Author: admin

Mark 4:35-41

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

When we experience times of anxiety or trial, the feelings are intense.  Like a child calling out in the night for a parent, we cry out to the Lord.  We expect that God’s answer to our call will be immediate because we are so frightened.  If God’s timing is different from our own, we may begin to question God’s love.

The example before us in God’s Word for today shows us that when we have such anxiety, we need to remember that God isn’t far away. He is right with us in our “boat.”  And though He may seem to be fast asleep from our perspective, He is aware of our situation. He is helping us to pray and strengthening our proper response to trouble.

If we need any proof of God’s faithful love, we can simply remember the cross of Jesus.  There Jesus suffered all things for us, even the fears of the death and hell.  He cried out to our heavenly Father, and has shown us the proper response of faith to times of severe trial.  We must call upon the Lord, and from the Lord we will receive our salvation, even the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.

Let Us Pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for hearing my prayers, and for staying close beside me through all the trials of life.  Help me to remain faithful in prayer and trust in you.  Please be with friends, family, loved ones, neighbors and all others who are suffering today.  Help them through repentance and faith in you to find peace for their souls.  In your name I pray.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:2

“In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Tomorrow never comes.  This is one of those sayings that is meant to make you think.  For instance, Saturday will come after Friday, but when Saturday arrives, it is no longer tomorrow… it is today.

Often in prayer, we are tempted to put off salvation until tomorrow.  Why?  Salvation involves repenting of sin, turning away from it, and turning toward God and receiving His forgiveness.  The grace of God results in a new life today.  Therefore, today is the day of salvation. 

If a person were to put off repentance and faith until some distant “tomorrow” certainly that day will never come.  Salvation isn’t something that can be scheduled at a more convenient time.  God doesn’t put off hearing our cries for help. Neither shall we put off His grace and salvation.

Therefore, today is the day!  Today your Savior calls upon you to repent of your sins and look to His cross of sacrifice for your forgiveness.  Today you are set free from the bondage that has held you and as God’s forgiven son or daughter are welcomed into His presence. As it is expressed in the hymn,  

Today Your mercy calls us

To wash away our sin.

However great our trespass,

Whatever we have been,

However long from mercy

Our hearts have turned away,

Your precious blood can wash us

And make us clean today.

Today Your gate is open,

And all who enter in

Shall find a Father’s welcome

And pardon for their sin.

The past shall be forgotten,

A present joy be giv’n,

A future grace be promised,

A glorious crown in heav’n.

Let us Pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for your mercy in calling me to your side.  Strengthen me in repentance and faith that the joy of your presence will be my light and life today.  In your name I pray.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 6:1

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

When you receive a gift from a loved one, you may say thank you, or send a note of thanks by mail.  These actions certainly display good manners.  But, there is something that really shows appreciation the best.  What is it?  Of course, using the gift as intended!

God has given us the greatest gift in in His Son. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit we are given faith and raised to new life.  These gifts come to us personally through the Word of God, baptism and the Lord’s Supper.  We praise and thank God for His gifts to us when we gather for worship and talk with God daily in our prayer. But, the best thanksgiving is to use the gifts that God has given for our good as He intended them to be used.  How is this done?

When we remember our Baptism, we are using God’s gift as intended. Remembering our baptism leads us to confess our sins and trust in Jesus as our Savior.  When we hear God’s Word gladly and take to heart the teachings of the Holy Bible, we are showing God the appreciation He deserves for such a precious gift.  When we receive the Lord’s Supper in faith for the forgiveness of our sins and strengthening of our faith, all heaven rejoices and God is glorified. The Christian life is indeed a most wonderful thanksgiving for those who have received God’s gifts.  This is what it means to “not receive the grace of God in vain.”  Rather we receive it for the purpose that God has given it to us.

Let us pray

I thank you Lord for your precious gifts to me in Jesus.  O Holy Spirit, please enable me to respond in faith and show forth in my life the good effect of the gifts you have given to me by living according to my Heavenly Father’s Will.  In Jesus name I pray.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Job 38:1-11

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

Dress for action like a man;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

When bad things happen most people want to know why.       Why ask why?  Knowing the details of a situation may give a person a feeling of security.  We can reason that if we avoid doing this or that, the “bad thing” won’t happen to us.  But, there is another reason.

Sometimes asking why is about getting some kind of justification for what has happened.  Job was a good fellow by all accounts and he had some really bad things happen in his life.  He wanted to know why.  Why ask why?  He wanted an explanation.

God’s answer to Job makes us look at the very substance of faith.  Instead of giving Job an explanation, God directed Job to consider who God is, the creator of all things.  If you trust in God, you trust in Him even when you can’t possibly understand. Through faith you know that God does understand and will act in your best interests.

God proved this in Jesus, when He sent His only begotten Son to offer Himself on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins.  Through faith in Jesus you have peace with God and eternal life.  Jesus could do this as true God.  But, in an interesting proof of Jesus’ humanity, Jesus also asked “why?”  As he was suffering the substance of our punishment on the cross Jesus cried out “Why have you forsaken me?”  In that cry, we know that Jesus suffered as we do, yet without sin.

God’s answer to Jesus, and His answer to us, is the resurrection from the dead.  We are not God and ultimately don’t want just an explanation.  We want the perfect deliverance of resurrection.  This is what God has given to the world in Jesus.  For all of the times we are at the end of our rope and cry out “why?” God shows us His Son and calls us to repentance and faith.  In Jesus we have God’s answer, we have the resurrection.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord for hearing my prayers during the most difficult days.  I repent of my weakness of faith and reaffirm my trust in your divine wisdom and love in guiding my life.  Help me to remember Jesus’ faithfulness and your gift of eternal life through Him.  Please strengthen all who are struggling this day.  Grant us faith and peace through Christ Jesus your Son.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 124

Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

124 

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—

    let Israel now say—

2 

if it had not been the Lord who was on our side

    when people rose up against us,

3 

then they would have swallowed us up alive,

    when their anger was kindled against us;

4 

then the flood would have swept us away,

    the torrent would have gone over us;

5 

then over us would have gone

    the raging waters.

6 

Blessed be the Lord,

    who has not given us

    as prey to their teeth!

7 

We have escaped like a bird

    from the snare of the fowlers;

the snare is broken,

    and we have escaped!

8 

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

In the greatest need, there is only one who can sustain us, namely the Lord.  We may not recognize this at the moment of crisis. We may be so wrapped up in our problems that we can barely pray. But afterwards, upon reflection, we recognize that it was the Lord who was guiding, guarding, and protecting us.  And we give Him glory. This psalm was a fitting hymn sung by God’s people as they went to the temple.  It still fits for us today!

From the daily threats and dangers that we face, to the eternal salvation of our souls, God is faithful.  Our Heavenly Father, who gave His Son Jesus on the cross, is still standing guard over our lives and guiding us into His eternal future.  Therefore we are thankful, and say with the Psalmist “If it had not been the Lord…” as we give Him credit for our salvation and trust daily in Jesus our Savior.

Let us pray,

Help me Lord in the midst of all challenges to see your faithful love, gracious salvation and through faith in you persevere in all trials.  I praise you for your mercy!  In Jesus name, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Mark 4:30-32

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

The mustard plant, whose seed is spoken of in this parable, is pictured as a very large plant, larger than all the other garden plants.  The branches of the plant are so supportive that they provide a nesting places for the birds of the air.  The description of this great garden plant is used here to help us picture God’s kingdom. God’s Kingdom comes in what seems the most insignificant way, yet as it grows to completion, it provides the eternal home for all nations of the earth.

It is hard to imagine, yet it is true that Jesus came in a small and nearly invisible way into this creation, much smaller than even a mustard seed.  In His incarnation, Jesus was only the size of one cell in the womb of the virgin Mary.  Who could have imagined what would have come of that small seed.  Yet, God the Father chose this for HIs Son to enter the world to bring salvation to all nations.

Jesus grew, was born, matured, and entered upon His ministry of Salvation for the life of the world.  His death, which seemed at the time to be just another insignificant tragedy of Roman occupation, became the focal point of God’s love for the world and the end of Satan’s accusations.  Through faith in Jesus’ death long ago, your sins today are forgiven and you are given a share in HIs resurrection and eternal life. Through faith in Jesus all find a home in the branches of the mighty kingdom that grew from that one cell in Mary’s womb.

Let us pray

Help me Lord to remember your power is evident in the smallest of seeds.  You came into this world and saved all people.  Help me to trust in you today.  Strengthen all who hear your Gospel, that they may find peace and their eternal home.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Mark 4:26-29

The Parable of the Seed Growing

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Nothing happens outside of God’s power and blessing.  From the smallest creature to the greatest forces of the cosmos, God is the maker, creator and sustainer of all things.  We confess this truth when, in the Apostles’ Creed, we confess, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth.”

In creating life, God shares His life with all things.  Even in something as small as a seed, the miracle of life can only be characterized coming from God.  Who can comprehend how such a small thing, could in the end result in a life sustaining crop for people.  The seed and ground do this, as the text states, “all by itself.”  No action of the farmer, other than planting the seed into the ground, can make things happen.  God gives the growth.

It is humbling, and important, to remember that God is the one who gives the growth in all things.  He has given us of HIs Divine life when he created us.  But, like the farmer, the soil, and the seed, we have only a part of His plan.  Our calling is to fulfill our calling faithfully and trust in Him to grant the growth.  In that faithful waiting the miracles of God take place.

Jesus, after He had died on the cross for the sins of the world, was laid to rest, planted in the garden, in the tomb.  He fulfilled HIs faithful calling as our Savior.  And no one thought that any good thing would come of His death.  Yet, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, the first of God’s harvest to eternal life for all who trust in Jesus.

Your calling may seem less significant that someone else’s.  Yet, as you trust in God, believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and fulfill your calling faithfully, God still creates His miracles today.  He does HIs work in you and through you blesses all creation.  

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord for the gift of life and the miracles that I see all around me in creation.  I praise you for your resurrection from the dead, Lord Jesus, and the future harvest of eternal life that is mine.  Help me today to find joy in the calling you have given to me.  If my calling is great, or small, I know you will create the miracles necessary for all because I trust in you.  In your name I pray, AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

There is something wonderful about having a truly fresh start.  It could be something as simple as the joy of a beautiful morning, or significant as the beginning of a new job.  Why is a fresh start so wonderful?  In many ways, it is that the past is no longer in the way.  As a dreary or stormy night melts away with the bright sun of a fair weather morning, the troubles of the past melt away when the new has come.

This is what God has done for the world in His Son Jesus.  Jesus, though HIs perfect life, showed us our future home in God.  Through His death on the cross Jesus paid the price we could not bear and won our forgiveness.  God removes the burden of our sin and gives us the ultimate fresh start, enabling us to walk in HIs presence through faith.

The old, which means our old sinful self and the sadness of the grave, has passed away. We now are a new creation in Jesus.  As we confess our sins and trust in Jesus our Savior, the certainty of our standing before God is affirmed and we are strengthened to live the joy of eternal life today through faith in God and love towards one another.

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus for making all things new, forgiving my sins, and raising me to experience your new life.  Help me not to fear the past, for you have won my forgiveness.  Be with all those who have yet to come to know you.  May they too rejoice through faith in you and be made new. In your name I pray, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:6-9

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Are you a courageous person?  Most people would probably not picture themselves like that.  In fact, when people who have done something very courageous are later called heroes, they don’t claim the title easily.  They say things like, “I was just doing my job.”  When we think of courageous people we think of superheroes, not regular people just fulfilling their calling.

But, true courage isn’t about superheroes and fantasy.  True courage is precisely about “doing your job” faithfully.  

But, what about extreme situations?  What about when your life really is on the line?  In those situations, you need more.  In that case, it is important to remember Jesus.

Our Lord Jesus was faithful in the greatest confrontation of all time.  He came into the world to face evil for us, and free us from our sins.  He came fully knowing that our salvation would cost Him His life.  Yet, Jesus still came.  Why?  He came because His courage wasn’t simply a lack of fear.  It was a fulness of faith and certainty of the Joy of your salvation.  Jesus was able to face the most ferocious battle and be victorious because His in divine love He could overcome even our sins.

Through faith in Jesus we are given such courage.  How is this so?  Through faith in Jesus we have the forgiveness of our sins and the certainty of His resurrection for our mortal bodies.  We know that there is no loss in this life that can take away the eternal life that God sealed to us in our Baptism.  Through faith in Jesus, our courage is the courage of faith that alone lets us see our eternal life.  We walk by faith, and not simple human sight. 

Therefore, we can be courageous in the fulfilling of our daily calling.  Even though we are usually called to things far less dramatic than those depicted in any superhero movie, we are strong through faith in the Lord.  And should we find our challenges to be most difficult, these challenges are never beyond God’s ability to strengthen us, our Savior’s victory for us and the promise of our resurrection to eternal life.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord for granting me a courageous faith in my baptism. Help me to remember your victory when I face challenges in my daily work, for I walk by faith and not sight.

In your name I pray, AMEN.  

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:4-5

4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

This is the time of year when many families are getting ready to go camping.  I have told you about my first camp experience in an outfitters tent when I was a boy.  Though I’m sure it was challenging, it didn’t stop us from camping.  Later in life, it has still not stopped me from tent camping! 

As families head out, the first few night is usually wonderful, but then reality begins to take its toll.  By the end of the first week, most people feel a bit frazzled.  This is especially true if the weather has been difficult, as in hot, rainy, or buggy.

We had one camp that we attempted in the middle of a drought and heat wave.  We ended up just coming home to survive.  I didn’t see it as a defeat.  It was a blessing to have a real home waiting for our return.

Our Heavenly Father sustains us through the trials of this life. He is our real home.  Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we are His.  This life does have many joys, despite the attacks of the evil one and the sins of evil men.  This is due to our Father’s Love.  But we should not fall in love with our present “tent living” situation.  There is more. There is better.

As Christians we confess the resurrection and eternal life.  We remember that God’s faithful love for us in Jesus includes our eternal Home with Him.  This is our sustaining joy now, and our joyful homecoming at the resurrection. 

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord for sustaining me in all the trials that I face in this life.  I thank you for continuing to bring joy to this creation and peace to my soul.  Most of all, I thank you for the future that you have given me through faith in Jesus my Savior.  Please bless and strengthen all who trust in you.  May we be sustained in our trials, and be found at last in your perfect joy.  In Your Name I pray,  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.