"Today's Devotion" For May 31, 2006
Read: Revelation 2:8-11; Psalm 45
RECEIVING THE CROWN OF LIFE
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10c)
In the game of "Checkers" (a game, if my recollection is correct, I haven't played in at least 30 years), when you manage to land a checker on the base line of your opponent, he's supposed to "crown you," taking one of the checkers he's already taken from you and placing it on top of your checker now on his baseline. The advantage for the "crowned" checker is that, having been crowned (it's now called a "king"), it has renewed and increased "powers." It can now go forward and back on a diagonal, not just forward. Playing one's king(s) with skill can be a "difference maker" in the game.
While it's not my intention to turn life into a game of "Checkers," Jesus' words to the church at Smyrna, bring to mind the challenges of a game of "Checkers." The Christians at Smyrna had their faith challenged on every front by the world around them. Jesus assures them that He knows and understands their situation as He notes that they suffered from poverty and other afflictions because of Whose they were and Whom they believed. At the same time He gives them encouragement, declaring that they "are rich" (v.9), bringing to mind what James writes in his epistle, "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him" (James 2:5).
These same followers of Jesus had to deal with those who didn't "play the game" fairly. There were those who claimed to be people of God, but instead were Satan's disciples. Faced with such falsehood and hypocrisy, the redeemed of God in Christ Jesus were to suffer terribly for their faith. Jesus forewarns them that they will be thrown into prison to suffer persecution and have their faith tested by the devil. Yet, Jesus also encourages and comfort them (and us) that the time will be short and of definite duration (ten days) and their faithfulness (and ours) to the Gospel will not be in vain. Even if death should come to them (or us) because they (we) remain faithful, Jesus' assures them (and us) that "the crown of life" - eternity with Him in heaven - is the final and great reward.
Life is a challenge for every human being. No one is immune to suffering or pain. No one can be certain to escape hardship and poverty. Regardless of one's "pedigree" there are no assurances that life will be easy, success assured, or satisfaction attained. In fact, in many ways, one's "pedigree" can be a terrible hindrance to one's relationship with God - the story of the rich man and poor Lazarus comes to mind (cf. Luke 16:19-31). Jesus' words to the church at Smyrna, experiencing challenges to their faith and well-being not unlike what His children experience today, bring hope and joy to a troubled world and into the lives of the redeemed in Christ. As we live faithfully in Him, sharing His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness with others, regardless of the world's hatred and anger toward the things of God and those who serve Him, we will eventually get to the world's "baseline" as our life ends in Jesus. Our hope and comfort is that in our faithfulness, accomplished by the power of God's Word and Spirit, our Lord will "crown us" with "the crown of life" with Him forever in heaven.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for all Your blessings to me, particularly the gift of faith and hope I have in Jesus. I am so grateful that You truly know and understand what challenges, troubles, trials, and problems I face in life as I strive to live out my faith in Jesus for the world to see. Sometimes it gets so hard that I'm tempted to "go along in order to get along," and end up failing in my witness of the Gospel. For the sake of Jesus, gracious Father, I ask Your forgiveness. Comfort me with the hope You gave to the Church at Smyrna, encouraging me by the assurance that "running the race of life" in Jesus will end with "the crown of life" with You in heaven. Let all my life be a witness to that truth and hope for all who hope in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*****************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Is There Room For God In Your Life?
"Today's Devotion" For May 30, 2006
Read: Proverbs 3:1-12; Romans 12:1-3
IS THERE ROOM FOR GOD IN YOUR LIFE?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
How do you see the world? Now that's a loaded question. Our culture has taken a position that holds, for instance, that the universe had an arbitrary and cataclysmic beginning. The popular position on origins says that all life evolved out of the "primeval ooze" and, by the "luck of the draw," over billions and billions of years, what we see and experience today as the earth and the universe came into existence. Human beings are said to have evolved from lower life forms, based on the presupposition that there is no Creator - a position commonly held by those who refuse to allow God to have first position in their lives (and anyone who says that's not true is only kidding themselves no matter how much they may argue to the contrary).
If one studies the history of science, it becomes clear that many of the early scientists have been falsely labeled as "anti-God," or "anti-religion," or "anti-Christian." Sir Isaac Newton is commonly understood to have been "anti-religion" in his scientific theories, yet when one reads his findings and positions closely it becomes clear that he was not only a Christian, but also was intent on showing how scientific endeavor arrives at no clear definitions or understanding without recognizing the Creator at work. Yet the power of Sin in this world so blinds human beings to the truth, that even when sound scientific efforts and observations are conducted, the conclusions reach are all to often colored by the anti-religion of the observers.
God warns us that such thinking happens all too frequently in our world, even among His people. In the face of the world's pressures upon us to conform to its standards and belief systems, the question arises for God's people, "Is there room for God in your life?" This is a challenging and troubling question as we determine in what direction our lives will go. As we face the ramifications of this question, we find ourselves in desperate need of guidance and direction - and who better to give it to us that the Holy Spirit?
Thus, the Spirit reminds us in Proverbs that we should "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (3:5). These words are both a warning and an encouragement, for we are often too easily swayed by the thinking of the world around us and our own sense of need to be ready to "trust in the Lord with all" our hearts. Rather than searching the Scriptures for wisdom and understanding, for knowledge and truth, the philosophers and gurus of the day are the "authorities" that often hold too much say over our thinking and our actions, both as individuals and as a society. The Holy Spirit reminds us in these words that without the Lord, we're really standing alone and arift in a fearful and changing world. At the same time, He is encouraging us with the reminder that our God is always with us, He does what He says, and His "foolishness" is wiser than the wisdom of any human being (I Corinthians 1:25).
As God's children, redeemed from our sins and restored to our Father's presence through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are called to think differently, to live differently, and to believe differently from the world (Romans 12:1-3). Solomon, who wrote the Proverbs, had been challenged by his father, King David, to serve God with absolute and heartfelt devotion (I Chronicles 28:9). He also remembered God's deliverance of Israel because their leaders trusted God (Ps. 22:4, 5). The call to us in these proverbs is the same as God has given to His people throughout the ages - put God first in your lives, serving Him with a willing and faithful heart. As we do so, God's promise is also clear - He will clear away each and every obstacle that would prevent us from having a loving relationship with Him and living a life of service to others in His name. By His grace and mercy, He will guide and lead us to accomplish every goal for which we strive in our service to Him as we proclaim His love in Christ for all the world.
Prayer: Father, thank You for never leaving me "on my own." No matter how foolishly I may think or act, no matter how often I may forget to trust You and pay attention to that which is pleasing in Your sight, You never leave me alone and Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness are Your ever-present gifts to me each day in Jesus. Forgive me for falling sway to the world's thinking and falling into the trap of believing I can stand alone, on my own, without You in my life. Lift me up each day in the power of my Baptism, so that I may be reminded that You have made me Your own dear child, having washed me clean from my sins by the water and the Word. Let my life always have room for You and Your wisdom and truth. Fill my heart and my thinking with that which is pleasing and right in Your eyes, so that I may be a faithful, loving, and winsome witness to Your love and forgiveness for the world in Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord; in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Proverbs 3:1-12; Romans 12:1-3
IS THERE ROOM FOR GOD IN YOUR LIFE?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6)
How do you see the world? Now that's a loaded question. Our culture has taken a position that holds, for instance, that the universe had an arbitrary and cataclysmic beginning. The popular position on origins says that all life evolved out of the "primeval ooze" and, by the "luck of the draw," over billions and billions of years, what we see and experience today as the earth and the universe came into existence. Human beings are said to have evolved from lower life forms, based on the presupposition that there is no Creator - a position commonly held by those who refuse to allow God to have first position in their lives (and anyone who says that's not true is only kidding themselves no matter how much they may argue to the contrary).
If one studies the history of science, it becomes clear that many of the early scientists have been falsely labeled as "anti-God," or "anti-religion," or "anti-Christian." Sir Isaac Newton is commonly understood to have been "anti-religion" in his scientific theories, yet when one reads his findings and positions closely it becomes clear that he was not only a Christian, but also was intent on showing how scientific endeavor arrives at no clear definitions or understanding without recognizing the Creator at work. Yet the power of Sin in this world so blinds human beings to the truth, that even when sound scientific efforts and observations are conducted, the conclusions reach are all to often colored by the anti-religion of the observers.
God warns us that such thinking happens all too frequently in our world, even among His people. In the face of the world's pressures upon us to conform to its standards and belief systems, the question arises for God's people, "Is there room for God in your life?" This is a challenging and troubling question as we determine in what direction our lives will go. As we face the ramifications of this question, we find ourselves in desperate need of guidance and direction - and who better to give it to us that the Holy Spirit?
Thus, the Spirit reminds us in Proverbs that we should "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (3:5). These words are both a warning and an encouragement, for we are often too easily swayed by the thinking of the world around us and our own sense of need to be ready to "trust in the Lord with all" our hearts. Rather than searching the Scriptures for wisdom and understanding, for knowledge and truth, the philosophers and gurus of the day are the "authorities" that often hold too much say over our thinking and our actions, both as individuals and as a society. The Holy Spirit reminds us in these words that without the Lord, we're really standing alone and arift in a fearful and changing world. At the same time, He is encouraging us with the reminder that our God is always with us, He does what He says, and His "foolishness" is wiser than the wisdom of any human being (I Corinthians 1:25).
As God's children, redeemed from our sins and restored to our Father's presence through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we are called to think differently, to live differently, and to believe differently from the world (Romans 12:1-3). Solomon, who wrote the Proverbs, had been challenged by his father, King David, to serve God with absolute and heartfelt devotion (I Chronicles 28:9). He also remembered God's deliverance of Israel because their leaders trusted God (Ps. 22:4, 5). The call to us in these proverbs is the same as God has given to His people throughout the ages - put God first in your lives, serving Him with a willing and faithful heart. As we do so, God's promise is also clear - He will clear away each and every obstacle that would prevent us from having a loving relationship with Him and living a life of service to others in His name. By His grace and mercy, He will guide and lead us to accomplish every goal for which we strive in our service to Him as we proclaim His love in Christ for all the world.
Prayer: Father, thank You for never leaving me "on my own." No matter how foolishly I may think or act, no matter how often I may forget to trust You and pay attention to that which is pleasing in Your sight, You never leave me alone and Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness are Your ever-present gifts to me each day in Jesus. Forgive me for falling sway to the world's thinking and falling into the trap of believing I can stand alone, on my own, without You in my life. Lift me up each day in the power of my Baptism, so that I may be reminded that You have made me Your own dear child, having washed me clean from my sins by the water and the Word. Let my life always have room for You and Your wisdom and truth. Fill my heart and my thinking with that which is pleasing and right in Your eyes, so that I may be a faithful, loving, and winsome witness to Your love and forgiveness for the world in Christ Jesus my Savior and Lord; in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Pondering God's Mighty Deeds
"Today's Devotion" For May 27, 2006
Read: Psalm 111; Revelation 15:1-4
PONDERING THE GOD'S MIGHTY DEEDS
"Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious are His deeds, and His righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 111:2, 3)
This is graduation time all over the nation. In our family we've had a college graduation, a high school graduation (today), and an elementary school graduation (next week - two: our youngest daughter and a nephew). Other families are experiencing the same events as well. Graduation is a time to celebrate the culmination of long hours and years of studying, late night cramming for finals, and the opportunity to move on to the next step in one's life. Each graduating class, at least at the high school and college levels, gives recognition to those who have excelled in their studies. Valedictorians, salutatorians, and honors scholars are recognized. In many colleges and high schools, speeches are given by the highest academic achievers, often pondering the future, remembering the past, and celebrating the present.
Sadly, however, after all the pomp and circumstance, reality sets in. Even while this year's graduates are celebrating their accomplishments and graduation, the next step in their lives is looming. What successes one had in elementary school, high school, or college don't necessarily translate into future successes. Where one might have been a "star" athlete, that same person, at the next level, is only average. Where one might have been a "4.0" student (straight A's across the board) at one level, at the next pulling a "2.0" may be a success. While it's great to celebrate each other's accomplishments and acknowledge each other's successes, the reality is such things are fleeting at best. Tomorrow comes and no one remembers your name.
Yet, while we have the tendency to focus on ourselves and our accomplishments, the fact that they are fleeting sends us looking for something of permanence to hang our hats on. The Psalmist encourages us to turn our attention to God, to praise Him and all His works, and to ponder the marvelous, wonderful, glorious, majestic works of our righteous and loving God. His great and wonderful deeds bless His people and strengthen them in their daily lives. You and I, as His beloved children in Jesus Christ give thanks and praise that our God is with us and blesses us with so many great and marvelous gifts. As the graduates go on to the next steps, challenges, and opportunities in their lives, we pray that they, and we, will continue to ponder the goodness, greatness, majesty, and righteousness of our God. And, in such pondering, may we be strengthened to reflect His glory, majesty, and righteousness in our lives of service to Him and others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, I praise and magnify Your holy name as I see and experience Your mighty deeds, Your faithfulness, Your glory, Your majesty, and Your righteousness in my life and in the world around me. Give me pause to ponder Your might deeds and realize that all that I am and have comes from Your loving, gracious, and almighty hand. Forgive me for too often getting caught up in my own accomplishments, my own troubles, my own challenges, and my own ego and forgetting that without out Your love and forgiveness for in Jesus Christ my accomplishments mean nothing, my troubles are impossible, my challenges are too great, and my ego keeps me from acknowledging You. Father, I pray that You would continue to send Your Holy Spirit into my life that I may seek Your wisdom in Your Word, be prepared to share Your love in season and out of season, and live my life as a loving and living witness of Your greatness, Your glory, Your majesty, and Your righteousness. May my witness prove to be effective to others so they too might ponder on Your mighty deeds and come to know Jesus as their Savior; in whose most holy and precious name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 111; Revelation 15:1-4
PONDERING THE GOD'S MIGHTY DEEDS
"Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious are His deeds, and His righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 111:2, 3)
This is graduation time all over the nation. In our family we've had a college graduation, a high school graduation (today), and an elementary school graduation (next week - two: our youngest daughter and a nephew). Other families are experiencing the same events as well. Graduation is a time to celebrate the culmination of long hours and years of studying, late night cramming for finals, and the opportunity to move on to the next step in one's life. Each graduating class, at least at the high school and college levels, gives recognition to those who have excelled in their studies. Valedictorians, salutatorians, and honors scholars are recognized. In many colleges and high schools, speeches are given by the highest academic achievers, often pondering the future, remembering the past, and celebrating the present.
Sadly, however, after all the pomp and circumstance, reality sets in. Even while this year's graduates are celebrating their accomplishments and graduation, the next step in their lives is looming. What successes one had in elementary school, high school, or college don't necessarily translate into future successes. Where one might have been a "star" athlete, that same person, at the next level, is only average. Where one might have been a "4.0" student (straight A's across the board) at one level, at the next pulling a "2.0" may be a success. While it's great to celebrate each other's accomplishments and acknowledge each other's successes, the reality is such things are fleeting at best. Tomorrow comes and no one remembers your name.
Yet, while we have the tendency to focus on ourselves and our accomplishments, the fact that they are fleeting sends us looking for something of permanence to hang our hats on. The Psalmist encourages us to turn our attention to God, to praise Him and all His works, and to ponder the marvelous, wonderful, glorious, majestic works of our righteous and loving God. His great and wonderful deeds bless His people and strengthen them in their daily lives. You and I, as His beloved children in Jesus Christ give thanks and praise that our God is with us and blesses us with so many great and marvelous gifts. As the graduates go on to the next steps, challenges, and opportunities in their lives, we pray that they, and we, will continue to ponder the goodness, greatness, majesty, and righteousness of our God. And, in such pondering, may we be strengthened to reflect His glory, majesty, and righteousness in our lives of service to Him and others in Jesus' name.
Prayer: Father, I praise and magnify Your holy name as I see and experience Your mighty deeds, Your faithfulness, Your glory, Your majesty, and Your righteousness in my life and in the world around me. Give me pause to ponder Your might deeds and realize that all that I am and have comes from Your loving, gracious, and almighty hand. Forgive me for too often getting caught up in my own accomplishments, my own troubles, my own challenges, and my own ego and forgetting that without out Your love and forgiveness for in Jesus Christ my accomplishments mean nothing, my troubles are impossible, my challenges are too great, and my ego keeps me from acknowledging You. Father, I pray that You would continue to send Your Holy Spirit into my life that I may seek Your wisdom in Your Word, be prepared to share Your love in season and out of season, and live my life as a loving and living witness of Your greatness, Your glory, Your majesty, and Your righteousness. May my witness prove to be effective to others so they too might ponder on Your mighty deeds and come to know Jesus as their Savior; in whose most holy and precious name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 26, 2006
The Blessings of Faithfulness
"Today's Devotion" For May 26, 2006
Read: Psalm 91; John 12:23-26
THE BLESSINGS OF FAITHFULNESS
"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:15, 16)
Loyalty is a huge commodity in the political and business worlds. So often we hear that a politician, such as the President, values loyalty and rewards it for those who work with him. We've heard about the loyalty of executives to the CEO of a corporation, a loyalty that may have been rewarded with great benefits and compensation bonuses. No doubt most would agree that loyalty to one's organization and its leadership is paramount for the effective and efficient operation of the government and a corporation. And, for the most part, such loyalty is not misplaced.
At the same time, there is no doubt that loyalty is often misplaced and detrimental to one's personal good and the common good. Some would say that's true in the case of Presidential appointments to Cabinet and other appointed positions in the federal government. Favoritism and cronyism, based on one's loyalty and faithfulness to the political party of a President, a powerful member of Congress, a governor of a state, or powerful members of a state legislature has caused many a coverup of wrongdoing and breakdowns in honest and effective government. The same can be said to be true of corporate loyalty and faithfulness where stockholders have seen companies become insolvent while the executives got rich and where consumers have paid premium prices for inferior goods and services.
In the popular mind these days, it would seem that the whole idea of loyalty and faithfulness brings up negative thoughts and feelings. Because loyalty and faithfulness to a group, a person, or a cause is ideally based upon the belief that such entities are truly honest and practice integrity in their business and dealings with others, betraying that loyalty and faithfulness can cause devastating results in the lives of the "faithful." In many ways the betrayal of people's trust has led to a very cynical and contentious social order.
Yet, by God's grace, loyalty and faithfulness are not a lost cause for His people. Those who trust in God have their faithfulness rewarded. We can be certain that in Jesus Christ all of our sins are forgiven. In Him we have the sure hope of eternal life with God in heaven. We can faithfully share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ with others, certain that He will keep His promise to hear all who call upon Him and forgive all their sins through faith in Christ Jesus. Living in His promises, loving others in Jesus' name, and serving God with our hearts, our lives, and our voices as witnesses to His love for all the world in Christ brings God's assurance of "long life" and certainty of His "salvation" (Ps. 91:16).
Our faithfulness and loyalty to our God and Father through faith in Jesus Christ brings the blessings of faithfulness into each of our lives. We live forgiven of our sins, we live certain that everything we need for life and living is God's sure and certain gift to us, we live with the assurance that God will hear and answer our prayers according to His good and gracious will, and we live with the absolute assurance that our Lord is with us always, even to the end of the world. Above all, as St. Paul writes, we can be certain that in our faithfulness we are blessed with the certainty that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:39). The blessings of faithfulness are the blessings of "daily bread" our Lord promises in the Lord's Prayer and sustain us each day of our lives until we see Jesus in heaven.
Prayer: Father, I know I've neither earned nor deserved Your love for me, but, because You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, You have blessed me with Your presence, forgiven me of my sins in Jesus, and have called into the marvelous light of Your grace to experience, fully, the blessings of faithfulness - Yours to me and mine to You. Forgive me for so often doubting Your love for me, for ignoring Your Word and doing things my way, and for forgetting that You provide me with everything I need to "support this body and life. Strengthen my faith and trust in You, my faithfulness to Your Word and promises that I may live with the certainty "that You defend me against all evil, guard and protect me from every kind of danger." Keep me faithful to You because of Your love and faithfulness to me so that I may be a loving and living witness to others of Your gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins in Christ, and the sure and certain hope of heaven because of His suffering, death, and resurrection. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 91; John 12:23-26
THE BLESSINGS OF FAITHFULNESS
"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:15, 16)
Loyalty is a huge commodity in the political and business worlds. So often we hear that a politician, such as the President, values loyalty and rewards it for those who work with him. We've heard about the loyalty of executives to the CEO of a corporation, a loyalty that may have been rewarded with great benefits and compensation bonuses. No doubt most would agree that loyalty to one's organization and its leadership is paramount for the effective and efficient operation of the government and a corporation. And, for the most part, such loyalty is not misplaced.
At the same time, there is no doubt that loyalty is often misplaced and detrimental to one's personal good and the common good. Some would say that's true in the case of Presidential appointments to Cabinet and other appointed positions in the federal government. Favoritism and cronyism, based on one's loyalty and faithfulness to the political party of a President, a powerful member of Congress, a governor of a state, or powerful members of a state legislature has caused many a coverup of wrongdoing and breakdowns in honest and effective government. The same can be said to be true of corporate loyalty and faithfulness where stockholders have seen companies become insolvent while the executives got rich and where consumers have paid premium prices for inferior goods and services.
In the popular mind these days, it would seem that the whole idea of loyalty and faithfulness brings up negative thoughts and feelings. Because loyalty and faithfulness to a group, a person, or a cause is ideally based upon the belief that such entities are truly honest and practice integrity in their business and dealings with others, betraying that loyalty and faithfulness can cause devastating results in the lives of the "faithful." In many ways the betrayal of people's trust has led to a very cynical and contentious social order.
Yet, by God's grace, loyalty and faithfulness are not a lost cause for His people. Those who trust in God have their faithfulness rewarded. We can be certain that in Jesus Christ all of our sins are forgiven. In Him we have the sure hope of eternal life with God in heaven. We can faithfully share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ with others, certain that He will keep His promise to hear all who call upon Him and forgive all their sins through faith in Christ Jesus. Living in His promises, loving others in Jesus' name, and serving God with our hearts, our lives, and our voices as witnesses to His love for all the world in Christ brings God's assurance of "long life" and certainty of His "salvation" (Ps. 91:16).
Our faithfulness and loyalty to our God and Father through faith in Jesus Christ brings the blessings of faithfulness into each of our lives. We live forgiven of our sins, we live certain that everything we need for life and living is God's sure and certain gift to us, we live with the assurance that God will hear and answer our prayers according to His good and gracious will, and we live with the absolute assurance that our Lord is with us always, even to the end of the world. Above all, as St. Paul writes, we can be certain that in our faithfulness we are blessed with the certainty that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:39). The blessings of faithfulness are the blessings of "daily bread" our Lord promises in the Lord's Prayer and sustain us each day of our lives until we see Jesus in heaven.
Prayer: Father, I know I've neither earned nor deserved Your love for me, but, because You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, You have blessed me with Your presence, forgiven me of my sins in Jesus, and have called into the marvelous light of Your grace to experience, fully, the blessings of faithfulness - Yours to me and mine to You. Forgive me for so often doubting Your love for me, for ignoring Your Word and doing things my way, and for forgetting that You provide me with everything I need to "support this body and life. Strengthen my faith and trust in You, my faithfulness to Your Word and promises that I may live with the certainty "that You defend me against all evil, guard and protect me from every kind of danger." Keep me faithful to You because of Your love and faithfulness to me so that I may be a loving and living witness to others of Your gift of salvation and the forgiveness of sins in Christ, and the sure and certain hope of heaven because of His suffering, death, and resurrection. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Soaring Above The Fray
"Today's Devotion" For May 25, 2006
Read: Isaiah 40:25-31; Hebrews 12:1-3
SOARING ABOVE THE FRAY
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
It doesn't take much digging to realize that the world is a messy place. A quick overview of current affairs reveals arguments over legal and illegal immigration, whether or not laws concerning a national language are "racist" (editorial aside - it seems ludicrous to call discussions of language racist since language isn't tied to race - unless of course someone wants to change the rules), and whether or not there are anti-Christian agendas in our nation which are driving public policy, key court decisions, public school regulations, political correctness in the media , and modern day censorship (cf. Jane Folger's book, "The Criminalization of Christianity") - just to name a few of the many different debates and disagreements extant in the public sector.
Now whether the anti-Christian agendas are true or not, regardless of the outcome of the language debate, and no matter what ends up happening to "solve" the illegal immigration issue, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the world is not a peaceful place. Certainly there are the wars we're always so fond of touting in the media and politicians hang their hats on - whether pro or con. There's no question we've got a worldwide problem facing humanity with the proliferation of terrorism, genocide, religious persecution, and myriad ways we human beings find to be disagreeable to one another and poor stewards of the planet. It seems that there are never solutions to the issues we face, only disagreements as to the extent of the problems (or if what one sees as a problem another does not), as well as disagreements over the solutions to the problems everyone seems to agree are real.
On a more personal level, we human beings face chaos and discouragement on a daily basis. Job security, providing for one's family, community safety issues, the price of food, clothing, shelter, and fuel, and even the challenges of interpersonal relationships, particularly within families, are all tacked on to the stresses and strains of the world's problems. It's so easy to get lost in the chaos - the fray - of conflicting needs and concerns, issues and answers, that we may feel as if we're drowning, no one is throwing us a life preserver, and we're going down for the last time. Yet, as God tells us through the prophet Isaiah, in Him we have hope and strength.
In the face of every challenge, trouble, and danger we face in the world, our heavenly Father offers to lift us up above the fray and free us from the chaos. He calls us to put our hope and trust in Him, just as He called on Israel to do, and renew our strength in Him. He promises us that as we trust in Him, as we put our faith in the blood of Christ, believing that in Him our sins are forgiven and we have the hope of heaven, He will lift us up on "eagles' wings," to soar above the fray, the chaos, the hatred, the strife, the pain, the suffering, and everything else that Sin brings into the world. No matter whether we are loved or hated because we are God's people in Christ, it doesn't make any difference, for we are His and we carry His strength with us.
Life is a marathon. It's a long run. Some of it we'll run; some of it we'll walk. We can be sidetracked and detoured along the way by the temptations that would seek to drive us away from God. Yet, God's promise is that His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus lifts us up above the world - when you soar on eagles' wings it's impossible to get caught in a "traffic jam" - so that we can walk with Him and reach out to others with His love. Strengthened by the Word and Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper), we can "run the race" (I Cor. 9:24) of faith and not grow weary or faint regardless of the challenges we face. After all, we have God's own promise that He forgives us in Jesus and that heaven is our home. In Jesus we are truly "soaring above the fray," filled with hope and peace, courage and strength, and the confidence to share His love with others.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that I'm not alone as I face a world that's increasingly hostile to You and those who follow Jesus. I need to be reminded, just as You reminded Israel, that You lift me up on "eagles' wings," above the fray of the world, so that I can be an effective witness to Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Forgive me for those times I get so caught up in the troubles of the world that I forget to call on You for guidance, strength, and courage to meet the challenges of the day. Forgive me for forgetting that Jesus reminds me that if He was treated badly by the world, that it's not going to be any easier on me. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, strengthen my faith and trust in You so that I might not be overcome by the vagaries of the world, but run the race, walk the walk, and talk the talk of a disciple of Jesus Christ - a sure and certain witness of Your gift of salvation from Sin, Death, and Satan to the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 40:25-31; Hebrews 12:1-3
SOARING ABOVE THE FRAY
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
It doesn't take much digging to realize that the world is a messy place. A quick overview of current affairs reveals arguments over legal and illegal immigration, whether or not laws concerning a national language are "racist" (editorial aside - it seems ludicrous to call discussions of language racist since language isn't tied to race - unless of course someone wants to change the rules), and whether or not there are anti-Christian agendas in our nation which are driving public policy, key court decisions, public school regulations, political correctness in the media , and modern day censorship (cf. Jane Folger's book, "The Criminalization of Christianity") - just to name a few of the many different debates and disagreements extant in the public sector.
Now whether the anti-Christian agendas are true or not, regardless of the outcome of the language debate, and no matter what ends up happening to "solve" the illegal immigration issue, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the world is not a peaceful place. Certainly there are the wars we're always so fond of touting in the media and politicians hang their hats on - whether pro or con. There's no question we've got a worldwide problem facing humanity with the proliferation of terrorism, genocide, religious persecution, and myriad ways we human beings find to be disagreeable to one another and poor stewards of the planet. It seems that there are never solutions to the issues we face, only disagreements as to the extent of the problems (or if what one sees as a problem another does not), as well as disagreements over the solutions to the problems everyone seems to agree are real.
On a more personal level, we human beings face chaos and discouragement on a daily basis. Job security, providing for one's family, community safety issues, the price of food, clothing, shelter, and fuel, and even the challenges of interpersonal relationships, particularly within families, are all tacked on to the stresses and strains of the world's problems. It's so easy to get lost in the chaos - the fray - of conflicting needs and concerns, issues and answers, that we may feel as if we're drowning, no one is throwing us a life preserver, and we're going down for the last time. Yet, as God tells us through the prophet Isaiah, in Him we have hope and strength.
In the face of every challenge, trouble, and danger we face in the world, our heavenly Father offers to lift us up above the fray and free us from the chaos. He calls us to put our hope and trust in Him, just as He called on Israel to do, and renew our strength in Him. He promises us that as we trust in Him, as we put our faith in the blood of Christ, believing that in Him our sins are forgiven and we have the hope of heaven, He will lift us up on "eagles' wings," to soar above the fray, the chaos, the hatred, the strife, the pain, the suffering, and everything else that Sin brings into the world. No matter whether we are loved or hated because we are God's people in Christ, it doesn't make any difference, for we are His and we carry His strength with us.
Life is a marathon. It's a long run. Some of it we'll run; some of it we'll walk. We can be sidetracked and detoured along the way by the temptations that would seek to drive us away from God. Yet, God's promise is that His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus lifts us up above the world - when you soar on eagles' wings it's impossible to get caught in a "traffic jam" - so that we can walk with Him and reach out to others with His love. Strengthened by the Word and Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper), we can "run the race" (I Cor. 9:24) of faith and not grow weary or faint regardless of the challenges we face. After all, we have God's own promise that He forgives us in Jesus and that heaven is our home. In Jesus we are truly "soaring above the fray," filled with hope and peace, courage and strength, and the confidence to share His love with others.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me that I'm not alone as I face a world that's increasingly hostile to You and those who follow Jesus. I need to be reminded, just as You reminded Israel, that You lift me up on "eagles' wings," above the fray of the world, so that I can be an effective witness to Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Forgive me for those times I get so caught up in the troubles of the world that I forget to call on You for guidance, strength, and courage to meet the challenges of the day. Forgive me for forgetting that Jesus reminds me that if He was treated badly by the world, that it's not going to be any easier on me. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, strengthen my faith and trust in You so that I might not be overcome by the vagaries of the world, but run the race, walk the walk, and talk the talk of a disciple of Jesus Christ - a sure and certain witness of Your gift of salvation from Sin, Death, and Satan to the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
A Question Of Origins
"Today's Devotion" For May 24, 2006
Read: Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 1:15-20
A QUESTION OF ORIGINS
"For from Him and through Him and in Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)
Who am I? Where did I come from? How did I get here? Where am I going? Why am I here? What's my purpose in life? What will I become? Why am I who I am? What's to be my destiny?
Whewwww!! Those are sure a lot of questions, aren't they? Yet they are questions that enter the minds of every human being at one time or another, in one circumstance or another, all with the intent of "finding ourselves," which was a popular notion of the 60's and 70's. Sadly, people are still trying to "find" themselves and they spend a great deal time, effort, and money looking for the answers to the question above. Human beings want to know answers to myriad questions which affect their thinking, feeling, and being. There isn't one of us that is immune to such musings or queries. The trouble is, however, that we frequently don't find the answers we're looking for - probably because we've got a set idea of what we want the answers to be.
Of course, when it comes to the things of God, we're also challenged with questions to which there don't seem to be any answers. Such questions have great bearing on the aforementioned questions, whether we human beings want to admit to it or not. Looking for answers concerning our origins and futures, who we are, and what we're to become, isn't done in a vacuum. We are both physical and spiritual creatures at the same time. We won't find answers about ourselves until we look at ourselves through the eyes of God. We won't understand ourselves and our world, our need for God and His love and forgiveness, until we understand ourselves according to the wisdom of God. Our struggle to know ourselves is only available through the infinite wisdom and knowledge of God Himself.
St. Paul reminds the Roman Christians that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life and being. His knowledge and wisdom is beyond our human comprehension. How and why He does things baffle human beings because without knowing God's love we can't possible understand why He does what He does, including His righteous judgment on all of our sins. As the Creator of the universe, of all things visible and invisible, His thoughts are far above us and incomprehensible until made clear to us by His Word and Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians (I Corinthians 1 and 2) that the Cross is God's wisdom for our salvation, even though seen as foolishness by the world, and we can only understand that truth through the wisdom imparted to us by His Holy Spirit. All that we are, all that we have, and all that we are to become is dependent upon the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our Father in heaven. His gifts to us are priceless; we can't earn or deserve anything He gives us and we can never pay Him back for His blessings.
The price, the payment, for everything we are and will be in Jesus was paid by Jesus Himself on the Cross. All of our sins have been paid for; God's righteousness and perfect justice has been satisfied; we are His very own people because Christ Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and the sins of the whole world in our place. So, whether we ask the questions of our physical or spiritual origins, the answers are always the same - "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things" (Rom. 11:36). We are God's creatures, "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10), through which we give Him all glory and praise as we live in Him, and through Him , and for Him. By God's grace, the answer to any question of origins and being is found in Him alone. When we see God through Jesus, we see where we come from, why we are, where we're going, what we're about, and who we're to become. Now isn't that a load off your mind?
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me through Your Word and Spirit, that it's in You that all my purpose and meaning in life is found. In Your grace, mercy, and love You sent Jesus to take away my sins, bearing the burden of Your judgment and condemnation for Sin on the Cross in my place. I am reminded, as St. Paul proclaimed to the men of Athens on the Areopagus, that in Him "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Father, by Your grace and favor, through the power of Your Word and Spirit, You have worked faith in Jesus in my heart. By that faith I have all the answers to every question of origins I and others might ask, for from You comes all things and all things are revealed to me and the world in Jesus. Help me to be a faithful witness to Your love for the world in Him; in His precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 1:15-20
A QUESTION OF ORIGINS
"For from Him and through Him and in Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)
Who am I? Where did I come from? How did I get here? Where am I going? Why am I here? What's my purpose in life? What will I become? Why am I who I am? What's to be my destiny?
Whewwww!! Those are sure a lot of questions, aren't they? Yet they are questions that enter the minds of every human being at one time or another, in one circumstance or another, all with the intent of "finding ourselves," which was a popular notion of the 60's and 70's. Sadly, people are still trying to "find" themselves and they spend a great deal time, effort, and money looking for the answers to the question above. Human beings want to know answers to myriad questions which affect their thinking, feeling, and being. There isn't one of us that is immune to such musings or queries. The trouble is, however, that we frequently don't find the answers we're looking for - probably because we've got a set idea of what we want the answers to be.
Of course, when it comes to the things of God, we're also challenged with questions to which there don't seem to be any answers. Such questions have great bearing on the aforementioned questions, whether we human beings want to admit to it or not. Looking for answers concerning our origins and futures, who we are, and what we're to become, isn't done in a vacuum. We are both physical and spiritual creatures at the same time. We won't find answers about ourselves until we look at ourselves through the eyes of God. We won't understand ourselves and our world, our need for God and His love and forgiveness, until we understand ourselves according to the wisdom of God. Our struggle to know ourselves is only available through the infinite wisdom and knowledge of God Himself.
St. Paul reminds the Roman Christians that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life and being. His knowledge and wisdom is beyond our human comprehension. How and why He does things baffle human beings because without knowing God's love we can't possible understand why He does what He does, including His righteous judgment on all of our sins. As the Creator of the universe, of all things visible and invisible, His thoughts are far above us and incomprehensible until made clear to us by His Word and Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians (I Corinthians 1 and 2) that the Cross is God's wisdom for our salvation, even though seen as foolishness by the world, and we can only understand that truth through the wisdom imparted to us by His Holy Spirit. All that we are, all that we have, and all that we are to become is dependent upon the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our Father in heaven. His gifts to us are priceless; we can't earn or deserve anything He gives us and we can never pay Him back for His blessings.
The price, the payment, for everything we are and will be in Jesus was paid by Jesus Himself on the Cross. All of our sins have been paid for; God's righteousness and perfect justice has been satisfied; we are His very own people because Christ Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and the sins of the whole world in our place. So, whether we ask the questions of our physical or spiritual origins, the answers are always the same - "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things" (Rom. 11:36). We are God's creatures, "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10), through which we give Him all glory and praise as we live in Him, and through Him , and for Him. By God's grace, the answer to any question of origins and being is found in Him alone. When we see God through Jesus, we see where we come from, why we are, where we're going, what we're about, and who we're to become. Now isn't that a load off your mind?
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me through Your Word and Spirit, that it's in You that all my purpose and meaning in life is found. In Your grace, mercy, and love You sent Jesus to take away my sins, bearing the burden of Your judgment and condemnation for Sin on the Cross in my place. I am reminded, as St. Paul proclaimed to the men of Athens on the Areopagus, that in Him "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). Father, by Your grace and favor, through the power of Your Word and Spirit, You have worked faith in Jesus in my heart. By that faith I have all the answers to every question of origins I and others might ask, for from You comes all things and all things are revealed to me and the world in Jesus. Help me to be a faithful witness to Your love for the world in Him; in His precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Be A Prize Winner
"Today's Devotion" For May 23, 2006
Read: Philippians 3:12-4:1; I Corinthians 9:16-27
BE A PRIZE WINNER
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
Some of the more pleasurable moments in my life are when I'm watching my children compete in athletic events. All of them have been fierce competitors in one way or another. I don't think any of them likes to lose, but each handles losing differently - although they're all very similar in certain aspects of dealing with a competition loss. What's been most gratifying to me has been the unanimity of approach to winning they all have - they are grateful for the win but they keep a humble spirit, which provides good leadership to other of their teammates.
Yesterday I again had the opportunity to watch one of my children compete. Jonathan competed in a Regional Track meet. He managed to make the finals in all three of his events, which was quite a milestone, considering he had only begun to put the shot and throw the discus in this, his senior year. What stood out for me, however, wasn't so much that he made the finals, but the attitude with which he competed. While winning would have been great, making the top four in order to go to Sectionals would have been nice, for him to do his best, run his best hurdles race, throw the best he could in the discus, and put the best he could in the shot was all that really mattered to him, and ultimately, to me. More gratifying for both of us than making the top four or winning an event was that he achieved a personal best in the shot put by over a foot (which is quite a feat when you're 170 pounds going up against guys well up in the 200 pound range).
Track and Field always reminds me of living a Christian life. I guess that's why it never bores me - it even bores Jonathan, and he's competing! While some events require team work, for the most part track and field events are individual efforts by the competitors. While each competitor strives to win, often the greatest win they achieve is improving their time, height, or distance in their events. Scoring points for their team is a wonderful bonus, but the satisfaction received from a PR (personal record) is unbeatable. As the redeemed children of God in Jesus Christ, we all have the prize of the high calling of God in Christ - heaven. We can work together as brothers and sisters in the same faith and trust in Christ as our Savior and Lord to reach others. Yet we can't live someone's life for them. We each have to live and die for the Lord as individuals. Each of us if responsible for our own actions. We are each responsible for our sins and repenting of them. Each of us must receive God's forgiveness personally - we can't receive it for others nor can they for us.
Paul's encouragement to the Philippians and the Corinthians is also encouragement to us. While he exhorts us to follow his example of faith and "running the race," he also calls us to be living examples to others of Christ's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We work together to bring the saving Gospel to a world lost and dying in Sin and unbelief, yet each of us has his or her own specific mission according to God's purpose. While we encourage one another and seek one another out to team up and use the gifts and blessings, talents and abilities the Spirit has given to the Body of Christ - His Church - to reach the world for Jesus, each of us is called upon to do what our Father in heaven has in mind for us to do in service to Him and others in Jesus' name.
God has truly blessed each of us with our special talents and abilities with which to serve Him and reach others for Jesus. Just as the athletes in Track and Field, we train hard and diligently to run the race or compete in a particular event in order to win the prize. Sometimes we hit a "home run;" sometimes we come in last. Yet in every case, as we seek to serve the Lord and touch the lives of others with Christ's love, we are winners, for we know that no matter what, our "race" in Jesus leads us to the goal of heaven. Each little step in our witness and serve to God is a victory - a PR if you will - because it may lead someone one step closer to forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Thus, in Christ, each of us seeks to "be a prize winner" for Jesus and, by God's grace, touch the lives of others with His love.
Prayer: Father, I know that so many times I fall short of Your glory, yet each time I stumble and fall, You are there to pick me up, brush me off, and set me on course once again. Your forgiveness uplifts me and encourages me to train spiritually to "run the race" of faith as I live as a vibrant witness to Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus to the world around me. Send Your Holy Spirit upon me in abundant measure that I may train diligently in Your Word, prepare myself for the "race" in prayer, and "compete" with courage and faith so that I might "be a prize winner" in Jesus who seeks the little victories each day in my service to You and others in Your name. Help me to grow each day in Your Word and strengthen my faith that I may be a true witness and example to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Philippians 3:12-4:1; I Corinthians 9:16-27
BE A PRIZE WINNER
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
Some of the more pleasurable moments in my life are when I'm watching my children compete in athletic events. All of them have been fierce competitors in one way or another. I don't think any of them likes to lose, but each handles losing differently - although they're all very similar in certain aspects of dealing with a competition loss. What's been most gratifying to me has been the unanimity of approach to winning they all have - they are grateful for the win but they keep a humble spirit, which provides good leadership to other of their teammates.
Yesterday I again had the opportunity to watch one of my children compete. Jonathan competed in a Regional Track meet. He managed to make the finals in all three of his events, which was quite a milestone, considering he had only begun to put the shot and throw the discus in this, his senior year. What stood out for me, however, wasn't so much that he made the finals, but the attitude with which he competed. While winning would have been great, making the top four in order to go to Sectionals would have been nice, for him to do his best, run his best hurdles race, throw the best he could in the discus, and put the best he could in the shot was all that really mattered to him, and ultimately, to me. More gratifying for both of us than making the top four or winning an event was that he achieved a personal best in the shot put by over a foot (which is quite a feat when you're 170 pounds going up against guys well up in the 200 pound range).
Track and Field always reminds me of living a Christian life. I guess that's why it never bores me - it even bores Jonathan, and he's competing! While some events require team work, for the most part track and field events are individual efforts by the competitors. While each competitor strives to win, often the greatest win they achieve is improving their time, height, or distance in their events. Scoring points for their team is a wonderful bonus, but the satisfaction received from a PR (personal record) is unbeatable. As the redeemed children of God in Jesus Christ, we all have the prize of the high calling of God in Christ - heaven. We can work together as brothers and sisters in the same faith and trust in Christ as our Savior and Lord to reach others. Yet we can't live someone's life for them. We each have to live and die for the Lord as individuals. Each of us if responsible for our own actions. We are each responsible for our sins and repenting of them. Each of us must receive God's forgiveness personally - we can't receive it for others nor can they for us.
Paul's encouragement to the Philippians and the Corinthians is also encouragement to us. While he exhorts us to follow his example of faith and "running the race," he also calls us to be living examples to others of Christ's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We work together to bring the saving Gospel to a world lost and dying in Sin and unbelief, yet each of us has his or her own specific mission according to God's purpose. While we encourage one another and seek one another out to team up and use the gifts and blessings, talents and abilities the Spirit has given to the Body of Christ - His Church - to reach the world for Jesus, each of us is called upon to do what our Father in heaven has in mind for us to do in service to Him and others in Jesus' name.
God has truly blessed each of us with our special talents and abilities with which to serve Him and reach others for Jesus. Just as the athletes in Track and Field, we train hard and diligently to run the race or compete in a particular event in order to win the prize. Sometimes we hit a "home run;" sometimes we come in last. Yet in every case, as we seek to serve the Lord and touch the lives of others with Christ's love, we are winners, for we know that no matter what, our "race" in Jesus leads us to the goal of heaven. Each little step in our witness and serve to God is a victory - a PR if you will - because it may lead someone one step closer to forgiveness and salvation in Christ. Thus, in Christ, each of us seeks to "be a prize winner" for Jesus and, by God's grace, touch the lives of others with His love.
Prayer: Father, I know that so many times I fall short of Your glory, yet each time I stumble and fall, You are there to pick me up, brush me off, and set me on course once again. Your forgiveness uplifts me and encourages me to train spiritually to "run the race" of faith as I live as a vibrant witness to Your grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness in Jesus to the world around me. Send Your Holy Spirit upon me in abundant measure that I may train diligently in Your Word, prepare myself for the "race" in prayer, and "compete" with courage and faith so that I might "be a prize winner" in Jesus who seeks the little victories each day in my service to You and others in Your name. Help me to grow each day in Your Word and strengthen my faith that I may be a true witness and example to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, May 22, 2006
A Love Better Than Life
"Today's Devotion" For May 22, 2006
Read: Psalm 63; Hebrews 13:1-3, 15, 16
A LOVE BETTER THAN LIFE
"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands." (Ps. 63:3, 4)
Recently I had an email from a (I'm assuming) young lady, who noted that the title's of "Today's Devotion" aren't as inspirational or "catchy" as they might be in order to "entice" her and others to read them. As I thought about today's title, trying to be as "creative" as possible without harming the content of the devotion (one hopes to keep them congruent), I came up with a title that, to me, almost sounds like the title of a daytime soap opera. Based on some of the ads I used to see on television, today's title could probably conjure up some interesting story lines.
But there's no better story line than the original purpose and background to David's Psalm 63. He had been surrounded by his enemies many times in his life. As a young shepherd boy he had to drive off lions that threatened the sheep. As a young man, bringing food to his brothers fighting in Saul's army against the Philistines, he had bravely and faithfully lived his faith and trust in God, slaying the giant, Goliath, with his slingshot thereby routing the entire Philistine army. After he was anointed by the prophet, Nathan, to be Saul's successor as king, David had to flee for his life as Saul sought to kill him. As king of Israel, David was in almost continual conflicts with Israel's enemies. With such a history it's not too difficult to understand David's longing for peace and security.
Psalm 63 is filled with David's yearning for God's redemption and protection. Imagery of the soul that "thirsts for You" and a body that "longs for You" (v.1) bring to mind romantic poetry and thoughts one might have for a lover and convey a powerful sense of David's love for God. In the midst of his longing, David declares that nothing is more important to him in life than God's love for him. He trusts that God's love will never fail and he declares his intention to sing his praises with his whole life ("I will lift up my hands" (v. 4) refers both to prayer and doing God's work), for all of his life. It's an endeavor of love that is satisfying, comforting, and filled with an absolute sense of security and safety in God's loving arms. David declaration is on of absolute trust in God's deliverance and redemption in the face of every enemy that faced Israel's king.
The writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13) reminds us that we, too, are loved and redeemed by God in Jesus Christ. Redeemed by Christ from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan, we, too, offer a "sacrifice of praise" (v.15) as we confess His name with our lips and in our lives. In the face of every danger, every challenge, and every temptation to sin, God is present with us in Jesus, watches over us with His holy angels (v.2) and leads us to love one another by bearing each other's burdens (v,1, 3). As with David, God's love is better than life itself, for only in His love do we really know what life really is - a full and holy relationship with our Father and Creator who has redeemed us for Himself in Christ.
As we live our lives of faith, we also live lives of love. Having received God's love in abundant measure, we are then moved to love others as we love ourselves. Just like the love one lover has for another, so also is our love for our Father in heaven compelled by His love for and redemption of us in Christ. Just as God's love lives in us and gives us a gift greater than life itself, so also does it move us to love one another, regardless of circumstances, so that He might be praised and glorified, His name proclaimed to all, and His love in Christ declared to all the world - His love that's better than life itself!
Prayer: Father, thank You for all Your blessings to me. You have loved and continue to love me even when I'm not loveable. You continue to shower Your blessings upon me, even when I forsake You for the ways and things of the world. In Your great love for me You sent Jesus to suffer and die for my sins so that, by faith in Him, I might be saved for You and all eternity with You in heaven. Forgive me, Father, for Jesus' sake, for the times I've doubted Your love, failed to love You and others in Your name, and the myriad times I've forgotten to tell others of Your love and forgiveness for them in Jesus. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to live a life that loves You and others in Your name so much that I may be a true example of what David meant when he said, "Your love is better than life." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 63; Hebrews 13:1-3, 15, 16
A LOVE BETTER THAN LIFE
"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands." (Ps. 63:3, 4)
Recently I had an email from a (I'm assuming) young lady, who noted that the title's of "Today's Devotion" aren't as inspirational or "catchy" as they might be in order to "entice" her and others to read them. As I thought about today's title, trying to be as "creative" as possible without harming the content of the devotion (one hopes to keep them congruent), I came up with a title that, to me, almost sounds like the title of a daytime soap opera. Based on some of the ads I used to see on television, today's title could probably conjure up some interesting story lines.
But there's no better story line than the original purpose and background to David's Psalm 63. He had been surrounded by his enemies many times in his life. As a young shepherd boy he had to drive off lions that threatened the sheep. As a young man, bringing food to his brothers fighting in Saul's army against the Philistines, he had bravely and faithfully lived his faith and trust in God, slaying the giant, Goliath, with his slingshot thereby routing the entire Philistine army. After he was anointed by the prophet, Nathan, to be Saul's successor as king, David had to flee for his life as Saul sought to kill him. As king of Israel, David was in almost continual conflicts with Israel's enemies. With such a history it's not too difficult to understand David's longing for peace and security.
Psalm 63 is filled with David's yearning for God's redemption and protection. Imagery of the soul that "thirsts for You" and a body that "longs for You" (v.1) bring to mind romantic poetry and thoughts one might have for a lover and convey a powerful sense of David's love for God. In the midst of his longing, David declares that nothing is more important to him in life than God's love for him. He trusts that God's love will never fail and he declares his intention to sing his praises with his whole life ("I will lift up my hands" (v. 4) refers both to prayer and doing God's work), for all of his life. It's an endeavor of love that is satisfying, comforting, and filled with an absolute sense of security and safety in God's loving arms. David declaration is on of absolute trust in God's deliverance and redemption in the face of every enemy that faced Israel's king.
The writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13) reminds us that we, too, are loved and redeemed by God in Jesus Christ. Redeemed by Christ from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan, we, too, offer a "sacrifice of praise" (v.15) as we confess His name with our lips and in our lives. In the face of every danger, every challenge, and every temptation to sin, God is present with us in Jesus, watches over us with His holy angels (v.2) and leads us to love one another by bearing each other's burdens (v,1, 3). As with David, God's love is better than life itself, for only in His love do we really know what life really is - a full and holy relationship with our Father and Creator who has redeemed us for Himself in Christ.
As we live our lives of faith, we also live lives of love. Having received God's love in abundant measure, we are then moved to love others as we love ourselves. Just like the love one lover has for another, so also is our love for our Father in heaven compelled by His love for and redemption of us in Christ. Just as God's love lives in us and gives us a gift greater than life itself, so also does it move us to love one another, regardless of circumstances, so that He might be praised and glorified, His name proclaimed to all, and His love in Christ declared to all the world - His love that's better than life itself!
Prayer: Father, thank You for all Your blessings to me. You have loved and continue to love me even when I'm not loveable. You continue to shower Your blessings upon me, even when I forsake You for the ways and things of the world. In Your great love for me You sent Jesus to suffer and die for my sins so that, by faith in Him, I might be saved for You and all eternity with You in heaven. Forgive me, Father, for Jesus' sake, for the times I've doubted Your love, failed to love You and others in Your name, and the myriad times I've forgotten to tell others of Your love and forgiveness for them in Jesus. By the power of Your Word and Spirit, help me to live a life that loves You and others in Your name so much that I may be a true example of what David meant when he said, "Your love is better than life." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
What Does "In God We Trust" Really Mean?
"Today's Devotion" For May 20, 2006
Read: Psalm 56; Matthew 10:17-20, 24-31
WHAT DOES "IN GOD WE TRUST" REALLY MEAN?
"When I am afraid I will trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Ps. 56:3, 4)
On the currency and coin of the United States of America is printed and stamped the motto, "In God We Trust." It seems somewhat significant that this motto should appear on our means of exchange, as our money is one of the most common points of contact among the people of our nation. We also know that there are a lot of naysayers who seek to remove any mention of God from the public arena (there's still the fight over "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance). It has also been observed that those who fight against "one nation under God" also would like to redact our nation's history and remove any mention of or reference to God from that history, even including the Declaration of Independence.
Nevertheless the motto "In God We Trust" endures as a powerful reminder that we are not a nation that stands on its own. Rather, we are a nation whose history is replete with the blessings of God and the evidence of His almighty hand protecting us and defending us from our enemies. "In God We Trust" is a powerful reminder that we, as a nation, have the power of Almighty God available to us, should we care to acknowledge Him as God and Lord. Indeed, as the Psalmist wrote, "When I am afraid I will trust in You...in God I trust, I will not be afraid" (Ps. 56:3,4).
Each of us has known fear in our lives. Just the other day one of my children's high school teachers was out walking with his wife when they were confronted by a mugger with a pistol. The teacher, without thinking charged the young man, got hit in the head with the butt of the pistol, and sent the young man running. The screams of the teacher's wife were so loud and piercing that a neighbor on another block, down in his basement, with the doors and windows shut, heard her scream. No doubt she was afraid. I'm also quite certain her husband, the teacher, was as well. By God's grace, the teacher didn't pursue the mugger because a few houses down he was joined by an accomplice. They both took off running.
Was God protecting our teacher? No doubt exists in my mind. But fear for our physical well-being isn't our only concern. How about our spiritual well-being? David, the psalmist, isn't just speaking about fearing for our physical lives, but for our spiritual lives as well. David wrote Psalm 56 while a prisoner of the Philistines. No doubt he feared for his life. Yet, he also knew that God was with him and had other plans for him. With God as his protection and strength, David was confident that he had no need to be afraid of mere mortals. Even though his enemies were playing fast and loose with the truth, David was confident that they could do nothing to harm him that wasn't in accord with God's purpose.
Jesus also speaks to this in our reading from Matthew 10. As redeemed and forgiven children of God, Jesus warns us that we can expect to be ridiculed, harassed, and harmed, physically, by a world that denies the Father's love in Him. If the world treated Jesus badly, do we really believe it will treat those who follow Him better? Jesus warns us that we will face difficult times living for Him, yet our lives can be lived in the full confidence that He is always with us and no one and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38, 39). We have nothing to fear from human beings. Our Lord Jesus promises that God will watch over us with His angels (Ps. 91) and protect us from the power of the evil one.
Filled with God's peace in Jesus, forgiven of all our sins, and blessed with the sure and certain hope of heaven and eternity with our Father in heaven, we also can say with David, "In God We Trust," we will "not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" By God's grace we are then able to live the full lives Jesus promises in Himself (John 10:10). Each day is filled with hope and peace, comfort and joy, love and forgiveness in Him. No matter how bad things may get, we can always, with confidence proclaim with our lives, "In God We Trust," as individuals, as neighbors and friends, and as a nation. Let us pray that each of us, along with our neighbors and friends, can say with confidence, "In God We Trust," and be led by that faith to serve Him and others in His name faithfully and well without fear or trepidation.
Prayer: Father, I praise and thank You for all Your loving-kindness toward me. You have forgiven all my sins and "redeemed my life from the pit" of despair and desperation in a world that ignores You and seeks to destroy anything related to You. No matter how great Your love is for all the world, the truth of Your love and forgiveness is often kept hidden by those who would seek to do harm to others. Yet, by Your grace and the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit, working through Your Word, I am kept safely in Your loving and protective arms, forgiven of all my sins and empowered to be a faithful and courageous ambassador and witness to Your love and redemption for the world in Jesus. Help me to be ever faithful to Your calling of me to be a disciple of Jesus' Christ, in whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 56; Matthew 10:17-20, 24-31
WHAT DOES "IN GOD WE TRUST" REALLY MEAN?
"When I am afraid I will trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Ps. 56:3, 4)
On the currency and coin of the United States of America is printed and stamped the motto, "In God We Trust." It seems somewhat significant that this motto should appear on our means of exchange, as our money is one of the most common points of contact among the people of our nation. We also know that there are a lot of naysayers who seek to remove any mention of God from the public arena (there's still the fight over "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance). It has also been observed that those who fight against "one nation under God" also would like to redact our nation's history and remove any mention of or reference to God from that history, even including the Declaration of Independence.
Nevertheless the motto "In God We Trust" endures as a powerful reminder that we are not a nation that stands on its own. Rather, we are a nation whose history is replete with the blessings of God and the evidence of His almighty hand protecting us and defending us from our enemies. "In God We Trust" is a powerful reminder that we, as a nation, have the power of Almighty God available to us, should we care to acknowledge Him as God and Lord. Indeed, as the Psalmist wrote, "When I am afraid I will trust in You...in God I trust, I will not be afraid" (Ps. 56:3,4).
Each of us has known fear in our lives. Just the other day one of my children's high school teachers was out walking with his wife when they were confronted by a mugger with a pistol. The teacher, without thinking charged the young man, got hit in the head with the butt of the pistol, and sent the young man running. The screams of the teacher's wife were so loud and piercing that a neighbor on another block, down in his basement, with the doors and windows shut, heard her scream. No doubt she was afraid. I'm also quite certain her husband, the teacher, was as well. By God's grace, the teacher didn't pursue the mugger because a few houses down he was joined by an accomplice. They both took off running.
Was God protecting our teacher? No doubt exists in my mind. But fear for our physical well-being isn't our only concern. How about our spiritual well-being? David, the psalmist, isn't just speaking about fearing for our physical lives, but for our spiritual lives as well. David wrote Psalm 56 while a prisoner of the Philistines. No doubt he feared for his life. Yet, he also knew that God was with him and had other plans for him. With God as his protection and strength, David was confident that he had no need to be afraid of mere mortals. Even though his enemies were playing fast and loose with the truth, David was confident that they could do nothing to harm him that wasn't in accord with God's purpose.
Jesus also speaks to this in our reading from Matthew 10. As redeemed and forgiven children of God, Jesus warns us that we can expect to be ridiculed, harassed, and harmed, physically, by a world that denies the Father's love in Him. If the world treated Jesus badly, do we really believe it will treat those who follow Him better? Jesus warns us that we will face difficult times living for Him, yet our lives can be lived in the full confidence that He is always with us and no one and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38, 39). We have nothing to fear from human beings. Our Lord Jesus promises that God will watch over us with His angels (Ps. 91) and protect us from the power of the evil one.
Filled with God's peace in Jesus, forgiven of all our sins, and blessed with the sure and certain hope of heaven and eternity with our Father in heaven, we also can say with David, "In God We Trust," we will "not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" By God's grace we are then able to live the full lives Jesus promises in Himself (John 10:10). Each day is filled with hope and peace, comfort and joy, love and forgiveness in Him. No matter how bad things may get, we can always, with confidence proclaim with our lives, "In God We Trust," as individuals, as neighbors and friends, and as a nation. Let us pray that each of us, along with our neighbors and friends, can say with confidence, "In God We Trust," and be led by that faith to serve Him and others in His name faithfully and well without fear or trepidation.
Prayer: Father, I praise and thank You for all Your loving-kindness toward me. You have forgiven all my sins and "redeemed my life from the pit" of despair and desperation in a world that ignores You and seeks to destroy anything related to You. No matter how great Your love is for all the world, the truth of Your love and forgiveness is often kept hidden by those who would seek to do harm to others. Yet, by Your grace and the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit, working through Your Word, I am kept safely in Your loving and protective arms, forgiven of all my sins and empowered to be a faithful and courageous ambassador and witness to Your love and redemption for the world in Jesus. Help me to be ever faithful to Your calling of me to be a disciple of Jesus' Christ, in whose precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Made Delightful To God In Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For May 19, 2006
Read: Psalm 149l Matthew 12:15-21
MADE DELIGHTFUL TO GOD IN JESUS
"For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation." (Ps. 149:4)
Can you think of anything better in life than having your parents' approval? For many people, just knowing their parents approve of their spouse, their profession, and, above all, them, is the icing on the "cake of life." No doubt there are some who would debate just how important parental approval is, especially for themselves, but there's a good portion of the population of this world that craves parental approval in their lives. For many, that approval makes or breaks their sense of themselves and whether or not their lives are successes or failures. I recently read that one of the leading causes of suicide among teenagers is the sense that they're all alone and a source of disappointment to their parents.
For most of us, having a parent or parents say they're proud of us and pleased with our decisions in life, is worth more than "all the tea in China" - to use a really old expression. Many an adult has gotten through tough times because his or her parents had "faith" in them and let them know how proud of them they were. And, just as parents on earth take delight in their children's accomplishments and enjoy their successes, so also does our Father in heaven take delight in His children - those who know Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
In a number of places in the Gospel of Matthew, we are shown how much the Father "delights" in Jesus, the Son. At Jesus' baptism, the Father spoke from heaven and called Him His "beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Mt. 3:17). When the Pharisees sought to kill Jesus after he healed a shriveled hand (Mt. 12:13, 14), Matthew reminds us that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 42:1-4 and is the "Chosen One" in whom the Father delights. It is in Jesus that God delights in us, despite our sin and disobedience, because, in Christ we have been redeemed and forgiven. Our Father in heaven is pleased with us, His children, because of Jesus. The humble Son of God - God made flesh for us - was perfectly obedient in our place in order to bear our sins and be our Savior. Following Jesus' example, we, too, walk humbly before our God, repentant sinners in need of forgiveness. And, because of Jesus are blessed by our Father in heaven with salvation - the hope and promise of eternal life with Him.
What a wonderful gift of God to know that He approves of us - delights in us - because of Jesus. We aren't left scrambling - sinners who are imperfect - with trying to appease a perfectly righteous Judge. Instead, resting our hope solely on the merits of Christ and the Father's delight in Him, we are confident that our Father in Heaven is pleased with us as well - that He delights in us, loving us with an everlasting love that can never fade away or be taken from us. What strength, hope, and peace this brings to our lives, knowing that God is pleased with us in Jesus - we are not alone or forgotten but saved and loved. God's pleasure in us makes every day worth living, every moment worth cherishing, and every breath worth breathing. And it's something we want to share with everyone.
Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me and revealing it to me in Jesus. Strengthen my faith in Him that I may always appreciate Your love for me. Help me to rejoice that You take "delight" in me and all Your people in Christ. Lead me to greater acts of love and service knowing that Your good pleasure rests on me and that You have called me to touch the lives of others with your love. Give me the confidence to share Your love in Christ with others each day so they, too, might come to know Your love and good pleasure by faith in Jesus; in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 149l Matthew 12:15-21
MADE DELIGHTFUL TO GOD IN JESUS
"For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation." (Ps. 149:4)
Can you think of anything better in life than having your parents' approval? For many people, just knowing their parents approve of their spouse, their profession, and, above all, them, is the icing on the "cake of life." No doubt there are some who would debate just how important parental approval is, especially for themselves, but there's a good portion of the population of this world that craves parental approval in their lives. For many, that approval makes or breaks their sense of themselves and whether or not their lives are successes or failures. I recently read that one of the leading causes of suicide among teenagers is the sense that they're all alone and a source of disappointment to their parents.
For most of us, having a parent or parents say they're proud of us and pleased with our decisions in life, is worth more than "all the tea in China" - to use a really old expression. Many an adult has gotten through tough times because his or her parents had "faith" in them and let them know how proud of them they were. And, just as parents on earth take delight in their children's accomplishments and enjoy their successes, so also does our Father in heaven take delight in His children - those who know Him through faith in Jesus Christ.
In a number of places in the Gospel of Matthew, we are shown how much the Father "delights" in Jesus, the Son. At Jesus' baptism, the Father spoke from heaven and called Him His "beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Mt. 3:17). When the Pharisees sought to kill Jesus after he healed a shriveled hand (Mt. 12:13, 14), Matthew reminds us that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 42:1-4 and is the "Chosen One" in whom the Father delights. It is in Jesus that God delights in us, despite our sin and disobedience, because, in Christ we have been redeemed and forgiven. Our Father in heaven is pleased with us, His children, because of Jesus. The humble Son of God - God made flesh for us - was perfectly obedient in our place in order to bear our sins and be our Savior. Following Jesus' example, we, too, walk humbly before our God, repentant sinners in need of forgiveness. And, because of Jesus are blessed by our Father in heaven with salvation - the hope and promise of eternal life with Him.
What a wonderful gift of God to know that He approves of us - delights in us - because of Jesus. We aren't left scrambling - sinners who are imperfect - with trying to appease a perfectly righteous Judge. Instead, resting our hope solely on the merits of Christ and the Father's delight in Him, we are confident that our Father in Heaven is pleased with us as well - that He delights in us, loving us with an everlasting love that can never fade away or be taken from us. What strength, hope, and peace this brings to our lives, knowing that God is pleased with us in Jesus - we are not alone or forgotten but saved and loved. God's pleasure in us makes every day worth living, every moment worth cherishing, and every breath worth breathing. And it's something we want to share with everyone.
Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me and revealing it to me in Jesus. Strengthen my faith in Him that I may always appreciate Your love for me. Help me to rejoice that You take "delight" in me and all Your people in Christ. Lead me to greater acts of love and service knowing that Your good pleasure rests on me and that You have called me to touch the lives of others with your love. Give me the confidence to share Your love in Christ with others each day so they, too, might come to know Your love and good pleasure by faith in Jesus; in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Jesus Saves Us From Being Condemned
"Today's Devotion" For May 18, 2006
Read: John 3:16-21; Romans 8:1-4
JESUS SAVES US FROM BEING CONDEMNED
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17)
One of my favorite new television programs is "Criminal Minds." It's a program that depicts a team of FBI profilers who use forensic evidence and psychological principles to defeat criminal enterprises. One recent story line was about a husband and wife on death row in New York State for killing a number of people, including their own son - a small boy. In reality the father was the culprit and the team was seeking to find the unfound bodies in order to get closure for the missing people's families. In the process the team discovers that the wife and mother is innocent of all charges, but most especially for the one that put her on "Death Row" - the murder of her son. It seems he was still alive and living with a wealthy family. He was living a happy life. He knew nothing of his parents or his father's crimes. His mother had given him up to this family to protect him.
The end result of her actions was that she was sentenced to die - a time which imminent - for her son's "murder." Once the team discovered the deception, they worked feverishly to get her exonerated by proving her son was alive. As the lead agent, Gideon, sought to get her to allow him to free her, she refused. Finally, just as other team members were about to tell the now grown and talented young man, Gideon acquiesced to the mother's wishes and told the agents to leave the boy and his family alone. The mother chose to go to her grave, condemned for something she didn't do, so her son would not have to be condemned to a life that either would have killed him or led him to jail.
When Jesus declared to Nicodemus that He was the pure and total manifestation of God's love and salvation for the world, He used the example of Moses raising the golden serpent by which God saved Israel from destruction (Jn. 3:15). He noted that "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son" (Jn. 3:16), who was raised up on a cross to bear the sins of the world on His shoulders. His promise is that those who believe in Him will not "perish, but have eternal life." But Jesus further defines the meaning of John 3:16, when He says to Nicodemus, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (Jn. 3:17). Even though we are deserving of God's wrath toward our sins and His perfect justice demands the final and perfect Judgment, Jesus assures us that His coming into the world wasn't the "Judgment Day" but God's gift of salvation.
Jesus took our place on the Cross - you, me, and everyone - so that we might not be condemned but redeemed. Our sins are forgiven. God's peace, hope, love, joy, grace, and mercy fill our lives with purpose and meaning. He offers Hisfull and complete forgiveness to everyone in Christ Jesus. We don't stand condemned for our sins - Jesus did. We don't stand condemned to eternal hellfire - Jesus suffered it for us. We don't stand forsaken by our Father in heaven because of our sins - Jesus experienced it for us. God Himself stood accused of our sins. God Himself, made human flesh in Jesus Christ, bore our sins, our suffering, our frustrations, our pain, our anguish, and all our fears. He lived a perfectly faithful and obedient life for us so that we no longer stand condemned before God. By faith in Jesus we are saved. Our "sentence" to eternal damnation is commuted and we are pardoned. Jesus has saved us from being condemned for our sins and gives us the promise of a life filled with His peace and joy both now and forever.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your One and Only Son into the world to save me, not condemn me. You became human flesh in Jesus so that I might fully know that You understand my plight and love me with a love that transcends any other love from anyone or anything. Fill my life with Your grace and mercy, Your love and peace, Your joy and hope so that I may be a living witness of Your love in Jesus, Your forgiveness in His blood, and Your promise of eternal life in His resurrection. Help me to touch the lives of other with the joy You have given me. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: John 3:16-21; Romans 8:1-4
JESUS SAVES US FROM BEING CONDEMNED
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17)
One of my favorite new television programs is "Criminal Minds." It's a program that depicts a team of FBI profilers who use forensic evidence and psychological principles to defeat criminal enterprises. One recent story line was about a husband and wife on death row in New York State for killing a number of people, including their own son - a small boy. In reality the father was the culprit and the team was seeking to find the unfound bodies in order to get closure for the missing people's families. In the process the team discovers that the wife and mother is innocent of all charges, but most especially for the one that put her on "Death Row" - the murder of her son. It seems he was still alive and living with a wealthy family. He was living a happy life. He knew nothing of his parents or his father's crimes. His mother had given him up to this family to protect him.
The end result of her actions was that she was sentenced to die - a time which imminent - for her son's "murder." Once the team discovered the deception, they worked feverishly to get her exonerated by proving her son was alive. As the lead agent, Gideon, sought to get her to allow him to free her, she refused. Finally, just as other team members were about to tell the now grown and talented young man, Gideon acquiesced to the mother's wishes and told the agents to leave the boy and his family alone. The mother chose to go to her grave, condemned for something she didn't do, so her son would not have to be condemned to a life that either would have killed him or led him to jail.
When Jesus declared to Nicodemus that He was the pure and total manifestation of God's love and salvation for the world, He used the example of Moses raising the golden serpent by which God saved Israel from destruction (Jn. 3:15). He noted that "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son" (Jn. 3:16), who was raised up on a cross to bear the sins of the world on His shoulders. His promise is that those who believe in Him will not "perish, but have eternal life." But Jesus further defines the meaning of John 3:16, when He says to Nicodemus, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (Jn. 3:17). Even though we are deserving of God's wrath toward our sins and His perfect justice demands the final and perfect Judgment, Jesus assures us that His coming into the world wasn't the "Judgment Day" but God's gift of salvation.
Jesus took our place on the Cross - you, me, and everyone - so that we might not be condemned but redeemed. Our sins are forgiven. God's peace, hope, love, joy, grace, and mercy fill our lives with purpose and meaning. He offers Hisfull and complete forgiveness to everyone in Christ Jesus. We don't stand condemned for our sins - Jesus did. We don't stand condemned to eternal hellfire - Jesus suffered it for us. We don't stand forsaken by our Father in heaven because of our sins - Jesus experienced it for us. God Himself stood accused of our sins. God Himself, made human flesh in Jesus Christ, bore our sins, our suffering, our frustrations, our pain, our anguish, and all our fears. He lived a perfectly faithful and obedient life for us so that we no longer stand condemned before God. By faith in Jesus we are saved. Our "sentence" to eternal damnation is commuted and we are pardoned. Jesus has saved us from being condemned for our sins and gives us the promise of a life filled with His peace and joy both now and forever.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your One and Only Son into the world to save me, not condemn me. You became human flesh in Jesus so that I might fully know that You understand my plight and love me with a love that transcends any other love from anyone or anything. Fill my life with Your grace and mercy, Your love and peace, Your joy and hope so that I may be a living witness of Your love in Jesus, Your forgiveness in His blood, and Your promise of eternal life in His resurrection. Help me to touch the lives of other with the joy You have given me. In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Serving The Lord With Courage And Strength
"Today's Devotion" For May 15, 2006
Read: Joshua 1:5-9; Hebrews 3:8-14
SERVING THE LORD WITH STRENGTH AND COURAGE
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Have you ever been afraid? No doubt everyone could answer this question in the affirmative. An old Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant told me one time that "any man who goes into combat and says he's not afraid is a fool. Stay clear of him because he'll get himself and you killed!" I have to admit I've cleaned up the language a bit. He was, however, quite adamant that such people are a danger to themselves and others. Usually, he went on to say, they were also the same people who never followed directions, never paid attention during exercises, and usually had a highly inflated opinion of themselves.
Being afraid is no sin. It's the very real result of the reality of sin and death in the world. Fear is also a mechanism that keeps us from doing foolish things that could harm us and others. Fear is also a powerful emotion that makes us acutely aware of our own inadequacies, and, in the case of Sin, the terrible consequences of our disobedience to God - eternal death and separation from Him. The power of the emotion of fear is so great that it even prevents us from overcoming it by ourselves. Such was the situation with Joshua.
Moses had died. Joshua had been chosen by God to be his successor. He now had the unenviable task and enormous responsibility of leading the Children of Israel into Canaan. It was his task, as he would later come to understand it, to drive out the heathen tribes that would assail Israel according to the command of God. He was to be a leader, a general, and a representative of God. It was a task and responsibility that challenged his faith and his courage. And, because God's purpose for him was such a challenge, it would make sense that Joshua was afraid.
Yet, God had told him He would be with him as He had been with Moses. Three times (a number of completeness in Scripture) God repeated the encouragement, "Be strong and courageous." Each time God called on Joshua to "be strong and courageous" and focused on a different purpose. He called Joshua to "be strong and courageous" because he would be leading God's people to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. He called Joshua to "be strong and very courageous," and to do so by carefully obeying God's Law as given by Moses. God called Joshua to "be strong and courageous" fully confident of God's presence with him in all things.
As God called Joshua to "be strong and courageous," so does He call us, His redeemed children in Christ. He calls us to "be strong and courageous" in our life and living for Jesus, as we lead others to know Him as their Savior and Lord. He calls us to "be strong and very courageous," drawing our strength from the power of His Word and Spirit. He calls us to "be strong and courageous," confident that in Christ our sins are forgiven and He is "with us always even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). God holds us in the very palm of His hand. There is nothing that can separate us from His love in Christ. Redeemed, restored, and forgiven of all our sins we can live with courage and strength, confident that we are His forever.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me such examples of faith, courage, and strength as Joshua. His example reminds me that by trusting in You and being obedient to Your Word, there is nothing I can't overcome; there is nothing that can take me away from You. Strengthen my life of faith and obedience that I may be a living example and witness to others of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. Above all, help me to overcome any fear that would keep me from serving You faithfully until You call me home to be with you forever. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Joshua 1:5-9; Hebrews 3:8-14
SERVING THE LORD WITH STRENGTH AND COURAGE
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
Have you ever been afraid? No doubt everyone could answer this question in the affirmative. An old Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant told me one time that "any man who goes into combat and says he's not afraid is a fool. Stay clear of him because he'll get himself and you killed!" I have to admit I've cleaned up the language a bit. He was, however, quite adamant that such people are a danger to themselves and others. Usually, he went on to say, they were also the same people who never followed directions, never paid attention during exercises, and usually had a highly inflated opinion of themselves.
Being afraid is no sin. It's the very real result of the reality of sin and death in the world. Fear is also a mechanism that keeps us from doing foolish things that could harm us and others. Fear is also a powerful emotion that makes us acutely aware of our own inadequacies, and, in the case of Sin, the terrible consequences of our disobedience to God - eternal death and separation from Him. The power of the emotion of fear is so great that it even prevents us from overcoming it by ourselves. Such was the situation with Joshua.
Moses had died. Joshua had been chosen by God to be his successor. He now had the unenviable task and enormous responsibility of leading the Children of Israel into Canaan. It was his task, as he would later come to understand it, to drive out the heathen tribes that would assail Israel according to the command of God. He was to be a leader, a general, and a representative of God. It was a task and responsibility that challenged his faith and his courage. And, because God's purpose for him was such a challenge, it would make sense that Joshua was afraid.
Yet, God had told him He would be with him as He had been with Moses. Three times (a number of completeness in Scripture) God repeated the encouragement, "Be strong and courageous." Each time God called on Joshua to "be strong and courageous" and focused on a different purpose. He called Joshua to "be strong and courageous" because he would be leading God's people to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. He called Joshua to "be strong and very courageous," and to do so by carefully obeying God's Law as given by Moses. God called Joshua to "be strong and courageous" fully confident of God's presence with him in all things.
As God called Joshua to "be strong and courageous," so does He call us, His redeemed children in Christ. He calls us to "be strong and courageous" in our life and living for Jesus, as we lead others to know Him as their Savior and Lord. He calls us to "be strong and very courageous," drawing our strength from the power of His Word and Spirit. He calls us to "be strong and courageous," confident that in Christ our sins are forgiven and He is "with us always even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). God holds us in the very palm of His hand. There is nothing that can separate us from His love in Christ. Redeemed, restored, and forgiven of all our sins we can live with courage and strength, confident that we are His forever.
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me such examples of faith, courage, and strength as Joshua. His example reminds me that by trusting in You and being obedient to Your Word, there is nothing I can't overcome; there is nothing that can take me away from You. Strengthen my life of faith and obedience that I may be a living example and witness to others of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. Above all, help me to overcome any fear that would keep me from serving You faithfully until You call me home to be with you forever. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
God's Good Gifts
"Today's Devotion" For May 13, 2006
Read: Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:5-18
GOD'S GOOD GIFTS
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7, 8)
Have you ever heard the pleadings of a child who wants something? Often that pleading becomes exceedingly annoying when the parent says, "No!" Then the pleading gets shriller and more strident. I've seen children throw tantrums just to get a mother to give them what they want just to "shut them up." I seem to remember my wife telling me some years ago that one of our children pulled the same thing in the grocery store. In front of everyone, she picked up that child (I can't remember which one so I'm not going to say he or she), paddled that child, and (if I remember correctly) they left the store without the groceries or our child getting what was desired. She wasn't going to give in to such impertinence and misbehavior. I've always been proud of her for that.
On the other hand, when our children ask us for things in a manner that is respectful and what they ask for isn't harmful to them, we're much more inclined to consider, and, perhaps, even fulfill the request. Sometimes it's not in my power (or yours) - or pocketbook- to give them what they've asked for, but my "no" is always tempered with an, "I wish I could" type of response. Certainly parents who love their children want them to ask them for things; want them to communicate their needs and wants so they have an opportunity to respond in a loving and gracious way. This is an essential part of developing and nurturing a relationship of love and trust between parents and children. At the same time, parents are also called upon to temper their responses according to what's good for their children, and teach them what's appropriate for fulfilling their needs and wants. I've noticed that my own children's requests get wiser as they grow older, not only because of changing needs and greater maturity, but because they've also been taught what things are good for them and what things are not.
Jesus wants us to know that our Father in heaven wants us to ask Him for the things we need. He wants us to trust Him to give us only what's good for us. He will never give us anything that will harm us; His blessings are always good and fill our every need. James reminds us that God gives His children "every good and perfect gift." He also reminds us that, as God dearly beloved children, He calls upon us to ask Him for what we need in prayer - it's an important part of our relationship with Him. Our Father in heaven sets the example for those of us who are parents (or will become parents), of what it means to be a father - to be a loving parent who loves and takes care of the needs of his children. God's gifts are at all times good. He provides us with every good thing.
Asking for God's good gifts is a privilege and wonderful gift of His grace. The very faith in Christ that leads us to ask Him for what we need is also His good and perfect gift to us. And, it's that very gift of faith that tempers our requests, because it leads us to ask for what we know, by faith, is pleasing and good before God. After all, God only gives us good gifts.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the great and marvelous gift of Your grace in Jesus Christ. You have brought me to faith in Jesus by the power of Your Word and Spirit - two of Your most precious gifts to me. Strengthen me in that faith in Christ that my relationship with You may grow stronger and stronger every day - that I may approach Your throne of grace with my every need and trust that You will fill it according to Your good and gracious wisdom and will. Father, I also pray that You would help me to be a better parent that I might seek to temper my desire to give to my children with the wisdom to know what good for them. Help me also, as both Your child and a child of my parents to honor those relationships with respect and love, not seeking my selfish desires, but only for the best they can give of themselves. Let my life and actions as a parent and child be a living example of what it means to have a relationship with You and receive Your good gifts. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:5-18
GOD'S GOOD GIFTS
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks will receive; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7, 8)
Have you ever heard the pleadings of a child who wants something? Often that pleading becomes exceedingly annoying when the parent says, "No!" Then the pleading gets shriller and more strident. I've seen children throw tantrums just to get a mother to give them what they want just to "shut them up." I seem to remember my wife telling me some years ago that one of our children pulled the same thing in the grocery store. In front of everyone, she picked up that child (I can't remember which one so I'm not going to say he or she), paddled that child, and (if I remember correctly) they left the store without the groceries or our child getting what was desired. She wasn't going to give in to such impertinence and misbehavior. I've always been proud of her for that.
On the other hand, when our children ask us for things in a manner that is respectful and what they ask for isn't harmful to them, we're much more inclined to consider, and, perhaps, even fulfill the request. Sometimes it's not in my power (or yours) - or pocketbook- to give them what they've asked for, but my "no" is always tempered with an, "I wish I could" type of response. Certainly parents who love their children want them to ask them for things; want them to communicate their needs and wants so they have an opportunity to respond in a loving and gracious way. This is an essential part of developing and nurturing a relationship of love and trust between parents and children. At the same time, parents are also called upon to temper their responses according to what's good for their children, and teach them what's appropriate for fulfilling their needs and wants. I've noticed that my own children's requests get wiser as they grow older, not only because of changing needs and greater maturity, but because they've also been taught what things are good for them and what things are not.
Jesus wants us to know that our Father in heaven wants us to ask Him for the things we need. He wants us to trust Him to give us only what's good for us. He will never give us anything that will harm us; His blessings are always good and fill our every need. James reminds us that God gives His children "every good and perfect gift." He also reminds us that, as God dearly beloved children, He calls upon us to ask Him for what we need in prayer - it's an important part of our relationship with Him. Our Father in heaven sets the example for those of us who are parents (or will become parents), of what it means to be a father - to be a loving parent who loves and takes care of the needs of his children. God's gifts are at all times good. He provides us with every good thing.
Asking for God's good gifts is a privilege and wonderful gift of His grace. The very faith in Christ that leads us to ask Him for what we need is also His good and perfect gift to us. And, it's that very gift of faith that tempers our requests, because it leads us to ask for what we know, by faith, is pleasing and good before God. After all, God only gives us good gifts.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the great and marvelous gift of Your grace in Jesus Christ. You have brought me to faith in Jesus by the power of Your Word and Spirit - two of Your most precious gifts to me. Strengthen me in that faith in Christ that my relationship with You may grow stronger and stronger every day - that I may approach Your throne of grace with my every need and trust that You will fill it according to Your good and gracious wisdom and will. Father, I also pray that You would help me to be a better parent that I might seek to temper my desire to give to my children with the wisdom to know what good for them. Help me also, as both Your child and a child of my parents to honor those relationships with respect and love, not seeking my selfish desires, but only for the best they can give of themselves. Let my life and actions as a parent and child be a living example of what it means to have a relationship with You and receive Your good gifts. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 12, 2006
God Has Plans For You
"Today's Devotion" For May 12, 2006
Read: Jeremiah 29:10-14; Psalm 40
GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Do you like uncertainty? If you're like most people, your answer is probably "NO!" For some it might even be more forcefully stated. One of the pet dictums of many military commanders is, "I don't like surprises." Governments, corporations, churches, organizations, and even families and individuals regularly develop plans and contingency operations in order to provide purpose, structure, and certainty to their existence. One of the major contributors to any President's approval ratings or any Chief Executive Officer's job performance ratings is the perception of the people they're leading that there is no plan. The uncertainty such a perception creates, whether the concern is real or imagined, often determines whether or not the President or corporate CEO retains his job and his paycheck.
Uncertainty as to the future certainly was of concern for the Children of Israel. They were in captivity in Babylon and yearned to return to Jerusalem and the Land of Promise God had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke to their uncertainty and fear, encouraging them to continue to live their lives as they would have if they had still been in their homeland. While they were worried and fretting about the future, which looked quite bleak to a captive people, God let them know that He was aware of their plight, that He was with them, their troubles were for a definite period of time (seventy years), and that He had plans for them, by which, although they were in captivity, they would prosper and would not come to harm. In those promises God assured them that they had hope and a future. They would not be destroyed. They would continue to be His people.
How often don't we find ourselves suffering from the same kind of mindset? Things just don't seem to be going well. Our world seems to be coming apart at the seams. We thought our lives were going to be going in one direction; instead they seem to be headed in the opposite direction. Our faith and trust in God is challenged at every turn as we seek to live in a relationship with Him. Our faith and trust in Him also put us at odds with the world, which regularly fills our hearts with fear, insecurity, anger, and frustration and scores of other feelings and emotions that challenge our desire to live as the redeemed children of God.
Yet, just as God reassured the Children of Israel, so does He also reassure us. His words to His people in Jeremiah's day are the same words He shares with us today, "...I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. "(Jer. 29:11). While Israel was still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise, we have the privilege of having seen it happen. God's plans for us were to save us from our sins; to redeem His creation from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. In the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus God has revealed His plans for us - to prosper us as we recognize and receive His blessings of forgiveness and love; to keep us safe as He protects us from all things that would serve to keep us from His love; to give us hope in the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. In Christ Jesus He brings all this to pass. It is our future; it is assured in Christ Jesus. Our Father in heaven has plans for us.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me, as You reminded Israel, that You have plans for me - no matter what happens in my life, You are always there for me and will save me from any harm that would take me away from You. Forgive me for failing to look at the Cross as the stark reminder that Your plans for me are so great that it required the life of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, in order for them to become a reality. Help me to live with joy and peace, hope and confidence in the future given to me through faith in Jesus, so that I might be a living and powerful witness to Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Him. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Jeremiah 29:10-14; Psalm 40
GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)
Do you like uncertainty? If you're like most people, your answer is probably "NO!" For some it might even be more forcefully stated. One of the pet dictums of many military commanders is, "I don't like surprises." Governments, corporations, churches, organizations, and even families and individuals regularly develop plans and contingency operations in order to provide purpose, structure, and certainty to their existence. One of the major contributors to any President's approval ratings or any Chief Executive Officer's job performance ratings is the perception of the people they're leading that there is no plan. The uncertainty such a perception creates, whether the concern is real or imagined, often determines whether or not the President or corporate CEO retains his job and his paycheck.
Uncertainty as to the future certainly was of concern for the Children of Israel. They were in captivity in Babylon and yearned to return to Jerusalem and the Land of Promise God had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke to their uncertainty and fear, encouraging them to continue to live their lives as they would have if they had still been in their homeland. While they were worried and fretting about the future, which looked quite bleak to a captive people, God let them know that He was aware of their plight, that He was with them, their troubles were for a definite period of time (seventy years), and that He had plans for them, by which, although they were in captivity, they would prosper and would not come to harm. In those promises God assured them that they had hope and a future. They would not be destroyed. They would continue to be His people.
How often don't we find ourselves suffering from the same kind of mindset? Things just don't seem to be going well. Our world seems to be coming apart at the seams. We thought our lives were going to be going in one direction; instead they seem to be headed in the opposite direction. Our faith and trust in God is challenged at every turn as we seek to live in a relationship with Him. Our faith and trust in Him also put us at odds with the world, which regularly fills our hearts with fear, insecurity, anger, and frustration and scores of other feelings and emotions that challenge our desire to live as the redeemed children of God.
Yet, just as God reassured the Children of Israel, so does He also reassure us. His words to His people in Jeremiah's day are the same words He shares with us today, "...I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. "(Jer. 29:11). While Israel was still waiting for the fulfillment of that promise, we have the privilege of having seen it happen. God's plans for us were to save us from our sins; to redeem His creation from the power of Sin, Death, and Satan. In the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus God has revealed His plans for us - to prosper us as we recognize and receive His blessings of forgiveness and love; to keep us safe as He protects us from all things that would serve to keep us from His love; to give us hope in the promise of everlasting life with Him in heaven. In Christ Jesus He brings all this to pass. It is our future; it is assured in Christ Jesus. Our Father in heaven has plans for us.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding me, as You reminded Israel, that You have plans for me - no matter what happens in my life, You are always there for me and will save me from any harm that would take me away from You. Forgive me for failing to look at the Cross as the stark reminder that Your plans for me are so great that it required the life of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, in order for them to become a reality. Help me to live with joy and peace, hope and confidence in the future given to me through faith in Jesus, so that I might be a living and powerful witness to Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Him. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
*********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Facing Adversity With God's Strength
"Today's Devotion" For May 11, 2006
Read: Psalm 62; Matthew 7:24-27
FACING ADVERSITY WITH GOD'S STRENGTH
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 62:5, 6)
I have only have one aunt and uncle. My aunt is my mother's sister and is a dear lady with a heart of gold - although she doesn't really want anyone to know. Sadly, she doesn't know Jesus as her Savior and she's going to be eighty years old soon. My uncle, my aunt's husband, is also a man with a heart of gold, but extremely eccentric. He doesn't think too much about "organized religion" and is always searching for the "right" spiritual experience - he travels the world looking for answers to his spiritual questions. He doesn't want to hear the answers God has for him in Christ Jesus. And so my parents, brother, sisters, and I pray for them (they also have two children, my cousins, who don't know Jesus either).
I bring these beloved members of my family to your attention because I've noticed something quite peculiar. As much wealth as they've accumulated and as much property as they own, they still can't find a solution to the things that are troubling them. Money doesn't buy happiness, and I've heard both my aunt and uncle talk about how they've had to "grease palms" in order to do business where they live (I won't reveal the city, but it is windy). Troubles always seem to require monetary resources of some kind to resolve them (at least from their perspective), including spending "big bucks" traveling the world to find "spiritual enlightenment and the "panacea" to all their problems. And they continue to look, just like so many other people in the world who face the troubles sin and the world bring into their lives, failing to make any connection with a permanent solution and peace in their hearts.
The Psalmist (strong evidence suggests it may have been king David), is obviously facing great difficulties in life. It seems that he has many enemies who seek harm for him, not good. He laments the assaults on his mental and emotional peace. Yet, at the same time, he rejoices that God is his "rock" and his "salvation." Instead of looking to his own strength for salvation from his enemies he confesses his faith in God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It is God who saves. It is God who is our foundation and hope for life and living.
As the Psalmist very clearly proclaims the confidence and trust he has in God in the face of his enemies, we are reminded that God is also our "rock" and "salvation." In Christ Jesus we have a sure and solid foundation for life and living. We know beyond the shadow of a doubt that our sins are forgiven in Him. Holding fast to Him and building our faith, with the help of His Word and Spirit, we can face every trial, every trouble, every temptation, and anything else that would take us away from God's love confident and sure that we are held in the very palm of His hand. We not only receive the strength of His powerful hand to overcome our enemies, but we also (and first of all) are assured by Him that He loves us and forgives us of all our sins. Since there is no greater adversity than the power of Sin in our lives, by faith we stand firm in the Lord as forgiven people facing every obstacle and adversity with God's strength and being filled with His peace and joy.
Prayer: Father, I am confident that no matter how bad things may seem to be, there is nothing that can take me away from You when I stand firmly planted on You as my rock and my salvation. Strengthen my faith and trust in You that I may be a bold and willing witness to Christ's love for others so they, too, might be saved. Keep me firmly planted on the "rock" - which is Jesus - that I may have confidence in the face of adversity and peace in my heart when dangers surround me. By Your grace help me to be a faithful and a true witness to the salvation You have brought into the world in Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 62; Matthew 7:24-27
FACING ADVERSITY WITH GOD'S STRENGTH
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 62:5, 6)
I have only have one aunt and uncle. My aunt is my mother's sister and is a dear lady with a heart of gold - although she doesn't really want anyone to know. Sadly, she doesn't know Jesus as her Savior and she's going to be eighty years old soon. My uncle, my aunt's husband, is also a man with a heart of gold, but extremely eccentric. He doesn't think too much about "organized religion" and is always searching for the "right" spiritual experience - he travels the world looking for answers to his spiritual questions. He doesn't want to hear the answers God has for him in Christ Jesus. And so my parents, brother, sisters, and I pray for them (they also have two children, my cousins, who don't know Jesus either).
I bring these beloved members of my family to your attention because I've noticed something quite peculiar. As much wealth as they've accumulated and as much property as they own, they still can't find a solution to the things that are troubling them. Money doesn't buy happiness, and I've heard both my aunt and uncle talk about how they've had to "grease palms" in order to do business where they live (I won't reveal the city, but it is windy). Troubles always seem to require monetary resources of some kind to resolve them (at least from their perspective), including spending "big bucks" traveling the world to find "spiritual enlightenment and the "panacea" to all their problems. And they continue to look, just like so many other people in the world who face the troubles sin and the world bring into their lives, failing to make any connection with a permanent solution and peace in their hearts.
The Psalmist (strong evidence suggests it may have been king David), is obviously facing great difficulties in life. It seems that he has many enemies who seek harm for him, not good. He laments the assaults on his mental and emotional peace. Yet, at the same time, he rejoices that God is his "rock" and his "salvation." Instead of looking to his own strength for salvation from his enemies he confesses his faith in God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It is God who saves. It is God who is our foundation and hope for life and living.
As the Psalmist very clearly proclaims the confidence and trust he has in God in the face of his enemies, we are reminded that God is also our "rock" and "salvation." In Christ Jesus we have a sure and solid foundation for life and living. We know beyond the shadow of a doubt that our sins are forgiven in Him. Holding fast to Him and building our faith, with the help of His Word and Spirit, we can face every trial, every trouble, every temptation, and anything else that would take us away from God's love confident and sure that we are held in the very palm of His hand. We not only receive the strength of His powerful hand to overcome our enemies, but we also (and first of all) are assured by Him that He loves us and forgives us of all our sins. Since there is no greater adversity than the power of Sin in our lives, by faith we stand firm in the Lord as forgiven people facing every obstacle and adversity with God's strength and being filled with His peace and joy.
Prayer: Father, I am confident that no matter how bad things may seem to be, there is nothing that can take me away from You when I stand firmly planted on You as my rock and my salvation. Strengthen my faith and trust in You that I may be a bold and willing witness to Christ's love for others so they, too, might be saved. Keep me firmly planted on the "rock" - which is Jesus - that I may have confidence in the face of adversity and peace in my heart when dangers surround me. By Your grace help me to be a faithful and a true witness to the salvation You have brought into the world in Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Certain Of God's Blessings
"Today's Devotion" For May 10, 2006
Read: Psalm 37:1-9; Matthew 6:25-34
CERTAIN OF GOD'S BLESSINGS
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
Have you ever wanted something in a really "bad" way? You know what I mean - wanting something so badly that you'd do almost anything for it. For some folks that means a corner office in the executive suite - after stomping on a few heads on the way up the corporate ladder. For still others, it might mean insider trading and "cooking" the books in order to have the wealth and resources that such a person craves. Then there are those who make "back room deals" to gain public office or a new contract. Of course there are others examples, but this paragraph is already beginning to look like the plot of a whole bunch of old movies.
There's an old saying that "Art imitates life." Movie plots have been woven around such situation as we've noted above, simply because they are a fact. It seems as if those who harm others, disobey the law, care only for themselves, and have a general disregard and disdain for others always seem to have it all. Those who "play by the rules" and are good neighbors and friends, faithful workers, and faithful in their service to God all too often seem to end up on the short end of the stick. I don't doubt that each of us feels at times that people with no relationship with God are blessed to have everything they could possibly want, still reach for more, and continually seem to be ahead of the game.
Yet, God's promise to us, as David notes in Psalm 37, is that those who are faithful to Him, who trust in Him and "do good" - obey Him and serve others in His name - will have more than plenty. They will know the security of a relationship with God that no one and nothing can take away from them. They will be blessed with every good things from the Father's hand because He is the One to whom they turn, believe, and serve. Those who put God's will and purpose first in their lives, those who "delight themselves in the Lord," will know the wonder and power of God's blessings to them as He fulfills the desires of their hearts.
When we "delight in the Lord," we are putting Him and His Will first in our lives. "Delighting" in the Lord, we receive His forgiveness in Christ Jesus and all we are and have are dedicated to His service and to sharing His love with others. Our whole being yearns to serve Him faithfully and fully in our lives. Because He has redeemed us and keeps us in Himself, we seek nothing more or less than to live in a full and blessed relationship with Him all the days of our lives. Jesus' own words in His Sermon on the Mount remind us that we have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about, and nothing that can separate us from His love. Everything we need for life and living is His gift to us each day - a gift, by the way, that He also gives to those who don't believe in Him. In Christ Jesus, our heavenly Father has blessed us with our "heart's desire" - to know Him, to love Him, and to live in His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness both here on earth and hereafter in eternity. We are certain of God's blessings in Jesus and that gives us strength and hope for overcoming the world and living for Jesus.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for so often believing that those who don't know You, are not repentant of their sins, and who could care less about Your Will have it better than I do. I know that You are always blessing me with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. Help me to trust in You for all things, knowing You will give me what I need - whatever is necessary for my life and my relationship with You. Remind me that by faith in Jesus my whole being is redeemed to You and I am Yours. Help me to be a faithful witness to others of that love You have given me so they, too, might believe and be welcomed into Your loving and gracious arms. I realize, Father, that You are in charge and that the wicked will not have their way. Hear me gracious Father for the sake of Christ. Amen.
**************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 37:1-9; Matthew 6:25-34
CERTAIN OF GOD'S BLESSINGS
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)
Have you ever wanted something in a really "bad" way? You know what I mean - wanting something so badly that you'd do almost anything for it. For some folks that means a corner office in the executive suite - after stomping on a few heads on the way up the corporate ladder. For still others, it might mean insider trading and "cooking" the books in order to have the wealth and resources that such a person craves. Then there are those who make "back room deals" to gain public office or a new contract. Of course there are others examples, but this paragraph is already beginning to look like the plot of a whole bunch of old movies.
There's an old saying that "Art imitates life." Movie plots have been woven around such situation as we've noted above, simply because they are a fact. It seems as if those who harm others, disobey the law, care only for themselves, and have a general disregard and disdain for others always seem to have it all. Those who "play by the rules" and are good neighbors and friends, faithful workers, and faithful in their service to God all too often seem to end up on the short end of the stick. I don't doubt that each of us feels at times that people with no relationship with God are blessed to have everything they could possibly want, still reach for more, and continually seem to be ahead of the game.
Yet, God's promise to us, as David notes in Psalm 37, is that those who are faithful to Him, who trust in Him and "do good" - obey Him and serve others in His name - will have more than plenty. They will know the security of a relationship with God that no one and nothing can take away from them. They will be blessed with every good things from the Father's hand because He is the One to whom they turn, believe, and serve. Those who put God's will and purpose first in their lives, those who "delight themselves in the Lord," will know the wonder and power of God's blessings to them as He fulfills the desires of their hearts.
When we "delight in the Lord," we are putting Him and His Will first in our lives. "Delighting" in the Lord, we receive His forgiveness in Christ Jesus and all we are and have are dedicated to His service and to sharing His love with others. Our whole being yearns to serve Him faithfully and fully in our lives. Because He has redeemed us and keeps us in Himself, we seek nothing more or less than to live in a full and blessed relationship with Him all the days of our lives. Jesus' own words in His Sermon on the Mount remind us that we have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about, and nothing that can separate us from His love. Everything we need for life and living is His gift to us each day - a gift, by the way, that He also gives to those who don't believe in Him. In Christ Jesus, our heavenly Father has blessed us with our "heart's desire" - to know Him, to love Him, and to live in His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness both here on earth and hereafter in eternity. We are certain of God's blessings in Jesus and that gives us strength and hope for overcoming the world and living for Jesus.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for so often believing that those who don't know You, are not repentant of their sins, and who could care less about Your Will have it better than I do. I know that You are always blessing me with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus. Help me to trust in You for all things, knowing You will give me what I need - whatever is necessary for my life and my relationship with You. Remind me that by faith in Jesus my whole being is redeemed to You and I am Yours. Help me to be a faithful witness to others of that love You have given me so they, too, might believe and be welcomed into Your loving and gracious arms. I realize, Father, that You are in charge and that the wicked will not have their way. Hear me gracious Father for the sake of Christ. Amen.
**************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Surrounded By God
"Today's Devotion" For May 9, 2006
Read: Psalm 125; John 17:9-12
SURROUNDED BY GOD
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore." (Psalm 125:2)
One of the most important areas of concern on a football team is the offensive line. They're the guys who protect one of the most essential members of a football team - the quarterback. We hear about that need a lot when it comes to professional football, and it's been a major topic of discussion for fans of the Green Bay Packers as we all hope the current line can provide the protection Brett Favre needs at quarterback in order for the team to be successful, win a lot of games, and have a chance at the playoffs (I'm not even going t dream of a Super Bowl). Ultimately, the key to any defensive line is to protect the quarterback from the defensive rush and to open holes for the running back to move the ball forward. It's protection to keep "marauders" out, not one's own teammates from moving forward, beyond that protection and, ultimately, to the goal line - and a touchdown.
When it comes to living as God's people in the world, the quality of our "offensive line" is also critical. The power of Sin in the world and the temptations it brings into our lives, attacks our relationship with God and seeks to keep us from Him. The power of the "defensive line" of the world is great, emboldened and empowered by Sin and every evil, prompted by the wiles of Satan, always seeking to keep us from the "goal line" and the ultimate "touchdown" - heaven and eternity with our Father in heaven.
Our heavenly Father knows better than any Vince Lombardi, Curly Lambeau, Mike Holmgren, or any other of the many football coaching greats, how important our spiritual "offensive line" is to us. The power of God's Word and Spirit surrounds us with His forgiveness and love which sustains us and leads us toward the goal. By faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from Sin, we know we are forgiven and nothing can separate us from His love. He sends His holy angels to watch over us and keep us in the "paths of righteousness" as we live our lives in service to Him. We are called to the Gospel and God's forgiveness in Christ, not to stand behind that "offensive line" and just be protected, but to use that "protection" to boldly go on the attack, sharing the Good News of redemption from Sin, Death, and Satan by faith in Jesus Christ. Through the blessings of the Word and the Sacraments - Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper - in which God touches us with His very presence, we are empowered and equipped to reach the "goal line" of heaven, and to lead other people there as well.
The Psalmist rejoices in Psalm 125 that God protects His people from the evil of sin in the world. He rejoices that God makes "Jerusalem," the "City of God," a place of refuge and safety from the world's dangers. He give thanks that God's love for His people is so great that He surrounds them with His grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all times. We, too, rejoice with the Psalmist that God has surrounded us with His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness through which He protects us from the wiles of Satan and leads us in acts of service to others in His name. As forgiven sinners we rejoice in that "protection" with which God surrounds us and we live boldly for Him in Jesus. And so, today, as always, we give thanks with the Psalmist that we are "surrounded by God."
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You don't allow me to "stand on my own" in the face of the spiritual onslaughts of Sin, Satan, and the World. I realize that if these things had their way I would be forever separated from You and Your love for me and heaven and eternal life with You, as a forgiven sinner, would be impossible. Father, it's really easy for me to hide behind the walls of protection You have placed around me. I'd rather not see them as a place of refuge and safety, but a place to bury my head in the sand. Forgive me of such myopic vision and help me to appreciate that You surround me with Your Word and Spirit so I can "catch my breath" and "get my bearings" for my next foray as Your witness into the world. Send me a double portion of Your Spirit that I may be a faithful and true witness for Jesus so that others might also know Your love, forgiveness, and protection - knowing they are "surrounded by God" in Jesus. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Psalm 125; John 17:9-12
SURROUNDED BY GOD
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore." (Psalm 125:2)
One of the most important areas of concern on a football team is the offensive line. They're the guys who protect one of the most essential members of a football team - the quarterback. We hear about that need a lot when it comes to professional football, and it's been a major topic of discussion for fans of the Green Bay Packers as we all hope the current line can provide the protection Brett Favre needs at quarterback in order for the team to be successful, win a lot of games, and have a chance at the playoffs (I'm not even going t dream of a Super Bowl). Ultimately, the key to any defensive line is to protect the quarterback from the defensive rush and to open holes for the running back to move the ball forward. It's protection to keep "marauders" out, not one's own teammates from moving forward, beyond that protection and, ultimately, to the goal line - and a touchdown.
When it comes to living as God's people in the world, the quality of our "offensive line" is also critical. The power of Sin in the world and the temptations it brings into our lives, attacks our relationship with God and seeks to keep us from Him. The power of the "defensive line" of the world is great, emboldened and empowered by Sin and every evil, prompted by the wiles of Satan, always seeking to keep us from the "goal line" and the ultimate "touchdown" - heaven and eternity with our Father in heaven.
Our heavenly Father knows better than any Vince Lombardi, Curly Lambeau, Mike Holmgren, or any other of the many football coaching greats, how important our spiritual "offensive line" is to us. The power of God's Word and Spirit surrounds us with His forgiveness and love which sustains us and leads us toward the goal. By faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior from Sin, we know we are forgiven and nothing can separate us from His love. He sends His holy angels to watch over us and keep us in the "paths of righteousness" as we live our lives in service to Him. We are called to the Gospel and God's forgiveness in Christ, not to stand behind that "offensive line" and just be protected, but to use that "protection" to boldly go on the attack, sharing the Good News of redemption from Sin, Death, and Satan by faith in Jesus Christ. Through the blessings of the Word and the Sacraments - Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper - in which God touches us with His very presence, we are empowered and equipped to reach the "goal line" of heaven, and to lead other people there as well.
The Psalmist rejoices in Psalm 125 that God protects His people from the evil of sin in the world. He rejoices that God makes "Jerusalem," the "City of God," a place of refuge and safety from the world's dangers. He give thanks that God's love for His people is so great that He surrounds them with His grace, mercy, and forgiveness for all times. We, too, rejoice with the Psalmist that God has surrounded us with His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness through which He protects us from the wiles of Satan and leads us in acts of service to others in His name. As forgiven sinners we rejoice in that "protection" with which God surrounds us and we live boldly for Him in Jesus. And so, today, as always, we give thanks with the Psalmist that we are "surrounded by God."
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You don't allow me to "stand on my own" in the face of the spiritual onslaughts of Sin, Satan, and the World. I realize that if these things had their way I would be forever separated from You and Your love for me and heaven and eternal life with You, as a forgiven sinner, would be impossible. Father, it's really easy for me to hide behind the walls of protection You have placed around me. I'd rather not see them as a place of refuge and safety, but a place to bury my head in the sand. Forgive me of such myopic vision and help me to appreciate that You surround me with Your Word and Spirit so I can "catch my breath" and "get my bearings" for my next foray as Your witness into the world. Send me a double portion of Your Spirit that I may be a faithful and true witness for Jesus so that others might also know Your love, forgiveness, and protection - knowing they are "surrounded by God" in Jesus. Hear me gracious Father for Jesus' sake. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Surely It Is God Who Saves Us!
"Today's Devotion" For May 8, 2006
Read: Isaiah 12:1-6; Psalm 18:1-6, 46-50
SURELY IT IS GOD WHO SAVES US!!
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)
Yesterday, Marion, our youngest, was confirmed. Whewwwww! This has been a long time coming. Four more years and Susan and I will finally be "empty nesters" - well after many of our younger friends and acquaintances. We're ready! Our "salvation" is coming! A high school and college graduation this year, another high school graduation next year, and soon (well, maybe not as soon as I'd like) all seven children will be on their own. Then I'll be able to finally get some sleep - NOT!!!!!
All kidding aside, yesterday was a special day, not only because Marion's the last of our seven children to confirm her Baptismal vows before the Lord and the Body of Christ, but because of her choice of Scripture as her confirmation verse. I've printed it above - it's our focus for "Today's Devotion." It says a lot to me about her faith and trust in God. It's also a good reminder to all of us, in the midst of a troubled and dangerous world, that we're not standing alone, we're not left to our own devices, and, no matter how bad things may seem to be, our God is with us and saves us for Himself.
How easy it is for us to forget this truth. How often don't the things that happen every day overwhelm us? How often don't we get discouraged when we hear the news or read a newspaper and see all the horrible things that are happening all over the world - the terrible things people do to each other - the wars, crime, hatred, bigotry, and every form of depravity that one can imagine (and even some that, perhaps, we've never imagined)? Yet, as the prophet, Isaiah reminds us, and as David so marvelously sings in Psalm 18, God is our salvation - He saves us from everything and anyone who would seek to do us harm and separate us from His love.
Marion chose to confirm her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior by proclaiming the words of Isaiah to the world. By God's grace she'll live those words out in her life, facing each and every challenge, difficulty, and danger with those words ringing in her ears, living in her heart, and coming from her lips. Those words of Isaiah are also words for the rest of us as well. Our God has saved us from the most deadly of enemies and the most horrible "fate" is taking away our sins through the blood of the Lamb, even Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
I'm not a big fan of some of the newer forms of hymns and "praise songs" that mark the music of the church these days. So much of it seems to be more entertainment oriented than truly prayer and praise to God. Yet, there is a song of praise based on Isaiah 12:2 which fills my heart and lifts my soul and spirit into the presence of God. Its refrain goes something like this - "Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For He is my stronghold and my sure defense; and He has become my Savior." May this be our confidence, our proclamation, and our source of strength for living each day - Surely, it is God who saves us!
Prayer: Father, thank You for all Your blessings to me. You have brought me to faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord so that I might know Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in the midst of a world that seeks to keep me from You. Too often, Father, I find myself overwhelmed by the vagaries of life and the depravity of the world around me. This beautiful, magnificent creation of Yours all too often is a place where the worst things happen because of Sin. Yet, by Your wonderful grace and blessing, I have hope, peace, and joy in the face of all these things because You are my Savior - my God in whom I trust. Strengthen my faith every day, Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, so that I might proclaim with joy and peace, hope and assurance, that "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation." In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 12:1-6; Psalm 18:1-6, 46-50
SURELY IT IS GOD WHO SAVES US!!
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)
Yesterday, Marion, our youngest, was confirmed. Whewwwww! This has been a long time coming. Four more years and Susan and I will finally be "empty nesters" - well after many of our younger friends and acquaintances. We're ready! Our "salvation" is coming! A high school and college graduation this year, another high school graduation next year, and soon (well, maybe not as soon as I'd like) all seven children will be on their own. Then I'll be able to finally get some sleep - NOT!!!!!
All kidding aside, yesterday was a special day, not only because Marion's the last of our seven children to confirm her Baptismal vows before the Lord and the Body of Christ, but because of her choice of Scripture as her confirmation verse. I've printed it above - it's our focus for "Today's Devotion." It says a lot to me about her faith and trust in God. It's also a good reminder to all of us, in the midst of a troubled and dangerous world, that we're not standing alone, we're not left to our own devices, and, no matter how bad things may seem to be, our God is with us and saves us for Himself.
How easy it is for us to forget this truth. How often don't the things that happen every day overwhelm us? How often don't we get discouraged when we hear the news or read a newspaper and see all the horrible things that are happening all over the world - the terrible things people do to each other - the wars, crime, hatred, bigotry, and every form of depravity that one can imagine (and even some that, perhaps, we've never imagined)? Yet, as the prophet, Isaiah reminds us, and as David so marvelously sings in Psalm 18, God is our salvation - He saves us from everything and anyone who would seek to do us harm and separate us from His love.
Marion chose to confirm her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior by proclaiming the words of Isaiah to the world. By God's grace she'll live those words out in her life, facing each and every challenge, difficulty, and danger with those words ringing in her ears, living in her heart, and coming from her lips. Those words of Isaiah are also words for the rest of us as well. Our God has saved us from the most deadly of enemies and the most horrible "fate" is taking away our sins through the blood of the Lamb, even Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
I'm not a big fan of some of the newer forms of hymns and "praise songs" that mark the music of the church these days. So much of it seems to be more entertainment oriented than truly prayer and praise to God. Yet, there is a song of praise based on Isaiah 12:2 which fills my heart and lifts my soul and spirit into the presence of God. Its refrain goes something like this - "Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For He is my stronghold and my sure defense; and He has become my Savior." May this be our confidence, our proclamation, and our source of strength for living each day - Surely, it is God who saves us!
Prayer: Father, thank You for all Your blessings to me. You have brought me to faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord so that I might know Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in the midst of a world that seeks to keep me from You. Too often, Father, I find myself overwhelmed by the vagaries of life and the depravity of the world around me. This beautiful, magnificent creation of Yours all too often is a place where the worst things happen because of Sin. Yet, by Your wonderful grace and blessing, I have hope, peace, and joy in the face of all these things because You are my Savior - my God in whom I trust. Strengthen my faith every day, Father, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, so that I might proclaim with joy and peace, hope and assurance, that "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation." In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Servant - A Fitting Title For A Follower Of Jesus
"Today's Devotion" For May 5, 2006
Read: Matthew 20:24-28; Hebrews 2:5-18
SERVANT - A FITTING TITLE FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
"'...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'"(Mt .20:28)
As I was going over my calendar book I noticed that today is a day of remembrance for Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony during the time of the Reformation. The note behind his name recognizing this day is two words: "Christian Ruler." That got me to thinking. We live in a world where greatness is generally measured by such things as wealth, prestige, power, accomplishments, and a number of other things which fit societal and cultural concepts of success. We use titles such as Chairman of the Board, CEO, President, and other such designations to point out people of power and authority. Yet, it's telling that the description of someone as a "Christian Ruler" is not likely to be heard or even seen as of importance in this day and age.
Matthew draws our attention to how we're so often hung up on our own sense of self-importance and desire for recognition. It seems that the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had approached Jesus for a favor. She wanted Him (actually James and John wanted) to make her sons His primary advisors and co-rulers when His "kingdom" came (it's that old "earthly" kingdom error again). Of course, it's not too hard to understand the indignation and anger of the other disciples at this "effrontery." After all, the rest of them had their own designs on positions of authority when Jesus' "earthly kingdom" would come. Yet, all of them forgot a very important lesson that Jesus was living out for them every day - His was a life of service and sacrifice in order to redeem the world, including them, from Sin, Death, and Satan.
Jesus chided them for their failure to understand His purpose and mission. He first challenged James and John as to whether they could "drink of the same cup" - His suffering and sacrificial death - as He was about to experience. They responded that they could, not truly understanding what their answer really meant - James was later to be martyred for following Jesus. Jesus responds that they certainly will suffer, but the "seats of honor" in His kingdom were not His to give. He continues on in the same vein with the others, noting that the rulers of the world "lord it over" others, but they were not to do so among themselves. Instead "service" to one another was to be the standard among them.
Perhaps that one of the reasons that today is suggested as a day to remember Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony. He put his title, his lands, and his very life on the line to support Martin Luther in his quest to clearly declare the Word of God in its truth and purity. Not only that, but his reputation was one of fairness and love for those whom he ruled - hence the nickname, "the Wise." Above all, history tells us he was a God-fearing man, faithful to his Lord and Savior, fully understanding that he was first a servant of God and then ruler of Saxony.
History is replete with examples of selfish domination over others by rulers who had no regard for God or their subjects. At the same time, history also brings us the examples of such men as Frederick the Wise, who apparently learned the lesson Jesus taught James and John, and the rest of the disciples about His purpose and mission as well as theirs. Following in the footsteps of such people of God, we, too, seek to serve others in the Lord's name. We want to follow Him in a manner that puts other people first before ourselves and seeks to walk humbly before the Lord. Only in such service can we truly understand "greatness" for there is no more fitting description or title for a follower of Jesus than "Servant" - forgiven and restored to the Father by the blood of the Lamb.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for showing me that to serve You by serving others in Your name is to live in the greatness and majesty of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for so often putting undue value on possessions and power which, while they might lead to power here on earth, are of no consequence in Your eyes. Guide me by the power of Your Word and Spirit to put aside my selfish ambitions and seek to walk humbly with Jesus, who went to the Cross that I might be saved and restored to You. Let my life be a living example of what truly makes anyone great - being a servant because of Your forgiveness and love in Jesus. Thank You, Father, for giving me such an opportunity to be "great" in Your eyes as I follow Jesus in service and sacrifice for the sake of others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Matthew 20:24-28; Hebrews 2:5-18
SERVANT - A FITTING TITLE FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS
"'...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'"(Mt .20:28)
As I was going over my calendar book I noticed that today is a day of remembrance for Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony during the time of the Reformation. The note behind his name recognizing this day is two words: "Christian Ruler." That got me to thinking. We live in a world where greatness is generally measured by such things as wealth, prestige, power, accomplishments, and a number of other things which fit societal and cultural concepts of success. We use titles such as Chairman of the Board, CEO, President, and other such designations to point out people of power and authority. Yet, it's telling that the description of someone as a "Christian Ruler" is not likely to be heard or even seen as of importance in this day and age.
Matthew draws our attention to how we're so often hung up on our own sense of self-importance and desire for recognition. It seems that the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, had approached Jesus for a favor. She wanted Him (actually James and John wanted) to make her sons His primary advisors and co-rulers when His "kingdom" came (it's that old "earthly" kingdom error again). Of course, it's not too hard to understand the indignation and anger of the other disciples at this "effrontery." After all, the rest of them had their own designs on positions of authority when Jesus' "earthly kingdom" would come. Yet, all of them forgot a very important lesson that Jesus was living out for them every day - His was a life of service and sacrifice in order to redeem the world, including them, from Sin, Death, and Satan.
Jesus chided them for their failure to understand His purpose and mission. He first challenged James and John as to whether they could "drink of the same cup" - His suffering and sacrificial death - as He was about to experience. They responded that they could, not truly understanding what their answer really meant - James was later to be martyred for following Jesus. Jesus responds that they certainly will suffer, but the "seats of honor" in His kingdom were not His to give. He continues on in the same vein with the others, noting that the rulers of the world "lord it over" others, but they were not to do so among themselves. Instead "service" to one another was to be the standard among them.
Perhaps that one of the reasons that today is suggested as a day to remember Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony. He put his title, his lands, and his very life on the line to support Martin Luther in his quest to clearly declare the Word of God in its truth and purity. Not only that, but his reputation was one of fairness and love for those whom he ruled - hence the nickname, "the Wise." Above all, history tells us he was a God-fearing man, faithful to his Lord and Savior, fully understanding that he was first a servant of God and then ruler of Saxony.
History is replete with examples of selfish domination over others by rulers who had no regard for God or their subjects. At the same time, history also brings us the examples of such men as Frederick the Wise, who apparently learned the lesson Jesus taught James and John, and the rest of the disciples about His purpose and mission as well as theirs. Following in the footsteps of such people of God, we, too, seek to serve others in the Lord's name. We want to follow Him in a manner that puts other people first before ourselves and seeks to walk humbly before the Lord. Only in such service can we truly understand "greatness" for there is no more fitting description or title for a follower of Jesus than "Servant" - forgiven and restored to the Father by the blood of the Lamb.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for showing me that to serve You by serving others in Your name is to live in the greatness and majesty of Jesus Christ. Forgive me for so often putting undue value on possessions and power which, while they might lead to power here on earth, are of no consequence in Your eyes. Guide me by the power of Your Word and Spirit to put aside my selfish ambitions and seek to walk humbly with Jesus, who went to the Cross that I might be saved and restored to You. Let my life be a living example of what truly makes anyone great - being a servant because of Your forgiveness and love in Jesus. Thank You, Father, for giving me such an opportunity to be "great" in Your eyes as I follow Jesus in service and sacrifice for the sake of others. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
*******************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Openly Christian - Openly Witnessing
"Today's Devotion" For May 4, 2006
Read: II Corinthians 4:1-6; Psalm 36:5-11
OPENLY CHRISTIAN - OPENLY WITNESSING
"...we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
There's an old movie starring Joanne Woodward by the name of "The Three Faces of Eve." Filmed in 1957, it's a story about a mousy, unassuming housewife and mother who suffers from headaches and experiences blackouts. Finding no medical solution to her distress she is finally sent to a psychiatrist who puts her under hypnosis and discovers that she suffers from a split personality disorder. It's revealed that she has three very distinctive personalities: Eve, the dutiful housewife, Eve, the racy, wild, and fun loving free spirit, and, Jane, the relatively stable personality. Based on a true life story, this film chronicles the efforts of the psychiatrist to reconcile the three personalities that make up Eve.
While it's most probable that none of us has "split personality disorder," it's also true that, as sinners and saints at the same time, we are susceptible to "splitting our personalities" between living in God's forgiveness and living under the domination of Sin. How often don't we confuse people as to whom and whose we are by our behavior - words, actions, deeds? Part of our dilemma in living as God's people is that we live in a world where transparency is seen as a sign of weakness, and others will try to exploit such transparency as a weakness. There's an old axiom that "finding an honest politician is an oxymoron." One of the first victims of the condition of Sin and our desire to be accepted by others is to put on a face that is acceptable to the world - at the expense of our relationship with God.
St. Paul understood that dilemma. That's why he was so vigorous in asserting his faithfulness as a witness to the Gospel, reminding his readers that they were the people of God and were called out of the world to be witnesses for Christ. By God's grace, we, too are given the marvelous task of being witnesses to God's love and forgiveness for the world in Jesus Christ. It's not a popular message, especially because one must first acknowledge their sins and then repent of them. Who wants to admit they're wrong? Who wants to believe that they can't do anything to save themselves? It's contrary to human nature, and so there is a constant battle between our "multiple personalities" - the sinner in need of forgiveness and the forgiven sinner who stands before God perfect and holy, without sin, because of Jesus (traditionally we speak about the Old Adam and the New Adam - the Old Man and the New Man - sinner and saint at the same time).
By God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ, we no longer have to be subject to the vagaries of Sin in our lives. We no longer have to be controlled by Sin and have our "personalities split" between serving Sin and serving the Lord. Our sins are forgiven and we are recreated in Christ Jesus so that we can be His true and faithful witnesses for all the world to see. Christ's love dwells in us so powerfully and completely that we are led to be openly Christian in our lives, our words, our behavior, and our endeavors so that all that we do is an open witness to God's love and forgiveness for the world in Jesus. It's a wonderful gift of God to be able to stand up for Jesus and share His love with others - openly and without guile. In Christ we are a people fearlessly sharing His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness so that others also might come to Him, know Him, and stand up for Him as well.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your great goodness to me in sending Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. You have given me the Good News of salvation in Christ, have poured it out into my heart and life, and have called me to share it with others as You work through me to touch others with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Give me the strength of faith and the courage of faith in Jesus to be openly a Christian and a living example of one of Your dear children, even in the face of intense opposition and even hatred for any who bear Jesus' name. Fill me with the power of Your Word and Spirit that I might be faithful and bold in my witness, certain of my salvation in Jesus and, thus, fearless in my declaration of Your Good News, even in the face of death. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: II Corinthians 4:1-6; Psalm 36:5-11
OPENLY CHRISTIAN - OPENLY WITNESSING
"...we do not use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God." (II Corinthians 4:2)
There's an old movie starring Joanne Woodward by the name of "The Three Faces of Eve." Filmed in 1957, it's a story about a mousy, unassuming housewife and mother who suffers from headaches and experiences blackouts. Finding no medical solution to her distress she is finally sent to a psychiatrist who puts her under hypnosis and discovers that she suffers from a split personality disorder. It's revealed that she has three very distinctive personalities: Eve, the dutiful housewife, Eve, the racy, wild, and fun loving free spirit, and, Jane, the relatively stable personality. Based on a true life story, this film chronicles the efforts of the psychiatrist to reconcile the three personalities that make up Eve.
While it's most probable that none of us has "split personality disorder," it's also true that, as sinners and saints at the same time, we are susceptible to "splitting our personalities" between living in God's forgiveness and living under the domination of Sin. How often don't we confuse people as to whom and whose we are by our behavior - words, actions, deeds? Part of our dilemma in living as God's people is that we live in a world where transparency is seen as a sign of weakness, and others will try to exploit such transparency as a weakness. There's an old axiom that "finding an honest politician is an oxymoron." One of the first victims of the condition of Sin and our desire to be accepted by others is to put on a face that is acceptable to the world - at the expense of our relationship with God.
St. Paul understood that dilemma. That's why he was so vigorous in asserting his faithfulness as a witness to the Gospel, reminding his readers that they were the people of God and were called out of the world to be witnesses for Christ. By God's grace, we, too are given the marvelous task of being witnesses to God's love and forgiveness for the world in Jesus Christ. It's not a popular message, especially because one must first acknowledge their sins and then repent of them. Who wants to admit they're wrong? Who wants to believe that they can't do anything to save themselves? It's contrary to human nature, and so there is a constant battle between our "multiple personalities" - the sinner in need of forgiveness and the forgiven sinner who stands before God perfect and holy, without sin, because of Jesus (traditionally we speak about the Old Adam and the New Adam - the Old Man and the New Man - sinner and saint at the same time).
By God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ, we no longer have to be subject to the vagaries of Sin in our lives. We no longer have to be controlled by Sin and have our "personalities split" between serving Sin and serving the Lord. Our sins are forgiven and we are recreated in Christ Jesus so that we can be His true and faithful witnesses for all the world to see. Christ's love dwells in us so powerfully and completely that we are led to be openly Christian in our lives, our words, our behavior, and our endeavors so that all that we do is an open witness to God's love and forgiveness for the world in Jesus. It's a wonderful gift of God to be able to stand up for Jesus and share His love with others - openly and without guile. In Christ we are a people fearlessly sharing His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness so that others also might come to Him, know Him, and stand up for Him as well.
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your great goodness to me in sending Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. You have given me the Good News of salvation in Christ, have poured it out into my heart and life, and have called me to share it with others as You work through me to touch others with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Give me the strength of faith and the courage of faith in Jesus to be openly a Christian and a living example of one of Your dear children, even in the face of intense opposition and even hatred for any who bear Jesus' name. Fill me with the power of Your Word and Spirit that I might be faithful and bold in my witness, certain of my salvation in Jesus and, thus, fearless in my declaration of Your Good News, even in the face of death. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus. Amen.
*************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
My Fellow Citizens
"Today's Devotion" For May 3, 2006
Read: Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-22; Malachi 3:16-18
MY FELLOW CITIZENS
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ...Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..." (Ephesians 2:13, 19)
Perhaps one of the stickiest conundrums in modern U. S. history is the current "immigrant" problem the nation is struggling to answer in a positive way. With the continuing threat of terrorism, the public is worried about a border that leaks like a sieve. Millions upon millions of people who have entered the United States illegally, with no apparent desire to become citizens, frighten a good portion of the nation. Debates are raging over what types of legislation and enforcement of the laws concerning immigration are appropriate, without being heavy handed. Some want to declare all illegal, undocumented persons to be criminals. Others want a general amnesty to allow them time to apply for citizenship. Still others don't want to see anything changed and have taken the position that such illegal immigrants are used and abused and therefore need more rights.
Underlying this whole issue is a question of what's legal and what's not according to the laws of the land. For some, the laws are unfair (I even heard one pastor say they were asking us to do something that was against God's Will - I don't agree with him) and should be ignored. Others want to bring the full force of the law down on the heads of illegal immigrants, with no concern for compromise or mercy (a position I don't subscribe to either). Of course the people who are the subject of this national debate have exacerbated the situation themselves by holding protest marches on the streets of many U.S. cities, waving the flag of the nation they're from - perhaps indicating where their hearts and loyalties really lie. Just this Monday they held a boycott of their work places, shopping, and other activities to flex their "economic" and "political" powers. Did these actions gain anything? Only time will tell.
In the light of this issue of illegal immigration, Paul's discussion with the Ephesians concerning their citizenship in the Kingdom of God is telling. He notes that without Christ, we were foreigners and aliens to God and His Kingdom. We could not enter it, legally or illegally, by ourselves. It required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross in order for God's justice to be appeased and His Law to be fulfilled. By virtue of Christ's righteousness, we, by faith, have been declared citizens of heaven and fellow heirs with Him of our Father's Kingdom. We have been made members of God's household, with all the rights and privileges accorded with that distinction. Our sins are forgiven, our hearts cleansed from Sin, and our lives renewed and restored to God's presence.
We have become "legal" citizens of God's Kingdom because Jesus fulfilled the Law for us. We have become "legal" citizens of God's Kingdom because Jesus paid the full price of God's wrath over Sin, once and for all time. As fellow citizens of heaven because of Christ, we are also called the beloved children and heirs of our heavenly Father. He has adopted us to be His own and its an adoption we treasure, an inheritance we honor, and a citizenship we fulfill as His true and faithful witness of His love for the world in Christ. Once we were strangers to God, foreigner and aliens to His Word and Kingdom, but now, in Jesus, we are fellow citizens of heaven with Him. We belong to Him and nothing will ever be able to snatch us out of His hand.
Prayer: Father, there are so many people wandering around our nation today, uncertain and unsure of what they should do about the issue of illegal immigration that is plaguing the nation and its culture. There are strangers who have immigrated illegally into the nation, living falsely among its citizens without any concern or intent - it seems - to become citizens. Father, this also happens in the spiritual realm and I pray that You would lead me and all Your people to share Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ with the world. Help me to lead people to Jesus' blood and righteousness, without which no one could be saved and become a citizen of heaven. Let my words and actions speak for themselves so that in them people might see Jesus and give You thanks and praise for Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Ephesians 2:11-13, 19-22; Malachi 3:16-18
MY FELLOW CITIZENS
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ...Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..." (Ephesians 2:13, 19)
Perhaps one of the stickiest conundrums in modern U. S. history is the current "immigrant" problem the nation is struggling to answer in a positive way. With the continuing threat of terrorism, the public is worried about a border that leaks like a sieve. Millions upon millions of people who have entered the United States illegally, with no apparent desire to become citizens, frighten a good portion of the nation. Debates are raging over what types of legislation and enforcement of the laws concerning immigration are appropriate, without being heavy handed. Some want to declare all illegal, undocumented persons to be criminals. Others want a general amnesty to allow them time to apply for citizenship. Still others don't want to see anything changed and have taken the position that such illegal immigrants are used and abused and therefore need more rights.
Underlying this whole issue is a question of what's legal and what's not according to the laws of the land. For some, the laws are unfair (I even heard one pastor say they were asking us to do something that was against God's Will - I don't agree with him) and should be ignored. Others want to bring the full force of the law down on the heads of illegal immigrants, with no concern for compromise or mercy (a position I don't subscribe to either). Of course the people who are the subject of this national debate have exacerbated the situation themselves by holding protest marches on the streets of many U.S. cities, waving the flag of the nation they're from - perhaps indicating where their hearts and loyalties really lie. Just this Monday they held a boycott of their work places, shopping, and other activities to flex their "economic" and "political" powers. Did these actions gain anything? Only time will tell.
In the light of this issue of illegal immigration, Paul's discussion with the Ephesians concerning their citizenship in the Kingdom of God is telling. He notes that without Christ, we were foreigners and aliens to God and His Kingdom. We could not enter it, legally or illegally, by ourselves. It required the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross in order for God's justice to be appeased and His Law to be fulfilled. By virtue of Christ's righteousness, we, by faith, have been declared citizens of heaven and fellow heirs with Him of our Father's Kingdom. We have been made members of God's household, with all the rights and privileges accorded with that distinction. Our sins are forgiven, our hearts cleansed from Sin, and our lives renewed and restored to God's presence.
We have become "legal" citizens of God's Kingdom because Jesus fulfilled the Law for us. We have become "legal" citizens of God's Kingdom because Jesus paid the full price of God's wrath over Sin, once and for all time. As fellow citizens of heaven because of Christ, we are also called the beloved children and heirs of our heavenly Father. He has adopted us to be His own and its an adoption we treasure, an inheritance we honor, and a citizenship we fulfill as His true and faithful witness of His love for the world in Christ. Once we were strangers to God, foreigner and aliens to His Word and Kingdom, but now, in Jesus, we are fellow citizens of heaven with Him. We belong to Him and nothing will ever be able to snatch us out of His hand.
Prayer: Father, there are so many people wandering around our nation today, uncertain and unsure of what they should do about the issue of illegal immigration that is plaguing the nation and its culture. There are strangers who have immigrated illegally into the nation, living falsely among its citizens without any concern or intent - it seems - to become citizens. Father, this also happens in the spiritual realm and I pray that You would lead me and all Your people to share Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ with the world. Help me to lead people to Jesus' blood and righteousness, without which no one could be saved and become a citizen of heaven. Let my words and actions speak for themselves so that in them people might see Jesus and give You thanks and praise for Your love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
**********************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2006 The Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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