"Today's Devotion" For July 28, 2006
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Psalm 46
LOOK AND LISTEN FOR GOD'S BLESSINGS
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble...The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress...Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:1, 7, 10a)
Certainly you would agree with me that life is full of uncertainties. Picking up a daily newspaper in any city in the United States today one can read about wars - in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq - not to speak of all the genocide and other non-entity wars that are affecting nations all over the world, particularly in Africa. Skirmishes and uprisings in parts of the world most people barely know exist are going on all the time. People's lives are in turmoil, refugees are fleeing from fields of death and destruction, and malnutrition, famine, disease, and a host of other deadly consequences of humanity's sinfulness are to be found everywhere.
We don't just find that turmoil on the pages of our newspapers or blaring out of our televisions and radios. Turmoil is all around us. If we look next door, down the street, or across town we will find people whose lives are in turmoil. They may face dangers to their safety and well-being from violence on our streets, from drugs, from illness and disease, from poverty, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or a host of other challenges to human comfort and existence; to peace of mind and a life of hopefulness.
As of today, in our house, we're facing the loss of a job - my wife, Susan, may not be teaching this year because it looks as if her school may end up being closed due to administrative neglect in keeping accurate financial records required for state funding assistance. That means the loss, as of Tuesday, of our health insurance as well as better than half our income. In all truthfulness, while holding out hope of a reversal of the situation, there is a nagging doubt and a fear that things have gone "south." While on side of the coin, trusting God's purpose and provision is not open for debate, on the other hand, doubt and fear of "tomorrow" are certainly lingering in the back of our minds and hearts.
Yet, God's encouragement for His children, under any and all circumstances, is never-ending and powerful. As the Sons of Korah extolled Israel, in the face of its enemies, to remember that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble," (Psalm 46:1), so also do they extol us to the same confident hope and trust. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, gives us encouragement to trust that no matter what happens in our lives our Father in heaven has not forgotten us and we don't need to worry about the necessities needed to live.
With all the voices that assail our ears, and all the "contrary" evidence that appears to show us that we're on our own, it's easy to get lost in our fears and anxieties about the troubles and challenges of our lives. Yet the greatest of all challenges and troubles, the power of Sin, death, and Satan, have been overcome and defeated by Jesus for us in His suffering, death, and resurrection. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, faith in Christ has been worked in our hearts so that we can face any trouble, any challenge, and any fear with confidence that God loves us and holds us firmly in the palm of His hand.
As the din of doubt assails our ears and hearts, God calls to us and exhorts us to "be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10a). I am always with you, I will never forsake you, and I promise that you will have all that you need to sustain your life - food, clothing, shelter, forgiveness, and hope." As we face a world increasingly filled with violence, hatred, despair, uncertainty, and a host of other human-sponsored maladies (so what's changed since Cain killed Abel?), God's children, redeemed in Christ, have the sure and certain hope that we are not forsaken, that God knows what's happening in our lives, and that He will accomplish His purpose for us in the face of all opposition and trouble. Filled with that assurance, therefore, and as dearly beloved children of our Father in heaven who has made us His own in Holy Baptism, we are empowered by faith and the power of His Spirit to look and listen for His blessings at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances. "Be still and know that I am God."
Prayer: Father, when the troubles of life and the world assail my ears, eyes, and sensibilities with ever increasing intensity, it's really hard for me to "be still and know that (You) are God." I'm more inclined to fret and worry, fall into doubt and despair, and try to find solutions to such challenges in all the wrong places. While I believe Your promises to deliver me from evil and provide me with all that I need to support this body and life, my sinful nature puts intense pressure on me to solve my own problems and seek my own solutions without any concern for Your will in my life. When the troubles of life hit me square in the jaw, it's just to easy to "hit the canvas," wallow in self-pity, and stay down for the count. Forgive me, gracious Father, for such acts and thoughts of unbelief. Strengthen my faith so that I may more surely trust in You for deliverance and hope. Help me to be a living witness to Your provision for the health of body, soul, and spirit for Your children, so that others might be led to know that same provision as well in Jesus. Hear me, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
A Changed Life
"Today's Devotion" For July 27, 2006
Read: Psalm 30; Revelation 19:1-10
A CHANGED LIFE
"You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever." (Psalm 30:11, 12)
Have you ever thought about making any changes in your life? At some point or another in each of our lives we come to the realization that things need to change. We may find ourselves in job situations which don't utilize our gifts, talents, and abilities in the best way. Or, perhaps our home lives need a "pick-me-up" because we're taking our spouses or children for granted and tensions are mounting. Maybe our goals and dreams for the future are crashing down around us because of medical problems or financial woes. Think of the stress which comes to people when their job security is threatened or they lose a job. When such situations arise for us, the desire to make the changes necessary to alleviate or eliminate them, the stress they bring, and the fear and anxiety they foster is overwhelming. All too often, however, we find ourselves wallowing in the swamp of despair and helplessness, seemingly unable to meet such challenges and overcome them.
Scripture speaks volumes about such situations in the lives of people. In Psalm 30, for instance, David has written a psalm of praise to God that he wanted to be read upon the dedication of the Temple (which Solomon would later build). David remembers the miserable things that Sin had brought into his life, how it had affected his behavior, and how it had driven his enemies to come after him to destroy him. At the same time he also recalls how God delivered him from his despair over his sins and from those seeking his destruction. God's forgiveness gave him new life, restored his faith and trust in God, and led him to more fully appreciate God's grace, mercy, and love. God had ended his tears of despair, lifted him up by His mighty hand, "clothed (him) with joy (v.11)," and filled his heart with songs of joy and thanksgiving as a witness and testimony of God's goodness and love for all to see.
God changes lives. He makes the difference for us in times of despair; during the times when we fail to obey Him, fail to serve Him, or forget to give Him thanks. No matter what transpires in our lives, by faith we can be as confident as David that God will deliver us from everything that seeks to keep us from His love. We can be certain that God will always hear us, will always answer us, and will never forsake us. As John writes in Revelation, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are His judgments...Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" (Revelation 19:1b, 6b, 7)
The ultimate in life changing activity comes to us in God's gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. In Him our sins are forgiven. We are no longer subject to the slavery of Sin, but are free to know God and His love for us, and to serve Him and others in Jesus' name. In Christ, ours are changed lives. In Christ our sins are forgiven and His righteousness makes us pure before God. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). We no longer have to be subject to the despair that Sin brings into our lives. The righteousness of Christ is ours by faith and it covers us and changes our appearance before God, taking our sins and putting them on Jesus so that when the Father looks at us He sees Jesus and His holiness. Today our lives are changed by faith in Christ Jesus. Tomorrow our lives will continue to be changed by faith in Christ Jesus. For all of our lives, through all of our days, our lives will be changed daily in Jesus Christ as we receive His forgiveness and His love. Our changed lives will be known as we declare God's praises, exalt His holy name, and are living proof of His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to a lost and fallen world.
Prayer: Father, with David I sing Your praises and exalt Your holy name. You have changed my life by calling me by the Gospel into the marvelous light of Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ. Even when I didn't deserve Your love and was lost in the same despair over my sins as was David, You continued to work in my heart and life by the power of Your Word and Spirit so that I might be changed by You to serve You and others in Jesus' name. In Holy Baptism, You accomplished my renewal and regeneration and continue to build me up in Your peace and joy so that my life might be a living testimony to Your life-changing love. Keep me ever faithful, gracious Father, so that I might continue to sing Your praises with my heart, my tongue, my lips, and my actions - clearly showing others Your life-changing power as I point them to You and the hope of heaven with Christ. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 30; Revelation 19:1-10
A CHANGED LIFE
"You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever." (Psalm 30:11, 12)
Have you ever thought about making any changes in your life? At some point or another in each of our lives we come to the realization that things need to change. We may find ourselves in job situations which don't utilize our gifts, talents, and abilities in the best way. Or, perhaps our home lives need a "pick-me-up" because we're taking our spouses or children for granted and tensions are mounting. Maybe our goals and dreams for the future are crashing down around us because of medical problems or financial woes. Think of the stress which comes to people when their job security is threatened or they lose a job. When such situations arise for us, the desire to make the changes necessary to alleviate or eliminate them, the stress they bring, and the fear and anxiety they foster is overwhelming. All too often, however, we find ourselves wallowing in the swamp of despair and helplessness, seemingly unable to meet such challenges and overcome them.
Scripture speaks volumes about such situations in the lives of people. In Psalm 30, for instance, David has written a psalm of praise to God that he wanted to be read upon the dedication of the Temple (which Solomon would later build). David remembers the miserable things that Sin had brought into his life, how it had affected his behavior, and how it had driven his enemies to come after him to destroy him. At the same time he also recalls how God delivered him from his despair over his sins and from those seeking his destruction. God's forgiveness gave him new life, restored his faith and trust in God, and led him to more fully appreciate God's grace, mercy, and love. God had ended his tears of despair, lifted him up by His mighty hand, "clothed (him) with joy (v.11)," and filled his heart with songs of joy and thanksgiving as a witness and testimony of God's goodness and love for all to see.
God changes lives. He makes the difference for us in times of despair; during the times when we fail to obey Him, fail to serve Him, or forget to give Him thanks. No matter what transpires in our lives, by faith we can be as confident as David that God will deliver us from everything that seeks to keep us from His love. We can be certain that God will always hear us, will always answer us, and will never forsake us. As John writes in Revelation, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are His judgments...Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" (Revelation 19:1b, 6b, 7)
The ultimate in life changing activity comes to us in God's gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. In Him our sins are forgiven. We are no longer subject to the slavery of Sin, but are free to know God and His love for us, and to serve Him and others in Jesus' name. In Christ, ours are changed lives. In Christ our sins are forgiven and His righteousness makes us pure before God. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool" (Isaiah 1:18). We no longer have to be subject to the despair that Sin brings into our lives. The righteousness of Christ is ours by faith and it covers us and changes our appearance before God, taking our sins and putting them on Jesus so that when the Father looks at us He sees Jesus and His holiness. Today our lives are changed by faith in Christ Jesus. Tomorrow our lives will continue to be changed by faith in Christ Jesus. For all of our lives, through all of our days, our lives will be changed daily in Jesus Christ as we receive His forgiveness and His love. Our changed lives will be known as we declare God's praises, exalt His holy name, and are living proof of His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to a lost and fallen world.
Prayer: Father, with David I sing Your praises and exalt Your holy name. You have changed my life by calling me by the Gospel into the marvelous light of Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ. Even when I didn't deserve Your love and was lost in the same despair over my sins as was David, You continued to work in my heart and life by the power of Your Word and Spirit so that I might be changed by You to serve You and others in Jesus' name. In Holy Baptism, You accomplished my renewal and regeneration and continue to build me up in Your peace and joy so that my life might be a living testimony to Your life-changing love. Keep me ever faithful, gracious Father, so that I might continue to sing Your praises with my heart, my tongue, my lips, and my actions - clearly showing others Your life-changing power as I point them to You and the hope of heaven with Christ. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Spiritual Armor For The Soul
"Today's Devotion" For July 26, 2006
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 27
SPIRITUAL ARMOR FOR THE SOUL
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10, 11)
The questions of might, power, and body armor are significant concerns for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fighting a new kind of war - a war against terrorism - they are facing roadside bombs detonated electronically from a safe distance and suicide bombers who load up their bodies with explosives and detonate them, and themselves, in populated places. Over the course of the current conflict, questions have frequently been raised over the quality and quantity of adequate armor, both body armor and armored vehicles, available for our troops. A week or so ago, a National Guardsman from Cedarburg, Wisconsin was killed by a roadside bomb while passing by in a Humvee - apparently because of inadequate armor. The training and equipping of the troops has again become an issue raised by both his father and the member of Congress of whom this young man was a constituent.
Sadly, the reality of life tells us that we can never create the perfect body armor, the perfectly armored vehicle, or any type of perfect protection that will keep us totally safe from harm. We live in a sinful, imperfect world, and while we're capable of accomplishing remarkable things, even to the point of providing a level of safety and security on the field of battle undreamed of by generations of soldiers in the past, we still cannot guarantee perfect protection for our troops. Facing reality, we do the best we can, pray that our best is good enough, and put everything in the hands of God.
While roadside bombs, bullets, mortars, and suicide bombers bring destruction, death, and grevious injury to our troops in the field, the greater danger to them is posed by the wiles and cunning of the devil as he seeks to keep them from God's love and strike them with the poisonous darts of doubt and despair, fear and frustration, hopelessness and loneliness. Whether it's on the field of battle, being far from home, or even, working and living in conditions not conducive to normalcy, keeping one's spiritual safety is a greater challenge than anything our earth bound enemies can throw at us.
Yes, us. For no matter where we are in the world, God's people are always on the battlefield; we're always in a life-threatening conflict with sin, death, and Satan. The power of Sin in the world is much more devastating and insidiously catastrophic than anything the terrorists can throw our way. Whether we speak of our troops in the field or ourselves in our places of work, play, and community, the greatest danger we all face is that we might be led to succumb to the power of Sin and Satan because we've ignored "the full armor of God" - His Word and Spirit - and are ill-prepared spiritually to overcome them.
St. Paul understood the challenge, perhaps better than almost everyone else other than Jesus Himself. Paul had personally faced challenges to his faith and trust in God, challenges to his personal safety, and challenges to his health and well-being. His life was constantly on the line, even to the point of dying for his faith in Jesus. In the end, we know he ended up paying the ultimate price of faith in Christ as he was martyred in Rome. Yet, until that moment of his death, Paul depended on the "full armor of God" to keep him faithful and able to withstand the spiritual dangers that would have drawn him away from Christ and to his eternal destruction. On a daily basis, Paul's life of ministry and mission reflected his confidence and trust in God's loving protection, just as David had declared, "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
We have been blessed by God to know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ by which God strengthen us and keeps us in the one, true faith. We have the power of God's Word and Spirit to keep us safe from the snares and wiles of the devil as he seeks to drive a wedge between us and our Father in heaven. Paul's description of the "full armor of God," leads us to a faith-filled appreciation of God's provision for our spiritual protection and safety regardless of anything the powers of Sin and Satan can throw at us, the redeemed in Christ. By God's grace and blessing, in His great love and compassion, we are equipped by faith to overcome the world, push aside the temptations of Sin, and face down the devil's attempts to turn us away from God. While our own "protections" may fail us (and they do), and all the body and vehicle armor we use to ensure our physical safety are never fully adequate, God's "armor for the soul," His Word and Spirit, will keep us safely in the arms of Jesus, forgiven and hopeful until we are with Him in heaven.
Prayer: Father, all too often I try to take care of my soul and spirit with the inadequate tools of my intellect and emotions. Whatever "armor" I can construct for myself against the spiritual dangers I face in life are as inadequate as any body or vehicle armor provided for the protection of troops on the field of battle. My personal efforts to overcome temptation go only so far before I fall flat on my face in failure. I'm "down for the count" and realize I can't get up and overcome without You to pick me up, dust me off, and get me focused on You. Forgive me, Father, for depending on myself instead of You; for so often forgetting about You and Your blessings to me. Thank You for the power of Your Word and Spirit (especially as You fill me with them each day in the power my Baptism) by which the snares, wiles, and darts of the devil are turned aside from me and I am kept safely in Your arms - protected by Your "armor for the soul." As I rest safely in Your arms, lead me to be a faithful witness in my life and words to others so they, too, might come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and receive the "full armor of God" - "armor for their souls" - for eternal life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 27
SPIRITUAL ARMOR FOR THE SOUL
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10, 11)
The questions of might, power, and body armor are significant concerns for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fighting a new kind of war - a war against terrorism - they are facing roadside bombs detonated electronically from a safe distance and suicide bombers who load up their bodies with explosives and detonate them, and themselves, in populated places. Over the course of the current conflict, questions have frequently been raised over the quality and quantity of adequate armor, both body armor and armored vehicles, available for our troops. A week or so ago, a National Guardsman from Cedarburg, Wisconsin was killed by a roadside bomb while passing by in a Humvee - apparently because of inadequate armor. The training and equipping of the troops has again become an issue raised by both his father and the member of Congress of whom this young man was a constituent.
Sadly, the reality of life tells us that we can never create the perfect body armor, the perfectly armored vehicle, or any type of perfect protection that will keep us totally safe from harm. We live in a sinful, imperfect world, and while we're capable of accomplishing remarkable things, even to the point of providing a level of safety and security on the field of battle undreamed of by generations of soldiers in the past, we still cannot guarantee perfect protection for our troops. Facing reality, we do the best we can, pray that our best is good enough, and put everything in the hands of God.
While roadside bombs, bullets, mortars, and suicide bombers bring destruction, death, and grevious injury to our troops in the field, the greater danger to them is posed by the wiles and cunning of the devil as he seeks to keep them from God's love and strike them with the poisonous darts of doubt and despair, fear and frustration, hopelessness and loneliness. Whether it's on the field of battle, being far from home, or even, working and living in conditions not conducive to normalcy, keeping one's spiritual safety is a greater challenge than anything our earth bound enemies can throw at us.
Yes, us. For no matter where we are in the world, God's people are always on the battlefield; we're always in a life-threatening conflict with sin, death, and Satan. The power of Sin in the world is much more devastating and insidiously catastrophic than anything the terrorists can throw our way. Whether we speak of our troops in the field or ourselves in our places of work, play, and community, the greatest danger we all face is that we might be led to succumb to the power of Sin and Satan because we've ignored "the full armor of God" - His Word and Spirit - and are ill-prepared spiritually to overcome them.
St. Paul understood the challenge, perhaps better than almost everyone else other than Jesus Himself. Paul had personally faced challenges to his faith and trust in God, challenges to his personal safety, and challenges to his health and well-being. His life was constantly on the line, even to the point of dying for his faith in Jesus. In the end, we know he ended up paying the ultimate price of faith in Christ as he was martyred in Rome. Yet, until that moment of his death, Paul depended on the "full armor of God" to keep him faithful and able to withstand the spiritual dangers that would have drawn him away from Christ and to his eternal destruction. On a daily basis, Paul's life of ministry and mission reflected his confidence and trust in God's loving protection, just as David had declared, "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
We have been blessed by God to know His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ by which God strengthen us and keeps us in the one, true faith. We have the power of God's Word and Spirit to keep us safe from the snares and wiles of the devil as he seeks to drive a wedge between us and our Father in heaven. Paul's description of the "full armor of God," leads us to a faith-filled appreciation of God's provision for our spiritual protection and safety regardless of anything the powers of Sin and Satan can throw at us, the redeemed in Christ. By God's grace and blessing, in His great love and compassion, we are equipped by faith to overcome the world, push aside the temptations of Sin, and face down the devil's attempts to turn us away from God. While our own "protections" may fail us (and they do), and all the body and vehicle armor we use to ensure our physical safety are never fully adequate, God's "armor for the soul," His Word and Spirit, will keep us safely in the arms of Jesus, forgiven and hopeful until we are with Him in heaven.
Prayer: Father, all too often I try to take care of my soul and spirit with the inadequate tools of my intellect and emotions. Whatever "armor" I can construct for myself against the spiritual dangers I face in life are as inadequate as any body or vehicle armor provided for the protection of troops on the field of battle. My personal efforts to overcome temptation go only so far before I fall flat on my face in failure. I'm "down for the count" and realize I can't get up and overcome without You to pick me up, dust me off, and get me focused on You. Forgive me, Father, for depending on myself instead of You; for so often forgetting about You and Your blessings to me. Thank You for the power of Your Word and Spirit (especially as You fill me with them each day in the power my Baptism) by which the snares, wiles, and darts of the devil are turned aside from me and I am kept safely in Your arms - protected by Your "armor for the soul." As I rest safely in Your arms, lead me to be a faithful witness in my life and words to others so they, too, might come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and receive the "full armor of God" - "armor for their souls" - for eternal life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Standing Tall With Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For July 25, 2006
Read: Psalm 25:1-11; Romans 1:1-7, 16-17
STANDING TALL WITH JESUS
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." (Psalm 25:1-2)
Unless we've got a massive ego problem, most of us don't really want to stand out in the crowd. Living life anonymously, without any scrutiny by others, is the safe thing to do. After all, everyone knows that when anything calls attention to oneself, one's life can receive almost microscopic dissection. Our society has become so self-centered and self-righteous that good people of character and intellect, willing hearts and devoted to service, will not run for any type of public office because of the incredible, personal scrutiny and "dirt digging" that passes for media coverage and campaign "truth." This is a malady that affects both ends of the moral, ethical, social, and political spectrum - the "politically correct" bunch and the "right-wingers" all believe that they're right and if you don't agree with them your not.
For God's people, redeemed by Jesus Christ, such treatment is almost commonplace these days. While deferential treatment and constitutional protection is offered to almost every religion in the United States, if one professes Jesus Christ, he or she is often labeled as unloving, uncaring, closed minded, and idiotic. Many of God's redeemed children respond to such treatment by hiding their faith from public view, fall back on the old dodge that "faith is a private matter," and assure the public, as in the case of many politicians and business people, that their "faith" doesn't influence their political or business decisions - which, if you are even a smidgeon intellectually honest, is a contradiction in terms and a statement of irreligion and no faith at all.
King David knew what it was like to be ridiculed for his faith in God. They had laughed at him when he declared he would fight the Philistine giant, Goliath, with only a slingshot - a boy against a man. Goliath himself not only ridiculed David, but also Israel's cowardice in sending out a "boy to do a man's job." Yet David stuck to his guns, convinced that God would be doing the fighting and protecting of Israel through him - that he was only a shepherd boy chosen by God to accomplish His purpose. David also had to put up with the derision he received for his faithfulness to God's promises when he didn't overthrow King Saul, even though he had been anointed by Nathan the prophet to be Israel's next king. Trusting in God's promises, His mercy and grace, and His forgiveness, David faced all the ridicule of people and the nations with confidence and hope.
St. Paul faced very similar circumstances in his life of ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Writing to the church at Rome, Paul knew the challenges to his faith in Jesus, having been ridiculed by those who had once revered him as a "Pharisee of Pharisees," and persecuted and imprisoned for confessing and serving Christ. In His Letter to the Romans, Paul boldly proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith...just as it is written: "The righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16, 17).
Following the examples of David, Paul, and the other pillars of faith of Scripture - sinners one and all who believed God's forgiveness was theirs - we, too, step forth boldly in faith and stand tall with Jesus. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, continually working in our hearts and lives in the power of Holy Baptism, we are enabled to live boldly by faith as living witnesses to the power of God, the grace of God, and the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus. We live lives unconcerned with how the world sees us - our only concern being how God sees us. Living faithfully, filled with hope and peace in Christ because our sins are forgiven and we have His promise of life with Him forever in heaven, we no longer seek to hide from the world, from its scrutiny, or its derision. Rather (and I know this sounds really "weird" from a human standpoint) we welcome all the scrutiny, all the ridicule, and all the hatred and anger for it is confirmation of our faithfulness - people are responding to our witness in word and deed to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Standing tall with Jesus is a powerful blessing and our life's calling - our vocation - which is manifest in all that we are, all that we do, and all that we say. Standing tall with Jesus takes place as we touch the lives of our families and friends with God's love. It takes place as we live lives of integrity and service in the community, fearlessly speaking the truth in love, regardless of what others may think. It takes place as we accomplish God's purpose for us as spouses, parents, family members, workers, leaders, politicians, or in any other part of life we may be led. Standing tall with Jesus is a real challenge - but the rewards are endless and the lives of the people we touch are blessed by the Lord.
Prayer: Father, it's really very easy for me to go and hide my faith and relationship with You in Jesus from public view and scrutiny. I'm just like everyone else in the anxiety and angst I feel when I face ridicule, derision, or even outright hatred for being one of Your children in Christ - especially when I declare the truth of Your Law and Your Gospel. Because I base my decisions in dealing with others and how I understand life and what's right and wrong on what Your Word says, I find myself all too often as the "odd man out." I'm not alone in avoiding public service because I don't want my life scrutinized by those who seek to find fault with me, especially because I'm a sinner - even though forgiven. Forgive me, Father, for such faithless cowardice. As Your beloved and redeemed child in Christ Jesus, help me to live a life that receives Your forgiveness without concern for how the world sees me. Grant me, Father, the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit that I may continually, strengthened in my identity as Your child in Holy Baptism, stand tall for and with Jesus as a witness to Your redeeming love for all to see. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 25:1-11; Romans 1:1-7, 16-17
STANDING TALL WITH JESUS
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." (Psalm 25:1-2)
Unless we've got a massive ego problem, most of us don't really want to stand out in the crowd. Living life anonymously, without any scrutiny by others, is the safe thing to do. After all, everyone knows that when anything calls attention to oneself, one's life can receive almost microscopic dissection. Our society has become so self-centered and self-righteous that good people of character and intellect, willing hearts and devoted to service, will not run for any type of public office because of the incredible, personal scrutiny and "dirt digging" that passes for media coverage and campaign "truth." This is a malady that affects both ends of the moral, ethical, social, and political spectrum - the "politically correct" bunch and the "right-wingers" all believe that they're right and if you don't agree with them your not.
For God's people, redeemed by Jesus Christ, such treatment is almost commonplace these days. While deferential treatment and constitutional protection is offered to almost every religion in the United States, if one professes Jesus Christ, he or she is often labeled as unloving, uncaring, closed minded, and idiotic. Many of God's redeemed children respond to such treatment by hiding their faith from public view, fall back on the old dodge that "faith is a private matter," and assure the public, as in the case of many politicians and business people, that their "faith" doesn't influence their political or business decisions - which, if you are even a smidgeon intellectually honest, is a contradiction in terms and a statement of irreligion and no faith at all.
King David knew what it was like to be ridiculed for his faith in God. They had laughed at him when he declared he would fight the Philistine giant, Goliath, with only a slingshot - a boy against a man. Goliath himself not only ridiculed David, but also Israel's cowardice in sending out a "boy to do a man's job." Yet David stuck to his guns, convinced that God would be doing the fighting and protecting of Israel through him - that he was only a shepherd boy chosen by God to accomplish His purpose. David also had to put up with the derision he received for his faithfulness to God's promises when he didn't overthrow King Saul, even though he had been anointed by Nathan the prophet to be Israel's next king. Trusting in God's promises, His mercy and grace, and His forgiveness, David faced all the ridicule of people and the nations with confidence and hope.
St. Paul faced very similar circumstances in his life of ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Writing to the church at Rome, Paul knew the challenges to his faith in Jesus, having been ridiculed by those who had once revered him as a "Pharisee of Pharisees," and persecuted and imprisoned for confessing and serving Christ. In His Letter to the Romans, Paul boldly proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith...just as it is written: "The righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16, 17).
Following the examples of David, Paul, and the other pillars of faith of Scripture - sinners one and all who believed God's forgiveness was theirs - we, too, step forth boldly in faith and stand tall with Jesus. By the power of God's Word and Spirit, continually working in our hearts and lives in the power of Holy Baptism, we are enabled to live boldly by faith as living witnesses to the power of God, the grace of God, and the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus. We live lives unconcerned with how the world sees us - our only concern being how God sees us. Living faithfully, filled with hope and peace in Christ because our sins are forgiven and we have His promise of life with Him forever in heaven, we no longer seek to hide from the world, from its scrutiny, or its derision. Rather (and I know this sounds really "weird" from a human standpoint) we welcome all the scrutiny, all the ridicule, and all the hatred and anger for it is confirmation of our faithfulness - people are responding to our witness in word and deed to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Standing tall with Jesus is a powerful blessing and our life's calling - our vocation - which is manifest in all that we are, all that we do, and all that we say. Standing tall with Jesus takes place as we touch the lives of our families and friends with God's love. It takes place as we live lives of integrity and service in the community, fearlessly speaking the truth in love, regardless of what others may think. It takes place as we accomplish God's purpose for us as spouses, parents, family members, workers, leaders, politicians, or in any other part of life we may be led. Standing tall with Jesus is a real challenge - but the rewards are endless and the lives of the people we touch are blessed by the Lord.
Prayer: Father, it's really very easy for me to go and hide my faith and relationship with You in Jesus from public view and scrutiny. I'm just like everyone else in the anxiety and angst I feel when I face ridicule, derision, or even outright hatred for being one of Your children in Christ - especially when I declare the truth of Your Law and Your Gospel. Because I base my decisions in dealing with others and how I understand life and what's right and wrong on what Your Word says, I find myself all too often as the "odd man out." I'm not alone in avoiding public service because I don't want my life scrutinized by those who seek to find fault with me, especially because I'm a sinner - even though forgiven. Forgive me, Father, for such faithless cowardice. As Your beloved and redeemed child in Christ Jesus, help me to live a life that receives Your forgiveness without concern for how the world sees me. Grant me, Father, the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit that I may continually, strengthened in my identity as Your child in Holy Baptism, stand tall for and with Jesus as a witness to Your redeeming love for all to see. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Always Joyful? You've Got To Be Kidding!
"Today's Devotion" For July 19, 2006
Read: II Thessalonians 5:16-24; Psalm 136
ALWAYS JOYFUL? YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (II Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Let's see now...Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed two others; Israel attacks Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah sent rockets into Haifa, Israel, so Israel bombed the Beirut airport. Syria is rattling swords and Iran is threatening. At the same time, Hamas continues to send suicide bombers and mortars into Israel from Gaza, and Israel has sent in troops and tanks to quell these incursions and attacks.
At the same time the international community has lost sight of the original issue of the G8 Conference just ended - rather than talk about Iran and its nuclear weapons ambitions, attention was diverted to the Middle East. As it stands right now, no real decisions or actions have been taken by the international community to address the terrorism being escalated against Israel, who now considers herself at war.
Unknown to most of the world, forgotten by others, and of no consequence to even more are the Christians living in Israel and Lebanon facing the dire consequences of the war that unfolding all around them. There is the situation of Pastor Shmuel Awaida, the Arabic pastor of a Messianic congregation in Haifa, who has seen the horror the terrorists bring into people's lives. He speaks of the loneliness many feel - that no one really cares about them.
Yet, this pastor also reveals his joy in the Lord in the face of the insecurity of the situation and the danger that lies all around him. He gives thanks in an email for the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. He notes the encouragement that comes from God's people gathering together in the name of Jesus for worship and praise.
Reading Pastor Awaida's email brought to mind how we so often get caught up in little, insignificant things which turn our eyes away from Jesus. So often we get hooked into fussing about nonsense and not being able to control our circumstances. All too frequently we're distracted from truly having joy in the Lord, praying for His presence and blessings, and realizing that we are able to overcome any and all circumstances of life as we put our trust in Him. Our first response to Paul's words is, all too often, "Always joyful? You've got to be kidding!"
Paul knew what it was to suffer and to have plenty. He understood the challenges we face in life every day, and then some we've never experienced, such as those Pastor Awaida and his congregation in Haifa are going through. Yet, knowing God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ as he did, he could also encourage us to be joyful always, pray continually,and give thanks for each and every circumstance in life - good or bad - in which we are blessed to see the hand of our loving Father in heaven at work. When all is said and done, we belong to God in Jesus Christ, and, just as Jesus has overcome the world, Sin, and Satan for us, so also are we empowered in Him to overcome as well.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for so often focusing on those things which are of no consequence and forgetting that You are always with me - holding me in the palm of Your hand. All too often I let life get to me and find myself depressed, negative, and otherwise feeling sorry for myself (something I really don't want to admit). I find myself turning inward to my own resources or lashing out at others for the challenges of life I face. Forgive me for forgetting to turn to You in both good times and bad, knowing that in Christ there is fullness of joy, Your assurance to hear and answer my prayers, and confidence to face every circumstance of life with thanksgiving - thanksgiving that You have given me a new opportunity to serve and to see Your loving hand at work.
Father, I also pray for my fellow believers in Christ those who are living in dangerous places all over the world, especially in war torn areas. Fill them with hope and trust in Jesus, knowing that You are always with them and nothing can snatch them out of Your hand. Let their lives be filled with Your peace and joy in Christ, let their prayers rise before You as incense, and fill their lives with thanksgiving for their circumstances so that they can experience once more the power of Your love and the working of Your mighty hand. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: II Thessalonians 5:16-24; Psalm 136
ALWAYS JOYFUL? YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (II Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Let's see now...Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed two others; Israel attacks Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah sent rockets into Haifa, Israel, so Israel bombed the Beirut airport. Syria is rattling swords and Iran is threatening. At the same time, Hamas continues to send suicide bombers and mortars into Israel from Gaza, and Israel has sent in troops and tanks to quell these incursions and attacks.
At the same time the international community has lost sight of the original issue of the G8 Conference just ended - rather than talk about Iran and its nuclear weapons ambitions, attention was diverted to the Middle East. As it stands right now, no real decisions or actions have been taken by the international community to address the terrorism being escalated against Israel, who now considers herself at war.
Unknown to most of the world, forgotten by others, and of no consequence to even more are the Christians living in Israel and Lebanon facing the dire consequences of the war that unfolding all around them. There is the situation of Pastor Shmuel Awaida, the Arabic pastor of a Messianic congregation in Haifa, who has seen the horror the terrorists bring into people's lives. He speaks of the loneliness many feel - that no one really cares about them.
Yet, this pastor also reveals his joy in the Lord in the face of the insecurity of the situation and the danger that lies all around him. He gives thanks in an email for the prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world. He notes the encouragement that comes from God's people gathering together in the name of Jesus for worship and praise.
Reading Pastor Awaida's email brought to mind how we so often get caught up in little, insignificant things which turn our eyes away from Jesus. So often we get hooked into fussing about nonsense and not being able to control our circumstances. All too frequently we're distracted from truly having joy in the Lord, praying for His presence and blessings, and realizing that we are able to overcome any and all circumstances of life as we put our trust in Him. Our first response to Paul's words is, all too often, "Always joyful? You've got to be kidding!"
Paul knew what it was to suffer and to have plenty. He understood the challenges we face in life every day, and then some we've never experienced, such as those Pastor Awaida and his congregation in Haifa are going through. Yet, knowing God's grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Christ as he did, he could also encourage us to be joyful always, pray continually,and give thanks for each and every circumstance in life - good or bad - in which we are blessed to see the hand of our loving Father in heaven at work. When all is said and done, we belong to God in Jesus Christ, and, just as Jesus has overcome the world, Sin, and Satan for us, so also are we empowered in Him to overcome as well.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for so often focusing on those things which are of no consequence and forgetting that You are always with me - holding me in the palm of Your hand. All too often I let life get to me and find myself depressed, negative, and otherwise feeling sorry for myself (something I really don't want to admit). I find myself turning inward to my own resources or lashing out at others for the challenges of life I face. Forgive me for forgetting to turn to You in both good times and bad, knowing that in Christ there is fullness of joy, Your assurance to hear and answer my prayers, and confidence to face every circumstance of life with thanksgiving - thanksgiving that You have given me a new opportunity to serve and to see Your loving hand at work.
Father, I also pray for my fellow believers in Christ those who are living in dangerous places all over the world, especially in war torn areas. Fill them with hope and trust in Jesus, knowing that You are always with them and nothing can snatch them out of Your hand. Let their lives be filled with Your peace and joy in Christ, let their prayers rise before You as incense, and fill their lives with thanksgiving for their circumstances so that they can experience once more the power of Your love and the working of Your mighty hand. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Faith In Jesus Never Loses Heart
"Today's Devotion" For July 17, 2006
Read: II Corinthians 4:7-18; I Peter 1:3-9
FAITH IN JESUS NEVER LOSES HEART
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen." (II Corinthians 4:16-18a)
During this entire month of July, Jews for Jesus and affiliated organizations are blanketing New York City with Gospel tracts - broadsides they're called - sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ - Yeshua in Hebrew. One of the affiliated groups is The Apple of His Eye Ministry out of St. Louis led by a wonderfully blessed Jewish Christian gentleman by the name of Steve Cohen (http://www.aohems.org). Steve has been sharing the marvelous opportunities the volunteers from all over the country, particularly the Midwest, have had to tell others about Jesus. He's also shared the vitriol that so many of the volunteers experienced when they approached Jewish people about Jesus. According to news reports, at least four major Jewish organizations have banded together to denounce and challenge the proclamation of the Gospel by the Jews for Jesus volunteers.
But the challenges to sharing and living the Gospel aren't just found in New York City sharing Jesus with God's chosen people. The challenges are found in many areas of life and living. A Christian in most Moslem countries is not welcome or treated very well if he or she is a witness to the Gospel of Christ. The same can be said of those who, according to accounts from missionaries in and Christian immigrants from India, run afoul of Hindu beliefs, practices, and laws. Jesus often warned of such disdain and hatred, reminding us in the Beatitudes that we can expect to be persecuted and treated with derision and falsehood because we follow Him (Matthew 5:11).
Today, as we look at the newspapers and listen to the news on television and radio, or over the internet, we see a world on the verge of war. Hatred has taken hold of the world and people are fighting each other for myriad reasons. The Palestinians and the Israelis are fighting each other for religious and social reasons. Terrorism dedicated to advancing and establishing Islamic law throughout the Middle East and in many near Eastern nations continues to kill, maim, and destroy. God's people in Christ are challenged each day, even in the United States, because our faith in Jesus leads us to see the world and people differently than society so often does - recognizing humanity's sinful condition and knowing that no one is without sin and everyone is in need of the Savior.
Paul's words to the Corinthian church came during such a time in their lives as well. He knew what it was like to suffer for the Gospel. He knew what it was to be challenged to be faithful in the face of persecution, hatred, and disdain. He took courage and strength from the assurance of faith in Christ that nothing, including death, can remove us from our loving Savior's arms. Paul reminds us, also, that we can take heart no matter how mad the world grows, no matter what challenges to our faith in Jesus we might face, and regardless of the attempts of our detractors to destroy us. We can take heart, Paul reminds us, knowing that even though we may feel the "heat" and suffer for Jesus, the Holy Spirit, who has put God's mark on us in Holy Baptism, is continually renewing us in that Baptism and in the Word each day.
Just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob received God's promises and believed them, even though they never saw the Savior (cf. Hebrews 11), so also, by faith, do we trust God's promises in Christ, trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, and await, as forgiven sinners, the final day in which He calls us to be with Him forever. Faith in Jesus never loses heart, no matter what happens in the world and in our lives, because we belong to Him and nothing can separate us from His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Prayer: Father, as I look around me I see a world gone mad. People hate for no really good reason except someone else isn't them, doesn't look like them, doesn't talk like them, or doesn't believe like them. Too often, Father, I find myself walking in those shoes also and I'm ashamed. Father, for the sake of Christ, forgive me of my hatreds and strengthen me for the task ahead of sharing Christ's love in a world that would just as soon flay me than listen to me. And that frightens me, Father. As I see others experiencing derision and hatred for their faith in Jesus as they witness for Him, I am left wondering if I really want to be a witness to Your love in Christ, for I don't like to suffer. Remind me by the power of Your Holy Spirit, working in me through Your Word and Holy Baptism, that by faith in Jesus I don't need to lose heart, but can boldly proclaim Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ alone, no matter what others may think of me nor what they might do to me. Help me to live a life that reflects Your strength and power in my life so that others might hear about Jesus from me without fail. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: II Corinthians 4:7-18; I Peter 1:3-9
FAITH IN JESUS NEVER LOSES HEART
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen." (II Corinthians 4:16-18a)
During this entire month of July, Jews for Jesus and affiliated organizations are blanketing New York City with Gospel tracts - broadsides they're called - sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ - Yeshua in Hebrew. One of the affiliated groups is The Apple of His Eye Ministry out of St. Louis led by a wonderfully blessed Jewish Christian gentleman by the name of Steve Cohen (http://www.aohems.org). Steve has been sharing the marvelous opportunities the volunteers from all over the country, particularly the Midwest, have had to tell others about Jesus. He's also shared the vitriol that so many of the volunteers experienced when they approached Jewish people about Jesus. According to news reports, at least four major Jewish organizations have banded together to denounce and challenge the proclamation of the Gospel by the Jews for Jesus volunteers.
But the challenges to sharing and living the Gospel aren't just found in New York City sharing Jesus with God's chosen people. The challenges are found in many areas of life and living. A Christian in most Moslem countries is not welcome or treated very well if he or she is a witness to the Gospel of Christ. The same can be said of those who, according to accounts from missionaries in and Christian immigrants from India, run afoul of Hindu beliefs, practices, and laws. Jesus often warned of such disdain and hatred, reminding us in the Beatitudes that we can expect to be persecuted and treated with derision and falsehood because we follow Him (Matthew 5:11).
Today, as we look at the newspapers and listen to the news on television and radio, or over the internet, we see a world on the verge of war. Hatred has taken hold of the world and people are fighting each other for myriad reasons. The Palestinians and the Israelis are fighting each other for religious and social reasons. Terrorism dedicated to advancing and establishing Islamic law throughout the Middle East and in many near Eastern nations continues to kill, maim, and destroy. God's people in Christ are challenged each day, even in the United States, because our faith in Jesus leads us to see the world and people differently than society so often does - recognizing humanity's sinful condition and knowing that no one is without sin and everyone is in need of the Savior.
Paul's words to the Corinthian church came during such a time in their lives as well. He knew what it was like to suffer for the Gospel. He knew what it was to be challenged to be faithful in the face of persecution, hatred, and disdain. He took courage and strength from the assurance of faith in Christ that nothing, including death, can remove us from our loving Savior's arms. Paul reminds us, also, that we can take heart no matter how mad the world grows, no matter what challenges to our faith in Jesus we might face, and regardless of the attempts of our detractors to destroy us. We can take heart, Paul reminds us, knowing that even though we may feel the "heat" and suffer for Jesus, the Holy Spirit, who has put God's mark on us in Holy Baptism, is continually renewing us in that Baptism and in the Word each day.
Just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob received God's promises and believed them, even though they never saw the Savior (cf. Hebrews 11), so also, by faith, do we trust God's promises in Christ, trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, and await, as forgiven sinners, the final day in which He calls us to be with Him forever. Faith in Jesus never loses heart, no matter what happens in the world and in our lives, because we belong to Him and nothing can separate us from His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Prayer: Father, as I look around me I see a world gone mad. People hate for no really good reason except someone else isn't them, doesn't look like them, doesn't talk like them, or doesn't believe like them. Too often, Father, I find myself walking in those shoes also and I'm ashamed. Father, for the sake of Christ, forgive me of my hatreds and strengthen me for the task ahead of sharing Christ's love in a world that would just as soon flay me than listen to me. And that frightens me, Father. As I see others experiencing derision and hatred for their faith in Jesus as they witness for Him, I am left wondering if I really want to be a witness to Your love in Christ, for I don't like to suffer. Remind me by the power of Your Holy Spirit, working in me through Your Word and Holy Baptism, that by faith in Jesus I don't need to lose heart, but can boldly proclaim Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ alone, no matter what others may think of me nor what they might do to me. Help me to live a life that reflects Your strength and power in my life so that others might hear about Jesus from me without fail. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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