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September 26, 2021

While I am recovering from surgery, please pick another “Daily Prayer” recording below.

I hope to be able to produce Daily Prayer devotions very soon, Lord willing, this week. Until that time, please scroll down on this page and look through the list of devotions available on this site. If you scroll to the very bottom of the page, you will see that there are many of them available for you. Thank you for you kindness and prayers.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Lee Daniel Johnson

September 24, 2021September 20, 2021

Who is the greatest?

Mark 9:30-37

30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.

Who Is the Greatest?

33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

When the disciples were arguing about who is the greatest, perhaps it was because they were afraid that Jesus would need to be replaced as their leader. They wouldn’t ask Jesus about His very clear prediction of His death, much less about the prediction of His resurrection.

When Jesus asked them about what they were talking about on the way, they didn’t answer. Their behavior seems as if they were feeling guilty. Sinful motives and perhaps strained relationships had likely tainted their discussion. But, most of all, the disciples were so frightened by Jesus clear outline of His ministry, that they wouldn’t talk to Him. So Jesus initiated the discussion.

Jesus didn’t start by telling them not to desire to be first. That is kind of the shock. Being first, a leader, isn’t in itself sinful. In fact, Jesus would call them to be leaders in the church after His ascension. But, the disciples needed to learn what be a godly leader means. If they had listened to Jesus’ description of His ministry, they would have had a perfect example of that very thing.

So Jesus put a little child in they midst, a person who needs care in every way, and reminded them that if they were to be leaders, they would be the ones to put others first and care for them. This is what Jesus was doing. He is the first, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yet, He stooped down to become human and be the Savior of the World. He would give up everything, even His life by dying the cross. Jesus called all people to trust in Him for He planned to pay the debt of sin for people. Jesus rose from the dead and gives His eternal life to all people.

By the Grace of God, though faith, you are redeemed. In your baptism, Jesus calls you first. Now, He teaches us also what this means. That to be first means to be the first in Christian love and service. May we follow the example of the blessed apostles who gave their lives in sharing the Gospel throughout the world. And in the various callings of our lives, in the home, the church, and the community, may the example of our Savior Jesus be our guide.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus I praise you for your salvation. Strengthen me that I may follow your example of love and service in my life. I ask for your blessings for those who serve in my family, my church, and my nation. Guide and direct us all according to your will and purpose. In your name I pray, Amen.

The Collect for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please you in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. 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.

September 23, 2021September 20, 2021

Resist the Devil

James 3:7-10

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

In the midst of trail and temptation a person may be tempted to turn inward. Why would anyone do that? Such a person may hope to find a deeper sense of strength and character within. This is a popular theme in entertainment and culture.

However, this isn’t what God’s Word teaches. God’s Word teaches that we need much more that our strength and will power to overcome the assaults of the evil one. We need the Lord.

God directs us to fight temptation in this way. First, submit yourself to God. Faith in God and trust in His will, strength, and guidance is the only way to overcome evil. Second, we are called to resist the devil through faith. The devil, sensing that it is God who is resisting within us, will cause that devil to flee. Jesus broke the power of evil through His death on the cross for your forgiveness and His resurrection for your eternal life. That is why the devil will flee from you. Then, in Jesus’ victory, we are called to the life of repentance. Winning one battle of temptation in our life doesn’t win the war. The life of repentance, mourning over our sin, and trusting in Jesus, will lead to the eternal victory, to being exalted by the Lord at the resurrection.

So if, the midst of trail and temptation you tempted to turn inward, remember God’s Word. Submit yourself to the Lord. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Live each day in repentance and your new life through faith. Humble yourself before God, and He will exalt you.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for winning the victory for me through faithful life, death on the cross, and glorious resurrection from the dead. Help me to to live in repentant faith and humility and look forward to your victories in my life today and the joy of the resurrection. In your name I pray, AMEN

The Collect for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord’s Prayer

September 22, 2021September 20, 2021

The Right Recipe

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

If you want your recipe to come out right, you have to start with the right ingredients. This simple principle doesn’t just apply to the kitchen. It is also evident in faith and life.

If a person would like to be considered spiritually wise and understanding, he or she must show evidence of good conduct. What does that good conduct look like? That person should possess a wisdom that is tempered with meekness. No amount of skill can make something good out of what is evil. If a person is polluted with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition they are not wise and understanding. Such a person is impure — filled with great sin.

Since humanity’s fall into sin, there is no one who is pure. But, God who is rich in mercy sent His Son Jesus, the very wisdom of God, to save us. Through His death on the cross and resurrection God freely gives forgiveness and new life through faith. What does this new life look like?

James 3:17-18 “ 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

May God grant us faith as we follow our Savior Jesus. Through Jesus we are daily released from guilt and released from slavery to the old order of evil in this world. In place evil, God will do a new thing in us. By His saints God will raise a harvest of righteousness, sown in peace, by those who make peace.

The Collect for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus for coming into the world and through your mighty acts overthrowing the power of the evil one. Help me to be patient in this present age and sow the seeds of peace through a life of faith in you and love for my neighbor. In your name I pray, AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

September 21, 2021September 20, 2021

God will judge

Jeremiah 11:18-20

The Lord made it known to me and I knew;

then you showed me their deeds.

But I was like a gentle lamb

led to the slaughter.

I did not know it was against me

they devised schemes, saying,

“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,

let us cut him off from the land of the living,

that his name be remembered no more.”

But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,

who tests the heart and the mind,

let me see your vengeance upon them,

for to you have I committed my cause.

The prophet Jeremiah speak of being the target of an organized plot. Such a situation is frightening. It is hard enough to fight off one enemy. But, when others group up against you, the situation becomes humanly impossible.

Remember Matthew 19:26: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” As formidable, organized, and wicked as the enemy seems, God is greater.

Therefore, the faithful prophet Jeremiah confessed His faith in the Lord. God had called the prophet to preach repentance to an unrepentant nation. Therefore, the prophet could do nothing other than preach as God directed and commit his cause to God. He confessed:

“But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously,

who tests the heart and the mind,

let me see your vengeance upon them,

for to you have I committed my cause.”

In the faithful ministry of the prophets we see fulfillment in Jesus. Jesus called the world to confess their sins. He called the world to repent. But, the plotting of sinful men resulted in Jesus’ death by crucifixion. It would see that his cause was lost. But, Jesus Himself taught after His death and resurrection were clearly taught in God’s Word from the beginning.

Jesus is God’s salvation against all the plots and schemes of the evil one. Through faith in Jesus Satan’s accusations are overcome. Through His death, your sins are forgiven. Through His resurrection your eternal life is secure.

Therefore, let us follow the example of the faithful who have gone before us, who, like faithful Jeremiah, didn’t give up when facing opposition in their calling. Instead, God calls us to remember His Word, live by faith in Jesus, and commit the outcome of our lives to the Lord. He who raised Jesus from the dead is faithful.

Let us pray,

There are times in this age when I feel oppressed by the evil around me in the world. Help me to look to you, remember Jesus’ victory, and live in faith each moment, for to you I have committed by cause. In Jesus name, Amen

The Collect for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord’s Prayer

September 20, 2021September 19, 2021

God will vindicate you

Psalm 54

O God, save me by your name,

and vindicate me by your might.

O God, hear my prayer;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

For strangers have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life;

they do not set God before themselves. Selah

Behold, God is my helper;

the Lord is the upholder of my life.

He will return the evil to my enemies;

in your faithfulness put an end to them.

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.

For he has delivered me from every trouble,

and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

“Innocent until proven guilty.” This value in our judicial system is actually rare. In most countries, if you are arrested, you are assumed guilty. You must prove your innocence. If you can vindicate yourself, you may be set free.

This rare value in our judicial system, is needed to offset common human behavior. If we hear that someone “may” be guilty of a crime, that person is nearly always considered a criminal. No trial is needed in the court of public opinion. The damage to a person’s reputation is immediate.

The Psalmist laments the attacks of individuals who were striving to destroy him. He called the attackers are called ruthless. Why are they ruthless? They do not acknowledge God. They are identified by their behavior as being of the evil one.

But, instead of giving up under the barrage of their painful and persistent attacks, the Psalmist shows his faith in the Lord and God’s ultimate vindication of his cause. What does it mean to be vindicated? It means to free someone of blame, or suspicion. How can the Psalmist hope for this great salvation? The Psalmist believes in the Lord.

God is the one who can vindicate us, even in the face of Satan’s horrible accusations, even in the face of the reality of our sins. Jesus died on the cross for our forgiveness. Jesus offered His Holy life for our sinful lives, so that we can receive from Him a gift we could never earn. Thus forgiven God stands us up to walk before Him by faith, trusting in His Grace, and acknowledging His power to raise up our lives to be holy lives, in keeping with His Will. Through faith in Jesus we are a new creation. By Grace through faith, we vindicated by the love of God in Jesus.

Let us pray

I thank you Lord for your great love and mercy in coming to my defense. I confess my many sins and failures. I confess your holy life and death were offered for me and all the sins of the world. O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. In Your name I pray, AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

September 17, 2021September 16, 2021

Only by Prayer

Mark 9:14-29

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

When people hear of some sad or difficult news from another person, it is common to say “you’re in my prayers” or something like that. If we are sincere in our intention to pray, we do pray, believing that God hears our prayers and that prayer matters. We pray believing that God will act in accordance to His Will.

Sometimes, however, people are not so sure about prayer, or are concerned about the other person’s feelings about prayer. Then you will hear something like “you are in my thoughts.” A “thinking of your” statement is meant to help a person not feel alone, but also not suggest anything more.

In our day, prayer is being attacked. Those who pray are being attacked for not actually doing something. Talking to God is rejected as just a weak “thinking of you” statement that actually does nothing. The clear belief expressed is that God does not exist.

It is interesting that in the case of a particularly destructive and persistent case of demon possession, Jesus says, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Clearly, Jesus didn’t consider prayer just words or happy thoughts. And clearly, also, the evil one present and active in our world today agrees. This is evident I the fact that prayer is assailed in our culture. Prayer is assailed because prayer can remove the most destructive and persistent efforts of evil. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus prayed. In times of opposition, Jesus prayed. To heal the sick and cast out demons, Jesus prayed. As He was crucified, Jesus prayed. As He suffered, Jesus prayed. As He died, Jesus prayed. The result of all this prayer? Satan was bound. The sick were healed. Demons were cast out. Sin was destroyed by Jesus death for us on the cross. And on the third day, Jesus rose in glory from the dead. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters.

Remember what Jesus has done for you. If you believe in Him, confessing your sins, you are forgiven and you will have the gift of eternal life from God. Remember that Jesus prayed. Remember that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. And then, consider the power and importance of prayer. Pray for yourself. Freely offer to pray for others. This is God’s Will.

And remember this. Whatever the evil one hates, he mocks. Mocking and ridicule are the hallmarks of Satan. So, if you are ridiculed by others for praying, or offering prayer, know that the devil is terrified of your prayers. Prayer is powerful. Prayer matters. God will act.

Let us pray,

Lord I praise you for your mercy in hearing my prayers. I believe in you and your power to save. Strengthen my faith and teach me to pray at all times. In your name I pray. Amen

The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue and preserve Your Church is safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

September 16, 2021September 16, 2021

Words Matter

James 3:1-5

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

We are revisiting James 3 today because in religion, culture and politics the negative power of words has become obvious. Simply by changing the meaning of words, the powerful still hope to control and mislead a people. No one knows this more than Satan himself. He used words, twisted to his purposes, to shatter our relationship with God, lie about reality, and bring suffering and death into the world. Words matter.

When we read in God’s Word about the power of the tongue, we are talking about the power of words. In particular, this section of God’s Word is talking about words used to teach lies. A liar, guided by any number of evil purposes or spirits, can cause great damage, as did the evil one in the beginning.

How can you defend yourself against such an assault? The Word of God as taught by God’s Holy Spirit is our defense. God tells us what is true, and that is the best way to recognize the lies of the evil one.

God’s Word points unerringly to Jesus. The Word of God reveals what is truly good and shows us where we have fallen short. By showing us our sins, God tells us the truth about our lost condition. By showing us our Savior Jesus — HIs life. death on the cross, and resurrection for us — God shows us the truth about Himself. The mercy of God in Jesus encourages us to repent of our sins and trust in God’s mercy.

Thus restored to God, our ears are tuned to His truth so that we can recognize false words. We are given His wisdom by which all teachers, leaders, and cultural movements are to be judged. This is why we gather in God’s house. In His church we listen to God’s Word taught rightly. We practice how to pray in keeping with God’s Word, in Spirit and in truth. And we learn how we can live our faith in the freedom from evil that Jesus has won for us.

Let us pray,

Lord I thank you for the pure teachings of your Holy Word. Bless all who preach and teach in your church during these troubled times. Protect them from the lies of the evil one and all false doctrines. Be with your people so that they will remain true to you in faith and in life. In your name I pray. AMEN

The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord’s Prayer

September 15, 2021September 13, 2021

Tongue Trouble

James 3:1-12

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

“Concentrate on your strengths!” This is popular advice. Along with this advice you will often hear, “Don’t concentrate on your weaknesses because that will just make you weak.” It is likely true that there is more to be gained by concentrating on an area of strength. But, it is not true that weaknesses should be ignored. Weaknesses cause a great deal of damage.

The tongue is highlighted in God’s Word as a weakness that causes great sin. No matter how wonderful a person may be in other areas of life, the tongue can damage and even destroy all the good that might have been accomplished.

Tongues that were used in prayer were later used to plot against Jesus, true God come to save. Lips that could speak psalms, were used to demand the crucifixion of the Lord of Life. Like wells yielding bad water, sinful hearts were revealed in the way people misused their tongues, twisted their words, and promoted evil. But, while these things are destructive, God accomplished our salvation through Jesus life, death on the cross, and resurrection.

Today, God invites us to reflect on our personal use of the gift of speech. Our lips which speak God’s praise should not be used to sin. Our voices that ask for God’s forgiveness should also be willing to forgive. We have received all good things, even the salvation of our souls through faith in Jesus. May our words likewise be truthful, gracious, and abundant with God’s Words for the good of others.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus I thank you for granting me faith to use my lips in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Forgive my sins, and defend me from the sins of the tongue. May your Words be found in me this day and always. In your name I pray. Amen

The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord’s Prayer

September 14, 2021September 13, 2021

Walking in the dark

Isaiah 50:4-10

The Lord God has given me

the tongue of those who are taught,

that I may know how to sustain with a word

him who is weary.

Morning by morning he awakens;

he awakens my ear

to hear as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear,

and I was not rebellious;

I turned not backward.

I gave my back to those who strike,

and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;

I hid not my face

from disgrace and spitting.

But the Lord God helps me;

therefore I have not been disgraced;

therefore I have set my face like a flint,

and I know that I shall not be put to shame.

He who vindicates me is near.

Who will contend with me?

Let us stand up together.

Who is my adversary?

Let him come near to me.

Behold, the Lord God helps me;

who will declare me guilty?

Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;

the moth will eat them up.

Who among you fears the Lord

and obeys the voice of his servant?

Let him who walks in darkness

and has no light

trust in the name of the Lord

and rely on his God.

If you have ever tried to walk in the darkness, you know that can be terribly difficult. If you are in unfamiliar surroundings, it is impossible. But, if you know the way through a room in your house, or across a well worn path in your yard, you can often do well. You simply trust in the way you know to be true.

Life is often dark and troubling. The psalmist talks of accusation, opposition, and overwhelming abuse from others. Yet, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of the truth and faithful to God’s call. In the end his instruction is clear, if you must walk in the dark, and you have no light, trust in the name of the Lord. Rely on God. The Lord is true and He will guide you.

Jesus faced the darkest of times when He went to the cross to win the forgiveness of all your sins. He faced the greatest darkness to win your freedom and eternal life. When we face troubles in life, we can expect to feel as if we are in a dark place. But, God, through His prophet, encourages us to remember Jesus. He is the light that shatters the darkness. Those who walk in His light will not be lost, but have eternal life.

Let us pray.

I thank you Lord Jesus for facing the darkest of times for me on the cross. Guide my path of faith throughout my life. Help all people who are lost in the darkness of this world to believe in you and receive your light in their lives. In your name I pray, Amen.

The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Lord’s Prayer