"Today's Devotion" For May 17, 2007
Read: Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17
THE ONLY THING WE NEED TO KNOW
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want...Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:1, 6)
One Sunday School teacher gave her fourth graders a challenging task. She asked them to memorize one of the most quoted Scripture of all, Psalm 23. She gave the children a month to learn the Psalm and they attacked it with enthusiasm. One of the little boys, Billy, was really excited about the task, but he just couldn't seem to memorize the Psalm. He practiced and practiced and practiced, but to no avail. He just couldn't remember the Psalm. Then the day came when his Sunday School class was scheduled to recite the Psalm in front of the congregation. Billy was as nervous as could be. When his turn to recite came, he reluctantly stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know!"
If you think about, Billy's simple answer is cute, but it doesn't necessarily meet the needs of many adults. It's too simple. It's too imprecise. It doesn't have enough details. We live in a world where simple answers are suspect and anytime someone says that there's a simple answer to the challenges of life that threaten our safety and comfort, our first tendency is to laugh at them and consider them naive. How can there be any simple answers to rampant crime, failing marriages, broken families, rising violence, and a host of other societal maladies that threaten people's existence and challenge any sense of hope? It's not possible, according to the world's standards, that there is any way to handle such issues spiritually. Little Billy's rendition of Psalm 23's simplicity makes for good story telling, but in reality life isn't that simple. Or is it?
In Scripture, on numerous occasions, God makes it a point to let us know that no matter what challenges we may face, what dangers may touch us, and what fears may bind us, He is always present with us and will protect us, comfort us, and strengthen us so we can overcome those things in life that would harm us. The power of Sin is such that it works diligently and vigorously to lead us to despair in the face of many trials and challenges to our faith and our lives. Yet God, in His infinite wisdom and love, grace and mercy, reaches out His hand to us and lifts us up above the fray and reminds us that He is the One who saves us. As Psalm 23 says so clearly, "even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (v.2).
God's final revelation is that our true and only Shepherd is Jesus Christ. He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) who has come to redeem His people from their sins. He has come into the world for all humanity and His promise is, no matter what happens to those who have faith in Him, that nothing can keep us away from His love and forgiveness which He won for us by His suffering, death, and resurrection. Little Billy's announcement, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know," is far more profound and meaningful than we might want to admit. Ultimately, because we are in Christ Jesus, it really is that simple - He is all we need to know to live a life of peace, hope, and joy. No matter what dangers we may face, whether as troops in a combat zone, a police officer on crime ridden streets, a firefighter facing an intense blaze, or as a homeless person on the streets of the city, there is hope and comfort offered by God in Jesus Christ who is our Good Shepherd. And that's all we really need to know.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for all the blessings You've given me, especially as I face the dangers and hardships of life which would take away my hope and joy, and fill me with fear and trembling. You have assured me by faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior from Sin, death, and Satan, that my sins are forgiven and that nothing can take me away from Your love. You comfort me by the power of Your Word and Spirit with the sure and certain hope that there's no danger so great or hardship so intense that can separate me from Your love and forgiveness. Help me, Father, to live my life filled with the simple reality that knowing Jesus as my Good Shepherd leads me to eternal life and gives me the courage of faith to share Your love in Him with others, no matter where they're from or what they've done. Help me to live my life filled with hope and joy for all to see, no matter the circumstances I may face, so that I may be a living witness of what it is to know that Jesus, the Lord, is my Shepherd, and in Him there is no want. In His precious name. Amen.
****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
God Is Our Sure Refuge In The Face Of Fear
"Today's Devotion" For May 16, 2007
Read: Isaiah 43:1-13; Psalm 46
GOD IS OUR SURE REFUGE IN THE FACE OF FEAR
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waves roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psalm 46:1-3)
How fearful a place is the world? Over the past weekend I read a newspaper article about a father in the central city who is doing his best to love his children and take care of them. One of the things he has done to keep them safe is to arrange the furniture in their living room so that it can form a barrier of protection in case of stray bullets shattering the silence of their home. On Monday of this week, with that story fresh in the minds of the newspaper's readers, another story was published that seemly reflects the futility of the father's attempts at safety for his children. It seems that another child, four-year old Jasmine, was killed in a drive-by shooting by a stray bullet that entered her family's living room and struck her dead.
Our world isn't a safe place. Everywhere we look violence and destruction seems to abound. We're engaged in a global "war on terror," that seems to have no boundaries and many manifestations. Terror is not only perpetrated by disgruntled rebels, religious fanatics, or political dissidents. Terror rears its ugly head when a small child is killed in a drive by shooting as collateral damage. Terror takes control when a family loses its freedom to take a walk down the street on a summer's evening to enjoy the warmth and grow their family's bonds. Terror takes control when a child brings a bullet to his school principal that he claims to have found at school and the police are called in. Terror takes control when a mentally ill student goes off the deep end and commits mayhem and murder on a university campus. The news of the day seems intricately intertwined with a sense of futility and fear that is gripping the nation and the world.
It's into such an atmosphere that God comes to humanity and says, "Pay attention to Me. I love you so much that I've sent my One and Only Son into the flesh to redeem you from slavery to Sin and the fear that it engenders in your hearts and lives." The Psalmist reminds us that the God who has created the universe and who specifically and specially created humanity in His image and likeness is "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." We're not left alone to face our fears, confront terror, and stand against evil. God's promise to Israel as they faced their enemies - those who sought to destroy them - was that they were His people. Even though they faced the powers of darkness and Sin which sought to destroy them through their enemies, God assured them that He would be with them. That same promise and assurance is ours as well, through faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the tools I use to ramp up my courage or that of others when faced with a fearful and daunting situation is to ask myself and others, "What's the worst thing that anyone can do to me? Take away my birthday?" Many times, people will look at me as if I were crazy (if you ask my wife and kids they would probably say I am:>)). Yet the reality of living a life of faith in Christ, trusting in the power and promises of God, is that if my life were taken - my birthday disappears if you will - I have the hope and assurance that I will be with God forever in heaven. In that confidence and hope we can, by faith, take heart and have the courage to face down any fear, confront any terror, and overcome any evil. God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ is the only message of hope and peace that can change the hearts of those who do evil and promote terror and fear. It's the only message that can take the fear from fear-filled hearts and replace it with hope, peace, joy, and thanksgiving. Only Jesus can change what is ailing our world, our nation, and our communities. Only God's love in Christ can change the hearts of those who would seek to destroy. In the meantime, we also take heart because our God is truly our refuge and strength in the face of any and all fear and terror and Christ is the hope of the world.
Prayer: Father, as I look around me I see death and destruction, evil and danger seemingly everywhere. The news of the day seems to say there's no place that's safe from danger and fear in the world. Even the security of my home can be breached by those who might seek to do harm to me or my family. I'm frustrated at the news accounts of little children being murdered in their homes by unthinking and uncaring people who don't care about or love anyone other than themselves. I'm both angry and fearful; angry at such people and our seeming inability to stem the tide of such destructive behavior, and fearful of stepping forward and having my voice heard and having violence visited directly upon me or those I love. It's fear that immobilizes me all too often from speaking Your truth and working for the welfare of others. Forgive me, Father, for being so self-centered and fearful that I fail to see the opportunities You give me to make a difference as Your witness and servant. Strengthen my faith by the power of Your Word and Spirit, that I may step forth boldly with the truth of Your Word and its power to change people's lives. Remind me that You are my refuge and strength in every trouble. Give me the courage to take the risks necessary to touch the lives of those who seek to harm others with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus, so that hearing they might be changed into instruments of Your peace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Isaiah 43:1-13; Psalm 46
GOD IS OUR SURE REFUGE IN THE FACE OF FEAR
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waves roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psalm 46:1-3)
How fearful a place is the world? Over the past weekend I read a newspaper article about a father in the central city who is doing his best to love his children and take care of them. One of the things he has done to keep them safe is to arrange the furniture in their living room so that it can form a barrier of protection in case of stray bullets shattering the silence of their home. On Monday of this week, with that story fresh in the minds of the newspaper's readers, another story was published that seemly reflects the futility of the father's attempts at safety for his children. It seems that another child, four-year old Jasmine, was killed in a drive-by shooting by a stray bullet that entered her family's living room and struck her dead.
Our world isn't a safe place. Everywhere we look violence and destruction seems to abound. We're engaged in a global "war on terror," that seems to have no boundaries and many manifestations. Terror is not only perpetrated by disgruntled rebels, religious fanatics, or political dissidents. Terror rears its ugly head when a small child is killed in a drive by shooting as collateral damage. Terror takes control when a family loses its freedom to take a walk down the street on a summer's evening to enjoy the warmth and grow their family's bonds. Terror takes control when a child brings a bullet to his school principal that he claims to have found at school and the police are called in. Terror takes control when a mentally ill student goes off the deep end and commits mayhem and murder on a university campus. The news of the day seems intricately intertwined with a sense of futility and fear that is gripping the nation and the world.
It's into such an atmosphere that God comes to humanity and says, "Pay attention to Me. I love you so much that I've sent my One and Only Son into the flesh to redeem you from slavery to Sin and the fear that it engenders in your hearts and lives." The Psalmist reminds us that the God who has created the universe and who specifically and specially created humanity in His image and likeness is "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." We're not left alone to face our fears, confront terror, and stand against evil. God's promise to Israel as they faced their enemies - those who sought to destroy them - was that they were His people. Even though they faced the powers of darkness and Sin which sought to destroy them through their enemies, God assured them that He would be with them. That same promise and assurance is ours as well, through faith in Jesus Christ.
One of the tools I use to ramp up my courage or that of others when faced with a fearful and daunting situation is to ask myself and others, "What's the worst thing that anyone can do to me? Take away my birthday?" Many times, people will look at me as if I were crazy (if you ask my wife and kids they would probably say I am:>)). Yet the reality of living a life of faith in Christ, trusting in the power and promises of God, is that if my life were taken - my birthday disappears if you will - I have the hope and assurance that I will be with God forever in heaven. In that confidence and hope we can, by faith, take heart and have the courage to face down any fear, confront any terror, and overcome any evil. God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ is the only message of hope and peace that can change the hearts of those who do evil and promote terror and fear. It's the only message that can take the fear from fear-filled hearts and replace it with hope, peace, joy, and thanksgiving. Only Jesus can change what is ailing our world, our nation, and our communities. Only God's love in Christ can change the hearts of those who would seek to destroy. In the meantime, we also take heart because our God is truly our refuge and strength in the face of any and all fear and terror and Christ is the hope of the world.
Prayer: Father, as I look around me I see death and destruction, evil and danger seemingly everywhere. The news of the day seems to say there's no place that's safe from danger and fear in the world. Even the security of my home can be breached by those who might seek to do harm to me or my family. I'm frustrated at the news accounts of little children being murdered in their homes by unthinking and uncaring people who don't care about or love anyone other than themselves. I'm both angry and fearful; angry at such people and our seeming inability to stem the tide of such destructive behavior, and fearful of stepping forward and having my voice heard and having violence visited directly upon me or those I love. It's fear that immobilizes me all too often from speaking Your truth and working for the welfare of others. Forgive me, Father, for being so self-centered and fearful that I fail to see the opportunities You give me to make a difference as Your witness and servant. Strengthen my faith by the power of Your Word and Spirit, that I may step forth boldly with the truth of Your Word and its power to change people's lives. Remind me that You are my refuge and strength in every trouble. Give me the courage to take the risks necessary to touch the lives of those who seek to harm others with Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus, so that hearing they might be changed into instruments of Your peace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
*************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Better Than Ripley's "Believe It Or Not!"
"Today's Devotion" For May 15, 2007
Read: Exodus 14:1-31; I Corinthians 1:18-31
BETTER THAN RIPLEY'S "BELIEVE IT OR NOT!"
"For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:18)
One Sunday afternoon not long ago, nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother to share his Sunday school lesson from that morning. "Well, Mom," Joey replied, "Our teacher told us about how God had sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge upon which all the people escaped safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. Bombers were sent to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." Joey's mother was flabbergasted at this account. "Now, Joey," she responded, "is that really what your teacher taught you?" Joey responded, "Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way my teacher told it, you'd never believe it!"
Little Joey's not alone, is he? A whole lot of people simply laugh at the "incongruity" of the Biblical accounts of God's actions on behalf of human beings. People are always trying to "fix" the Biblical accounts so they make more sense and fit into a schema more attuned to human thought and understanding. For centuries there have been those who have sought to discount the story of salvation in Scripture. There are those who purport to be able to tell what is truly God's truth and what isn't. Many have rejected the Bible out of hand simply because it doesn't conform to their personal schema of the secular and sacred. And many organizations, groups, and individuals (for instance "The Jesus Seminar") continue to work hard to discredit the truth and power of the Scriptures because they have their own opinions about what is holy, sacred, and God's will (usually based on how their desire to have God act in keeping with their personal preferences of what is good, moral, and right).
Lest we get too smug and self-important, there isn't one of us - even among God's redeemed children - who isn't guilty of trying to stuff God in a box of our choosing. Like little Joey, we are often overwhelmed by the incredible power of God and His total love for humanity. How often haven't we found it hard to believe that we don't have to do anything to receive God's forgiveness - that He took care of that for us in Christ Jesus? Throughout the Old Testament, we see the hand of God working to redeem His people, saving them not only from those who sought to destroy them, but also promising the ultimate redemption from Sin, death, and Satan in the Savior to come. The Children of Israel experienced that power so many times, not just in their deliverance from Pharaoh as they left their slavery in Egypt, but also numerous times throughout their history when their enemies sought to drive them from the face of the earth. And all too often, even though they had seen and heard God's deliverance, His power and promises were just too good to be believed.
That's the way it is with the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ. It seems just plain foolish to think that a god, much less "The One True God," would stoop so low and care so much for His lowly creatures on earth - human beings - that He would sacrifice His only-begotten Son on the Cross as payment for the sins of the world. The story of the Cross of Christ, the Plan of God's salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus as payment in full for the sins of the world, taking upon Himself the full wrath of God in our place, has been probed and prodded, edited and abridged, time and time again to somehow make it more believable.
It's hard for human beings to believe that what God says is true - salvation is found in no one else than Jesus Christ and the Cross, an instrument for the cruel and inhuman punishment of evildoers and lawbreakers, is the instrument of redemption for the world. It's a story of God's power used in our behalf that would be even too unbelievable for "Ripley's Believe It Or Not." But, praise be to God, it is true. We are saved by faith in Christ. God's almighty power is found to be at work even in the lowly and intellectually unsound act of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. It may be unbelievable to many, but it is God's power for salvation to all who believe.
Prayer: Father, I'm so often faced with the incredulity of a world that just can't seem to understand nor believe that salvation from Sin, death, and Satan isn't just necessary, but impossible to accomplish on our own. I have to admit that my own sinful condition, when left unchecked by Your forgiveness and love, leads me into the same unbelieving trap as everyone else. I, too, find it hard to believe that there's nothing I can do to save myself and earn Your forgiveness and eternal life. Just like little Joey, I find it hard to understand or believe many things You tell me in Your Word. And, like the world around me, I want to reduce everything in Your Word to human logic so I can wrap my mind around it, rather than take You at Your Word and, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, believe Your promises in Jesus. Forgive me, Father, for such foolishness and strengthen my faith so that I may be a willing and living witness to the "folly of the Cross." Give me the strength of faith and purpose to share Jesus with others so they, too, might believe the "folly of the Cross," and be saved unto eternal life. In Christ's precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Exodus 14:1-31; I Corinthians 1:18-31
BETTER THAN RIPLEY'S "BELIEVE IT OR NOT!"
"For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (I Corinthians 1:18)
One Sunday afternoon not long ago, nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother to share his Sunday school lesson from that morning. "Well, Mom," Joey replied, "Our teacher told us about how God had sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge upon which all the people escaped safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. Bombers were sent to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." Joey's mother was flabbergasted at this account. "Now, Joey," she responded, "is that really what your teacher taught you?" Joey responded, "Well, no, Mom. But if I told it the way my teacher told it, you'd never believe it!"
Little Joey's not alone, is he? A whole lot of people simply laugh at the "incongruity" of the Biblical accounts of God's actions on behalf of human beings. People are always trying to "fix" the Biblical accounts so they make more sense and fit into a schema more attuned to human thought and understanding. For centuries there have been those who have sought to discount the story of salvation in Scripture. There are those who purport to be able to tell what is truly God's truth and what isn't. Many have rejected the Bible out of hand simply because it doesn't conform to their personal schema of the secular and sacred. And many organizations, groups, and individuals (for instance "The Jesus Seminar") continue to work hard to discredit the truth and power of the Scriptures because they have their own opinions about what is holy, sacred, and God's will (usually based on how their desire to have God act in keeping with their personal preferences of what is good, moral, and right).
Lest we get too smug and self-important, there isn't one of us - even among God's redeemed children - who isn't guilty of trying to stuff God in a box of our choosing. Like little Joey, we are often overwhelmed by the incredible power of God and His total love for humanity. How often haven't we found it hard to believe that we don't have to do anything to receive God's forgiveness - that He took care of that for us in Christ Jesus? Throughout the Old Testament, we see the hand of God working to redeem His people, saving them not only from those who sought to destroy them, but also promising the ultimate redemption from Sin, death, and Satan in the Savior to come. The Children of Israel experienced that power so many times, not just in their deliverance from Pharaoh as they left their slavery in Egypt, but also numerous times throughout their history when their enemies sought to drive them from the face of the earth. And all too often, even though they had seen and heard God's deliverance, His power and promises were just too good to be believed.
That's the way it is with the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ. It seems just plain foolish to think that a god, much less "The One True God," would stoop so low and care so much for His lowly creatures on earth - human beings - that He would sacrifice His only-begotten Son on the Cross as payment for the sins of the world. The story of the Cross of Christ, the Plan of God's salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus as payment in full for the sins of the world, taking upon Himself the full wrath of God in our place, has been probed and prodded, edited and abridged, time and time again to somehow make it more believable.
It's hard for human beings to believe that what God says is true - salvation is found in no one else than Jesus Christ and the Cross, an instrument for the cruel and inhuman punishment of evildoers and lawbreakers, is the instrument of redemption for the world. It's a story of God's power used in our behalf that would be even too unbelievable for "Ripley's Believe It Or Not." But, praise be to God, it is true. We are saved by faith in Christ. God's almighty power is found to be at work even in the lowly and intellectually unsound act of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. It may be unbelievable to many, but it is God's power for salvation to all who believe.
Prayer: Father, I'm so often faced with the incredulity of a world that just can't seem to understand nor believe that salvation from Sin, death, and Satan isn't just necessary, but impossible to accomplish on our own. I have to admit that my own sinful condition, when left unchecked by Your forgiveness and love, leads me into the same unbelieving trap as everyone else. I, too, find it hard to believe that there's nothing I can do to save myself and earn Your forgiveness and eternal life. Just like little Joey, I find it hard to understand or believe many things You tell me in Your Word. And, like the world around me, I want to reduce everything in Your Word to human logic so I can wrap my mind around it, rather than take You at Your Word and, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, believe Your promises in Jesus. Forgive me, Father, for such foolishness and strengthen my faith so that I may be a willing and living witness to the "folly of the Cross." Give me the strength of faith and purpose to share Jesus with others so they, too, might believe the "folly of the Cross," and be saved unto eternal life. In Christ's precious name I pray. Amen.
***************************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Lord - He Is God!
"Today's Devotion" For May 14, 2007
Read: I Kings 18:16-39; II Corinthians 13:1-11
THE LORD - HE IS GOD!
"When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!'" (I Kings 18:39)
There's an old story about a Sunday school teacher and the account of the Prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal. She was explaining how Elijah had challenged the priests to see who was stronger, Baal and all their other gods or the God of Israel, who saves. To that end, as we read in I Kings above, altars were built for the sacrifices of young bulls and it was first the turn of the priests of Baal. They prayed and prayed and prayed, entreating their gods to send fire down and take the offering they were giving. The failed and failed miserably.
It was then Elijah's turn. He took a young bull, slaughtered it and laid it on the altar he had built of twelve stones. He dug a trench around it and then told those who were helping him to fill four large jars with water and dump them over the bull, the altar, and all the wood for the fire. So they did so three times. It was at this point the teacher paused in her retelling of the Biblical account. She asked if anyone in the class could explain why the Lord had Elijah pour water over the bull on the altar. Certainly it was an unusual thing to do. At that a little girl's hand went up in the back of the room, "I know! I know!," she said. "God had Elijah pour all that water on the bull so he could make gravy!"
We all know the end of the story. Elijah prayed and God sent fire from heaven that consumed everything - the bull, the stones, the wood, the water, and even the dirt. The people saw it and responded, "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!" (I Kings 18:39). Obviously He wasn't "making gravy" but He was sending a clear message; a message no one could fail to understand.
We don't live in the days of the Prophets or Apostles. They're long gone. Yet the message from God that they brought to humanity is that God is the Lord and He saves His people. While the people of Israel were fooled into believing the prophets of Baal and worshiping all sorts of false gods, the true God was still watching over them and sending His Prophets, like Elijah, to remind them that "The Lord - He is God!" It's a reminder we need in the world today as well. There are so many conflicting claims as to the "way of salvation" - money, power, the right government, personal charisma, might, political will and accomplishment. Yet all these have nothing but the same false allure the people of Israel were confronted with by turning to Baal worship and forsaking God.
God's promise of salvation isn't found in the power human beings might wield, or in the power of armies, the charisma of politicians, or the overthrow of capitalism, communism, fascism, or any other of the "isms" fighting for prominence in the world. God's promise of salvation is found in the power and foolishness of the Cross of Christ, the sacrifice of God-made-flesh on that Cross to redeem the world from Sin, Satan, and the Law which condemns before God. God's promise of salvation isn't to be found in an earthly kingdom or a powerful Church, but in the simple, wondrous gift of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior - an act of God's pure grace and unmerited favor because He loves the world. In that gift of faith we have life and hope, peace and joy. In that gift of faith in Jesus we have a message of hope and peace to share with the whole world. In that gift of faith in Jesus we are no longer double-minded, for we know the truth that sets us free. In that gift of faith in Jesus we live each day with the firm conviction that "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!"
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so often led down the primrose path of destructive behavior as I'm enticed by the world's wiles and false promises of power, prestige, wealth, comfort, and peace. All around me I see the pain and sorrow caused by Sin and sinful people, but I also find myself looking for salvation from these things in people, government, society, and programs. Forgive me, gracious Lord, for so often failing to recognize that my peace and hope, and the peace and the hope of the world can only be found in Your love and forgiveness. Forgive me for so often forgetting that Jesus reminded His disciples that the kingdom of heaven is among us, but it's not a physical kingdom but a heavenly one. By the power of Your Word and Spirit continue to fill me with Your peace and forgiveness. Strengthen me with Your love and hope, and give me the courage and purpose to daily live for Jesus and share Him with everyone I meet. May my life, both in word and deed, thought and purpose, be a living testimony that shouts, "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!" for everyone to hear. In Jesus' precious name I ask this. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: I Kings 18:16-39; II Corinthians 13:1-11
THE LORD - HE IS GOD!
"When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!'" (I Kings 18:39)
There's an old story about a Sunday school teacher and the account of the Prophet Elijah and the priests of Baal. She was explaining how Elijah had challenged the priests to see who was stronger, Baal and all their other gods or the God of Israel, who saves. To that end, as we read in I Kings above, altars were built for the sacrifices of young bulls and it was first the turn of the priests of Baal. They prayed and prayed and prayed, entreating their gods to send fire down and take the offering they were giving. The failed and failed miserably.
It was then Elijah's turn. He took a young bull, slaughtered it and laid it on the altar he had built of twelve stones. He dug a trench around it and then told those who were helping him to fill four large jars with water and dump them over the bull, the altar, and all the wood for the fire. So they did so three times. It was at this point the teacher paused in her retelling of the Biblical account. She asked if anyone in the class could explain why the Lord had Elijah pour water over the bull on the altar. Certainly it was an unusual thing to do. At that a little girl's hand went up in the back of the room, "I know! I know!," she said. "God had Elijah pour all that water on the bull so he could make gravy!"
We all know the end of the story. Elijah prayed and God sent fire from heaven that consumed everything - the bull, the stones, the wood, the water, and even the dirt. The people saw it and responded, "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!" (I Kings 18:39). Obviously He wasn't "making gravy" but He was sending a clear message; a message no one could fail to understand.
We don't live in the days of the Prophets or Apostles. They're long gone. Yet the message from God that they brought to humanity is that God is the Lord and He saves His people. While the people of Israel were fooled into believing the prophets of Baal and worshiping all sorts of false gods, the true God was still watching over them and sending His Prophets, like Elijah, to remind them that "The Lord - He is God!" It's a reminder we need in the world today as well. There are so many conflicting claims as to the "way of salvation" - money, power, the right government, personal charisma, might, political will and accomplishment. Yet all these have nothing but the same false allure the people of Israel were confronted with by turning to Baal worship and forsaking God.
God's promise of salvation isn't found in the power human beings might wield, or in the power of armies, the charisma of politicians, or the overthrow of capitalism, communism, fascism, or any other of the "isms" fighting for prominence in the world. God's promise of salvation is found in the power and foolishness of the Cross of Christ, the sacrifice of God-made-flesh on that Cross to redeem the world from Sin, Satan, and the Law which condemns before God. God's promise of salvation isn't to be found in an earthly kingdom or a powerful Church, but in the simple, wondrous gift of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior - an act of God's pure grace and unmerited favor because He loves the world. In that gift of faith we have life and hope, peace and joy. In that gift of faith in Jesus we have a message of hope and peace to share with the whole world. In that gift of faith in Jesus we are no longer double-minded, for we know the truth that sets us free. In that gift of faith in Jesus we live each day with the firm conviction that "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!"
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so often led down the primrose path of destructive behavior as I'm enticed by the world's wiles and false promises of power, prestige, wealth, comfort, and peace. All around me I see the pain and sorrow caused by Sin and sinful people, but I also find myself looking for salvation from these things in people, government, society, and programs. Forgive me, gracious Lord, for so often failing to recognize that my peace and hope, and the peace and the hope of the world can only be found in Your love and forgiveness. Forgive me for so often forgetting that Jesus reminded His disciples that the kingdom of heaven is among us, but it's not a physical kingdom but a heavenly one. By the power of Your Word and Spirit continue to fill me with Your peace and forgiveness. Strengthen me with Your love and hope, and give me the courage and purpose to daily live for Jesus and share Him with everyone I meet. May my life, both in word and deed, thought and purpose, be a living testimony that shouts, "The Lord - He is God! The Lord - He is God!" for everyone to hear. In Jesus' precious name I ask this. Amen.
********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Are You Turning Into A "Telephone Pole?"
"Today's Devotion" For May 9, 2007
Read: Luke 17:20-37; II Peter 3:1-18
ARE YOU TURNING INTO A "TELEPHONE POLE?"
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (II Peter 3:17, 18)
It never ceases to amaze me how children can be the source of great wisdom through the simplicity of their thinking. Sometimes that wisdom is displayed by innocent comments that show the absurdity of a situation. Sunday school teachers are often the witnesses and recipients of the "wisdom" of children, often to their amazement and often to their chagrin. One Sunday school teacher recalls she was describing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to her class and noted that Lot's wife looked back with some apparent wistfulness at the city she had called home and ended up turning into a pillar of salt. Little Jason, eager to make his contribution to the account and show that he was listening announced triumphantly, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was driving, and she turned into a telephone pole!" (cf. Genesis 19)
If you know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah at all, and remember what happened to Lot's wife, you know that little Jason didn't "get it." At the same time, all too often, we adults don't "get it" either. Jesus frequently talked about the fact that after His resurrection and ascension there would come a time where evil would begin to take over the world. God's people would find themselves on the wrong end of society. Living and acting as a child of God, living as the redeemed in Christ, would become difficult and life threatening. He continually reminded His disciples that they would need to be on their guard so they wouldn't allow themselves to act like the world and forget who they were.
Peter gives that same reminder in his Epistle. Just as Jesus had taught the Apostles, so Peter teaches us. By faith in Christ, God's precious gift to every believer, we are reminded to not only recognize our sins are forgiven, but that we are called to live a life that reflects the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our Father in heaven. We are reminded by Peter, as Jesus reminded the Apostles, that the time will come when the world will totally forsake any thought of God's will and lawlessness will prevail. We are taught by Peter, as Jesus taught the Apostles, that there will be great temptation to go the way of the world and not remain in Christ. And, just as Jesus warned and cautioned the Apostles not to get caught up, like Lot's wife (Luke 17:32), in yearning for the things of the earth, so also does Peter warn and caution us.
Little Jason's, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was driving, and turned into a telephone pole," reminds us that because of Sin in the world, people just plain don't get the point. Often even God's people don't get the point. Why there's even a school of thought that says that there will be a thousand year reign of Christ on earth - all because even God's people find it difficult to understand that we can't look back, only forward to heaven and eternity with Christ. That's the ultimate end of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. As forgiven and restored people of God, our lives lived here are but an exercise for heaven. How are you living your life? God wiling, each of us lives by faith, looking for the day we can go home to heaven. It's a great way to live a redeemed and holy life.
Prayer: Father, I know that all too often, even when You're speaking to me in Your Word, I'm thinking about the things of this world. I wish the world would accept Your children, not disdain them. I wish that I could avoid having to experience the derision of those who hate religion, particularly those who believe in and follow Jesus. I'm too often like little Jason's mom, turning around to see where I've been and turning into a "telephone pole." Forgive me for so often putting the things of this world before my relationship with You and my witness for Jesus. Fill me with the power of Your Word and Spirit that may never look back at what has been, but always look forward to what You are giving me - Your forgiveness, love, blessings, hope, and peace - until You take me home to heaven. Hear me Father, for the sake of Christ. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 17:20-37; II Peter 3:1-18
ARE YOU TURNING INTO A "TELEPHONE POLE?"
"Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (II Peter 3:17, 18)
It never ceases to amaze me how children can be the source of great wisdom through the simplicity of their thinking. Sometimes that wisdom is displayed by innocent comments that show the absurdity of a situation. Sunday school teachers are often the witnesses and recipients of the "wisdom" of children, often to their amazement and often to their chagrin. One Sunday school teacher recalls she was describing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to her class and noted that Lot's wife looked back with some apparent wistfulness at the city she had called home and ended up turning into a pillar of salt. Little Jason, eager to make his contribution to the account and show that he was listening announced triumphantly, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was driving, and she turned into a telephone pole!" (cf. Genesis 19)
If you know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah at all, and remember what happened to Lot's wife, you know that little Jason didn't "get it." At the same time, all too often, we adults don't "get it" either. Jesus frequently talked about the fact that after His resurrection and ascension there would come a time where evil would begin to take over the world. God's people would find themselves on the wrong end of society. Living and acting as a child of God, living as the redeemed in Christ, would become difficult and life threatening. He continually reminded His disciples that they would need to be on their guard so they wouldn't allow themselves to act like the world and forget who they were.
Peter gives that same reminder in his Epistle. Just as Jesus had taught the Apostles, so Peter teaches us. By faith in Christ, God's precious gift to every believer, we are reminded to not only recognize our sins are forgiven, but that we are called to live a life that reflects the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our Father in heaven. We are reminded by Peter, as Jesus reminded the Apostles, that the time will come when the world will totally forsake any thought of God's will and lawlessness will prevail. We are taught by Peter, as Jesus taught the Apostles, that there will be great temptation to go the way of the world and not remain in Christ. And, just as Jesus warned and cautioned the Apostles not to get caught up, like Lot's wife (Luke 17:32), in yearning for the things of the earth, so also does Peter warn and caution us.
Little Jason's, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was driving, and turned into a telephone pole," reminds us that because of Sin in the world, people just plain don't get the point. Often even God's people don't get the point. Why there's even a school of thought that says that there will be a thousand year reign of Christ on earth - all because even God's people find it difficult to understand that we can't look back, only forward to heaven and eternity with Christ. That's the ultimate end of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. As forgiven and restored people of God, our lives lived here are but an exercise for heaven. How are you living your life? God wiling, each of us lives by faith, looking for the day we can go home to heaven. It's a great way to live a redeemed and holy life.
Prayer: Father, I know that all too often, even when You're speaking to me in Your Word, I'm thinking about the things of this world. I wish the world would accept Your children, not disdain them. I wish that I could avoid having to experience the derision of those who hate religion, particularly those who believe in and follow Jesus. I'm too often like little Jason's mom, turning around to see where I've been and turning into a "telephone pole." Forgive me for so often putting the things of this world before my relationship with You and my witness for Jesus. Fill me with the power of Your Word and Spirit that may never look back at what has been, but always look forward to what You are giving me - Your forgiveness, love, blessings, hope, and peace - until You take me home to heaven. Hear me Father, for the sake of Christ. Amen.
*********************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Go And Do Likewise
"Today's Devotion" For May 8, 2007
Read: Luke 10:25-37; Psalm 49
GO AND DO LIKEWISE
"'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, "the one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:36, 37)
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
Out of the mouth of babes! How often isn't that the response we human beings have toward those in need. We live in a dangerous world and being a "Good Samaritan" is really risky. From what I understand about the situation of life for the beaten man, the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan, it wasn't much safer for them on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho than it is on most of our cities' streets today. Robbers and brigands were prevalent. That the priest and Levite may have seen the injured man as bait in a trap is entirely possible. They, and we, could probably find a thousand reasons not to stop and offer assistance under the circumstances. But one man did stop. And, what's more, he wasn't the "right type" of person. He was a Samaritan.
Without going into great detail, suffice it to say that the Jews considered the Samaritans as trash. In many ways I suppose one could say that Samaritans were viewed by the Jews in much the same way as Jews have been viewed by other people throughout history. There were racial, ethnic, and religious reasons for the disconnect between these two peoples, so for a Samaritan to stop and help a Jew would have been unthinkable. Of course, that's Jesus' point exactly. The lesson He was giving through this story answers not only the question, "Who is my neighbor?", but also reflects the grace, mercy, and love of God for humanity - "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
If we're honest with ourselves and how we view those with whom we have differences - racially, ethnically, nationally, religiously, spiritually - we're probably right there with the little girl's response to her Sunday School teacher's question, "I think I'd throw up!" Thank God He doesn't "throw up" when He sees our sinful condition. Thank God He determined to save us from our sins and heal our wounded souls and spirits, and most especially our relationship with Him.. In Christ Jesus we have been given a new life with our Father in heaven. By God's gift of faith to us through the power of His Word and Spirit, we know His love and are restored to Him so that we might share His love and compassion with others. "Go and do likewise" is to respond to God's love for us in Christ by loving others enough to overlook our differences and share the Good News of Jesus with them. That's how God's love touches others - through us.
Prayer: Father, I can't honestly say that I'm a very good, "Good Samaritan" in my life. All too frequently I let the differences I have with others, whether they are racial, ethnic, religious, economic, or otherwise, get in the way of loving them as You have loved me. All too often I find myself looking askance at those who are different from me and from those with whom I surround myself. As a result, I'm not always as willing to share Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus with others. I am just as afraid at times to assist those in need as were the priest and the Levite. I'm certain that Samaritan was also afraid, but his love and compassion, and I expect, his love for You, led him to overcome that fear and assist a brother in need. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure and move my heart and spirit to seeing others as brothers and sisters in need of Your love and compassion. Let me be an instrument of Your peace and share with those in need and those who are different from me, even those with whom I may be at odds, You love and forgiveness in Jesus, who died and rose again for all people everywhere. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Read: Luke 10:25-37; Psalm 49
GO AND DO LIKEWISE
"'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, "the one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:36, 37)
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."
Out of the mouth of babes! How often isn't that the response we human beings have toward those in need. We live in a dangerous world and being a "Good Samaritan" is really risky. From what I understand about the situation of life for the beaten man, the priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan, it wasn't much safer for them on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho than it is on most of our cities' streets today. Robbers and brigands were prevalent. That the priest and Levite may have seen the injured man as bait in a trap is entirely possible. They, and we, could probably find a thousand reasons not to stop and offer assistance under the circumstances. But one man did stop. And, what's more, he wasn't the "right type" of person. He was a Samaritan.
Without going into great detail, suffice it to say that the Jews considered the Samaritans as trash. In many ways I suppose one could say that Samaritans were viewed by the Jews in much the same way as Jews have been viewed by other people throughout history. There were racial, ethnic, and religious reasons for the disconnect between these two peoples, so for a Samaritan to stop and help a Jew would have been unthinkable. Of course, that's Jesus' point exactly. The lesson He was giving through this story answers not only the question, "Who is my neighbor?", but also reflects the grace, mercy, and love of God for humanity - "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
If we're honest with ourselves and how we view those with whom we have differences - racially, ethnically, nationally, religiously, spiritually - we're probably right there with the little girl's response to her Sunday School teacher's question, "I think I'd throw up!" Thank God He doesn't "throw up" when He sees our sinful condition. Thank God He determined to save us from our sins and heal our wounded souls and spirits, and most especially our relationship with Him.. In Christ Jesus we have been given a new life with our Father in heaven. By God's gift of faith to us through the power of His Word and Spirit, we know His love and are restored to Him so that we might share His love and compassion with others. "Go and do likewise" is to respond to God's love for us in Christ by loving others enough to overlook our differences and share the Good News of Jesus with them. That's how God's love touches others - through us.
Prayer: Father, I can't honestly say that I'm a very good, "Good Samaritan" in my life. All too frequently I let the differences I have with others, whether they are racial, ethnic, religious, economic, or otherwise, get in the way of loving them as You have loved me. All too often I find myself looking askance at those who are different from me and from those with whom I surround myself. As a result, I'm not always as willing to share Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus with others. I am just as afraid at times to assist those in need as were the priest and the Levite. I'm certain that Samaritan was also afraid, but his love and compassion, and I expect, his love for You, led him to overcome that fear and assist a brother in need. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit upon me in abundant measure and move my heart and spirit to seeing others as brothers and sisters in need of Your love and compassion. Let me be an instrument of Your peace and share with those in need and those who are different from me, even those with whom I may be at odds, You love and forgiveness in Jesus, who died and rose again for all people everywhere. In His precious name I pray. Amen.
******************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Jesus Is The Christ For Everyone
Read: Acts 11:1-18
Romans 10:1-15
JESUS IS THE CHRIST FOR EVERYONE
"As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in Him will never be put to shame. For this is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."'" (Romans 10:11-13)
I don't know about you, but no one is knocking down my door to put my face on the cover of GQ, or to have me pose for a fashion spread. To say that I'm overweight is an understatement of galactic proportions. I can honestly say no reporters are calling me day and night seeking my erudite opinion on the political, social, or economic events of the day. I have more bills to pay than I have money, my asset base is zero, and, all in all, I'm just a really very ordinary person. How about you?
Human beings tend to look at certain characteristics as being signs of success and prosperity, power and prestige. We put labels on people like short and fat, tall and skinny, handsome or ugly, beautiful, plain, or a "dog." How we treat others often is a result of what they look like, how they dress, how clean or dirty they might be, what their level of wealth or prestige might be, or even what kind of car they drive. We are attracted to some people and repulsed by others. The phrase, "They're our kind of people!" is a very real part of how human beings gravitate to others.
Our sinful, human nature drives wedges between us and others because "they" might not be like us. "They're not our kind of people," and so we turn away, ignore, or chase such people away. Thank God, however, that He hasn't treated us the same way. Certainly, as we hear in Scripture, "we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). If we saw ourselves as God sees us we wouldn't want anything to do with us. Yet, in His grace, mercy, compassion, and love God determined to save all humanity from the stain and stink of Sin and redeem us for Himself that we might receive His forgiveness and live with Him forever in heaven.
In Jesus, the Christ - the Anointed One, the Messiah - God fulfilled His promise to redeem all people from their sins. Jesus died on the Cross for everyone, no matter how big or small, short or tall, fat or thin, rich or poor, famous or infamous, so that all might know God's forgiveness and be at peace with Him. When we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Thus, as we have received God's grace and blessings, His love and forgiveness, all who believe in Jesus seek to share Him with others. The Gospel, the Good News, isn't the sole possession of any group or groups of people, but the power of God for salvation to all who believe. As we have received the Good News through the power of God's Word and Spirit, we seek to get that Good News out to others. As witnesses of God's love in Christ Jesus we don't take a look at the externals of people but remember that Christ died for everyone. He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior for everyone, regardless of station in life - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That's an important thing to remember the next time God gives us an opportunity to share Jesus with someone in need of His love or invite someone who isn't quite like us to come to worship with us.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for all those times I miss the opportunities You've given me to share Jesus with others. Too often I've looked at others and judged them by their clothing, their station in life, their intellect, or their wealth and then chosen not to share Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Christ with them. Too often, Father, my witness is reserved for those who are "like me," forgetting that all human beings are alike in one very crucial and critical way - we are all sinners in need of repentance and salvation. Father, forgive me for such arrogance and unloving behavior and send Your Holy Spiriit into my heart so that I may truly seek to share Jesus with others. Let me witness be sure and certain; don't let human labels prevent me from being a faithful witness and disciple of Christ Jesus, in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
Romans 10:1-15
JESUS IS THE CHRIST FOR EVERYONE
"As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trust in Him will never be put to shame. For this is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."'" (Romans 10:11-13)
I don't know about you, but no one is knocking down my door to put my face on the cover of GQ, or to have me pose for a fashion spread. To say that I'm overweight is an understatement of galactic proportions. I can honestly say no reporters are calling me day and night seeking my erudite opinion on the political, social, or economic events of the day. I have more bills to pay than I have money, my asset base is zero, and, all in all, I'm just a really very ordinary person. How about you?
Human beings tend to look at certain characteristics as being signs of success and prosperity, power and prestige. We put labels on people like short and fat, tall and skinny, handsome or ugly, beautiful, plain, or a "dog." How we treat others often is a result of what they look like, how they dress, how clean or dirty they might be, what their level of wealth or prestige might be, or even what kind of car they drive. We are attracted to some people and repulsed by others. The phrase, "They're our kind of people!" is a very real part of how human beings gravitate to others.
Our sinful, human nature drives wedges between us and others because "they" might not be like us. "They're not our kind of people," and so we turn away, ignore, or chase such people away. Thank God, however, that He hasn't treated us the same way. Certainly, as we hear in Scripture, "we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). If we saw ourselves as God sees us we wouldn't want anything to do with us. Yet, in His grace, mercy, compassion, and love God determined to save all humanity from the stain and stink of Sin and redeem us for Himself that we might receive His forgiveness and live with Him forever in heaven.
In Jesus, the Christ - the Anointed One, the Messiah - God fulfilled His promise to redeem all people from their sins. Jesus died on the Cross for everyone, no matter how big or small, short or tall, fat or thin, rich or poor, famous or infamous, so that all might know God's forgiveness and be at peace with Him. When we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Thus, as we have received God's grace and blessings, His love and forgiveness, all who believe in Jesus seek to share Him with others. The Gospel, the Good News, isn't the sole possession of any group or groups of people, but the power of God for salvation to all who believe. As we have received the Good News through the power of God's Word and Spirit, we seek to get that Good News out to others. As witnesses of God's love in Christ Jesus we don't take a look at the externals of people but remember that Christ died for everyone. He is the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior for everyone, regardless of station in life - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." That's an important thing to remember the next time God gives us an opportunity to share Jesus with someone in need of His love or invite someone who isn't quite like us to come to worship with us.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for all those times I miss the opportunities You've given me to share Jesus with others. Too often I've looked at others and judged them by their clothing, their station in life, their intellect, or their wealth and then chosen not to share Your love, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Christ with them. Too often, Father, my witness is reserved for those who are "like me," forgetting that all human beings are alike in one very crucial and critical way - we are all sinners in need of repentance and salvation. Father, forgive me for such arrogance and unloving behavior and send Your Holy Spiriit into my heart so that I may truly seek to share Jesus with others. Let me witness be sure and certain; don't let human labels prevent me from being a faithful witness and disciple of Christ Jesus, in whose precious name I pray. Amen.
*****************************
--Pastor Boeck
Copyright © 2007 by Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.
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