Last week I talked about the seasons of life--one son moving out in preparation for college, another son getting married. We not only survived our first wedding this past weekend, we enjoyed it. I really enjoyed every minute of the day. It was so great to see all 5 of my children together and all dressed up!!!! It was a special privilege for my husband to get to perform the ceremony. Weddings also cause you to reflect on your own marriage. This was especially the case with us because two days after the wedding was our own 30th anniversary. Paul was also blessed to have both of his grandparents at the wedding. Later this month my in-laws will celebrate 55 years of marriage and my parents will celebrate 61 years! What blessings! But what challenges. I looked at Psalm 103 to express my joy.
Psalm 103:1-5 (English Standard Version)
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
Of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
This Psalm also reminds me of those challenges. It reminds me of our sinful condition—our need for forgiveness and healing and redemption. Because the Lord has done all those things for us and continues to forgive us every day, we can forgive that other sinful person in our marriage. The Lord truly crowns us with steadfast, never wavering love and mercy. The Lord satisfied me with such good this weekend that I really felt renewed by all His blessings. I will admit that my youth was gone by the time I fell into bed Saturday night!!! But I remained “satisfied” with good! Bless the Lord, O My Soul!
Heavenly Father,
We bless you for your many good gifts, including the gift of marriage. Encourage all couples to look to You as the source of forgiveness and healing when they encounter the daily struggles of marriage. Help us always to show love and forgiveness to others as a reflection of the love and forgiveness that we have been shown through Christ’s death and resurrection. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 8 devotion
This week I keep hearing the words of Ecclesiastes 3 in my head. These verses were made popular in the sixties when Pete Seeger put the words to music and added the phrase “Turn, Turn, Turn,” I keep repeating the first line, “To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to) die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
My youngest (and 4th) son just graduated from high school and left last Friday for Chicago. He plans to attend the University of IL at Chicago this fall and live with his older brother who is a CPA in Chicago. He decided to move up there for the summer.
Our 3rd son is getting married this Saturday--the first of our five children to get married. I am so excited to have another daughter and she is truly a blessing for my son. We thank God for this great gift. BUT it’s all changes. You know they say that motherhood is the only job where your goal is to work your way out of a job. Thankfully I still have a 13 year old daughter to ensure my “mother” job for a few more years!!!!
I also look a little further in chapter 3 and find comfort in verse 14.
14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.
I thank God for the gift of faith he gave to these children through their baptism. Just as they became our child through birth, they became a child of God at their baptismal “rebirth.” While I may still worry and fret over them as they move on in their independence, I know in my heart that God will continue to hold them in His hands—and that is more powerful than any of my concerns.
Heavenly Father, many of your children are experiencing changes in their lives—children moving away, children getting married, divorce, death, job loss. Help us to remember that You are the CONSTANT amid all the turmoil. You do not ever change and Your promises are always fulfilled. You are the God of peace and have promised that peace to Your children. Help us to live as children of the promise with the constant assurance of Your grace through Jesus Christ to sustain us through all situations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2a time to be born, and a time to) die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
My youngest (and 4th) son just graduated from high school and left last Friday for Chicago. He plans to attend the University of IL at Chicago this fall and live with his older brother who is a CPA in Chicago. He decided to move up there for the summer.
Our 3rd son is getting married this Saturday--the first of our five children to get married. I am so excited to have another daughter and she is truly a blessing for my son. We thank God for this great gift. BUT it’s all changes. You know they say that motherhood is the only job where your goal is to work your way out of a job. Thankfully I still have a 13 year old daughter to ensure my “mother” job for a few more years!!!!
I also look a little further in chapter 3 and find comfort in verse 14.
14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.
I thank God for the gift of faith he gave to these children through their baptism. Just as they became our child through birth, they became a child of God at their baptismal “rebirth.” While I may still worry and fret over them as they move on in their independence, I know in my heart that God will continue to hold them in His hands—and that is more powerful than any of my concerns.
Heavenly Father, many of your children are experiencing changes in their lives—children moving away, children getting married, divorce, death, job loss. Help us to remember that You are the CONSTANT amid all the turmoil. You do not ever change and Your promises are always fulfilled. You are the God of peace and have promised that peace to Your children. Help us to live as children of the promise with the constant assurance of Your grace through Jesus Christ to sustain us through all situations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
June 1 devotion
Last Sunday seemed to be a comedy of errors with our preschool Sunday School staff. Our craft station leader comes in and asks me if I had made copies of a particular paper for that day. It didn’t look familiar to me. It was not the coloring sheet I had copied for the "leaflet/review" station. We eventually determined that she was a week ahead of herself! She was thinking summer mode already and had looked at the craft suggestion for the first Sunday in June! In a few minutes, our storytelling station leader came in. She commented that we were doing a strange lesson for this Sunday. She had looked at the wrong lesson also—but a different one than the craft leader!
I came across this verse in Deuteronomy that made me think of last Sunday!
Deuteronomy 28:28
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind.
It’s really an admonition to the Israelites of what will happen to those who do not obey the Lord but I was thinking that it sort of described us for a few minutes last Sunday morning!
But God was merciful and allowed us to quickly pull together the correct lesson for the day.
And the interesting thing was that our lesson was really on The Beatitudes. Our puppet, Sprout, asked the teacher, “Jesus also said, ‘Blessed are the merciful.’ What does it mean to be merciful?” And the teacher responded, “To be merciful means to be kind and loving, even when people do not deserve it.” We goofed. We did not deserve God’s mercy when we were unprepared for last Sunday’s lesson but God was merciful and allowed us to quickly regain our confidence and share His message with His children.
The Beatitudes
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the mercy You show us every day. Thank you for being kind and loving even when we do not deserve it. Help us to show that mercy to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
I came across this verse in Deuteronomy that made me think of last Sunday!
Deuteronomy 28:28
The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind.
It’s really an admonition to the Israelites of what will happen to those who do not obey the Lord but I was thinking that it sort of described us for a few minutes last Sunday morning!
But God was merciful and allowed us to quickly pull together the correct lesson for the day.
And the interesting thing was that our lesson was really on The Beatitudes. Our puppet, Sprout, asked the teacher, “Jesus also said, ‘Blessed are the merciful.’ What does it mean to be merciful?” And the teacher responded, “To be merciful means to be kind and loving, even when people do not deserve it.” We goofed. We did not deserve God’s mercy when we were unprepared for last Sunday’s lesson but God was merciful and allowed us to quickly regain our confidence and share His message with His children.
The Beatitudes
2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the mercy You show us every day. Thank you for being kind and loving even when we do not deserve it. Help us to show that mercy to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
May 25 devotion
Psalm 55
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
Did you ever feel like all your plans and hard work seem to be just falling apart all around you? This is my week to lament over VBS and to hopefully give some encouragement to those who are working hard in the planning stages of VBS or some other ministry project. After so many years of “doing” VBS it seems to run more smoothly every year. Then there is this year where the great ideas keep running up against road blocks. People that you count on (maybe even take for granted) suddenly say, “I just realized that I won’t be available that week.” You are less than a month away from VBS and there are still blanks to fill! Why me? And why this year? I also have a son getting married 8 days before the start of VBS. I have other things on my plate besides VBS!
I’m a little slow sometimes and God has to hit me a little harder than either of us would like. Today He’s telling me, “Let’s switch this focus.” Leave the pity party! Let’s spend more time praying for the people God wants to use in ministry this year. And let’s definitely spend more time giving God the credit for success! God doesn’t want us to simply spend all our time in prayer and not do any prep work, but sometimes we get so caught up in the “work” of a project that we forget about keeping “God” and “His will” in all the plans.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we praise You for being the God of order and truly having control over all things. We ask that You would guide all our planning efforts so that whatever we do would lead others to Jesus as their Lord and Savior and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
Did you ever feel like all your plans and hard work seem to be just falling apart all around you? This is my week to lament over VBS and to hopefully give some encouragement to those who are working hard in the planning stages of VBS or some other ministry project. After so many years of “doing” VBS it seems to run more smoothly every year. Then there is this year where the great ideas keep running up against road blocks. People that you count on (maybe even take for granted) suddenly say, “I just realized that I won’t be available that week.” You are less than a month away from VBS and there are still blanks to fill! Why me? And why this year? I also have a son getting married 8 days before the start of VBS. I have other things on my plate besides VBS!
I’m a little slow sometimes and God has to hit me a little harder than either of us would like. Today He’s telling me, “Let’s switch this focus.” Leave the pity party! Let’s spend more time praying for the people God wants to use in ministry this year. And let’s definitely spend more time giving God the credit for success! God doesn’t want us to simply spend all our time in prayer and not do any prep work, but sometimes we get so caught up in the “work” of a project that we forget about keeping “God” and “His will” in all the plans.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we praise You for being the God of order and truly having control over all things. We ask that You would guide all our planning efforts so that whatever we do would lead others to Jesus as their Lord and Savior and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
May 18 devotion
Luke 24:50-53
The Ascension
50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and were continually in the temple blessing God.Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson was about Jesus’ Ascension into heaven 40 days after Easter. In our preschool and Kindergarten opening I was getting the kids ready to hear the story of Jesus’ return to His heavenly home. I asked them questions such as, “Do any of you live in a Cave?” “Who lives in a cave?” “How about a nest?” “Who lives in a nest?” “Who lives in the ocean?” “Do any of you live in a house?” “Who lives in an apartment?” I finally got to the last question. “Who lives in heaven?” I was expecting a typical Sunday School answer of “Jesus!” A kindergartener whose 14 year old sister died during Holy Week quickly replied, “My sister!” Yes!!!! That’s right, Skylar. You’re adopted sister, Mackenzie, who was baptized just months before she died. You’re right, she no longer needs a wheelchair or a feeding tube or glasses. She now talks face to face with Jesus and lives in her heavenly home with Him forever.
Skylar led us right to the “Key Point” of our lesson. Jesus, our risen Savior, ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us there with Him.
John reminds us of this in his Gospel.
John 14:1-3 (New International Version)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Lord, We thank and praise You for coming to earth to be our Savior. Thank You for returning to Your home in heaven to prepare a wonderful place for us there with You . Help us to trust that, even though we can not see You, You are still with us always. In Your name we pray. Amen.
The Ascension
50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and were continually in the temple blessing God.Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson was about Jesus’ Ascension into heaven 40 days after Easter. In our preschool and Kindergarten opening I was getting the kids ready to hear the story of Jesus’ return to His heavenly home. I asked them questions such as, “Do any of you live in a Cave?” “Who lives in a cave?” “How about a nest?” “Who lives in a nest?” “Who lives in the ocean?” “Do any of you live in a house?” “Who lives in an apartment?” I finally got to the last question. “Who lives in heaven?” I was expecting a typical Sunday School answer of “Jesus!” A kindergartener whose 14 year old sister died during Holy Week quickly replied, “My sister!” Yes!!!! That’s right, Skylar. You’re adopted sister, Mackenzie, who was baptized just months before she died. You’re right, she no longer needs a wheelchair or a feeding tube or glasses. She now talks face to face with Jesus and lives in her heavenly home with Him forever.
Skylar led us right to the “Key Point” of our lesson. Jesus, our risen Savior, ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us there with Him.
John reminds us of this in his Gospel.
John 14:1-3 (New International Version)
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Lord, We thank and praise You for coming to earth to be our Savior. Thank You for returning to Your home in heaven to prepare a wonderful place for us there with You . Help us to trust that, even though we can not see You, You are still with us always. In Your name we pray. Amen.
May 11 devotion
As I was walking through the school on an errand earlier I noticed that this was the final day for a program we have at our school called “Lunch Buddies.” And it really touched my heart to see some of the interaction going on between the adults and students. Many students at our school as at most schools struggle with many issues. Some struggle because of a divorce or a death in their family. Some struggle because they are the “new kid” and they do not make friends easily. The lunch buddy program looks for adults who are willing to give one hour a month and eat lunch with one of these children. It’s a great opportunity for a child to have the one-on-one, undivided attention of a Christian adult. I particularly noted the joy and excitement a junior high student was experiencing while playing a board game with a seminary student! I believe this is fulfilling what St. Paul encouraged the early church to do when he says in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (New International Version)
14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
That sounds like the definition of a mentor! We tend to hear that word a lot these days and most churches offer many opportunities to “mentor.” I know this year we also started a program of having men in the congregation be “encouragers” to the boys in the Confirmation class. Our MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group has Mentor Moms. I consider every Sunday School and VBS leader to be a mentor to the students in their group. What a great opportunity we have as Christians to impact our community, our country and the world by investing in the life of an individual.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the Christians who invested their time in my life. Please encourage all Christians to take advantage of the opportunities you place before them to strengthen and encourage those around them. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide us as we find ways to share our faith in Your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
That sounds like the definition of a mentor! We tend to hear that word a lot these days and most churches offer many opportunities to “mentor.” I know this year we also started a program of having men in the congregation be “encouragers” to the boys in the Confirmation class. Our MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group has Mentor Moms. I consider every Sunday School and VBS leader to be a mentor to the students in their group. What a great opportunity we have as Christians to impact our community, our country and the world by investing in the life of an individual.
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the Christians who invested their time in my life. Please encourage all Christians to take advantage of the opportunities you place before them to strengthen and encourage those around them. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide us as we find ways to share our faith in Your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
May 4 devotion
Galatians 5:13-14 (New International Version)
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Today I am substitute teaching in a 5th grade classroom. I have spent my entire morning supervising 5th graders as they work together in groups of 5 or 6 to write a puppet show that they will perform for the 1st graders. Before the first class began their work on their project, I asked them a hypothetical question. If you had 2 minutes to talk on the radio, what would you want to say to all the listeners? I got some great responses—and many typical “Lutheran school” responses! Many of these kids also know me as their 5th & 6th grade youth group leader! The first response was, “Tell them to be kind.” This was followed by, “Tell them about Jesus.” “Tell them to attend worship.” “Tell them that Jesus died on the cross to forgive their sins.” “Tell them to tell others about Jesus.” “Tell them to treat others like they would want to be treated.” Okay, we summed all that up by saying that we attend worship and treat others kindly because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. No great insights there but good solid advice. Then I proceeded to explain the expectations for their work on their projects and set them free to work on this for over an hour (2 class periods). This was when their advice really made an impact. I saw these students working together without any complaints or arguments. Each group seemed to truly show a spirit of cooperation and of kindness. They worked diligently even though they could have really abused this somewhat “free” time.
The bell rang and the next 5th grade class came in. This time I did not take any time to ask them for “radio ideas.” Maybe I should have. I proceeded to explain the ground rules of using the puppets and the expectations of the rest of the morning. I then told them that they had until lunch to work on this project. This group seemed to “indulge in their sinful nature” a little more. Within 5 minutes several students were tattling on others in their group who were not “doing what they are supposed to!” Several times I had to ask this class to “lower the volume.” I had to ask several students “Where is your group?” And “Why are not in it?” 25 minutes into the class I had to threaten the ultimate “no free dress day” for anyone out of their group! I am so thankful that the teacher left me with that little gem—much more effective than detention.
Just like some of the 5th graders took advantage of their “freedom” so I am reminded that our freedom is a freedom “from” sin and not a freedom “to” sin. I need to be reminded every day of God’s abundant grace that has been given so freely to me so that I might respond to others out of thankfulness for that gift of forgiveness, life and salvation.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your abundant gift of grace which gives us the freedom from sin. Help us to show our thankfulness to you in our interactions with others.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Today I am substitute teaching in a 5th grade classroom. I have spent my entire morning supervising 5th graders as they work together in groups of 5 or 6 to write a puppet show that they will perform for the 1st graders. Before the first class began their work on their project, I asked them a hypothetical question. If you had 2 minutes to talk on the radio, what would you want to say to all the listeners? I got some great responses—and many typical “Lutheran school” responses! Many of these kids also know me as their 5th & 6th grade youth group leader! The first response was, “Tell them to be kind.” This was followed by, “Tell them about Jesus.” “Tell them to attend worship.” “Tell them that Jesus died on the cross to forgive their sins.” “Tell them to tell others about Jesus.” “Tell them to treat others like they would want to be treated.” Okay, we summed all that up by saying that we attend worship and treat others kindly because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. No great insights there but good solid advice. Then I proceeded to explain the expectations for their work on their projects and set them free to work on this for over an hour (2 class periods). This was when their advice really made an impact. I saw these students working together without any complaints or arguments. Each group seemed to truly show a spirit of cooperation and of kindness. They worked diligently even though they could have really abused this somewhat “free” time.
The bell rang and the next 5th grade class came in. This time I did not take any time to ask them for “radio ideas.” Maybe I should have. I proceeded to explain the ground rules of using the puppets and the expectations of the rest of the morning. I then told them that they had until lunch to work on this project. This group seemed to “indulge in their sinful nature” a little more. Within 5 minutes several students were tattling on others in their group who were not “doing what they are supposed to!” Several times I had to ask this class to “lower the volume.” I had to ask several students “Where is your group?” And “Why are not in it?” 25 minutes into the class I had to threaten the ultimate “no free dress day” for anyone out of their group! I am so thankful that the teacher left me with that little gem—much more effective than detention.
Just like some of the 5th graders took advantage of their “freedom” so I am reminded that our freedom is a freedom “from” sin and not a freedom “to” sin. I need to be reminded every day of God’s abundant grace that has been given so freely to me so that I might respond to others out of thankfulness for that gift of forgiveness, life and salvation.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your abundant gift of grace which gives us the freedom from sin. Help us to show our thankfulness to you in our interactions with others.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
April 20 devotion
John 20.27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I love Good Shepherd Sunday, Everything about it is so warm and cuddly and comforting. I used to look at being “known” by God from a Law perspective. It was a scary thought that God knew everything I did. But as I matured I saw the pure grace in that statement. God knows me as only He can. He knows everything about be including my firm hope of salvation through the blood of the Lamb.
“I am Jesus Little Lamb” was a favorite bedtime lullaby at our house. My husband spent many nights walking the floor with a fussy baby while repeatedly singing those verses. One night we were at a friend’s house and it was getting late. We were preparing to leave but still talking when one the toddlers started pulling on Dad’s pants leg while crying, “I Jesus Lamb. I Jesus Lamb.” He had had enough. It was time to go home—to feel the security of Dad holding him and the comfort of the words of “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.”
As I was reading over the Growing in Christ material for this Sunday’s Bible Class lesson on John 10, they note that “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” was included in the Lord’s Supper section in some older hymnals. We think of it as a simple children’s song but the second verse reminds us of the sacraments: “When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,/ Into pleasant pastures leads me. When I thirst He bids me go/ Where the quiet waters flow.” He feeds us with righteousness at His table and daily quenches our thirst for forgiveness as we look to the waters of Baptism.
Heavenly Father, We thank and praise you for being Our God and for knowing us as only You can. We thank you for being The Good Shepherd. Help us to always hear Your voice and to follow You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
I love Good Shepherd Sunday, Everything about it is so warm and cuddly and comforting. I used to look at being “known” by God from a Law perspective. It was a scary thought that God knew everything I did. But as I matured I saw the pure grace in that statement. God knows me as only He can. He knows everything about be including my firm hope of salvation through the blood of the Lamb.
“I am Jesus Little Lamb” was a favorite bedtime lullaby at our house. My husband spent many nights walking the floor with a fussy baby while repeatedly singing those verses. One night we were at a friend’s house and it was getting late. We were preparing to leave but still talking when one the toddlers started pulling on Dad’s pants leg while crying, “I Jesus Lamb. I Jesus Lamb.” He had had enough. It was time to go home—to feel the security of Dad holding him and the comfort of the words of “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb.”
As I was reading over the Growing in Christ material for this Sunday’s Bible Class lesson on John 10, they note that “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” was included in the Lord’s Supper section in some older hymnals. We think of it as a simple children’s song but the second verse reminds us of the sacraments: “When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,/ Into pleasant pastures leads me. When I thirst He bids me go/ Where the quiet waters flow.” He feeds us with righteousness at His table and daily quenches our thirst for forgiveness as we look to the waters of Baptism.
Heavenly Father, We thank and praise you for being Our God and for knowing us as only You can. We thank you for being The Good Shepherd. Help us to always hear Your voice and to follow You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
March 9 devotion
Psalm 101:1
[ I Will Walk with Integrity ] A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
I have been working on Confirmation banners the past two days. This morning I am putting together the last one. As I looked up the verse that is going on this banner, I fell it love with it. That’s what I would like to share today. It’s Psalm 101.1. The more I thought about this verse the more I liked it. At first “steadfast love” seems far apart from “justice”. But really they go hand in hand. As a human, my love is not very steadfast—my emotions and moods fluctuate and as a result my “justice” is not often very just. But God administers justice not out of anger or spite but out of steadfast (unmoving, unchanging, perfectly loyal) love. But His perfect, steadfast love does not stop Him from administering the deserved justice. The justice we deserve for our sins is complete separation from God for eternity. But thanks be to God for the gift of His Son who willing gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins so that all who believe in Him could have eternal life.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your steadfast love and for your justice. We thank you for the sacrifice of your Son for our salvation. Help us to sing praises continually for all your good gifts. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
[ I Will Walk with Integrity ] A Psalm of David. I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
I have been working on Confirmation banners the past two days. This morning I am putting together the last one. As I looked up the verse that is going on this banner, I fell it love with it. That’s what I would like to share today. It’s Psalm 101.1. The more I thought about this verse the more I liked it. At first “steadfast love” seems far apart from “justice”. But really they go hand in hand. As a human, my love is not very steadfast—my emotions and moods fluctuate and as a result my “justice” is not often very just. But God administers justice not out of anger or spite but out of steadfast (unmoving, unchanging, perfectly loyal) love. But His perfect, steadfast love does not stop Him from administering the deserved justice. The justice we deserve for our sins is complete separation from God for eternity. But thanks be to God for the gift of His Son who willing gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins so that all who believe in Him could have eternal life.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your steadfast love and for your justice. We thank you for the sacrifice of your Son for our salvation. Help us to sing praises continually for all your good gifts. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Feb 23
Eph. 3:19
14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I want to share with you something from our Wed morning Women’s Bible study from last week (Ash Wednesday). Now our ladies are all about visiting and sharing and encouraging in a great way. And, of course, that always includes food. I suggested that perhaps we might do something different for Ash Wednesday and not have food at our Bible Study and maybe meet in the sanctuary instead of the fellowship hall. They agreed. I was a little hesitant, thinking maybe I was just being selfish in not having to prepare a “real” lesson but I forged ahead anyway. We usually have a time of sharing prayer requests. This week I asked them to put their requests on slips of paper and place them in a basket. We still allowed the verbal sharing of things for the whole group before spending time singing Lenten hymns. After about 6 hymns, I passed out a few Ash Wednesday devotionals as well as some information about the imposition of ashes and then allowed the women about 40 minutes of quiet time. They could sit anywhere in the church, use the devotional sheets, use the pew Bibles, pray silently in their pew or kneel at the communion rail. This was like giving some of these young mothers gold. Their children were safely attended to in the nursery and they could finally have that quiet time that somehow always gets interrupted or pushed aside by the myriad of urgent things that always seems to fill the to do list.
14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I want to share with you something from our Wed morning Women’s Bible study from last week (Ash Wednesday). Now our ladies are all about visiting and sharing and encouraging in a great way. And, of course, that always includes food. I suggested that perhaps we might do something different for Ash Wednesday and not have food at our Bible Study and maybe meet in the sanctuary instead of the fellowship hall. They agreed. I was a little hesitant, thinking maybe I was just being selfish in not having to prepare a “real” lesson but I forged ahead anyway. We usually have a time of sharing prayer requests. This week I asked them to put their requests on slips of paper and place them in a basket. We still allowed the verbal sharing of things for the whole group before spending time singing Lenten hymns. After about 6 hymns, I passed out a few Ash Wednesday devotionals as well as some information about the imposition of ashes and then allowed the women about 40 minutes of quiet time. They could sit anywhere in the church, use the devotional sheets, use the pew Bibles, pray silently in their pew or kneel at the communion rail. This was like giving some of these young mothers gold. Their children were safely attended to in the nursery and they could finally have that quiet time that somehow always gets interrupted or pushed aside by the myriad of urgent things that always seems to fill the to do list.
Feb 9 devotion
The NT reading for today in the Treasury of Daily Prayer was John 3.1-21. The last section (vs. 16-21) talks about the light and darkness.
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."
Last night I was abruptly awakened by a cat knocking over a tray table with a half-full mug of hot chocolate on it! As I was cleaning up the mess and kicking the cat back down to the basement, I stopped to look outside. I love the brightness of a fresh fallen snow. I actually walked to the front door because I thought someone had left the porch light on. It was actually just the brightness of the snow. It was really beautiful. But I also thought about how hard it is to hide with fresh snow! I could clearly see in the brightness that nothing had disturbed the snow yet—there were no footprints, no paw prints, no tire tracks. (A few hours later that was not the case. I could see my husband’s footprints from shoveling the walk. I could see my son’s tire tracks as he left for work.) Like these verses say, the light exposes our works. Many nights you do not see when a neighborhood dog walks through your yard or a neighbor gets home really late or maybe leaves for work before daybreak. But in the brightness those things become evident. But all our deeds done in the darkness of sin are seen in the light of Jesus. His Word exposes our sins and drops of to our knees in repentance. But the other thought I had as I looked at the snow was from Psalm 51 verse 7.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
I have been humming that song in my head all morning—especially as I opened the drapes several hours later and the sunlight on the snow was almost blinding!
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the light which has come into the world—the light of your Son, Jesus Christ. And thank you for His death on the cross which allows us to washed “whiter than snow!” Help us by the Holy Spirit to continually walk in the light. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."
Last night I was abruptly awakened by a cat knocking over a tray table with a half-full mug of hot chocolate on it! As I was cleaning up the mess and kicking the cat back down to the basement, I stopped to look outside. I love the brightness of a fresh fallen snow. I actually walked to the front door because I thought someone had left the porch light on. It was actually just the brightness of the snow. It was really beautiful. But I also thought about how hard it is to hide with fresh snow! I could clearly see in the brightness that nothing had disturbed the snow yet—there were no footprints, no paw prints, no tire tracks. (A few hours later that was not the case. I could see my husband’s footprints from shoveling the walk. I could see my son’s tire tracks as he left for work.) Like these verses say, the light exposes our works. Many nights you do not see when a neighborhood dog walks through your yard or a neighbor gets home really late or maybe leaves for work before daybreak. But in the brightness those things become evident. But all our deeds done in the darkness of sin are seen in the light of Jesus. His Word exposes our sins and drops of to our knees in repentance. But the other thought I had as I looked at the snow was from Psalm 51 verse 7.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
I have been humming that song in my head all morning—especially as I opened the drapes several hours later and the sunlight on the snow was almost blinding!
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the light which has come into the world—the light of your Son, Jesus Christ. And thank you for His death on the cross which allows us to washed “whiter than snow!” Help us by the Holy Spirit to continually walk in the light. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Feb 2 devotion
I was reading the story in Luke 5.1-11 where Jesus calls his first disciples. Jesus is in a boat teaching. When he finishes teaching, he tells Simon "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Then in verse 5 we read 5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Now with our 20/20 hindsight we want to tell Simon, “This is the Son of God—Don’t argue, just DO IT!” And that’s when I have to stop and remind myself of all the times I have argued with God. I know God is speaking directly to me through His Word telling me what I SHOULD do but I can always come up with excuses. I don’t have time today. But it really wasn’t my fault. She started it—why should I be the one to apologize. But someone else should make that call. Someone else should speak to that visitor. Like a child arguing about doing her chores—we spend more time making excuses than it would take to just do it! And, like Peter we end up falling at Jesus’ knees and confessing our sinfulness. And we, once again, are comforted by the assurance of forgiveness because of our faith in Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior.
Heavenly Father, Forgive us for the many times we hesitate to do your will. Help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to listen more clearly to Your Word and to obey more willingly to your commands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Heavenly Father, Forgive us for the many times we hesitate to do your will. Help us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to listen more clearly to Your Word and to obey more willingly to your commands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Jan 19 devotion
Are you a bargain shopper?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am always looking for a bargain. I am a fan of a Facebook site that tells you about Freebies (or at least very good deals) every day. Everybody likes to get things for FREE! Most freebies are samples. You provide them with your address and they mail you a sample. I saw that a friend had become a fan of a page to get a free pair of boots! It really looked too good to be true. My curiosity caused me to click on it to check it out. While all the hype said “FREE”, the “conditions” were fairly long and included cutting and pasting (which would take you away from Facebook) and messaging ALL your friends! Well, to me this screamed SPAM. Now, I am not considering this a FREE offer. There are now things I must DO in order to get this item. While they may not cost “money,” there is a cost involved.
That got me thinking about SALVATION—this FREE gift from God through faith in Jesus. No strings attached. Many times our sinful self wants to add strings, many religions want to add strings. “It is a free gift, all you have to do is……..” The Bible speaks clearly in Romans 6.23.
Romans 6:23 (English Standard Version)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your FREE GIFT of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. May our lives reflect our thankfulness for this merciful gift. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am always looking for a bargain. I am a fan of a Facebook site that tells you about Freebies (or at least very good deals) every day. Everybody likes to get things for FREE! Most freebies are samples. You provide them with your address and they mail you a sample. I saw that a friend had become a fan of a page to get a free pair of boots! It really looked too good to be true. My curiosity caused me to click on it to check it out. While all the hype said “FREE”, the “conditions” were fairly long and included cutting and pasting (which would take you away from Facebook) and messaging ALL your friends! Well, to me this screamed SPAM. Now, I am not considering this a FREE offer. There are now things I must DO in order to get this item. While they may not cost “money,” there is a cost involved.
That got me thinking about SALVATION—this FREE gift from God through faith in Jesus. No strings attached. Many times our sinful self wants to add strings, many religions want to add strings. “It is a free gift, all you have to do is……..” The Bible speaks clearly in Romans 6.23.
Romans 6:23 (English Standard Version)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your FREE GIFT of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. May our lives reflect our thankfulness for this merciful gift. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
April 27 devotion
I am still basking in the afterglow of Good Shepherd Sunday! It was such a great service. Last week I shared one of the verses from last Sunday’s Gospel where Jesus says in John chapter 20, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Saturday night we were blest at Good Shepherd to see a living example of that Gospel verse. One of our members, Dennis, was recently diagnosed with cancer. As the cancer spread rapidly, his body was not able to heal sufficiently to even begin treatment. Hospice was called in last week and he was taken to his split-level home. His one desire was to attend church—to hear again the voice of his Shepherd that he knew so well. A few phone calls were made and several men in the congregation agreed to help him make that trip from his “non-wheelchair” accessible house. Amid the sound of tornado sirens, they made the decision to go ahead and make the trip to church. What an inspiration to see this family in worship together—to see them together at the communion rail, to see them join their voices in singing “I Am Jesus Little Lamb.”
And what comfort the family received from the other Scripture reading from last Sunday from Rev. 7.17 as Dennis joined his Good Shepherd before the throne of God on Sunday afternoon.
Revelation 7:17 (English Standard Version)
17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Heavenly Father, we know that you have each of our lives in Your good and gracious hands. Help us to always have that fervent desire to hear Your Word and to worship You. We pray for all those who mourn, that You would “wipe every tear from their eyes” as they look and listen to The Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for our salvation. In His name we pray. Amen.
Saturday night we were blest at Good Shepherd to see a living example of that Gospel verse. One of our members, Dennis, was recently diagnosed with cancer. As the cancer spread rapidly, his body was not able to heal sufficiently to even begin treatment. Hospice was called in last week and he was taken to his split-level home. His one desire was to attend church—to hear again the voice of his Shepherd that he knew so well. A few phone calls were made and several men in the congregation agreed to help him make that trip from his “non-wheelchair” accessible house. Amid the sound of tornado sirens, they made the decision to go ahead and make the trip to church. What an inspiration to see this family in worship together—to see them together at the communion rail, to see them join their voices in singing “I Am Jesus Little Lamb.”
And what comfort the family received from the other Scripture reading from last Sunday from Rev. 7.17 as Dennis joined his Good Shepherd before the throne of God on Sunday afternoon.
Revelation 7:17 (English Standard Version)
17For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Heavenly Father, we know that you have each of our lives in Your good and gracious hands. Help us to always have that fervent desire to hear Your Word and to worship You. We pray for all those who mourn, that You would “wipe every tear from their eyes” as they look and listen to The Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for our salvation. In His name we pray. Amen.
Feb. 16 devotion
Matthew 16:24 (English Standard Version)
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
What are you giving up for Lent? What does it mean when Jesus tells us to deny ourselves? Am I obeying Him when I deny myself chocolate or Facebook or sugar for the season of Lent? Is doing that wrong? Many people try to “give up” something that they love in order to focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. While not “wrong”, somehow “chocolate” doesn’t seem to compare to “crucifixion”. When we deny ourselves we are simply denying that we are number 1! We put Christ first in our lives and submit to His will for our lives. We realize that the end for Christ and for us is not the CROSS but eternal life in God’s Kingdom!
I would challenge you during the season of Lent to also ask “What can I ADD for Lent?” Maybe you might be encouraged to read your Bible daily, to spend more time in prayer, to have family devotions every day, to attend every Lenten service, or to more conscientiously share your faith with those around you. We don’t add these things to prove we are a great Christian or to gain our heavenly reward. We do these things out of gratitude for the Father’s unfailing love that sent His only Son to Earth to suffer and die for our sins.
One of my favorite hymns is “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed.” Vs. 5 says:
But drops of grief can ne’er repay.
The debt of love I owe.
Here Lord I give myself away:
‘Tis all that I can do.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for that unfathomable gift of love you gave us in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we focus on His sacrifice during this season of Lent, may we be moved to give of ourselves as we seek to follow His will for our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
What are you giving up for Lent? What does it mean when Jesus tells us to deny ourselves? Am I obeying Him when I deny myself chocolate or Facebook or sugar for the season of Lent? Is doing that wrong? Many people try to “give up” something that they love in order to focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. While not “wrong”, somehow “chocolate” doesn’t seem to compare to “crucifixion”. When we deny ourselves we are simply denying that we are number 1! We put Christ first in our lives and submit to His will for our lives. We realize that the end for Christ and for us is not the CROSS but eternal life in God’s Kingdom!
I would challenge you during the season of Lent to also ask “What can I ADD for Lent?” Maybe you might be encouraged to read your Bible daily, to spend more time in prayer, to have family devotions every day, to attend every Lenten service, or to more conscientiously share your faith with those around you. We don’t add these things to prove we are a great Christian or to gain our heavenly reward. We do these things out of gratitude for the Father’s unfailing love that sent His only Son to Earth to suffer and die for our sins.
One of my favorite hymns is “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed.” Vs. 5 says:
But drops of grief can ne’er repay.
The debt of love I owe.
Here Lord I give myself away:
‘Tis all that I can do.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for that unfathomable gift of love you gave us in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we focus on His sacrifice during this season of Lent, may we be moved to give of ourselves as we seek to follow His will for our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
June 29 devotion
Our women’s Bible study this morning was on the Archangel Gabriel. We were reading about the different appearances of Gabriel to Daniel and to Zechariah and to Mary. In Luke chapter 1, verses 26-38 records Gabriel’s conversation with Mary when he tells her that she will have a son named Jesus. Mary totally trusts that the words spoken by Gabriel will happen but she does question how they will happen since she is a virgin. Gabriel goes on to tell her that this baby will be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and will be the Son of God. He also tells her about her elderly relative, Elizabeth, who is also going to have a baby when people thought it was impossible. Then Gabriel tells her the words that many of us remember as being somewhere in the Bible and many of us need to remember every day in our walk with the Lord. In Luke 1:37 Gabriel says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”
We read God’s commands and promises about the Sabbath Day and we think, “But how?” I need that day for me. It’s my only day to sleep in and get rest. We forget that we find our true rest—our spiritual rest—in Him. We read God’s commands about tithing and we think, “But how?” If I tithe from my first fruits some bill will not get paid this week. We forget God’s promise to provide—not for all our wants but for all our needs. We read God’s command to be His witness and we think, “But how?” I can’t speak very eloquently. I won’t know the right words to say. We forget God’s promise to be with us at all times. We see many things that we know we should be doing as “impossible.” It’s easy to say, “I can’t.” That’s when we need to be reminded of those words from Luke: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” That’s right—I can’t! But God can.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word which points us to Your Son and His saving sacrifice for our sins. Help us to begin all our tasks with the Lord, knowing that “nothing will be impossible with God.” In Jesus’ Name we pray.
Amen
We read God’s commands and promises about the Sabbath Day and we think, “But how?” I need that day for me. It’s my only day to sleep in and get rest. We forget that we find our true rest—our spiritual rest—in Him. We read God’s commands about tithing and we think, “But how?” If I tithe from my first fruits some bill will not get paid this week. We forget God’s promise to provide—not for all our wants but for all our needs. We read God’s command to be His witness and we think, “But how?” I can’t speak very eloquently. I won’t know the right words to say. We forget God’s promise to be with us at all times. We see many things that we know we should be doing as “impossible.” It’s easy to say, “I can’t.” That’s when we need to be reminded of those words from Luke: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” That’s right—I can’t! But God can.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word which points us to Your Son and His saving sacrifice for our sins. Help us to begin all our tasks with the Lord, knowing that “nothing will be impossible with God.” In Jesus’ Name we pray.
Amen
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