Lee Daniel Johnson

Psalm 30: 10-12

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!

    O Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

    you have loosed my sackcloth

    and clothed me with gladness, 

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

What would you like to have on your headstone?  That may seem like a dark topic, but it doesn’t have to be.  Many years ago, when walking through a cemetery where many of my family members were buried, I noticed that they had put Bible passages on their headstones.  It was uplifting to know that I was receiving little sermons and gifts from my loved ones.  And, it was a joy to remember that I will see them again at the resurrection.  

Often when it comes to a headstone, loved ones make the choice for us.  If you go into a secular cemetery you will see headstones bearing images of what that person liked to do.  But, if you think about it, you might like to leave something for others who never even knew you.  This is where a Bible passage is wonderful.

A dear family friend of ours used part of this passage for His headstone.  The translation he used stated “You turned my wailing into dancing…”. The text here uses the word mourning.  But you get the idea.  God brings us a great joy that overturns all the sorrows of life.  It is a wondrous surprise of perfect joy!

This particular friend, in his final years couldn’t stand up straight and could hardly walk.  He was faithfully in church every week until he literally couldn’t move.  He loved to hear about Jesus, His death and resurrection, and that His Lord did this all for Him.  He knew that He would live with His Savior forever.  

How do I picture Him in paradise as He awaits the resurrection of all?  No longer bent with pain, with worn back and joints.  No longer wearied by pain and suffering.  No longer burdened by anything in this sinful world.  I picture Him in the words of this Psalm.  His sorrows are turned into more than just joy… He is dancing… wonderfully dancing… restored as shall all who trust in the Lord Jesus be.  God grant this to us all. 

Let Us Pray,

Lord I thank you for the faithful witness of those who have gone before us in the faith.  I thank you for their witness while in this life, and for their witness in death.  I thank you for the Bible verses carved in stone and preaching in cemeteries.  May your Word bear healing witness to all who suffer sorrow or pain. Grant them faith in you that they too may dance!  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.

Psalm 30

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up

and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

and you have healed me.

O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;

you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,

and give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger is but for a moment,

and his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night,

but joy comes with the morning.

If you have had a really rough day, you know that it only gets worse as you get more tired.  Then, rather than being able to set  the matter aside for a moment, it is common for people to keep trying to work things out, miserably dwelling on the problem.  You have probably heard someone talk about being “up all night” with worry or upset feelings.  This is what I mean.  When we are tired, we just can’t let go.  You have probably experienced this yourself.

However, you have probably also noticed that, if you do manage to get some sleep, things are better.  The problems, though they may still remain, don’t seem as big. The text is talking about this feeling when it says “weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this happened for all problems? Sadly some problems don’t go away just by getting a good night of sleep, but thankfully, God is merciful and loving.  For the greatest problems, even our Sin and death, God has sent His Son Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross and when He was laid in the tomb, He provided the rest we could never have accomplished.  He buried our sins, and forgives our debt.  He raises us from slavery to sinful thoughts, actions, and attitudes. He sets us free.  

Those who confess their sins and trust in Jesus receive the rest for their soul that is more than any physical rest.  It is the rest that the Psalmist extols in this psalm, the rejoicing of being redeemed and restored by God’s Grace.

Let us pray,

Help me Lord, in the midst of a difficult day, to turn to you. As I confess my sins, forgive me for Jesus’ sake, and grant me the divine rest of the faith.  Thus restored, help me to live in the pattern that you have shown in your Word and Your Son.  In His 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.

Lamentations 3:31-33

For the Lord will not

cast off forever,

but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion

according to the abundance of his steadfast love;

for he does not afflict from his heart

or grieve the children of men.

Often, when contemplating our misfortunes, we are faced with the idea that God is actually allowing us to suffer.  This makes sense.  I remember reading a quote that was attributed to Martin Luther, that went something like this, “The law is our daily and familiar companion.”  That means that we are often aware of our faults and live our lives expecting God’s wrath.  Therefore, when we think about it, we kind of expect God will send trouble our way.  We know we deserve it.

This is proper, for we truly are sinners.  In fact, those who have no sense of guilt or deserving God’s wrath “deceive themselves” as the scriptures describe it.  Also, some of the most relationally troubled persons think that everyone else is the problem and they alone are right.  So, what about our misfortune?  What about our suffering?  Is God just tormenting us?

You know the answer is no.  But, it is important not to base our understanding on a false sense of our own righteousness.  We do often cause our own misery and we must admit to that.  The point is, however, that this isn’t where God’s heart is.  The scriptures show us that God is not filled with hatred for us and does not “afflict from the heart.”  Rather, God’s desire is that we repent and turn to Him with all our hearts, and be saved!  

For this very reason God sent His Son, our Lord Jesus, to bear our sins upon the cross.  Rather than leave us in an eternally hopeless condition apart from Him, in Jesus’ victory over death and grave God gives us a solution to all our suffering, worries and pain.  He gives us the resurrection from the dead and the life everlasting.

As difficult as times of misfortune are for us to bear, God is gracious.  Our times of trial will end because God’s heart isn’t to afflict us.  God is love.  In the mean time, God calls us to repent of our sin, believe in Jesus, and turn to Him.  In Jesus, God’s greatest gift is eternal life.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord for your great love for me.  Help me during the most difficult times to remember your steadfast love.  If I am struggling with guilt, remind me of my Savior Jesus, His forgiveness of all my sins, and my eternal life in Him.  I thank you for your mercy towards me and ask for faith to sustain me in all trials.  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.

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.