. As You have kept Your Word to me, help me to keep my word to others, knowing that I always speak in Your presence and You know the very thoughts of my heart. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 5:33-37; Psalm 132
GOD IS ALWAYS TRUTHFUL - HOW ABOUT US?
"The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that He will not revoke..." (Ps.132:11)
Honesty and truthfulness are virtues highly esteemed in our culture and society. Our national principles, based on religious tenets of truth and justice, hold that telling the truth is paramount for an open and free society. Our justice system, legal system, and political system work best when people are truthful in their actions and words. As a nation we have generally been incensed when our elected or appointed leaders have lied to us. One of our recent Presidents faced impeachment because he lied about some of his actions with a White House intern. At the same time as we become incensed over such betrayal of trust we have those who seek to mitigate the circumstances if the person involved in the prevarication holds their political or ideological philosophy. Of course, if those of conflicting political or ideological philosophy do the same thing then we're told that there's "corruption at the highest levels."
Sadly, it seems as if truth and honesty have taken a holiday once again in our government. Just yesterday, Stewart Libby, the chief of staff for the Vice President of the United States, was indicted by a federal grand jury on five felony counts, including obstruction of justice, lying to the FBI, and perjury to the grand jury. He immediately resigned, which could be construed as an honorable thing to do so the Administration can continue to do its job. Of course, as is always the case, those on the other side of the political and ideological aisle immediately claimed "corruption at the highest levels" (Senator John Kerry). At the same time an indictment is not a conviction and Mr. Libby will have his day in court, as is right and proper according to our system of justice. If he is indeed guilty of the charges filed against him, then he has broken the faith and trust of the American people and those whom he served and deserved the just consequences of his disregard for the law, justice, and the truth. At the same time, between the indictment and the ingenuousness of the Administration's opposition, we again seem to be facing a continuous disregard for honesty and the truth by more than just one man.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out the importance of honesty and the truth for His disciples. He calls on us to keep our word; to say what we mean and mean what we say. Yet somewhere, deep inside of us, is this terribly conflicting thought process that leads us to believe that if the truth is distasteful or honesty will get us in trouble with others we should avoid them. Sin so often leads us to believe that we can disguise the truth and somehow avoid the consequences. People get the mistaken notion that it's possible to lie to protect ourselves or someone else from the consequences of our actions or the actions of others. In reality, as the saying goes, "truth will tell." What's even more telling is that in the absence of truth and honesty in our dealings with others is a sign of the spiritual decay that affects our lives because of the power of Sin. In the absence of truth the devil's own lie will take the place of God's truth. God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ are replaced with a false sense of security in the things of the world and our own power to "shape our destinies."
While people may give their word and then go back on the truth and their promises to others, God doesn't. His Word is always sure and certain. There's never any doubt as to where we stand with Him. We know from His Word how much He hates Sin. We know from His Word that the "wages of Sin is death." We know from His Word that He promises humanity grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in the blood of Christ. We know from His Word that, through faith in Jesus, we are covered by His righteousness and stand before the Father without Sin. God never goes back on His Word. His forgiveness and our salvation in Jesus is certain - it's real every day. Regardless of the world's disregard for the truth unless it's convenient, God is always inconveniently truthful with us. He shows us our sins and He shows us our Savior. He lets us know His hatred for sin, but always shows us His love for us sinners. Living in Christ's love we are empowered to live in Him and for Him. We are blessed with His truth - a truth that comes from our hearts and flows from our lips - so we can be His witnesses to the world around us. Thank God we never have to worry about His Word - He always keeps it.
Prayer: Father, thank You for always keeping Your Word to me. You have promised me grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, hope and peace in Jesus. You give me Your Word that in Jesus my sins are forgiven and I have the sure and certain hope of heaven in Him. You give me Your Word that by the power of Your Spirit, working in my Baptism, I am able to live in Your love and share it faithfully and truthfully with others. As You have always told me the truth and always let me know what You expect, help me to live with that same truth and honesty in how I live and work. Let my word count for the truth at all times so that I might be a faithful witness to Your love and power in my own life. As You have kept Your Word to me, help me to keep my word to others, knowing that I always speak in Your presence and You know the very thoughts of my heart. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Blessed And Happy Again In Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For October 28, 2005
Read: I Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 126
BLESSED AND HAPPY AGAIN IN JESUS
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom.15:13)
In 1952, the year I was born, one of my all-time favorite musicals was brought to the "silver screen." "Singin' In The Rain," starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, was a light-hearted, feel good movie musical that built on the post-World War II prosperity of the nation and provided a relief during the height of the Korean Conflict. One of the lyric lines of "Singin' In The Rain" goes, "What a wonderful feelin', I'm happy again." I can clearly see Mr. Kelly, in his own inimical, athletic dance style, jumping up and down along the curb, kicking up the puddles and getting drenched in the downpour - all the time with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and singing a song with great, upbeat lyrics. In the same musical, Mr. Kelly's co-star, another of the athletic dance style crowd, Mr. Donald O'Connor, put on a whale of a performance as he danced and sang "Make 'Em Laugh." What I remember most about this particular musical is its upbeat, light, comedic banter and uplifting tunes and dance routines that truly did bring a smile to one's face and laughter to one's heart.
How much more powerful a source of joy, hope, and laughter isn't the wonderful Word and promises of God? God's Word and His promise of salvation from Sin, Death, and Satan is a musical of cosmic proportions. It's filled with the pain of living and the joy of knowing God's love, grace, and mercy, especially revealed for us in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. In the face of the sorrow that Sin brings into the world is the joyful song of the angelic chorus over the fields at Bethlehem, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth." The magnificent choreography of God's Plan of Salvation throughout the history of the world, through the prophets and the apostles, His chosen People of Israel, and finally to the angelic proclamations to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds brought the Savior into the world, to redeem the world, and bring gladness and joy in His salvation into the hearts of all humanity. As the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, working through the power of God's Word comes to people and changes their hearts and lives, the lyrics of "Singin' In The Rain" seem quite appropriate and meaningful, for truly God's promises in Jesus bring "a wonderful feeling, I'm happy again."
As God's dearly beloved, redeemed children by faith in Jesus Christ, you and I have the opportunity to share God's marvelous love and grace with the world. He calls us to a life of joy and peace as we daily receive His forgiveness for all our sins. Filled with hope and laughter in our hearts, in the face of the tragedies of life that face us at home and abroad - crime in the streets, political intrigue and dishonesty, economic uncertainty, war and terrorism, religious fanaticism and hatred - we have a message of hope and peace in Jesus. We have a message of love and joy in Christ that can "Make 'Em Laugh" in the face of adversity and fear, tragedy and horror, war and pestilence. As we share that message of hope, peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ we can be certain that by the power of God's Word and Spirit people, everywhere, will come to trust and hope in Jesus. After all, it's Jesus that can lead to that "wonderful feelin', I'm happy again" in the lives of people.
Today, as everyday, we are refreshed for our journey in life by the power of God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Through the daily renewal of our Baptisms, the Holy Spirit reminds us and assures us that we are held in the very palm of God's hand and that nothing can separate us from His love. Instead of being weighed down by the troubles and burdens of the world or the power of Sin in our lives, we are free to rejoice and be glad that we have God's peace in our hearts and the confident assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven. We are forgiven people. Our sins are washed away in the blood of Christ. Filled with the confidence and assurance of God's forgiveness and peace we live joy-filled lives for everyone to see. Filled with His joy, then, we live and work with a smile on our faces, laughter in our hearts and on our lips, and reflect the true blessedness and happiness that only Jesus can bring into people's lives. They are gifts of God to us which we gladly, freely, and graciously share with others every day, as in Christ's service we "Make 'Em Laugh." What a great privilege it is for us to bring Christ's peace and joy to others so they can declare, "What a wonderful feelin', I'm happy again!"
Prayer: Father, I'm so thankful that You have given me the joy and peace of knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord. In Him You give me that "wonderful feelin', I'm happy again!" each morning. Every day You remind me in my Baptism that I am Your dearly beloved child and that You have made me Your very own. You continue to shower Your blessings and forgiveness upon me, simply because of Jesus' sacrifice for my sins. As I am blessed by the pure joy of knowing Christ as my Savior and Lord, help me to share that joy with others. Let me be a faithful witness to His love for the world, and show me how I might "Make 'Em Laugh" in Jesus today because of the joy of knowing Him as their Savior and Lord. I pray all this in His most precious and holy name. Amen.
*************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 126
BLESSED AND HAPPY AGAIN IN JESUS
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom.15:13)
In 1952, the year I was born, one of my all-time favorite musicals was brought to the "silver screen." "Singin' In The Rain," starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, was a light-hearted, feel good movie musical that built on the post-World War II prosperity of the nation and provided a relief during the height of the Korean Conflict. One of the lyric lines of "Singin' In The Rain" goes, "What a wonderful feelin', I'm happy again." I can clearly see Mr. Kelly, in his own inimical, athletic dance style, jumping up and down along the curb, kicking up the puddles and getting drenched in the downpour - all the time with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and singing a song with great, upbeat lyrics. In the same musical, Mr. Kelly's co-star, another of the athletic dance style crowd, Mr. Donald O'Connor, put on a whale of a performance as he danced and sang "Make 'Em Laugh." What I remember most about this particular musical is its upbeat, light, comedic banter and uplifting tunes and dance routines that truly did bring a smile to one's face and laughter to one's heart.
How much more powerful a source of joy, hope, and laughter isn't the wonderful Word and promises of God? God's Word and His promise of salvation from Sin, Death, and Satan is a musical of cosmic proportions. It's filled with the pain of living and the joy of knowing God's love, grace, and mercy, especially revealed for us in His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. In the face of the sorrow that Sin brings into the world is the joyful song of the angelic chorus over the fields at Bethlehem, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth." The magnificent choreography of God's Plan of Salvation throughout the history of the world, through the prophets and the apostles, His chosen People of Israel, and finally to the angelic proclamations to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds brought the Savior into the world, to redeem the world, and bring gladness and joy in His salvation into the hearts of all humanity. As the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, working through the power of God's Word comes to people and changes their hearts and lives, the lyrics of "Singin' In The Rain" seem quite appropriate and meaningful, for truly God's promises in Jesus bring "a wonderful feeling, I'm happy again."
As God's dearly beloved, redeemed children by faith in Jesus Christ, you and I have the opportunity to share God's marvelous love and grace with the world. He calls us to a life of joy and peace as we daily receive His forgiveness for all our sins. Filled with hope and laughter in our hearts, in the face of the tragedies of life that face us at home and abroad - crime in the streets, political intrigue and dishonesty, economic uncertainty, war and terrorism, religious fanaticism and hatred - we have a message of hope and peace in Jesus. We have a message of love and joy in Christ that can "Make 'Em Laugh" in the face of adversity and fear, tragedy and horror, war and pestilence. As we share that message of hope, peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ we can be certain that by the power of God's Word and Spirit people, everywhere, will come to trust and hope in Jesus. After all, it's Jesus that can lead to that "wonderful feelin', I'm happy again" in the lives of people.
Today, as everyday, we are refreshed for our journey in life by the power of God's love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Through the daily renewal of our Baptisms, the Holy Spirit reminds us and assures us that we are held in the very palm of God's hand and that nothing can separate us from His love. Instead of being weighed down by the troubles and burdens of the world or the power of Sin in our lives, we are free to rejoice and be glad that we have God's peace in our hearts and the confident assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven. We are forgiven people. Our sins are washed away in the blood of Christ. Filled with the confidence and assurance of God's forgiveness and peace we live joy-filled lives for everyone to see. Filled with His joy, then, we live and work with a smile on our faces, laughter in our hearts and on our lips, and reflect the true blessedness and happiness that only Jesus can bring into people's lives. They are gifts of God to us which we gladly, freely, and graciously share with others every day, as in Christ's service we "Make 'Em Laugh." What a great privilege it is for us to bring Christ's peace and joy to others so they can declare, "What a wonderful feelin', I'm happy again!"
Prayer: Father, I'm so thankful that You have given me the joy and peace of knowing Jesus as my Savior and Lord. In Him You give me that "wonderful feelin', I'm happy again!" each morning. Every day You remind me in my Baptism that I am Your dearly beloved child and that You have made me Your very own. You continue to shower Your blessings and forgiveness upon me, simply because of Jesus' sacrifice for my sins. As I am blessed by the pure joy of knowing Christ as my Savior and Lord, help me to share that joy with others. Let me be a faithful witness to His love for the world, and show me how I might "Make 'Em Laugh" in Jesus today because of the joy of knowing Him as their Savior and Lord. I pray all this in His most precious and holy name. Amen.
*************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
A Time For Hope
“Today’s Devotion” For October 27, 2005
Read: Romans 8:18-39; Psalm 147
A TIME FOR HOPE
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)
I've had the words to an old song going through my head in the last hour. "When you walk through a storm, keep your head up high; and don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm lies a golden sky, and the sweet, silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind; walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone. You'll never walk alone." Perhaps you remember it. The words seem to be quite appropriate given the present situations in our nation and the world.
As I recall, this song used to be quite popular when I was growing up. In a world that seems to be increasingly "storm tossed" with economic troubles, crime, wars and rumors of wars, untamed and exotic diseases, international intrigue and distrust, terrorism, and all kinds of evil, it's hard for people to be filled with hope, much less joy. Moral and ethical dilemmas seem to crop up everywhere, whether in Supreme Court decisions or in medical research laboratories. These are the storms of life that surround and assault us. These are the storms with which Sin pummels us to challenge our faith and trust in God.
In the midst of those storms we are reminded by our Father in heaven that we are not alone. He sent Jesus to assure us that our plight is not permanent and our hope is secure in Him. Having overcome the power of Sin, death, and Satan, our Lord Jesus Christ has restored hope to us, as we receive the Father's forgiveness of all our sins through faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
We can fret and bemoan the current state of affairs in our nation and the world. We can worry that morality is going "down the tubes," and that there is no hope. Or, we can trust that God is still in charge, that we are His people, and that He has called us to be "the salt of the earth," to season it with His love, grace, and mercy, and to bring to bear the truth of His Word into the lives of people everywhere. Christ is the world's Redeemer and only in Him can the Supreme Court change its thinking, wars end, terrorism stop, moral and ethical dilemmas be resolved, exotic diseases be healed, and evil be overcome. As God's dearly beloved, redeemed children in Christ, our heads are held high with hope and joy, confident in the face of doubt, despair, and danger, and certain that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..."(Rom.8:28a).
Prayer: Father, help me to face the challenges and dangers of life on earth with confident hope and joy, knowing that You are in charge of everything and nothing can separate me from Your love. Help me to walk with my head held high, filled with hope and confidence in Christ Jesus, that I might be a true ambassador of Your peace to the world. Keep me from being afraid or uncertain about the future, and help me to put myself and the whole world in Your loving, all-powerful, and caring hands each and every day. So fill me with faith, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, that I might step forth in life each day, assured that I never walk alone and that I have hope and joy in Jesus; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
***********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved
Read: Romans 8:18-39; Psalm 147
A TIME FOR HOPE
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)
I've had the words to an old song going through my head in the last hour. "When you walk through a storm, keep your head up high; and don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm lies a golden sky, and the sweet, silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind; walk on through the rain, though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone. You'll never walk alone." Perhaps you remember it. The words seem to be quite appropriate given the present situations in our nation and the world.
As I recall, this song used to be quite popular when I was growing up. In a world that seems to be increasingly "storm tossed" with economic troubles, crime, wars and rumors of wars, untamed and exotic diseases, international intrigue and distrust, terrorism, and all kinds of evil, it's hard for people to be filled with hope, much less joy. Moral and ethical dilemmas seem to crop up everywhere, whether in Supreme Court decisions or in medical research laboratories. These are the storms of life that surround and assault us. These are the storms with which Sin pummels us to challenge our faith and trust in God.
In the midst of those storms we are reminded by our Father in heaven that we are not alone. He sent Jesus to assure us that our plight is not permanent and our hope is secure in Him. Having overcome the power of Sin, death, and Satan, our Lord Jesus Christ has restored hope to us, as we receive the Father's forgiveness of all our sins through faith in Christ's death and resurrection.
We can fret and bemoan the current state of affairs in our nation and the world. We can worry that morality is going "down the tubes," and that there is no hope. Or, we can trust that God is still in charge, that we are His people, and that He has called us to be "the salt of the earth," to season it with His love, grace, and mercy, and to bring to bear the truth of His Word into the lives of people everywhere. Christ is the world's Redeemer and only in Him can the Supreme Court change its thinking, wars end, terrorism stop, moral and ethical dilemmas be resolved, exotic diseases be healed, and evil be overcome. As God's dearly beloved, redeemed children in Christ, our heads are held high with hope and joy, confident in the face of doubt, despair, and danger, and certain that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..."(Rom.8:28a).
Prayer: Father, help me to face the challenges and dangers of life on earth with confident hope and joy, knowing that You are in charge of everything and nothing can separate me from Your love. Help me to walk with my head held high, filled with hope and confidence in Christ Jesus, that I might be a true ambassador of Your peace to the world. Keep me from being afraid or uncertain about the future, and help me to put myself and the whole world in Your loving, all-powerful, and caring hands each and every day. So fill me with faith, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, that I might step forth in life each day, assured that I never walk alone and that I have hope and joy in Jesus; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
***********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Consider The Beauty Of God's Creation
"Today's Devotion" For October 26, 2005
Read: Romans 8:18-27; Isaiah 64
CONSIDER THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATION
"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." (Is.64:8)
Here we are at the end of October in Wisconsin. It's the height of autumn. The weather fluctuates between mild, a little warm, and cool to cold. We've had some days of rain - although not nearly enough - and we've had clear, sunshiny days. It’s autumn, with all that word means in the upper Midwest, and the beauty of God's creation is again showing itself in a new and spectacular way. Leaves are falling off the trees, it's true, but those still holding their positions are turning magnificent shades of gold, red, purple, magenta, and orange (at least to my untrained eye for color). Another change of seasons is again showing the power of God, His majesty, and wisdom. It's a breath-taking time of year where I live, and perhaps also where you live.
It's just these times of year, when seasons change and those changes inimical to each season are obvious, that reveal the true magnificence of God's creation. People may debate whether the world and the universe were created, have "intelligent design," or just came into existence through a "big bang" ("theory (?) of evolution"), but there's no getting around its beauty. It's a marvelous and wonderful place, filled with magnificent stretches of mountains, rolling hills, sweeping plains, pristine rivers, streams, and lakes, and bordered by oceans, all teeming with wild game, fish and plants for food. Ample and fruitful farmland occupies huge areas of the nation, providing food for the world. And let's not forget the magnificent trees, flowers, grass, and other plants that beautify the earth, scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the air and providing oxygen for us to breath in the process. This is God's magnificent and wondrous creation.
If we look around us, however, we'll also see that God's creation is in trouble. Human beings have done a wonderful job of polluting the lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, air, and land that God has given us for our enjoyment and stewardship. On one hand we have those affectionately labeled, "tree huggers," who don't want anyone to cut down a tree to use it for the purposes God created them. Then we have the folks who treat animals better than they treat people, because, after all, "animals are people too." Of course we don't want to forget those who see every foot of undeveloped land as a stepping stone to great wealth and prosperity for themselves (not necessarily for others) and don't really have any concern about good stewardship of the resources they covet. No matter where the debate goes, one thing is certain - we human beings are doing a terrible job of stewardship when it comes to creation.
St. Paul describes the pain of God's creation as he reminds us that, because of Sin, the whole creation groans as it awaits the final judgment and Jesus' return on the Last Day. In truth, human beings are more able to destroy God's creation than to preserve it. The selfishness that is part of our sinful condition leads us to seek ways to use and abuse God's gifts rather than be good stewards of them. The pain and decay of Sin is reflected in the whole of creation in spite of the beauty of the autumn leaves, the glistening white of a winter's snow, the new green buds on the spring awakening trees, and the bright sunshine and warmth of a summer's day. Living things die; inanimate objects decay; such is Sin's affect on God's world.
Yet, in His infinite wisdom and gracious purpose for humanity - for you and me - God sent Jesus Christ into the world to reverse the process of decay. In Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we receive God's antidote for the decay and destruction caused by Sin. Jesus' removes the power of Sin, death, and Satan from our lives, forgiving us of all our sins, giving us peace with God, and making us, by faith in Him, a new creation before God. In Jesus we become, once again, the epitome of the beauty of God's Creation. We are made holy and acceptable to Him once again as we are covered in the blood of the Lamb - the righteousness of Christ - through which we are made clean and pristine once more in the sight of our heavenly Father. Our sins no longer pollute our relationship with our Father in heaven because of Jesus. We once more, in Christ, reflect God's glory and the wonder of His Creation. How marvelous is the beauty of God's creation, restored in Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I thank You for all the blessings You give me. As I look around me at the marvels of Your creation, I realize that, in spite of our worst efforts, You maintain beauty on this earth and in my heart as You point me to Jesus. You have recreated me, having been stained and polluted by Sin, in the washing of Holy Baptism through which You have restored me to Yourself, crucifying me with Christ to Sin, and raising me with Him into Your eternal presence by faith in His blood. Help me to be a witness to your grace and love, and show me how to share Your blessings and wonders with others that they may see Your creation all around them and give You glory and praise for all Your blessings for the good of all. In Christ's most holy name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Romans 8:18-27; Isaiah 64
CONSIDER THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATION
"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." (Is.64:8)
Here we are at the end of October in Wisconsin. It's the height of autumn. The weather fluctuates between mild, a little warm, and cool to cold. We've had some days of rain - although not nearly enough - and we've had clear, sunshiny days. It’s autumn, with all that word means in the upper Midwest, and the beauty of God's creation is again showing itself in a new and spectacular way. Leaves are falling off the trees, it's true, but those still holding their positions are turning magnificent shades of gold, red, purple, magenta, and orange (at least to my untrained eye for color). Another change of seasons is again showing the power of God, His majesty, and wisdom. It's a breath-taking time of year where I live, and perhaps also where you live.
It's just these times of year, when seasons change and those changes inimical to each season are obvious, that reveal the true magnificence of God's creation. People may debate whether the world and the universe were created, have "intelligent design," or just came into existence through a "big bang" ("theory (?) of evolution"), but there's no getting around its beauty. It's a marvelous and wonderful place, filled with magnificent stretches of mountains, rolling hills, sweeping plains, pristine rivers, streams, and lakes, and bordered by oceans, all teeming with wild game, fish and plants for food. Ample and fruitful farmland occupies huge areas of the nation, providing food for the world. And let's not forget the magnificent trees, flowers, grass, and other plants that beautify the earth, scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the air and providing oxygen for us to breath in the process. This is God's magnificent and wondrous creation.
If we look around us, however, we'll also see that God's creation is in trouble. Human beings have done a wonderful job of polluting the lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, air, and land that God has given us for our enjoyment and stewardship. On one hand we have those affectionately labeled, "tree huggers," who don't want anyone to cut down a tree to use it for the purposes God created them. Then we have the folks who treat animals better than they treat people, because, after all, "animals are people too." Of course we don't want to forget those who see every foot of undeveloped land as a stepping stone to great wealth and prosperity for themselves (not necessarily for others) and don't really have any concern about good stewardship of the resources they covet. No matter where the debate goes, one thing is certain - we human beings are doing a terrible job of stewardship when it comes to creation.
St. Paul describes the pain of God's creation as he reminds us that, because of Sin, the whole creation groans as it awaits the final judgment and Jesus' return on the Last Day. In truth, human beings are more able to destroy God's creation than to preserve it. The selfishness that is part of our sinful condition leads us to seek ways to use and abuse God's gifts rather than be good stewards of them. The pain and decay of Sin is reflected in the whole of creation in spite of the beauty of the autumn leaves, the glistening white of a winter's snow, the new green buds on the spring awakening trees, and the bright sunshine and warmth of a summer's day. Living things die; inanimate objects decay; such is Sin's affect on God's world.
Yet, in His infinite wisdom and gracious purpose for humanity - for you and me - God sent Jesus Christ into the world to reverse the process of decay. In Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we receive God's antidote for the decay and destruction caused by Sin. Jesus' removes the power of Sin, death, and Satan from our lives, forgiving us of all our sins, giving us peace with God, and making us, by faith in Him, a new creation before God. In Jesus we become, once again, the epitome of the beauty of God's Creation. We are made holy and acceptable to Him once again as we are covered in the blood of the Lamb - the righteousness of Christ - through which we are made clean and pristine once more in the sight of our heavenly Father. Our sins no longer pollute our relationship with our Father in heaven because of Jesus. We once more, in Christ, reflect God's glory and the wonder of His Creation. How marvelous is the beauty of God's creation, restored in Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I thank You for all the blessings You give me. As I look around me at the marvels of Your creation, I realize that, in spite of our worst efforts, You maintain beauty on this earth and in my heart as You point me to Jesus. You have recreated me, having been stained and polluted by Sin, in the washing of Holy Baptism through which You have restored me to Yourself, crucifying me with Christ to Sin, and raising me with Him into Your eternal presence by faith in His blood. Help me to be a witness to your grace and love, and show me how to share Your blessings and wonders with others that they may see Your creation all around them and give You glory and praise for all Your blessings for the good of all. In Christ's most holy name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Forgiveness or "Comeuppance?"
"Today's Devotion" For October 25, 2005
Read: Matthew 18:21-35; James 2:1-13
FORGIVENESS OR "COMEUPPANCE?"
"This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Mt.18:35)
Forgiveness. Now there's a concept that has a lot of trouble being accepted in our society and our world. Vengeance and retaliation are much more common occurrences. Many of the world's religions seem to teach a "comeuppance" for those who offend oneself or one's family, or even "God" (as if God needs to be defended). Then we have the political side of "comeuppance." The political "sharks" are currently salivating and circling in the water, as they smell a "kill" in the CIA leak "scandal" that appears to be dogging the current administration in Washington (you know, the latest in political gamesmanship and intrigue that just so enamors the public of our public servants). Historically, political "comeuppance" has been "down and dirty." Politicians seem to be particularly "gifted" with tremendously long memories about supposed slights, wrongs, missteps, and scandals, particularly when such things might have cost them some power, an election, or money.
Forgiveness. It's a tough thing. How many times haven't we heard the following phrases coming out of our own mouths, or those of others directed at us? "You’re sorry! I've heard that before. But you never change!" "How many times do you expect me to forgive you? You're always doing the same thing over and over again. Your mother and I can't trust you!" "You just wait! You're going to get what's coming to you. I'll be there, and when you least expect it - well, just you wait and see!"
Forgiveness. Everyday, somewhere in America or elsewhere in the world, someone is plotting to get even with another person, another nation, a political party, or - well, you name it. Politicians are looking for ways to get even and build there own prestige and power on the backs of those who have made missteps or offended them in some way. Family members and friends make declarations such as those in the previous paragraph many times during each day somewhere in the world. Perhaps you've made such declarations of anger and vengeance yourself, whether recently or in the distant past. It's possible that you have been, are currently, or may someday be in a similar position where someone doesn't want to forgive you or seeks to "get even" with you. When we consider forgiveness and our human penchant for "comeuppance" it's not too hard to understand Peter's question to Jesus, "How often should I forgive? As many as seven times?"
Forgiveness. Jesus' response to Peter's question is hard for us to hear, much less act upon. Forgiving others can be a burden; yet we want others to forgive us under any and all circumstances. We want our "comeuppance"- our revenge, our getting even - for what others have done to us, but are surprised and hurt when others exact their "comeuppance" from us. In the face of all such unforgiving behavior, in the face of our frustrations at the continued inequities visited upon us by others, and wishing to get even with those who have wronged us, Jesus responds to Peter's question - our question - "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times," and we understand that He means to never stop forgiving. And as the persons above, and Peter, himself, you'll wonder, "How often should I forgive?" And you'll hear Jesus' words, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." That is, keep on doing so.
Forgiveness. If we hold grudges or seek "comeuppance" we haven't forgiven. While this is our nature, God acts toward us in a completely different way. He continually reminds us in Jesus Christ that His purpose is to redeem us from the power of Sin and Satan, and to cover us with Christ's righteousness. He reminds us daily that in Christ our sins are forgiven and that we have the sure hope of heaven through faith in Him. If anyone had a right to get even, to get His "comeuppance," it would be God. Yet our Father in heaven seeks our good each day, forgives us of all our sins as we come before His throne of grace covered in the righteousness of Christ, and remembers our sins no more. We've been washed clean from our sins in Baptism, which God renews for us each morning. We are new creatures, created in Christ Jesus to serve God and others in Jesus' name, filled with His forgiveness and love, His hope and peace. As you have been freely forgiven, so also does our Father call upon us to freely forgive. Blessed with forgiveness by God Himself, "comeuppance" is no longer reasonable for us as God's redeemed children. Thank God He has lifted that burden from our shoulders in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, it's so very easy to seek to get even with others for what they've done to hurt me. I like to hold grudges - not that they cause me to feel any better, but because they keep me focused on getting my "comeuppance" and getting even. Yet, Your Word and Spirit remind me through my Lord Jesus Christ that if I have room in my life for holding grudges and seeking "comeuppance" from others, I don't have room for You our Your forgiveness in Jesus. Father, I pray that You would continue to remind me by the power of Your Word and Spirit that in Baptism You have cleansed me from my sins and have given me a new life, renewed every day in Jesus, so that I might fully live in Your forgiveness and love and share the same with others. Remind me daily that Jesus has taken the burden of my sins upon His shoulders so that I might live fully and completely in Your presence forever. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 18:21-35; James 2:1-13
FORGIVENESS OR "COMEUPPANCE?"
"This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." (Mt.18:35)
Forgiveness. Now there's a concept that has a lot of trouble being accepted in our society and our world. Vengeance and retaliation are much more common occurrences. Many of the world's religions seem to teach a "comeuppance" for those who offend oneself or one's family, or even "God" (as if God needs to be defended). Then we have the political side of "comeuppance." The political "sharks" are currently salivating and circling in the water, as they smell a "kill" in the CIA leak "scandal" that appears to be dogging the current administration in Washington (you know, the latest in political gamesmanship and intrigue that just so enamors the public of our public servants). Historically, political "comeuppance" has been "down and dirty." Politicians seem to be particularly "gifted" with tremendously long memories about supposed slights, wrongs, missteps, and scandals, particularly when such things might have cost them some power, an election, or money.
Forgiveness. It's a tough thing. How many times haven't we heard the following phrases coming out of our own mouths, or those of others directed at us? "You’re sorry! I've heard that before. But you never change!" "How many times do you expect me to forgive you? You're always doing the same thing over and over again. Your mother and I can't trust you!" "You just wait! You're going to get what's coming to you. I'll be there, and when you least expect it - well, just you wait and see!"
Forgiveness. Everyday, somewhere in America or elsewhere in the world, someone is plotting to get even with another person, another nation, a political party, or - well, you name it. Politicians are looking for ways to get even and build there own prestige and power on the backs of those who have made missteps or offended them in some way. Family members and friends make declarations such as those in the previous paragraph many times during each day somewhere in the world. Perhaps you've made such declarations of anger and vengeance yourself, whether recently or in the distant past. It's possible that you have been, are currently, or may someday be in a similar position where someone doesn't want to forgive you or seeks to "get even" with you. When we consider forgiveness and our human penchant for "comeuppance" it's not too hard to understand Peter's question to Jesus, "How often should I forgive? As many as seven times?"
Forgiveness. Jesus' response to Peter's question is hard for us to hear, much less act upon. Forgiving others can be a burden; yet we want others to forgive us under any and all circumstances. We want our "comeuppance"- our revenge, our getting even - for what others have done to us, but are surprised and hurt when others exact their "comeuppance" from us. In the face of all such unforgiving behavior, in the face of our frustrations at the continued inequities visited upon us by others, and wishing to get even with those who have wronged us, Jesus responds to Peter's question - our question - "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times," and we understand that He means to never stop forgiving. And as the persons above, and Peter, himself, you'll wonder, "How often should I forgive?" And you'll hear Jesus' words, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." That is, keep on doing so.
Forgiveness. If we hold grudges or seek "comeuppance" we haven't forgiven. While this is our nature, God acts toward us in a completely different way. He continually reminds us in Jesus Christ that His purpose is to redeem us from the power of Sin and Satan, and to cover us with Christ's righteousness. He reminds us daily that in Christ our sins are forgiven and that we have the sure hope of heaven through faith in Him. If anyone had a right to get even, to get His "comeuppance," it would be God. Yet our Father in heaven seeks our good each day, forgives us of all our sins as we come before His throne of grace covered in the righteousness of Christ, and remembers our sins no more. We've been washed clean from our sins in Baptism, which God renews for us each morning. We are new creatures, created in Christ Jesus to serve God and others in Jesus' name, filled with His forgiveness and love, His hope and peace. As you have been freely forgiven, so also does our Father call upon us to freely forgive. Blessed with forgiveness by God Himself, "comeuppance" is no longer reasonable for us as God's redeemed children. Thank God He has lifted that burden from our shoulders in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, it's so very easy to seek to get even with others for what they've done to hurt me. I like to hold grudges - not that they cause me to feel any better, but because they keep me focused on getting my "comeuppance" and getting even. Yet, Your Word and Spirit remind me through my Lord Jesus Christ that if I have room in my life for holding grudges and seeking "comeuppance" from others, I don't have room for You our Your forgiveness in Jesus. Father, I pray that You would continue to remind me by the power of Your Word and Spirit that in Baptism You have cleansed me from my sins and have given me a new life, renewed every day in Jesus, so that I might fully live in Your forgiveness and love and share the same with others. Remind me daily that Jesus has taken the burden of my sins upon His shoulders so that I might live fully and completely in Your presence forever. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
God Knows Your Heart
"Today's Devotion" October 24, 2005
Read: Matthew 6:16-18; II Samuel 12:13-23
GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Mt. 6:18b)
The other day there was a small article in the entertainment section of the local newspaper regarding a well-known film actor/director. It seems he decided he wanted to help the victims of Hurricane Stan in Mexico. He arranged a meeting with Mexican President Vincente Fox to give him a donation of one million dollars. Of course the gift and meeting were publicized, photographs printed, and praises rendered. Thus there was nothing quiet about the gift or who gave the gift. While the gift would have been just as effective if given quietly and unannounced, the individual who gave it appears to have been seeking recognition for his philanthropy - by sharing what God had already given to him. Yet, as is so often the case in a world that gives rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered, such was not the case. The benefactor apparently needed to be acknowledged and recognized, which isn't uncommon when people make "sacrifices" for a "good cause."
Reward is at the heart of the issue. Our Scripture readings for today focus on the third pillar of Jewish piety - fasting. According to the Old Testament, God called His people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over their sins. II Samuel 12 gives a clear example of the intent of fasting in the life of King David - repentance and sorrow over one's sin, the seeking of God's forgiveness, and a change of heart on the part of the penitent one. At the same time, David fasted in private, didn't go out while he was fasting, and when the time came to end the fast he cleaned up, dressed appropriately, and showed no evidence of fasting when he came out of his seclusion. What a sharp contrast to the picture accorded us in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus' words in His Sermon on the Mount indicate that fasting had become a public spectacle among those who should have been setting an example for the people of God. Fasting had become a practice that people advertised by putting on ashes, donning sackcloth, looking gaunt, and ignoring cleanliness in a very public way. In many cases those who fasted in this way set themselves up as paragons of virtue, piety, and religious fervor. Ultimately, whether we're talking about the act of fasting or the act of giving in service to others it comes down to a question of what we're doing it for and where our hearts are.
You and I have received a multitude of blessings from God. We have been brought to faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from Sin. His suffering, death, and resurrection have made it possible for us to stand before our God and Father cleansed from our sins and holy in His sight. We're called by faith to a life of service to others in Jesus' name. We're blessed with many gifts of God's storehouse of blessings, each of us in our own way according to God's Will for each of our lives. We carry out acts of pious devotion to our God, not for the world to see and not for thoughts of reward, but because we know such devotion is pleasing to our heavenly Father and it's a pleasure and privilege to worship Him in our lives and service every day. In the end, whether we're talking about "fasting" or "giving," the whole point of our faith and relationship with our Father in heaven through Christ is that God knows our hearts. Because of this, we are also certain that He blesses us and rewards us according to His good pleasure. We understand, by faith that our Lord Jesus 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 do so without fanfare or desire to be noticed by others, knowing that our "Father who sees in secret will reward (us) openly."
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 or service to others in Jesus' name on display to impress others, gain their adulations, and achieve earthly rewards. Instead, gracious Father, lead me to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice so that they are known only to You. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to understand how special and essential Your reward for my faithfulness will be, and how useless and meaningless the adulation and rewards of the world stand in comparison. Be with me each day that I may serve You humbly and faithfully as a true witness of Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Jesus; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 6:16-18; II Samuel 12:13-23
GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART
"...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Mt. 6:18b)
The other day there was a small article in the entertainment section of the local newspaper regarding a well-known film actor/director. It seems he decided he wanted to help the victims of Hurricane Stan in Mexico. He arranged a meeting with Mexican President Vincente Fox to give him a donation of one million dollars. Of course the gift and meeting were publicized, photographs printed, and praises rendered. Thus there was nothing quiet about the gift or who gave the gift. While the gift would have been just as effective if given quietly and unannounced, the individual who gave it appears to have been seeking recognition for his philanthropy - by sharing what God had already given to him. Yet, as is so often the case in a world that gives rewards for good deeds performed, heroic acts accomplished, and political favors rendered, such was not the case. The benefactor apparently needed to be acknowledged and recognized, which isn't uncommon when people make "sacrifices" for a "good cause."
Reward is at the heart of the issue. Our Scripture readings for today focus on the third pillar of Jewish piety - fasting. According to the Old Testament, God called His people to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and sorrow over their sins. II Samuel 12 gives a clear example of the intent of fasting in the life of King David - repentance and sorrow over one's sin, the seeking of God's forgiveness, and a change of heart on the part of the penitent one. At the same time, David fasted in private, didn't go out while he was fasting, and when the time came to end the fast he cleaned up, dressed appropriately, and showed no evidence of fasting when he came out of his seclusion. What a sharp contrast to the picture accorded us in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus' words in His Sermon on the Mount indicate that fasting had become a public spectacle among those who should have been setting an example for the people of God. Fasting had become a practice that people advertised by putting on ashes, donning sackcloth, looking gaunt, and ignoring cleanliness in a very public way. In many cases those who fasted in this way set themselves up as paragons of virtue, piety, and religious fervor. Ultimately, whether we're talking about the act of fasting or the act of giving in service to others it comes down to a question of what we're doing it for and where our hearts are.
You and I have received a multitude of blessings from God. We have been brought to faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from Sin. His suffering, death, and resurrection have made it possible for us to stand before our God and Father cleansed from our sins and holy in His sight. We're called by faith to a life of service to others in Jesus' name. We're blessed with many gifts of God's storehouse of blessings, each of us in our own way according to God's Will for each of our lives. We carry out acts of pious devotion to our God, not for the world to see and not for thoughts of reward, but because we know such devotion is pleasing to our heavenly Father and it's a pleasure and privilege to worship Him in our lives and service every day. In the end, whether we're talking about "fasting" or "giving," the whole point of our faith and relationship with our Father in heaven through Christ is that God knows our hearts. Because of this, we are also certain that He blesses us and rewards us according to His good pleasure. We understand, by faith that our Lord Jesus 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 do so without fanfare or desire to be noticed by others, knowing that our "Father who sees in secret will reward (us) openly."
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 or service to others in Jesus' name on display to impress others, gain their adulations, and achieve earthly rewards. Instead, gracious Father, lead me to perform my personal acts of devotion and sacrifice so that they are known only to You. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to understand how special and essential Your reward for my faithfulness will be, and how useless and meaningless the adulation and rewards of the world stand in comparison. Be with me each day that I may serve You humbly and faithfully as a true witness of Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Jesus; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
And God Says, "I've Got You Covered!"
"Today's Devotion" For October 22, 2005
Read: Isaiah 60:1-9; Psalm 27
AND GOD SAYS, "I'VE GOT YOU COVERED!"
"See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you." (Is. 60:2)
How many times haven't we heard that standard old phrase, "I've got you covered?" It's a phrase full of a variety of different meanings and is used in a myriad of circumstances. We might hear it spoken by a bank robber or a sheriff in an old Western movie. It could be spoken by an accomplice agreeing to back up a story in order to avoid a problem with the law. At others times we might hear someone say "I got it covered" - same principle - when picking up the tab in a restaurant. We might also hear "I've got you covered" when someone is acknowledging their understanding of the facts of an issue. On the other hand, we might also hear someone say, "I've got you covered" when they're trying to put us off and don't really care about what we might be saying or doing.
In a world full of sin, "I've got you covered," could reasonably describe Satan's intense efforts to cover us with the consequences of Sin. He has done his level best to drag this world down into the depths of Hell, covering the world with the darkness of Sin and unbelief. It doesn't take too much to see his handiwork among us Because of Sin in our lives we're often guilty of playing into Satan's hands and getting caught up in doing things that show a disdain for God's Will, but a love for sin and unbelief, because, as some have noted, "It's so much fun." Such reasoning has led to broken marriages, broken homes, drunken driving, rape, and rioting, among a host of other transgressions. A couple of years ago the nation and the world were repulsed by the images coming out of Abu Gharaib prison in Baghdad where soldiers were mistreating Iraqi prisoners with apparent enjoyment. Just recently charges have again been levied against some U. S. Forces in Afghanistan claiming that some of our troops have desecrated human bodies by burning them as a warning to Taliban insurgents (note: this is under investigation). Whether these charges are true or not, events such as these remind us that Sin’s power is such that it can take hold of us at any time and lead us to do things that are against all we believe.
In the face of such realities of living with Sin, hope becomes a vital commodity. By God's grace we read Isaiah's words which give us hope in the face of the darkness of Sin in the world. His words assure us that God watches over His people and His glory shines in the darkness, bringing light and life to a lost world. By the power of His grace, mercy, and love in the Messiah to come, God assures His people through Isaiah of the saving work of Jesus, the Christ. He is the One who alone can lead people out of the darkness and despair of Sin into the marvelous and glorious light of God's grace. God has covered all who believe in Jesus, with the blood of the "Lamb of God who takes away the Sin of the world." When God says "I've got you covered" He is assuring us who believe in Jesus that our sins are forgiven and we have the sure and absolute assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven. Our sins are no longer visible to God because we are covered with Christ's righteousness. Our sins have been placed on Christ and removed from us. When God says "I've got you covered" we can be confident He's not putting us off of ignoring us, but truly taking a different look at us because of Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Father, I can't thank You enough for having covered my sins with the blood of Christ. In Him I am a forgiven and redeemed sinner. You have made me one of Your very own children, covering me with Your love, grace, and mercy through the blood of the Lamb. Help me to live my life accordingly, sharing Your love with others and boldly proclaiming Your salvation to the world. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 60:1-9; Psalm 27
AND GOD SAYS, "I'VE GOT YOU COVERED!"
"See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you." (Is. 60:2)
How many times haven't we heard that standard old phrase, "I've got you covered?" It's a phrase full of a variety of different meanings and is used in a myriad of circumstances. We might hear it spoken by a bank robber or a sheriff in an old Western movie. It could be spoken by an accomplice agreeing to back up a story in order to avoid a problem with the law. At others times we might hear someone say "I got it covered" - same principle - when picking up the tab in a restaurant. We might also hear "I've got you covered" when someone is acknowledging their understanding of the facts of an issue. On the other hand, we might also hear someone say, "I've got you covered" when they're trying to put us off and don't really care about what we might be saying or doing.
In a world full of sin, "I've got you covered," could reasonably describe Satan's intense efforts to cover us with the consequences of Sin. He has done his level best to drag this world down into the depths of Hell, covering the world with the darkness of Sin and unbelief. It doesn't take too much to see his handiwork among us Because of Sin in our lives we're often guilty of playing into Satan's hands and getting caught up in doing things that show a disdain for God's Will, but a love for sin and unbelief, because, as some have noted, "It's so much fun." Such reasoning has led to broken marriages, broken homes, drunken driving, rape, and rioting, among a host of other transgressions. A couple of years ago the nation and the world were repulsed by the images coming out of Abu Gharaib prison in Baghdad where soldiers were mistreating Iraqi prisoners with apparent enjoyment. Just recently charges have again been levied against some U. S. Forces in Afghanistan claiming that some of our troops have desecrated human bodies by burning them as a warning to Taliban insurgents (note: this is under investigation). Whether these charges are true or not, events such as these remind us that Sin’s power is such that it can take hold of us at any time and lead us to do things that are against all we believe.
In the face of such realities of living with Sin, hope becomes a vital commodity. By God's grace we read Isaiah's words which give us hope in the face of the darkness of Sin in the world. His words assure us that God watches over His people and His glory shines in the darkness, bringing light and life to a lost world. By the power of His grace, mercy, and love in the Messiah to come, God assures His people through Isaiah of the saving work of Jesus, the Christ. He is the One who alone can lead people out of the darkness and despair of Sin into the marvelous and glorious light of God's grace. God has covered all who believe in Jesus, with the blood of the "Lamb of God who takes away the Sin of the world." When God says "I've got you covered" He is assuring us who believe in Jesus that our sins are forgiven and we have the sure and absolute assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven. Our sins are no longer visible to God because we are covered with Christ's righteousness. Our sins have been placed on Christ and removed from us. When God says "I've got you covered" we can be confident He's not putting us off of ignoring us, but truly taking a different look at us because of Jesus.
Prayer: Gracious Father, I can't thank You enough for having covered my sins with the blood of Christ. In Him I am a forgiven and redeemed sinner. You have made me one of Your very own children, covering me with Your love, grace, and mercy through the blood of the Lamb. Help me to live my life accordingly, sharing Your love with others and boldly proclaiming Your salvation to the world. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*****************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Knowing Jesus Brings LIfe
"Today's Devotion" For October 21, 2005
Read: I John 5:18-21; John 8:12-32
KNOWING JESUS BRINGS LIFE
"And we are in Him who is true--even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (I Jn. 5:20b)
Knowledge is a critical need for human beings. In order to succeed at anything, knowledge is essential. If you don't know what to do, don't understand the parameters of the endeavor, or haven't got a clue as to the end result of the effort there's a pretty good chance you'll get nowhere fast. What we know and who we know are critical components of our lives, especially when we strive to accomplish something that's meaningful and worthwhile with our lives. There are some who would say that "it's not what you know, but who you know" that will help you achieve your goals. Others would say that knowledge is power, and that the more you know, the better off you will be in your quest for success. Our knowledge concerning the world around us is tested by teachers, driver's license examiners, professional licensing agencies, and scores of groups and associations which provide the "necessary" credentials for success in the world. There can be no doubt that what you know - the depth, breadth, and volume of knowledge you hold between your ears - is essential to what one accomplishes in life.
While knowledge by the world's standards is critical for success in life, John points us to a very different kind of knowledge - a knowledge that's not critical for success in life, but which is critical for our life with God and our hope for eternal life. As God's children we are blessed to know, John reminds us, that we have been called out of the world to be His redeemed ones in Christ Jesus. Knowing God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus guides us into living in a manner that's different from the rest of the world. Knowledge of God's love for us in Christ Jesus leads us to seek to live a Godly life by the power of God's Word and Spirit. As baptized children of our Father in heaven, He has blessed us to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, working faith in our hearts so that we might have true life in Christ.
John very clearly reminds us that we live as God's children in a world under the control of the devil. He's been defeated by Jesus, but until the Judgment Day he is still "a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). Knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord we resist the devil, "steadfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:9) confident that in Christ we shall overcome every temptation and remain firmly in God's hands. Our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world and has defeated Satan. By faith we know that in Christ Jesus we can live our lives as God's dearly beloved children, sharing Christ's love with one another and with those who need to know Him. Knowing Jesus our lives stand as evidence that we are the children of God. Knowing Jesus we live as forgiven people, filled with hope and peace. Knowing Jesus we come before the throne of God's grace, covered in the righteousness of Christ, and approach God as our true Father Who is infinitely patient with us in spite of our sins; not as an angry Judge waiting to pounce on our every mistake and sin.
In the end Who we know and what we know about Him is what's most important for true success in life. Knowing Jesus and His love and forgiveness for us is what gives life meaning and purpose. Sharing His love and forgiveness with others shapes our lives and guides our paths. Knowing Jesus Christ, for God's children, is truly the only "what you know" and "Who you know" that counts for anything.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for sending Jesus into my life and heart so that I might know You and Your love for me. Help me to be an effective witness of Your love in Christ to everyone I meet each day. Guide me to greater knowledge and faith in Jesus that I might never be led astray from Your Will and purpose for my life. Keep me faithful to the truth that knowing Jesus brings life, so that I never cease to share Him with others so they, too, might have the hope and promise of eternal life You have given to me. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 5:18-21; John 8:12-32
KNOWING JESUS BRINGS LIFE
"And we are in Him who is true--even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (I Jn. 5:20b)
Knowledge is a critical need for human beings. In order to succeed at anything, knowledge is essential. If you don't know what to do, don't understand the parameters of the endeavor, or haven't got a clue as to the end result of the effort there's a pretty good chance you'll get nowhere fast. What we know and who we know are critical components of our lives, especially when we strive to accomplish something that's meaningful and worthwhile with our lives. There are some who would say that "it's not what you know, but who you know" that will help you achieve your goals. Others would say that knowledge is power, and that the more you know, the better off you will be in your quest for success. Our knowledge concerning the world around us is tested by teachers, driver's license examiners, professional licensing agencies, and scores of groups and associations which provide the "necessary" credentials for success in the world. There can be no doubt that what you know - the depth, breadth, and volume of knowledge you hold between your ears - is essential to what one accomplishes in life.
While knowledge by the world's standards is critical for success in life, John points us to a very different kind of knowledge - a knowledge that's not critical for success in life, but which is critical for our life with God and our hope for eternal life. As God's children we are blessed to know, John reminds us, that we have been called out of the world to be His redeemed ones in Christ Jesus. Knowing God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus guides us into living in a manner that's different from the rest of the world. Knowledge of God's love for us in Christ Jesus leads us to seek to live a Godly life by the power of God's Word and Spirit. As baptized children of our Father in heaven, He has blessed us to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, working faith in our hearts so that we might have true life in Christ.
John very clearly reminds us that we live as God's children in a world under the control of the devil. He's been defeated by Jesus, but until the Judgment Day he is still "a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). Knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord we resist the devil, "steadfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:9) confident that in Christ we shall overcome every temptation and remain firmly in God's hands. Our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome the world and has defeated Satan. By faith we know that in Christ Jesus we can live our lives as God's dearly beloved children, sharing Christ's love with one another and with those who need to know Him. Knowing Jesus our lives stand as evidence that we are the children of God. Knowing Jesus we live as forgiven people, filled with hope and peace. Knowing Jesus we come before the throne of God's grace, covered in the righteousness of Christ, and approach God as our true Father Who is infinitely patient with us in spite of our sins; not as an angry Judge waiting to pounce on our every mistake and sin.
In the end Who we know and what we know about Him is what's most important for true success in life. Knowing Jesus and His love and forgiveness for us is what gives life meaning and purpose. Sharing His love and forgiveness with others shapes our lives and guides our paths. Knowing Jesus Christ, for God's children, is truly the only "what you know" and "Who you know" that counts for anything.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for sending Jesus into my life and heart so that I might know You and Your love for me. Help me to be an effective witness of Your love in Christ to everyone I meet each day. Guide me to greater knowledge and faith in Jesus that I might never be led astray from Your Will and purpose for my life. Keep me faithful to the truth that knowing Jesus brings life, so that I never cease to share Him with others so they, too, might have the hope and promise of eternal life You have given to me. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Righteousness Reflected In Love
"Today's Devotion" For October 20, 2005
Read: I John 3:10-15; Matthew 5:43-47
RIGHTEOUSNESS REFLECTED IN LOVE
"In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (I Jn .3:10-11)
Do you remember the Beatles? When I was growing up they were the "pop" stars of record. If you weren't around when they were hot, you still probably know who they were. One of the more famous lines from one of their songs (I have to admit I don't remember the title of the song) goes like this: "All you need is love. All you need is love. All you need is love. Love is all you need." This phrasing and thought process fit in very well with the "hippy" culture of the sixties when they recorded the song. The prevailing sentiment in the midst of the Vietnam War was that "love" could overcome everything and end conflicts such as the struggle in Vietnam. Of course, it's instructive to realize that the idea of what it means to "love" was a bit confused in those days (no more so, I'd venture to say, than it is today) because the concept of "free love" had more to do with promiscuity than it did with truly caring and sacrificing oneself for another.
The reality of "love," however, is that it's a word that often overused and misused because of the inadequacies of the English language which only has one word for "love." In order for the true meaning to be expressed, adjectives need to be connected to the word and the context of the word needs to be keenly observed. One of the more popular usages of the word "love" is in the phrase, "I love you." When spoken by a spouse to a spouse it's most likely an expression of their deep commitment to each other. That same phrase, spoken between an unmarried man and woman, could lead to a marriage proposal and a lifelong commitment to each other. At the same time, the phrase "I love you" is often used by men seeking to get something more than a handshake after a date. This same phrase is also used by parents to express their feelings toward their children, as well as children to their parents. Close friends, male or female, may also use this expression of love to let a close friend know how much they feel about them and how important their friendship is. Of course we also realize that the term "love" has a variety of others uses and meanings that have nothing to do with a selflessness or commitment to the welfare of others.
In the face of the "mish mash" of meaning surrounding "love" in the English language, John calls our attention to the true meaning of "love" according to the Word and Will of God. To truly express and exhibit love is a fruit of the righteousness of Christ that lives in the believer. When God's forgiven people follow in Jesus' footsteps, heeding His example and obeying His command to "love one another," "love" is truly understood as acting in a completely selfless and caring manner toward others. To truly "love one another" is to put others first, ahead of ourselves. To live a life filled with Christ's love guiding us to love as He loves is also a dangerous thing. It puts us in "harm's way" because it makes us vulnerable to those who don't care about us or others. The first murder on earth was a result of Cain's anger and jealousy that God had accepted his brother, Abel's, sacrifice rather than his. God accepted Abel's offering as an act of righteousness and love toward God in response to God's love for him. Abel's offering put God first. Cain's did not.
Perhaps the most difficult part of loving as God loves is noticed among the people of God. John reminds us that obedience to Jesus' command "to love on another" (Jn.13:34-35) is what separates us as disciples of Jesus Christ from the rest of the world. We are called to uplift one another rather than excoriate and criticize. We are called to love as Christ loved by support one another and put away gossip from among ourselves. Rather than speaking lies about one another or tearing one another down, we are called in Christ's love to speak well of each other and help one another in all circumstances. God's call to His people in Jesus Christ is to love as Christ has loved us, always ready to forgive one another as He has forgiven us so that we might promote harmony and peace among us. In such loving in our living it's God's purpose that we stand out from among the crowd and are identified as His dear children so that we might be true witnesses of His love and forgiveness for the world. As we live Christ's love among ourselves, others will see the result and be drawn to Christ's love for them so they, too, might be with Him forever.
Prayer: Father, there is no greater love than the love you have shown to me in Jesus Christ. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to avoid the false and impersonal expressions of "love" which permeate the world. Instead, guide me to a full appreciation and understanding of Your love for me in Jesus Christ, that, covered in His righteousness, I might live in Your love and share it openly with others, both in the household of faith and in the world around me. Let my life be a living example of Christ's selfless, sacrificial love for me so that I might be an effective witness to others and one who continues to uplift my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I John 3:10-15; Matthew 5:43-47
RIGHTEOUSNESS REFLECTED IN LOVE
"In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (I Jn .3:10-11)
Do you remember the Beatles? When I was growing up they were the "pop" stars of record. If you weren't around when they were hot, you still probably know who they were. One of the more famous lines from one of their songs (I have to admit I don't remember the title of the song) goes like this: "All you need is love. All you need is love. All you need is love. Love is all you need." This phrasing and thought process fit in very well with the "hippy" culture of the sixties when they recorded the song. The prevailing sentiment in the midst of the Vietnam War was that "love" could overcome everything and end conflicts such as the struggle in Vietnam. Of course, it's instructive to realize that the idea of what it means to "love" was a bit confused in those days (no more so, I'd venture to say, than it is today) because the concept of "free love" had more to do with promiscuity than it did with truly caring and sacrificing oneself for another.
The reality of "love," however, is that it's a word that often overused and misused because of the inadequacies of the English language which only has one word for "love." In order for the true meaning to be expressed, adjectives need to be connected to the word and the context of the word needs to be keenly observed. One of the more popular usages of the word "love" is in the phrase, "I love you." When spoken by a spouse to a spouse it's most likely an expression of their deep commitment to each other. That same phrase, spoken between an unmarried man and woman, could lead to a marriage proposal and a lifelong commitment to each other. At the same time, the phrase "I love you" is often used by men seeking to get something more than a handshake after a date. This same phrase is also used by parents to express their feelings toward their children, as well as children to their parents. Close friends, male or female, may also use this expression of love to let a close friend know how much they feel about them and how important their friendship is. Of course we also realize that the term "love" has a variety of others uses and meanings that have nothing to do with a selflessness or commitment to the welfare of others.
In the face of the "mish mash" of meaning surrounding "love" in the English language, John calls our attention to the true meaning of "love" according to the Word and Will of God. To truly express and exhibit love is a fruit of the righteousness of Christ that lives in the believer. When God's forgiven people follow in Jesus' footsteps, heeding His example and obeying His command to "love one another," "love" is truly understood as acting in a completely selfless and caring manner toward others. To truly "love one another" is to put others first, ahead of ourselves. To live a life filled with Christ's love guiding us to love as He loves is also a dangerous thing. It puts us in "harm's way" because it makes us vulnerable to those who don't care about us or others. The first murder on earth was a result of Cain's anger and jealousy that God had accepted his brother, Abel's, sacrifice rather than his. God accepted Abel's offering as an act of righteousness and love toward God in response to God's love for him. Abel's offering put God first. Cain's did not.
Perhaps the most difficult part of loving as God loves is noticed among the people of God. John reminds us that obedience to Jesus' command "to love on another" (Jn.13:34-35) is what separates us as disciples of Jesus Christ from the rest of the world. We are called to uplift one another rather than excoriate and criticize. We are called to love as Christ loved by support one another and put away gossip from among ourselves. Rather than speaking lies about one another or tearing one another down, we are called in Christ's love to speak well of each other and help one another in all circumstances. God's call to His people in Jesus Christ is to love as Christ has loved us, always ready to forgive one another as He has forgiven us so that we might promote harmony and peace among us. In such loving in our living it's God's purpose that we stand out from among the crowd and are identified as His dear children so that we might be true witnesses of His love and forgiveness for the world. As we live Christ's love among ourselves, others will see the result and be drawn to Christ's love for them so they, too, might be with Him forever.
Prayer: Father, there is no greater love than the love you have shown to me in Jesus Christ. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to avoid the false and impersonal expressions of "love" which permeate the world. Instead, guide me to a full appreciation and understanding of Your love for me in Jesus Christ, that, covered in His righteousness, I might live in Your love and share it openly with others, both in the household of faith and in the world around me. Let my life be a living example of Christ's selfless, sacrificial love for me so that I might be an effective witness to others and one who continues to uplift my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
I Believe In Miracles!
"Today's Devotion" For October 19, 2005
Read: John 10:22-42; 11:14,38-45; Psalm 77
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
"This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him." (Jn. 2:11)
"Miracles happen" is often the phrase used when something goes right when, for all intents and purposes everything should go wrong. "It's a miracle!" is a phrase often used derisively when someone has no regard for the ability of another to accomplish something. Have you ever noticed how often people use the term "miracle" haphazardly, and forgetting the very powerful working of God that a miracle really is?
How about you? Do you believe in miracles? Do you REALLY BELIEVE in miracles, i. e., that God can suspend the laws of nature to provide special blessings to His beloved children? If you believe in miracles does that mean that you truly trust that God can do anything and can make good things happen despite all evidence and circumstances to the contrary? Are miracles real enough to you that believe a miracle to be a special act of God through which He provides us with the assurance that we are His and through miracles He encourages and strengthens us in our faith?
People all to often use the term "miracle" loosely, thus taking away the special, positive impact on people's lives when God brings a miracle to pass. Frequently, people find themselves looking for a "miracle" when what they really should be looking for is the Lord's presence in their lives, the guidance of the Spirit, and the assurance of faith in Jesus that leads to forgiveness and eternal life. This becomes exceedingly clear in the many emails that are sent around the internet sharing a poignant account of God's grace and love in action and then asking that the recipient pass it on to others. The promise that's often attached to passing the email along to others is that God will perform a miracle in one's life. It becomes an abuse of the true nature of a miracle and the purpose for which God performs them. In the same way a woman praying for a "miracle" that will assure her and her family that, despite her husband's company fiscal problems, such problems will have no impact on the family. While the first woman is praying for a "miracle" for her husband's company, another is calling upon God to perform a "miracle" in her and her husband's life so that their finances might improve (for some such situations might truly need a "miracle") and their home might be saved while he's out of work. While these are the kinds of things our Father in heaven invites us to bring before the throne of grace, they aren't miracles; they are God at work guiding and blessing so that we might overcome difficult situations and provide for our basic needs. .
If you really want to see what a miracle looks like, take a look in the mirror. What you'll see is the most tremendous and difficult reclamation project in the history of the universe. That same picture applies to all of us, for there is no greater "miracle" than when God takes us by the hand and leads us out of the despair that Sin brings into our lives. Real miracles occur each time we kneel before the throne of God's grace, seek His forgiveness, and are assured that we are not only forgiven but are promised eternal life in Jesus. Real miracles occur when in the midst of being overwhelmed by diseases, illnesses, money problems, and any number of other challenges, God provides through the touch, prayers, love of others solutions and healing, growth and enrichment in the Spirit. Every time we share God's love in Christ Jesus with lost sinners and they come to repentance and faith, a miracle occurs. Every time we face the pounding seas, the blustery winds, and the hurricanes and typhoons of life, and God calms the seas, quiets the winds, and stills the storms, giving us life and hope, the greatest miracles are being performed. Every day of our lives, according to God's love for us, our Father in heaven performs miracles in our lives so that we might remain in His loving arms, upheld in the palm of His hand, and strengthened for service to Him and others in Jesus' name. I can assure you that “I believe in miracles!”
Prayer: Father, I need a miracle today! I need Your forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love in Jesus Christ. I need You to remind me by Your Word and Spirit that You have made me Your very own child in Christ Jesus and that I experience the miracle of Your forgiveness each and every day in Him. As I walk through the "storms" of life, help me to seek Your guidance and to see Your hand at work in my behalf. Guide me in my life of faith, trusting that You will see me through every difficult time, giving me the courage and strength necessary to overcome each day's challenges. Father, work the miracle of faith in the hearts of those who don't yet know Your love in Christ, and make me an instrument to bring that about. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: John 10:22-42; 11:14,38-45; Psalm 77
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
"This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him." (Jn. 2:11)
"Miracles happen" is often the phrase used when something goes right when, for all intents and purposes everything should go wrong. "It's a miracle!" is a phrase often used derisively when someone has no regard for the ability of another to accomplish something. Have you ever noticed how often people use the term "miracle" haphazardly, and forgetting the very powerful working of God that a miracle really is?
How about you? Do you believe in miracles? Do you REALLY BELIEVE in miracles, i. e., that God can suspend the laws of nature to provide special blessings to His beloved children? If you believe in miracles does that mean that you truly trust that God can do anything and can make good things happen despite all evidence and circumstances to the contrary? Are miracles real enough to you that believe a miracle to be a special act of God through which He provides us with the assurance that we are His and through miracles He encourages and strengthens us in our faith?
People all to often use the term "miracle" loosely, thus taking away the special, positive impact on people's lives when God brings a miracle to pass. Frequently, people find themselves looking for a "miracle" when what they really should be looking for is the Lord's presence in their lives, the guidance of the Spirit, and the assurance of faith in Jesus that leads to forgiveness and eternal life. This becomes exceedingly clear in the many emails that are sent around the internet sharing a poignant account of God's grace and love in action and then asking that the recipient pass it on to others. The promise that's often attached to passing the email along to others is that God will perform a miracle in one's life. It becomes an abuse of the true nature of a miracle and the purpose for which God performs them. In the same way a woman praying for a "miracle" that will assure her and her family that, despite her husband's company fiscal problems, such problems will have no impact on the family. While the first woman is praying for a "miracle" for her husband's company, another is calling upon God to perform a "miracle" in her and her husband's life so that their finances might improve (for some such situations might truly need a "miracle") and their home might be saved while he's out of work. While these are the kinds of things our Father in heaven invites us to bring before the throne of grace, they aren't miracles; they are God at work guiding and blessing so that we might overcome difficult situations and provide for our basic needs. .
If you really want to see what a miracle looks like, take a look in the mirror. What you'll see is the most tremendous and difficult reclamation project in the history of the universe. That same picture applies to all of us, for there is no greater "miracle" than when God takes us by the hand and leads us out of the despair that Sin brings into our lives. Real miracles occur each time we kneel before the throne of God's grace, seek His forgiveness, and are assured that we are not only forgiven but are promised eternal life in Jesus. Real miracles occur when in the midst of being overwhelmed by diseases, illnesses, money problems, and any number of other challenges, God provides through the touch, prayers, love of others solutions and healing, growth and enrichment in the Spirit. Every time we share God's love in Christ Jesus with lost sinners and they come to repentance and faith, a miracle occurs. Every time we face the pounding seas, the blustery winds, and the hurricanes and typhoons of life, and God calms the seas, quiets the winds, and stills the storms, giving us life and hope, the greatest miracles are being performed. Every day of our lives, according to God's love for us, our Father in heaven performs miracles in our lives so that we might remain in His loving arms, upheld in the palm of His hand, and strengthened for service to Him and others in Jesus' name. I can assure you that “I believe in miracles!”
Prayer: Father, I need a miracle today! I need Your forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love in Jesus Christ. I need You to remind me by Your Word and Spirit that You have made me Your very own child in Christ Jesus and that I experience the miracle of Your forgiveness each and every day in Him. As I walk through the "storms" of life, help me to seek Your guidance and to see Your hand at work in my behalf. Guide me in my life of faith, trusting that You will see me through every difficult time, giving me the courage and strength necessary to overcome each day's challenges. Father, work the miracle of faith in the hearts of those who don't yet know Your love in Christ, and make me an instrument to bring that about. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Peace? Division? What's Up With That?
"Today's Devotion" For October 18, 2005
Read: Luke 12:49-53; Isaiah 9:1-7
PEACE? DIVISION? WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division."(Lk.12:51)
If you read today's Scriptures before reading this devotion are you scratching your head? After reading today's Scripture readings, no one could blame you if you weren't just a bit confused. After all, while on the one hand Isaiah portrays the promised Messiah, the anointed one of God, as the "Prince of Peace," Luke quotes Jesus as saying that He, as the promised Messiah, didn't come to bring peace but division. Just what does Jesus mean by this, because it doesn't make sense to talk of peace in the same breath as talking about causing division?
Our Lord isn't, however, talking about peace as we human beings understand it. He's not talking about a cessation of war. Instead, He's pointing to the fact that humanity is at odds with God because of Sin. There's a wall of separation that keeps people from truly knowing God's love, grace, and mercy or appreciating His many blessings that He showers upon the earth every day. In His infinite love and wisdom, therefore, our Father in heaven determined to bring people into a loving relationship with Him, filled with His peace and joy. Yet, sadly, too many people aren't willing to take God at His Word and they miss the peace and joy of a forgiven, redeemed, and restored relationship with Him.
Yet, for those of us who do know God's forgiveness in Christ, who have received Jesus into our hearts and lives so that we might know God's peace and joy, peace with the world around us is a fleeting and, perhaps, an impossibility. For to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior from Sin, puts us at odds with the majority of people in the world. The message of the Cross is that God alone can save us. Yet, as St. Paul notes in I Corinthians 2, the whole message of the Cross is "foolishness" to the world. For us to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News that by faith in Christ alone people are saved from their sins, receive God's forgiveness, and are assured of eternal life in heaven, is to put ourselves at odds with the world. When we proclaim that Jesus is the only way into the Father's kingdom, we end up being at odds with the world which holds that there are many ways to heaven and different approaches to God's grace.
In truth, our faith in Jesus Christ sets us apart from the world. As disciples who have been restored to their Father in Heaven, we seek to share God's peace with the world. Our sharing Jesus will meet with resistance, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. While we might be divided from the world because we follow Jesus, yet in Him, by faith, our relationship with God, destroyed by Sin, is restored. Isaiah's picture of the "Prince of Peace" is one that conveys to God's children the marvelous blessing that Jesus has broken down the wall of separation that Sin places between Man and God. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ. While this may divide us from the world and its many "approaches" to God, God's peace in Christ brings us His forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life with Christ in heaven. Faith may divide God's people from the world, and, at times this might even include close family and friends, but it unites us with Christ and puts us in the palm of our heavenly Father's hand.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for making me Your very own child, wiping away the stain of my sin through the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross. You have called me to You by the power of Your Word and Spirit so that I might know Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. You give me hope so that I might live a full life in the midst of a world often gone mad with hatred toward You and its own "paths" to You. Through the precious blood of Jesus shed on the Cross You have washed me clean from my sins and have set me apart from the world. Help me to live a life that truly reflects that "division," so that I might be an effective, loving, and courageous witness of Your love and forgiveness in Jesus. Let all I do and say be a witness to Your grace and mercy, no matter what troubles may come my way because I am your child. Let Your peace dwell richly in me so that I may live a confident, faith-filled life for Jesus; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
***********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 12:49-53; Isaiah 9:1-7
PEACE? DIVISION? WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division."(Lk.12:51)
If you read today's Scriptures before reading this devotion are you scratching your head? After reading today's Scripture readings, no one could blame you if you weren't just a bit confused. After all, while on the one hand Isaiah portrays the promised Messiah, the anointed one of God, as the "Prince of Peace," Luke quotes Jesus as saying that He, as the promised Messiah, didn't come to bring peace but division. Just what does Jesus mean by this, because it doesn't make sense to talk of peace in the same breath as talking about causing division?
Our Lord isn't, however, talking about peace as we human beings understand it. He's not talking about a cessation of war. Instead, He's pointing to the fact that humanity is at odds with God because of Sin. There's a wall of separation that keeps people from truly knowing God's love, grace, and mercy or appreciating His many blessings that He showers upon the earth every day. In His infinite love and wisdom, therefore, our Father in heaven determined to bring people into a loving relationship with Him, filled with His peace and joy. Yet, sadly, too many people aren't willing to take God at His Word and they miss the peace and joy of a forgiven, redeemed, and restored relationship with Him.
Yet, for those of us who do know God's forgiveness in Christ, who have received Jesus into our hearts and lives so that we might know God's peace and joy, peace with the world around us is a fleeting and, perhaps, an impossibility. For to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior from Sin, puts us at odds with the majority of people in the world. The message of the Cross is that God alone can save us. Yet, as St. Paul notes in I Corinthians 2, the whole message of the Cross is "foolishness" to the world. For us to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News that by faith in Christ alone people are saved from their sins, receive God's forgiveness, and are assured of eternal life in heaven, is to put ourselves at odds with the world. When we proclaim that Jesus is the only way into the Father's kingdom, we end up being at odds with the world which holds that there are many ways to heaven and different approaches to God's grace.
In truth, our faith in Jesus Christ sets us apart from the world. As disciples who have been restored to their Father in Heaven, we seek to share God's peace with the world. Our sharing Jesus will meet with resistance, no matter how hard we try to avoid it. While we might be divided from the world because we follow Jesus, yet in Him, by faith, our relationship with God, destroyed by Sin, is restored. Isaiah's picture of the "Prince of Peace" is one that conveys to God's children the marvelous blessing that Jesus has broken down the wall of separation that Sin places between Man and God. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ. While this may divide us from the world and its many "approaches" to God, God's peace in Christ brings us His forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life with Christ in heaven. Faith may divide God's people from the world, and, at times this might even include close family and friends, but it unites us with Christ and puts us in the palm of our heavenly Father's hand.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for making me Your very own child, wiping away the stain of my sin through the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross. You have called me to You by the power of Your Word and Spirit so that I might know Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. You give me hope so that I might live a full life in the midst of a world often gone mad with hatred toward You and its own "paths" to You. Through the precious blood of Jesus shed on the Cross You have washed me clean from my sins and have set me apart from the world. Help me to live a life that truly reflects that "division," so that I might be an effective, loving, and courageous witness of Your love and forgiveness in Jesus. Let all I do and say be a witness to Your grace and mercy, no matter what troubles may come my way because I am your child. Let Your peace dwell richly in me so that I may live a confident, faith-filled life for Jesus; in Whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
***********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Life Gets Its Meaning And Purpose From God
"Today's Devotion" For October 17, 2005
Read: Deuteronomy 34:1-8; Psalm 90
LIFE GETS ITS MEANING AND PURPOSE FROM GOD
"My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." (Pr. 3:1, 2)
Yesterday, our younger son, Jonathan, was seventeen years old. Today he's eighteen. By law he's now no longer a minor, but an adult. He can sign legal documents, make contracts, enlist in the armed forces without parental consent, and, essentially, do whatever he chooses to do without any thought of whether it's agreeable to his parents. He's now the fifth of our seven children to reach the "age of majority." It's a ritual we're kind of used to around our house. So far, every one of our children has turned 18 while still completing their senior year in high school. So it's a significant day. Isn't it amazing what can change in a matter of twenty-four hours?
At the same time, as his age and legal standing in the community has changed, Jonathan's relationship with his family has not. He's still our son; we still feed him; we still provide transportation; we still are there to see him through the joys and difficulties of life. At the end of the school year he'll graduate and prepare to go to his next destination. He'll be much more on his own because he'll be away from home. It's been the same for all of our children, as I'm sure it's true in many other families as well. Most important, however, are the bonds that have been forged through teaching him the things he needs to know about life and people, especially as a servant of Jesus Christ living in a loving relationship with his Father in heaven and sharing God's love in Christ with others.
Life is a series of steps. Each one taken leads to another step, and another, and another. If we don't know where we're going as we take these steps through life, we'll have no idea that we've arrived at our destination when we get there. We're reminded that God gives us the direction we need to go as the Proverb says, "My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity" (Pr. 3:1, 2). It doesn't matter how old we are, how long we've been "away from home," or where we are in our lives. Regardless of circumstances, God's Word and Will for us is still the foundation upon which we build our lives and touch others with His love. Just as children carry with them the things they've been taught by their parents so also do we, God's redeemed children in Jesus Christ, carry with us what He has taught us concerning our lives with Him and our service to others. While each year of life seems to take a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, each year also brings new blessings, new strength, and new opportunities from God to serve and love Him and others in Jesus' name.
One of the more poignant, yet sad accounts, in the life of Moses is the Deuteronomy account of his death. Even before he dies, the Holy Spirit allowed him to see his end and pen the words himself. He'd lived a life filled with God's presence and love. For the first 80 years of his life, God had prepared him for the privilege of leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt and back to the "Promised Land." His life had been filled with ups and downs, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He hadn't always been obedient to God, yet at the same time he had lived in God's love and forgiveness. In the end, his final act of disobedience cost Moses entry into the "Promised Land." Yet, still blessed by God we're told that, at 120 years of age, "his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (v.7). He had lived a full life of service to God and His people, Israel. He was laid to rest by God Himself and gathered into the heavenly realm to experience the joy of the Lord forever. Moses' life reminds us that life truly gets its meaning and purpose from God and He has made us His own so that we might live lives filled with meaning and purpose in service to Him and others on our way to our final "birthday" in heaven..
Prayer: Father, it's really easy for me to forget that life's true meaning and purpose comes from my relationship with You in Jesus Christ. Without Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Him, my life would be without meaning and understanding. You teach me in Your Word what I need to know so that I can make good decisions in my relationships with others, my service to others, and how I represent Your to the world. Sometimes I fail to live in a manner pleasing to You and suffer the consequences of my behavior. Yet, in the midst of such troubling times, Your love and forgiveness are ever present, reminding me that I'm always Your child and You will always be there for me. Guide me in all that I do with my life so that I might touch the lives of others with Your love in Jesus so they, too, might know and believe that life truly gets its meaning and purpose from You. I pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Deuteronomy 34:1-8; Psalm 90
LIFE GETS ITS MEANING AND PURPOSE FROM GOD
"My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." (Pr. 3:1, 2)
Yesterday, our younger son, Jonathan, was seventeen years old. Today he's eighteen. By law he's now no longer a minor, but an adult. He can sign legal documents, make contracts, enlist in the armed forces without parental consent, and, essentially, do whatever he chooses to do without any thought of whether it's agreeable to his parents. He's now the fifth of our seven children to reach the "age of majority." It's a ritual we're kind of used to around our house. So far, every one of our children has turned 18 while still completing their senior year in high school. So it's a significant day. Isn't it amazing what can change in a matter of twenty-four hours?
At the same time, as his age and legal standing in the community has changed, Jonathan's relationship with his family has not. He's still our son; we still feed him; we still provide transportation; we still are there to see him through the joys and difficulties of life. At the end of the school year he'll graduate and prepare to go to his next destination. He'll be much more on his own because he'll be away from home. It's been the same for all of our children, as I'm sure it's true in many other families as well. Most important, however, are the bonds that have been forged through teaching him the things he needs to know about life and people, especially as a servant of Jesus Christ living in a loving relationship with his Father in heaven and sharing God's love in Christ with others.
Life is a series of steps. Each one taken leads to another step, and another, and another. If we don't know where we're going as we take these steps through life, we'll have no idea that we've arrived at our destination when we get there. We're reminded that God gives us the direction we need to go as the Proverb says, "My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity" (Pr. 3:1, 2). It doesn't matter how old we are, how long we've been "away from home," or where we are in our lives. Regardless of circumstances, God's Word and Will for us is still the foundation upon which we build our lives and touch others with His love. Just as children carry with them the things they've been taught by their parents so also do we, God's redeemed children in Jesus Christ, carry with us what He has taught us concerning our lives with Him and our service to others. While each year of life seems to take a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, each year also brings new blessings, new strength, and new opportunities from God to serve and love Him and others in Jesus' name.
One of the more poignant, yet sad accounts, in the life of Moses is the Deuteronomy account of his death. Even before he dies, the Holy Spirit allowed him to see his end and pen the words himself. He'd lived a life filled with God's presence and love. For the first 80 years of his life, God had prepared him for the privilege of leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt and back to the "Promised Land." His life had been filled with ups and downs, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He hadn't always been obedient to God, yet at the same time he had lived in God's love and forgiveness. In the end, his final act of disobedience cost Moses entry into the "Promised Land." Yet, still blessed by God we're told that, at 120 years of age, "his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (v.7). He had lived a full life of service to God and His people, Israel. He was laid to rest by God Himself and gathered into the heavenly realm to experience the joy of the Lord forever. Moses' life reminds us that life truly gets its meaning and purpose from God and He has made us His own so that we might live lives filled with meaning and purpose in service to Him and others on our way to our final "birthday" in heaven..
Prayer: Father, it's really easy for me to forget that life's true meaning and purpose comes from my relationship with You in Jesus Christ. Without Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Him, my life would be without meaning and understanding. You teach me in Your Word what I need to know so that I can make good decisions in my relationships with others, my service to others, and how I represent Your to the world. Sometimes I fail to live in a manner pleasing to You and suffer the consequences of my behavior. Yet, in the midst of such troubling times, Your love and forgiveness are ever present, reminding me that I'm always Your child and You will always be there for me. Guide me in all that I do with my life so that I might touch the lives of others with Your love in Jesus so they, too, might know and believe that life truly gets its meaning and purpose from You. I pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Goal-Setting For A Life Worthy Of The Lord
"Today's Devotion" For October 15, 2005
Read: Colossians 1:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:8-20
GOAL-SETTING FOR A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way..." (Col. 1:10a)
How often have you heard that setting goals is crucial to one's success in life? If you read a lot, work at a job, or are involved in most any enterprise that requires results you've more than likely not only heard that goal-setting is crucial to success, but that success in life can't ever be achieved unless one sets goals. Writing them down seems to be the most critical part of the success formula in goal-setting because, we're told, writing them down keeps us focused on them and programs our minds to achieve them.
On the other hand, is it possible that one of the more self-centered things people can do in life is to set personal goals for success? Certainly setting goals to accomplish an end can't be wrong? Goals themselves aren't evil, are they? There's no doubt from experience that goals can be very effective instruments for getting us focused on what's important in life. And that's where the "rub" comes in. What do you - what do others - consider to be "important" in life? Ultimately, the values and principles people hold dear and consider important are those things which inform their goal. If those values and principles are focused on selfish ambitions, worldly gain, or things which put one "ahead of the pack," fully disregarding the needs of others, then the goals that are developed are going to be anything but altruistic and concerned about the welfare of others. If, on the other hand, the values and principles one holds dear are focused on the things of God, then it's quite likely that the goals that follow will be pleasing to God and concerned about the needs of others.
There has been no greater goal setter than God Himself. From the Fall into Sin by Adam and Eve in Eden God's sole and only purpose has been to redeem His Creation from the ravages of Sin, Death, and Satan. From the Garden of Eden, to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and the Prophets all the way to John the Baptist and Jesus, God continued to state only one goal - to save His people from their sins. Following Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God has continued to carry out His goal to save humanity from the ravages of Sin and the wiles of Satan by having the Gospel preached and taught throughout the world. In order to achieve His goal of the world's salvation, He sends His children to carry out acts of love and forgiveness as they touch the lives of others. He calls each of us to "live a life worthy of the Lord."
Sometime ago, in 1977, there was a story that came out of El Salvador. It seems there was a man named Oscar Romero, who was a simple, unassuming Catholic priest living in that country. His personal goal in life was to live out his faith in Christ by dedicating himself to the people in his parish in that country. He was beloved by his parishioners for his untiring, unselfish devotion to sharing Christ's love and forgiveness with them and anyone else with whom he came in contact. What's most important about the year 1977 is that it was in that year he was selected to be archbishop of El Salvador. It was a most surprising and unexpected selection. At the time it was a politically astute move on the part of the Vatican as Father Romero was considered a neutral and totally non-political selection in a country wracked by political turmoil.
Still dedicated to sharing Christ's love and forgiveness with his parishioners, who were now comprised the entire El Salvadoran nation, Archbishop Romero soon discovered that the Hispanic rulers of El Salvador were persecuting the Indians - native Salvadorans. In his own simple, unassuming manner that had served his people so well as a local parish priest, he consecrated his ministry to assist these poor native Salvadorans. He became a strong advocate of Christ's love to them and of social and economic justice for them. He struck a chord, but not a favorable one. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating the Lord's Supper, Father Romero was assassinated. He had set his eyes on goals for living a life worthy of the Lord and had paid a terrible price. But the his ultimate goal couldn't be erased - he now rests in the bosom of his Lord and Savior, awaiting the Day of Resurrection according to Jesus' own promises to us all.
Prayer: Father, sometimes it seems as if goal-setting has become an end in itself in this society and world. Success is measured quite frequently on both the types of goals set and people's accomplishment of them. How much gain has there been? Who have you become? Forgive me, Father, for getting caught up in such distinctions. Help me to recognize that my most crucial and important goal in life is to live a life worthy of Jesus - a life that reflects Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to me in Him so that others might receive Your blessings through me as well. As Jesus has given Himself for me, Father I pray that You would help me, by Your Word and Spirit, to give myself to Him in service to others. In His precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Colossians 1:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:8-20
GOAL-SETTING FOR A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD
"And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way..." (Col. 1:10a)
How often have you heard that setting goals is crucial to one's success in life? If you read a lot, work at a job, or are involved in most any enterprise that requires results you've more than likely not only heard that goal-setting is crucial to success, but that success in life can't ever be achieved unless one sets goals. Writing them down seems to be the most critical part of the success formula in goal-setting because, we're told, writing them down keeps us focused on them and programs our minds to achieve them.
On the other hand, is it possible that one of the more self-centered things people can do in life is to set personal goals for success? Certainly setting goals to accomplish an end can't be wrong? Goals themselves aren't evil, are they? There's no doubt from experience that goals can be very effective instruments for getting us focused on what's important in life. And that's where the "rub" comes in. What do you - what do others - consider to be "important" in life? Ultimately, the values and principles people hold dear and consider important are those things which inform their goal. If those values and principles are focused on selfish ambitions, worldly gain, or things which put one "ahead of the pack," fully disregarding the needs of others, then the goals that are developed are going to be anything but altruistic and concerned about the welfare of others. If, on the other hand, the values and principles one holds dear are focused on the things of God, then it's quite likely that the goals that follow will be pleasing to God and concerned about the needs of others.
There has been no greater goal setter than God Himself. From the Fall into Sin by Adam and Eve in Eden God's sole and only purpose has been to redeem His Creation from the ravages of Sin, Death, and Satan. From the Garden of Eden, to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and the Prophets all the way to John the Baptist and Jesus, God continued to state only one goal - to save His people from their sins. Following Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God has continued to carry out His goal to save humanity from the ravages of Sin and the wiles of Satan by having the Gospel preached and taught throughout the world. In order to achieve His goal of the world's salvation, He sends His children to carry out acts of love and forgiveness as they touch the lives of others. He calls each of us to "live a life worthy of the Lord."
Sometime ago, in 1977, there was a story that came out of El Salvador. It seems there was a man named Oscar Romero, who was a simple, unassuming Catholic priest living in that country. His personal goal in life was to live out his faith in Christ by dedicating himself to the people in his parish in that country. He was beloved by his parishioners for his untiring, unselfish devotion to sharing Christ's love and forgiveness with them and anyone else with whom he came in contact. What's most important about the year 1977 is that it was in that year he was selected to be archbishop of El Salvador. It was a most surprising and unexpected selection. At the time it was a politically astute move on the part of the Vatican as Father Romero was considered a neutral and totally non-political selection in a country wracked by political turmoil.
Still dedicated to sharing Christ's love and forgiveness with his parishioners, who were now comprised the entire El Salvadoran nation, Archbishop Romero soon discovered that the Hispanic rulers of El Salvador were persecuting the Indians - native Salvadorans. In his own simple, unassuming manner that had served his people so well as a local parish priest, he consecrated his ministry to assist these poor native Salvadorans. He became a strong advocate of Christ's love to them and of social and economic justice for them. He struck a chord, but not a favorable one. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating the Lord's Supper, Father Romero was assassinated. He had set his eyes on goals for living a life worthy of the Lord and had paid a terrible price. But the his ultimate goal couldn't be erased - he now rests in the bosom of his Lord and Savior, awaiting the Day of Resurrection according to Jesus' own promises to us all.
Prayer: Father, sometimes it seems as if goal-setting has become an end in itself in this society and world. Success is measured quite frequently on both the types of goals set and people's accomplishment of them. How much gain has there been? Who have you become? Forgive me, Father, for getting caught up in such distinctions. Help me to recognize that my most crucial and important goal in life is to live a life worthy of Jesus - a life that reflects Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to me in Him so that others might receive Your blessings through me as well. As Jesus has given Himself for me, Father I pray that You would help me, by Your Word and Spirit, to give myself to Him in service to others. In His precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Words That Truly Mean What They Say
"Today's Devotion" For October 14, 2005
Read: Matthew 24:29-35; I Peter 1:3-16
WORDS THAT TRULY MEAN WHAT THEY SAY
"'Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.'" (Mt.24:35)
How important are words? That's an interesting question, wouldn't you agree? In some ways the answer might seem self-evident, but I'm not certain it really is. There have been some who have argued that words only have the meaning the hearer or reader wishes to put on them. Traditionally, it's been held that words say what they mean and mean what they say - words have meaning and can be used to convey thoughts and intentions clearly and concisely to others. Can such communication be vague? Most certainly! Both in speech and writing many people have become expert at "double talk" and evasion. Regardless, words do have meaning.
Yet there's a perpetual struggle over the meaning of words strung together into documents. It seems, for instance, that the U. S. Constitution is always subject to different interpretations of meaning. As we have listened to debates concerning the choosing of U.S. Supreme Court justices over the past forty years the issue has often focused on whether a potential justice is a "strict constructionist" - one who believes the Constitution means what it says and says what it means and can be aptly applied to contemporary issues - or not. The news of the day has been filled with the continuing run-up to the Constitutional referendum in Iraq where Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish politicians are striving to find a way to word things so that all parties are comfortable with the meaning of the words in the document. On another front, this morning's local newspaper has an article about a new T-shirt that's popular on "the streets" carrying the words "No Snitching." The stories notes that the sentiment was popularized in a "gangsta" rap DVD and by, among others, an NBA professional basketball player. The understanding on the streets is "don't cooperate with police or you'll pay." The local District Attorney, about two generations removed from the "streets," put his own spin on the meaning of the words - "Don't try to make a deal for yourself by not telling on others or yourself when it comes to a crime." Huhhhh?!?!
If words don't mean what they say, then we're in a lot of trouble as a society. Certainly all of us are guilty of using words improperly or incorrectly from time to time. No doubt there are times when our choices of words don't always convey what we really meant to say and the results can be painful to ourselves and others. At the same time, we also know that words can be used to mislead, misinform, make false promises, and deliberately cause pain and suffering, hate and discontent, and can lead to the destruction of ourselves and others. Perhaps what we can all agree upon is that words are supposed to have specific meanings, but we human beings have a penchant for finding ways to mess up those meanings for our own ends and purposes.
Thank God that He doesn't do the same. When He speaks He not only says what He means, He means what He says. Jesus' words in Matthew 24 are fraught with hope and comfort for us in the midst of the pain, despair, suffering, death, and destruction that is faced by people all over the world every day. While nations, people, ideas, and the whole universe might be destroyed, Jesus assures us that His words of hope, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are eternal. They won't pass away. They won't disappear from the eyes and ears of people. His words assure us that, by faith in Him, we can be confident that we are His, forgiven, renewed, and restored to life with our Father in heaven for all eternity. In Him we have hope and peace even when the world around us is in turmoil and despair. Even if people try to twist His words, their meaning will always remain. Even if Satan himself "snitches" on us to the Father, in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we are declared innocent and righteous before God. Ultimately, God Word says what it means and means what it says. It's a sure and certain Word filled with hope and peace.
Prayer: Father, it's with great confidence that I read and hear Your Word because I know You don't speak "double-speak" and You always say what You mean and mean what You say. It's true that I don't always understand what You've said. The power of Sin in my life so often clouds and darkens my heart and mind so that even the clear meaning of Your Word escapes me and I put meaning to it with which I'm most comfortable. Your promise is always sure and certain. It doesn't change. Help me to believe Your Word and understand them by the power of Your Spirit so that I might live a life that is pleasing to You and a true witness of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others. Help me to be a true witness of Your truth so that others, too, might have confidence in Jesus, in the midst of a world filled with sin and despair and all the confusion they bring. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 24:29-35; I Peter 1:3-16
WORDS THAT TRULY MEAN WHAT THEY SAY
"'Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.'" (Mt.24:35)
How important are words? That's an interesting question, wouldn't you agree? In some ways the answer might seem self-evident, but I'm not certain it really is. There have been some who have argued that words only have the meaning the hearer or reader wishes to put on them. Traditionally, it's been held that words say what they mean and mean what they say - words have meaning and can be used to convey thoughts and intentions clearly and concisely to others. Can such communication be vague? Most certainly! Both in speech and writing many people have become expert at "double talk" and evasion. Regardless, words do have meaning.
Yet there's a perpetual struggle over the meaning of words strung together into documents. It seems, for instance, that the U. S. Constitution is always subject to different interpretations of meaning. As we have listened to debates concerning the choosing of U.S. Supreme Court justices over the past forty years the issue has often focused on whether a potential justice is a "strict constructionist" - one who believes the Constitution means what it says and says what it means and can be aptly applied to contemporary issues - or not. The news of the day has been filled with the continuing run-up to the Constitutional referendum in Iraq where Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish politicians are striving to find a way to word things so that all parties are comfortable with the meaning of the words in the document. On another front, this morning's local newspaper has an article about a new T-shirt that's popular on "the streets" carrying the words "No Snitching." The stories notes that the sentiment was popularized in a "gangsta" rap DVD and by, among others, an NBA professional basketball player. The understanding on the streets is "don't cooperate with police or you'll pay." The local District Attorney, about two generations removed from the "streets," put his own spin on the meaning of the words - "Don't try to make a deal for yourself by not telling on others or yourself when it comes to a crime." Huhhhh?!?!
If words don't mean what they say, then we're in a lot of trouble as a society. Certainly all of us are guilty of using words improperly or incorrectly from time to time. No doubt there are times when our choices of words don't always convey what we really meant to say and the results can be painful to ourselves and others. At the same time, we also know that words can be used to mislead, misinform, make false promises, and deliberately cause pain and suffering, hate and discontent, and can lead to the destruction of ourselves and others. Perhaps what we can all agree upon is that words are supposed to have specific meanings, but we human beings have a penchant for finding ways to mess up those meanings for our own ends and purposes.
Thank God that He doesn't do the same. When He speaks He not only says what He means, He means what He says. Jesus' words in Matthew 24 are fraught with hope and comfort for us in the midst of the pain, despair, suffering, death, and destruction that is faced by people all over the world every day. While nations, people, ideas, and the whole universe might be destroyed, Jesus assures us that His words of hope, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness are eternal. They won't pass away. They won't disappear from the eyes and ears of people. His words assure us that, by faith in Him, we can be confident that we are His, forgiven, renewed, and restored to life with our Father in heaven for all eternity. In Him we have hope and peace even when the world around us is in turmoil and despair. Even if people try to twist His words, their meaning will always remain. Even if Satan himself "snitches" on us to the Father, in Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection we are declared innocent and righteous before God. Ultimately, God Word says what it means and means what it says. It's a sure and certain Word filled with hope and peace.
Prayer: Father, it's with great confidence that I read and hear Your Word because I know You don't speak "double-speak" and You always say what You mean and mean what You say. It's true that I don't always understand what You've said. The power of Sin in my life so often clouds and darkens my heart and mind so that even the clear meaning of Your Word escapes me and I put meaning to it with which I'm most comfortable. Your promise is always sure and certain. It doesn't change. Help me to believe Your Word and understand them by the power of Your Spirit so that I might live a life that is pleasing to You and a true witness of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others. Help me to be a true witness of Your truth so that others, too, might have confidence in Jesus, in the midst of a world filled with sin and despair and all the confusion they bring. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
****************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Called By Jesus To Lead Others To Him
"Today's Devotion" For October 13, 2005
Read: Acts 26:1-29; Psalm 96
CALLED BY JESUS TO LEAD OTHERS TO HIM
"Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples." (Ps. 96:2,3)
If you remember the news of a couple of years ago great anxiety was filling the nation and the world with the onslaught of the SARS virus. Its source was China. The feared epidemic died out - it never came close to a pandemic. Yet people were afraid of it because we couldn't find a cure (to the best of my knowledge we still haven't), although we're more experienced at treating it and when it occurs today it's less deadly. Fast forward to October 2005 and the great medical fear of the day is the avian flu. So far, we're told, it hasn't mutated to the point where it can be passed between people. It has, however, jumped from fowl to human among those in heavy contact with large flocks of chickens in China, among whom there have been a high percentage of death. Scientists are gravely concerned about this potential flu outbreak because the capacity to produce sufficient vaccine to inoculate the entire population of the United States, much less the world, isn't available.
While it's a terrible thought to anticipate that huge numbers of the population of the United States, as well as the world community, might succumb to such a terrible flu outbreak, perhaps there's a thought even more terrible. In the last few days we've heard that tens of thousands of people have died in Pakistan and India because of the recent earthquake. War and terrorism seem to be finding a foothold in the Middle East and in areas of Asia. yet, wherever we look these days there's some news of death and violence among the peoples of the nations of the world. Even in the United States the death toll from violence continues to rise, as Milwaukee, for instance, tallied its 100th murder victim already this year. In the midst of all this (and this is where the "more terrible thought" comes in) people are dying without knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior from Sin. They are dying without God's forgiveness for all their sins ringing in their ears and filling their hearts. While we are rightly concerned about the "how" of all the death and destruction in the world, it's the "why" - Sin - that kills forever.
God has called you and me to the richness of His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. We are filled by His forgiveness and love each day by faith in Jesus. St. Paul's life reflects the result of the bold proclamation of the Gospel, not only in His conversion and personal spiritual growth, but by the results of his ministry throughout Asia Minor and Rome. By his bold proclamation of the Good News of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection many were brought to faith in Jesus. Following Paul's example, we are called by our Lord to just as boldly proclaim His love for the world, in our living, our speaking, and our doing. Whether people are dying in the United States, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, the Far East, or anywhere else in the world, they need to know Jesus and His love so they can receive God's forgiveness and the promised hope of eternity with Christ in heaven. While we may not be able to speak to someone about Jesus who's living in the Middle East, India, China, Pakistan, or elsewhere in the world, we can still pray for them, provide for those who go in our place through our gifts, and we can take the opportunity each and every day to share God's blessings in Christ with others right here at home. Ultimately, we are living in a world that is suffering from an epidemic of life without Jesus and death without forgiveness.
Dr. Martin Luther wrote: "We have no other reason for living on earth than to be of help to others. If this were not the case, it would be best for God to kill us and let us die as soon as we are baptized and have begun to believe. But He permits us to live here in order that WE MAY BRING OTHERS TO FAITH, just as He brought us." Find someone to share Christ with TODAY! You'll be glad you did!
Prayer: Father, You have given me the special gift of faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior from Sin. I am one of Your redeemed children, for which gift I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lead me, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, to not sit idly by as I read and hear the accounts of people who don't know Your love in Christ and who are dying every day in ignorance and unbelief. Show me how I can be an effective witness, and open doors for me to be of service to others in Your name. Father, please hear this prayer for the sake of Jesus and answer it according to Your will and promise. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Acts 26:1-29; Psalm 96
CALLED BY JESUS TO LEAD OTHERS TO HIM
"Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples." (Ps. 96:2,3)
If you remember the news of a couple of years ago great anxiety was filling the nation and the world with the onslaught of the SARS virus. Its source was China. The feared epidemic died out - it never came close to a pandemic. Yet people were afraid of it because we couldn't find a cure (to the best of my knowledge we still haven't), although we're more experienced at treating it and when it occurs today it's less deadly. Fast forward to October 2005 and the great medical fear of the day is the avian flu. So far, we're told, it hasn't mutated to the point where it can be passed between people. It has, however, jumped from fowl to human among those in heavy contact with large flocks of chickens in China, among whom there have been a high percentage of death. Scientists are gravely concerned about this potential flu outbreak because the capacity to produce sufficient vaccine to inoculate the entire population of the United States, much less the world, isn't available.
While it's a terrible thought to anticipate that huge numbers of the population of the United States, as well as the world community, might succumb to such a terrible flu outbreak, perhaps there's a thought even more terrible. In the last few days we've heard that tens of thousands of people have died in Pakistan and India because of the recent earthquake. War and terrorism seem to be finding a foothold in the Middle East and in areas of Asia. yet, wherever we look these days there's some news of death and violence among the peoples of the nations of the world. Even in the United States the death toll from violence continues to rise, as Milwaukee, for instance, tallied its 100th murder victim already this year. In the midst of all this (and this is where the "more terrible thought" comes in) people are dying without knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior from Sin. They are dying without God's forgiveness for all their sins ringing in their ears and filling their hearts. While we are rightly concerned about the "how" of all the death and destruction in the world, it's the "why" - Sin - that kills forever.
God has called you and me to the richness of His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. We are filled by His forgiveness and love each day by faith in Jesus. St. Paul's life reflects the result of the bold proclamation of the Gospel, not only in His conversion and personal spiritual growth, but by the results of his ministry throughout Asia Minor and Rome. By his bold proclamation of the Good News of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection many were brought to faith in Jesus. Following Paul's example, we are called by our Lord to just as boldly proclaim His love for the world, in our living, our speaking, and our doing. Whether people are dying in the United States, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, the Far East, or anywhere else in the world, they need to know Jesus and His love so they can receive God's forgiveness and the promised hope of eternity with Christ in heaven. While we may not be able to speak to someone about Jesus who's living in the Middle East, India, China, Pakistan, or elsewhere in the world, we can still pray for them, provide for those who go in our place through our gifts, and we can take the opportunity each and every day to share God's blessings in Christ with others right here at home. Ultimately, we are living in a world that is suffering from an epidemic of life without Jesus and death without forgiveness.
Dr. Martin Luther wrote: "We have no other reason for living on earth than to be of help to others. If this were not the case, it would be best for God to kill us and let us die as soon as we are baptized and have begun to believe. But He permits us to live here in order that WE MAY BRING OTHERS TO FAITH, just as He brought us." Find someone to share Christ with TODAY! You'll be glad you did!
Prayer: Father, You have given me the special gift of faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior from Sin. I am one of Your redeemed children, for which gift I am humbled and eternally grateful. Lead me, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, to not sit idly by as I read and hear the accounts of people who don't know Your love in Christ and who are dying every day in ignorance and unbelief. Show me how I can be an effective witness, and open doors for me to be of service to others in Your name. Father, please hear this prayer for the sake of Jesus and answer it according to Your will and promise. Amen.
**************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Looking For "Teachable Moments" With Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For October 12, 2005
Read: Luke 10:38-42; John 15:1-8
LOOKING FOR "TEACHABLE MOMENTS" WITH JESUS
"...you are worried and upset about many things, but only on thing is needed." (Lk.10:41b-42a)
Have you ever noticed how seemingly innocuous moments in life can become "teachable moments?" In recent months there's been a growth in celebrity public service spots on television concerning parenting and education. The information shared runs the gamut from helpful to "you've got to be kidding," especially since some assumptions are made that don't necessarily fit the socio-economic situations of a great many people. One recent spot catches the ear, however, because it talks about "teachable moments," and encourages parents to take negative situations with their children and turn them into opportunities for their growth and learning important lessons in life. If we look at other areas of life, as we live and work with others, there are times in which God gives us the opportunity to have "teachable moments" for ourselves and in our relationships with others.
It's just such a "teachable moment" that Luke shares with us today. In the entire picture the Gospel's paint of Jesus' life on earth, there is, perhaps, no more poignant account than Jesus' visit with two sisters, Mary and Martha. The three of them were apparently good friends. It appears the Lord's relationship with them was special and He dearly loved them, as they loved Him in return. While Mary sits at Jesus' feet listening to Him talk about the things of God, Martha hustled about preparing a meal for their special friend. From the account it has always struck me that Martha also had a great desire to sit and listen to Jesus, but she felt it necessary to get the meal ready first. Exasperated that Mary wasn't pitching in, Martha, not unlike what we all might do ourselves, got a little testy with Jesus - questioning His indulgence of Mary's apparent disregard for hospitality. Jesus takes the opportunity for a "teachable moment," and gently reminds Martha of that which is most important in her relationship with Him. At the same time it becomes a "teachable moment" for all of us.
All too often life gets confusing. What we think is the main point of something is viewed by others as unimportant. What others might make a big deal about we might see as immaterial and of no value. Often, when such confusion arises, such situations present opportunities for a "teachable moment" to help us understand important lessons for our lives. This is no less important in the Body of Christ. "Teachable moments" as Jesus had with Martha are all around us if we are just open to them.
Such a "teachable moment" occurred for a pastor of a small suburban congregation some years ago. It seems the pastor - on his day off of course - ran into a former member of his congregation driving a tractor retrieving balls on the local driving range. The pastor had never really understood why the man had left the church, so he took the opportunity of the conversation to ask. It seems the man had taken on the quite prodigious task of rebuilding the Sunday School when no one else would. He'd done a marvelous job and the results, new equipment, greater attendance, excited teachers, and a renewed interest in Bible Study, were still even though he'd been gone a few years. What had upset this man enough for him to walk away from such a successful ministry? It seems that all he had ever heard from the members of the congregation had been, "Come with us to church." He felt as if they didn't care about what he had done because they didn't say "Thank you," or offer to help. All they wanted him to do was sit around and hear God's Word!
There are many opportunities for "teachable moments" in our daily lives. None, however, is more important than the "teachable moments" we have with Jesus. In every aspect of our lives, whether it's our career, our profession, our family, our work, our play, our study, our relationships with others, or a host of other opportunities for being God's redeemed children, if we look and listen closely we'll see the "teachable moments" that the Holy Spirit uses to help us grow in our faith in Jesus and our witness to others of His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Every moment of life can be an opportunity to hear our Lord speak to us so that we might grow in Him and share Him effectively with others. Sitting at Jesus' feet is a wonderful gift of God's Spirit. Taking the time to hear and read the Word everyday gives the child of God wonderful opportunities for "teachable moments" by Jesus. Such "teachable moments" help us to put life in perspective - to focus on what's important and essential in our life with God and our service to others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, when I really pay attention to Your work in my life I realize that my days are filled with "teachable moments" through which You strengthen my faith and my service to You and others. Help me to pay attention to those "teachable moments," Father, so that by the power of Your Word and Spirit I might be more and more able to put my life in spiritual perspective. Help me to choose, each day, as Mary did, the "one thing needed" which will not be taken away from me. Lead me to focus my "busyness" on those activities and actions which reflect Your love for me in Jesus to others so they, too, can be blessed by "teachable moments" with Jesus. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
*********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 10:38-42; John 15:1-8
LOOKING FOR "TEACHABLE MOMENTS" WITH JESUS
"...you are worried and upset about many things, but only on thing is needed." (Lk.10:41b-42a)
Have you ever noticed how seemingly innocuous moments in life can become "teachable moments?" In recent months there's been a growth in celebrity public service spots on television concerning parenting and education. The information shared runs the gamut from helpful to "you've got to be kidding," especially since some assumptions are made that don't necessarily fit the socio-economic situations of a great many people. One recent spot catches the ear, however, because it talks about "teachable moments," and encourages parents to take negative situations with their children and turn them into opportunities for their growth and learning important lessons in life. If we look at other areas of life, as we live and work with others, there are times in which God gives us the opportunity to have "teachable moments" for ourselves and in our relationships with others.
It's just such a "teachable moment" that Luke shares with us today. In the entire picture the Gospel's paint of Jesus' life on earth, there is, perhaps, no more poignant account than Jesus' visit with two sisters, Mary and Martha. The three of them were apparently good friends. It appears the Lord's relationship with them was special and He dearly loved them, as they loved Him in return. While Mary sits at Jesus' feet listening to Him talk about the things of God, Martha hustled about preparing a meal for their special friend. From the account it has always struck me that Martha also had a great desire to sit and listen to Jesus, but she felt it necessary to get the meal ready first. Exasperated that Mary wasn't pitching in, Martha, not unlike what we all might do ourselves, got a little testy with Jesus - questioning His indulgence of Mary's apparent disregard for hospitality. Jesus takes the opportunity for a "teachable moment," and gently reminds Martha of that which is most important in her relationship with Him. At the same time it becomes a "teachable moment" for all of us.
All too often life gets confusing. What we think is the main point of something is viewed by others as unimportant. What others might make a big deal about we might see as immaterial and of no value. Often, when such confusion arises, such situations present opportunities for a "teachable moment" to help us understand important lessons for our lives. This is no less important in the Body of Christ. "Teachable moments" as Jesus had with Martha are all around us if we are just open to them.
Such a "teachable moment" occurred for a pastor of a small suburban congregation some years ago. It seems the pastor - on his day off of course - ran into a former member of his congregation driving a tractor retrieving balls on the local driving range. The pastor had never really understood why the man had left the church, so he took the opportunity of the conversation to ask. It seems the man had taken on the quite prodigious task of rebuilding the Sunday School when no one else would. He'd done a marvelous job and the results, new equipment, greater attendance, excited teachers, and a renewed interest in Bible Study, were still even though he'd been gone a few years. What had upset this man enough for him to walk away from such a successful ministry? It seems that all he had ever heard from the members of the congregation had been, "Come with us to church." He felt as if they didn't care about what he had done because they didn't say "Thank you," or offer to help. All they wanted him to do was sit around and hear God's Word!
There are many opportunities for "teachable moments" in our daily lives. None, however, is more important than the "teachable moments" we have with Jesus. In every aspect of our lives, whether it's our career, our profession, our family, our work, our play, our study, our relationships with others, or a host of other opportunities for being God's redeemed children, if we look and listen closely we'll see the "teachable moments" that the Holy Spirit uses to help us grow in our faith in Jesus and our witness to others of His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Every moment of life can be an opportunity to hear our Lord speak to us so that we might grow in Him and share Him effectively with others. Sitting at Jesus' feet is a wonderful gift of God's Spirit. Taking the time to hear and read the Word everyday gives the child of God wonderful opportunities for "teachable moments" by Jesus. Such "teachable moments" help us to put life in perspective - to focus on what's important and essential in our life with God and our service to others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, when I really pay attention to Your work in my life I realize that my days are filled with "teachable moments" through which You strengthen my faith and my service to You and others. Help me to pay attention to those "teachable moments," Father, so that by the power of Your Word and Spirit I might be more and more able to put my life in spiritual perspective. Help me to choose, each day, as Mary did, the "one thing needed" which will not be taken away from me. Lead me to focus my "busyness" on those activities and actions which reflect Your love for me in Jesus to others so they, too, can be blessed by "teachable moments" with Jesus. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
*********************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
"What's In It For Me?" - A Christian Perspective
"Today's Devotion" For October 11, 2005
Read: Matthew 16:24-28; John 12:20-36
"WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?" - A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his live for My sake will find it." (Mt.16:25)
One of the primary themes that seems to come out in books and articles about sales and marketing is how one answers the "primary" customer question, "What's in it for me?" Even when promoting a non-profit organization, particularly a mission project or service opportunity, in order to raise funds to accomplish the work, the primary advice is to have a message that first answers the question, "What's in it for me?" My own naïveté makes it quite difficult to approach people in this manner, mostly because, if I had the time and money, I'd like to believe I’d give to everything that could touch others with God's love in Jesus Christ.
Jesus' words in Matthew and John all point to selfless living, focusing one's life and actions on sharing His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with others. He reinforces the meaning of faith and discipleship, most notably in the context of Matthew's account of Peter's contradiction of Jesus' declaration that He would have to suffer and die for the people. Our Lord recognizes that our sinful human nature often asks the question, "What's in it for me?" when He calls us to serve Him. Thus, He makes it clear that to serve ourselves before we serve Him is to lose ourselves and all we seek to have. Yet, the reality of faith says that we can't serve Him for selfish reasons, only for reasons of faith and selfless commitment to Him as our Savior and Lord.
To truly "come after" Jesus, to truly follow Him and walk in His footsteps, is to put our "selves" on the shelf. No longer are we motivated by what we want - "What's in it for me?" - but by what Jesus has done to set us free from Sin, Death, and Satan. To cling to "self" is to cling to the world and to deny the kingdom of heaven. Jesus' own example, the real Good News, is that He denied Himself and, in obedience to the Father, went the way of the Cross, suffering and dying for our sins, taking our place and receiving the punishment every human being so richly deserves for our disobedience to God. By His innocent suffering and death He took away our sins so that we could once more be God's people through faith in Him. His call to us is to follow His example, to be His true children, sacrificing "self" so that others might know of His love for them as well.
"What's in it for me" if I follow Jesus? Perhaps it should be said that the "if" part of that question doesn't apply. We either follow Him by faith or we don't follow Him at all. It's the Holy Spirit's work in us that brings us to that point in life. To have faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior is to also live that faith in our lives. Rather than being concerned with ourselves, we become concerned about others. Rather than caring about what the rewards might be for doing that which is good, our concern is rather that others receive God's blessings in Christ. The "what's in it for me?" has already been answered - God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. These aren't rewards; they are the very essence of faith in Christ. Jesus answers the question of "What's in it for me?" by calling us to follow His example of self-denial, divestiture of all personal success and glory, and losing our lives and honor for His sake. We are called to self-sacrificial living so that we might follow Him into whatever suffering and loss might be necessary to bring others into the kingdom of heaven. Truly we are blessed that our Lord Jesus has counted us worthy to follow Him in this way in service to others. That's "What's in it for me!"
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given of Yourself so sacrificially on the Cross, that I can't truly understand the magnificence of Your love for this world and for me. I'm highly susceptible to asking "What's in it for me?" when it comes time to serve others and to sacrifice myself, my time, money, and possessions, rather than willingly and freely giving according to Your myriad blessings to me. Help me to follow Your example of self-sacrifice not for my sake, but for the sake of others who don't as yet know You. Help me to put aside the false security of this world, and grasp firmly the spiritual assurance of forgiveness and eternal life in You. In Your precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 16:24-28; John 12:20-36
"WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?" - A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his live for My sake will find it." (Mt.16:25)
One of the primary themes that seems to come out in books and articles about sales and marketing is how one answers the "primary" customer question, "What's in it for me?" Even when promoting a non-profit organization, particularly a mission project or service opportunity, in order to raise funds to accomplish the work, the primary advice is to have a message that first answers the question, "What's in it for me?" My own naïveté makes it quite difficult to approach people in this manner, mostly because, if I had the time and money, I'd like to believe I’d give to everything that could touch others with God's love in Jesus Christ.
Jesus' words in Matthew and John all point to selfless living, focusing one's life and actions on sharing His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with others. He reinforces the meaning of faith and discipleship, most notably in the context of Matthew's account of Peter's contradiction of Jesus' declaration that He would have to suffer and die for the people. Our Lord recognizes that our sinful human nature often asks the question, "What's in it for me?" when He calls us to serve Him. Thus, He makes it clear that to serve ourselves before we serve Him is to lose ourselves and all we seek to have. Yet, the reality of faith says that we can't serve Him for selfish reasons, only for reasons of faith and selfless commitment to Him as our Savior and Lord.
To truly "come after" Jesus, to truly follow Him and walk in His footsteps, is to put our "selves" on the shelf. No longer are we motivated by what we want - "What's in it for me?" - but by what Jesus has done to set us free from Sin, Death, and Satan. To cling to "self" is to cling to the world and to deny the kingdom of heaven. Jesus' own example, the real Good News, is that He denied Himself and, in obedience to the Father, went the way of the Cross, suffering and dying for our sins, taking our place and receiving the punishment every human being so richly deserves for our disobedience to God. By His innocent suffering and death He took away our sins so that we could once more be God's people through faith in Him. His call to us is to follow His example, to be His true children, sacrificing "self" so that others might know of His love for them as well.
"What's in it for me" if I follow Jesus? Perhaps it should be said that the "if" part of that question doesn't apply. We either follow Him by faith or we don't follow Him at all. It's the Holy Spirit's work in us that brings us to that point in life. To have faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior is to also live that faith in our lives. Rather than being concerned with ourselves, we become concerned about others. Rather than caring about what the rewards might be for doing that which is good, our concern is rather that others receive God's blessings in Christ. The "what's in it for me?" has already been answered - God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. These aren't rewards; they are the very essence of faith in Christ. Jesus answers the question of "What's in it for me?" by calling us to follow His example of self-denial, divestiture of all personal success and glory, and losing our lives and honor for His sake. We are called to self-sacrificial living so that we might follow Him into whatever suffering and loss might be necessary to bring others into the kingdom of heaven. Truly we are blessed that our Lord Jesus has counted us worthy to follow Him in this way in service to others. That's "What's in it for me!"
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given of Yourself so sacrificially on the Cross, that I can't truly understand the magnificence of Your love for this world and for me. I'm highly susceptible to asking "What's in it for me?" when it comes time to serve others and to sacrifice myself, my time, money, and possessions, rather than willingly and freely giving according to Your myriad blessings to me. Help me to follow Your example of self-sacrifice not for my sake, but for the sake of others who don't as yet know You. Help me to put aside the false security of this world, and grasp firmly the spiritual assurance of forgiveness and eternal life in You. In Your precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Jesus Defines What Being "The Man" Is All About
"Today's Devotion" For October 10, 2005
Read: Matthew 21:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-13
JESUS DEFINES WHAT BEING "THE MAN" IS ALL ABOUT
"'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" (Mt. 21:5)
A recent commercial for a well-known cell phone service provider shows a distinguished gentleman at a desk in a "corner office." He's obviously a person of importance. A younger man asks him about the new cell phone and the older man talks about the great service and unlimited calling minutes he gets with this new service. He finishes his monologue by stating he's now able to "put one over on the Man." The young man responds somewhat quizzically, "But, Sir, aren't you the Man?" The older man looks at him and says, "Yes, and I may want to stick it to myself."
"Sticking it to the Man" has a ring to it in 21st century America. While the United States can still be described as a "nation of immigrants," immigrants aren't arriving because they're trying to escape despotic kings or seek freedom of religion. America in the 21st Century no more understands the true meaning of what royalty is than the "Man in the Moon." Over the past century those who immigrated to the United States weren't fleeing from despotic kings and religious oppression as they had in the past. Many are coming to our shores because they want to escape from authoritarian dictatorships and economic deprivation. Yet, the idea of "The Man" still resonates, for "The Man" fits anyone who seems to have control over another's life and future. The challenge of this designation, however, is that it can be applied to someone with power, prestige, privilege, or wealth who is benevolent and absolutely committed to another's welfare, and it can be applied pejoratively to someone with all the aforementioned power who wishes to control and otherwise dominate the lives of others.
Matthew quotes from the Old Testament when he describes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Regardless of changed circumstances and understanding of royalty, there's no doubt that Jesus is someone of great importance. As a king he carries with Him the ultimate power and authority that a king in His day would have over the lives of others. Matthew's description of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey hardly impresses on anyone a picture of ultimate power and authority, or even someone of great importance. Yet, the people to whom Matthew was writing understood the reference and appreciated the truth that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, who was to come into the world. While Israel was looking for a king to restore the power of Israel and David's throne, the prophets, such as Zechariah, painted a whole different picture of "The Man." He was to be a humble servant, rather than a dominating power. His power and authority arose, not from His position, but from Who He is - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Matthew makes this power of Jesus clear when He notes that Jesus told the disciples that if they were questioned about their taking of the donkey they should just simply answer, "The Lord has need of it."
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is hardly the picture of "power and authority" that human beings have come to expect from those with "power and authority." His willingness to humble Himself and become a human being is further shown by His willingness to put aside His almighty power and humbly go the way of the Cross. He doesn't come in royal robes, a royal procession, led by motorcades, pomp and circumstance, and all the other fanfare a king or dictator could command. No, instead He comes as a humble human being, to be the Savior of the world from Sin, Death, and Satan as He took the burden of the world's sinfulness upon Himself. If you ever want to see what it really means to be "The Man" look no further than Jesus. He is truly "The Man" who walks with us every step of the way through our lives giving us, by the power of His Word and Spirit, the strength of faith and the comfort of His love so that we might live in Him and for Him until He comes again. Now that's what being "The Man" is all about.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I praise and thank You for coming to this world, humbling Yourself and taking on human form, so that, by true obedience to the Father, You could save me from my sins. Help me to live as a truly penitent and forgiven sinner, looking to You as "The Man" whom I honor, adore, and love. Your almighty power sustains me in my life and Your unlimited compassion comforts me in my distress. Give me strength to live each day according to the Father's Will, and to be a strong witness of Your love, grace and mercy to others. Hear me, Lord, for Your name's sake. Amen.
**************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 21:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-13
JESUS DEFINES WHAT BEING "THE MAN" IS ALL ABOUT
"'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'" (Mt. 21:5)
A recent commercial for a well-known cell phone service provider shows a distinguished gentleman at a desk in a "corner office." He's obviously a person of importance. A younger man asks him about the new cell phone and the older man talks about the great service and unlimited calling minutes he gets with this new service. He finishes his monologue by stating he's now able to "put one over on the Man." The young man responds somewhat quizzically, "But, Sir, aren't you the Man?" The older man looks at him and says, "Yes, and I may want to stick it to myself."
"Sticking it to the Man" has a ring to it in 21st century America. While the United States can still be described as a "nation of immigrants," immigrants aren't arriving because they're trying to escape despotic kings or seek freedom of religion. America in the 21st Century no more understands the true meaning of what royalty is than the "Man in the Moon." Over the past century those who immigrated to the United States weren't fleeing from despotic kings and religious oppression as they had in the past. Many are coming to our shores because they want to escape from authoritarian dictatorships and economic deprivation. Yet, the idea of "The Man" still resonates, for "The Man" fits anyone who seems to have control over another's life and future. The challenge of this designation, however, is that it can be applied to someone with power, prestige, privilege, or wealth who is benevolent and absolutely committed to another's welfare, and it can be applied pejoratively to someone with all the aforementioned power who wishes to control and otherwise dominate the lives of others.
Matthew quotes from the Old Testament when he describes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Regardless of changed circumstances and understanding of royalty, there's no doubt that Jesus is someone of great importance. As a king he carries with Him the ultimate power and authority that a king in His day would have over the lives of others. Matthew's description of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey hardly impresses on anyone a picture of ultimate power and authority, or even someone of great importance. Yet, the people to whom Matthew was writing understood the reference and appreciated the truth that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, who was to come into the world. While Israel was looking for a king to restore the power of Israel and David's throne, the prophets, such as Zechariah, painted a whole different picture of "The Man." He was to be a humble servant, rather than a dominating power. His power and authority arose, not from His position, but from Who He is - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Matthew makes this power of Jesus clear when He notes that Jesus told the disciples that if they were questioned about their taking of the donkey they should just simply answer, "The Lord has need of it."
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is hardly the picture of "power and authority" that human beings have come to expect from those with "power and authority." His willingness to humble Himself and become a human being is further shown by His willingness to put aside His almighty power and humbly go the way of the Cross. He doesn't come in royal robes, a royal procession, led by motorcades, pomp and circumstance, and all the other fanfare a king or dictator could command. No, instead He comes as a humble human being, to be the Savior of the world from Sin, Death, and Satan as He took the burden of the world's sinfulness upon Himself. If you ever want to see what it really means to be "The Man" look no further than Jesus. He is truly "The Man" who walks with us every step of the way through our lives giving us, by the power of His Word and Spirit, the strength of faith and the comfort of His love so that we might live in Him and for Him until He comes again. Now that's what being "The Man" is all about.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I praise and thank You for coming to this world, humbling Yourself and taking on human form, so that, by true obedience to the Father, You could save me from my sins. Help me to live as a truly penitent and forgiven sinner, looking to You as "The Man" whom I honor, adore, and love. Your almighty power sustains me in my life and Your unlimited compassion comforts me in my distress. Give me strength to live each day according to the Father's Will, and to be a strong witness of Your love, grace and mercy to others. Hear me, Lord, for Your name's sake. Amen.
**************************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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