Daily Devotions - Lutheran Church Charities

The Outpouring Part 1 - May 26, 2012

2012-05-26T07:00:00Z

The Outpouring Part 1

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. – John 15:26

My Uncle Dairl builds custom hot rods. He’s been building these exquisitely beautiful cars for years. He pays meticulous attention to every detail from the first weld on the frame to the final coat of paint. I never cease to be amazed at the craftsmanship involved in each of these one-of-a-kind masterpieces. At the heart of every one is the engine. But the part that rarely gets its due is the transmission. Only the most avid car enthusiast would think to admire a transmission.

But without the transmission the power of that beautiful engine would never get to the wheels. And the car, no matter how cool it looks, would never go anywhere. So it is with Pentecost. Tomorrow we celebrate the event that is second only to Easter in its importance to the Church. But it never gets the acclaim or attention that Easter gets. Yes, the resurrection of our Lord is beautiful, glorious and powerful. But even after Easter the disciples stayed hidden away behind locked doors. None of that power was moving them anywhere... until Pentecost. It is the Spirit that is the motivator. By the Spirit the power of Jesus Christ is translated into us and moves us to act.

Are you living in the glory of Easter but missing the power of Pentecost? The Spirit of God has been poured out on all who believe. What does that mean for you? Find out tomorrow as we celebrate Pentecost!

Prayer
Lord, thank You for the beauty of Easter and the power of the resurrection. But never let me forget that without Pentecost and the work of Your Holy Spirit in my life, that power would be lost on me. I love the way You make all things work together for Your glory. Amen.

What Moses Overcame – Part 2 - May 25, 2012

2012-05-25T07:00:00Z

What Moses Overcame – Part 2

But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11

Here are three more lessons from the life of Moses:

It is always hard to leave your safe zone. Moses did not want to leave the comforts of Pharaoh's palace, or the security of his new family in Midian. Yet if he hadn't he'd have failed to fulfill God's call upon his life. Big assignments call for big sacrifices. Just because you do not feel like doing something doesn't mean you shouldn't!
Real growth begins when you leave your safe zone. For 40 years Moses benefited from everything Egypt had to offer. But only after he left Egypt for the first time did he begin to learn what's really important: God's purposes. It took another 40 years in the desert to discover how God intended to use him. By then he'd been humbled and re-made by God. If you want to grow, you have to go!
The safe-zone will rob you of your greatest moments and memories. Many people are so afraid of risk that they spend their lives in Egypt, the land of 'not enough.' A few are willing to get out of their safe-zone and as a result they enter the desert, the land of 'just enough.' But God wants more for you. He wants you to leave the wilderness and enter the Promised Land, the land of 'more than enough.' Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed over the risks you did not take, than the ones you did. But you can pre-empt tomorrow's regret by moving forward today and getting into the 'faith zone'.

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me walk in the “faith zone” so I can see all the promises You have yet to fulfill for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

What Moses Overcame – Part 1 - May 24, 2012

2012-05-24T07:00:00Z

What Moses Overcame – Part 1

But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:11

Your life story is written in risks - the ones taken and the ones avoided. Look at Moses. Do you think we'd even remember his name today if he hadn't stepped out of the safe zone? Look at what he overcame:

Comfort! Comfort can be a greater threat to your progress than adversity. After Moses left Egypt he spent his next 40 years in Midian tending sheep. He married one of Jethro's daughters, became head of the family business, and since Jethro had no sons he became heir apparent. Imagine leaving all that to go back and face Pharaoh! Then lead two million constantly complaining people through the wilderness. God's plan is always rewarding, but do not think it'll be easy!
Insecurity! When God called Moses he had many questions and doubts: 'Who am I that I should go...?' (Exodus 3:11). 'What shall I say to them?' (Exodus 3:13). 'Suppose they will not believe me...?' (Exodus 4:1). '...but I am slow of speech' (Exodus 4:10). Finally Moses said, '...please send someone else...' (Exodus 4:13). Fortunately God wouldn't take no for an answer. So finally Moses did the only thing that helps when we're uncertain about our future: he obeyed God, the One who knows our future in every detail. In doing that he agreed to answer God's call, leave his comfort zone and return to Egypt. As a result the children of Israel were delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh, and the name Moses became a household word. Is there a lesson there for you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, Secure IN this world is NOT a secure place, help me find my security in You and accept the risks and challenges You place before me – trusting You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

God Has a Better Plan - May 23, 2012

2012-05-23T07:00:00Z

God Has a Better Plan

I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:24

There's so much talk in the church these days about self-help that divine providence is seldom mentioned. We do not decide God's plan for our lives, we discover it. Much of the time we do not understand how God leads us. It is only in looking back that we see the big picture. Paul wrote, 'When I go to Spain I hope to visit you.' But he never made it. Instead he finished up in one of Europe's worst prisons, but from there he wrote the Epistles. If we really believe that God is directing our steps - why do we complain so much?

One of England's finest preachers determined that his wife's failing health must keep him from ministering at a great conference in America. Although he purchased his ticket, the ship sailed without him. Thus, J Stuart Holden missed a golden opportunity in the prime of his preaching career. A devoted husband, Holden gave himself to caring for his wife and tried not to think of what he was missing on the other side of the Atlantic.

We're too easily disappointed when our plans fall through; too easily discouraged when 'great career opportunities' are missed. Our complaining reveals the fact that we do not know God like we say we do. Delay is often just the protective hand of a loving Father. It certainly was for Holden. Until the day he died he resolved never to question God's timing again. The unused ticket he held, reserved his passage on a new luxury liner - The RMS Titanic!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me understanding that You have my best in mind and know the best timing of all things. Help me trust You in this. Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen

Get Back Up - May 22, 2012

2012-05-22T07:00:00Z

Get Back Up!

Then David got up from the ground… 2 Samuel 12:20

David isn’t one of my favorite Biblical people because I have studied the “whole story” of him, but in this instance I say, look at David. Standing on his balcony looking the wrong way at another man's wife. Then follows a night of sin, an unplanned pregnancy, a failed cover up, a pre-meditated murder, a royal wedding, a public exposure and a dying child. It doesn't get much worse. Covered in sackcloth and ashes he lies on the palace floor pleading for the life of the newborn child. For a whole week he cries, then it is over. 'Is the child dead?' he asks. Yes! Listen: 'David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; then he came into the house of the Lord and worshipped.' Facing circumstances he could not change, receiving forgiveness he could not earn, learning a lesson he'd never forget, David closed the book and moved on. In Psalm 51 he prays, 'Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God...' (Psalm 51:9-10). And God answered his prayer. Listen: 'I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble' (Psalm 59:16 NIV). No doubt about it, our sin offends God. But our unwillingness to repent and receive His forgiveness offends Him even more! And that is what we do when we remain stuck in our failures. God never intended such a waste of life! The way to honor God after any failure is to get back up, corrected and redirected, and carry the message of His grace to others who've failed!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I ask your forgiveness for my failures. Help me get up and move on so I can be of use to You in serving others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Persecution a Comin - May 21, 2012

2012-05-21T07:00:00Z

Persecution a Comin!

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16

Listen: '...no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age...with...persecutions...' (Mark 10:29-30). We're such extremists. We either emphasize prosperity and downplay persecution, or vice versa. Jesus said we're to expect both. Comfortable western Christians do not know much about persecution. Countless thousands are suffering imprisonment and even death because of their faith - and it is happening right now! But it barely makes the news. That won't be the case much longer.

When the winds of persecution become a storm force and your faith begins to lean, do not give up or give in. Continue to love the sinner, as you stand firm against sin. Entrust yourself to Him who judges righteously and who will help you to stand. Carefully underscore these two Scriptures; they are preparation for what's to come: a) 'If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first...I have chosen you out of the world, so you do not belong to it. That is why the world hates you' (John 15:18-19) b) '...Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as He did. He had never sinned, and He had never lied. People insulted Christ, but He did not insult them in return. Christ suffered, but He did not threaten. He let God, the one who judges rightly, take care of him' (1 Peter 2:21-23). Remember, whatever happens, God will take care of you!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the midst of being persecuted for being a Christian, help me to always respond in Love. Let me also pray for the thousands around the world who are physically persecuted each day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Get Out There - May 20, 2012

2012-05-20T07:00:00Z

Get Out There

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. – John 17:15

Very early in the last century the United States, by and large, tried to keep to itself when it came to world affairs. There were many Americans who were strong ‘isolationists’, meaning they believed the U.S. should remain isolated from any substantive involvement in the internal affairs of other countries. World War II was the turning point that eliminated any hope that the U.S. could remain isolated.

Today in the Christian Church there is a similar isolationist sentiment. People who believe that we must protect ourselves from the world by keeping away from it encourage us to only listen to Christian music, only read Christian literature, only watch Christian movies, only gather with fellow Christians. But even a cursory examination of the life and work of Jesus Christ would reveal that this was not His intention for His body, the Church. When praying to His Heavenly Father Jesus made it clear that He did not want us to be taken out of the world. He did want us kept from the evil one, but not through isolation from any contact with the world.

We are called by Christ to follow Him. He traveled among those considered unclean, ate with sinners, spent time with outcasts, and brought healing, hope and salvation to all… much to the chagrin of the religious leaders who were assiduously keeping themselves isolated from those people.

Being in the world can be hard. But God has not lit a lamp so that you can hide it under a bushel…or in a building full of other lamps! If Jesus didn’t ask His Father to take us out of the world, what right do we have to remove ourselves? Consider today if this speaks to you and, if it does, stop isolating and start integrating!

Prayer
Lord, I am created in Your image, filled with Your Spirit and called for Your purpose. Forgive me for those times when I have hidden Your light under a bushel and grant me the courage to be in the world. Amen.

Watch Where You’re Walking - May 19, 2012

2012-05-19T07:00:00Z

Watch Where You’re Walking

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. – Psalm 1:1-2

I enjoy golf. Golf courses seem to attract geese. Sometimes many, many geese wander the grounds leaving behind the things that naturally pass. Invariably the game takes me directly into the path of that which has been left behind and I must very carefully watch where I’m walking lest I accumulate the fowl remains.

So, too, it is for us in our faith walk. In this day and age where spiritual droppings are everywhere…from pop psychology sprinkled with bits of scripture to New Age spirituality to the ever popular horoscopes to mediums and soothsayers…it is all too easy for us to accidentally step in something. Before we know it we’re walking in the way of sinners surrounded by an odiferous cloud wondering what stinks. But the Psalmist gives us clear direction on how to avoid this.

Delight in the law of the Lord. Meditate on it day and night. That’s right…day and night. A passing glance at the Word of God once a week or on occasion will not equip you to properly identify the counsel of the wicked or avoid the seat of a scoffer. We are called to a deep, intimate knowledge of God’s Word through daily meditation. Read, reflect, remember, and revel in the Word every day and you will be equipped to watch where you’re walking. So start today and, while you’re at it, take some time to clean your shoes!

Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times when I have inadvertently stepped in the spiritual droppings that litter the landscape. Draw me ever deeper into Your Word and teach me to delight in meditating upon it day and night. Amen.

Christ-Like Response - May 18, 2012

2012-05-18T07:00:00Z

Christ-Like Response

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Here's how Jesus says we should respond to those who mistreat us: 'Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth." Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: "Do not hit back at all." If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. You are familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend," and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy." I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I'm saying is, "Grow up. You are kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you"' (Matthew 5:38-48 TM).

Prayer
Give me the courage Lord to live and act like You have called me to do. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Victorious Living - May 17, 2012

2012-05-17T07:00:00Z

Victorious Living

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14

How can you live a victorious Christian life? By:

Soaking yourself in the Scriptures. Listen: 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4). Three times Satan tried to get Jesus to submit to his suggestions, but each time He responded, 'It is written.' After the third attempt Satan left Him alone because he cannot prevail against you when you know God's Word and stand on it. Have your 'It is written...' ready. Build yourself up on the Word of God before the attack comes.
Developing the habit of prayer. Prayer puts a shield of divine protection over you. Do not live without it. Listen: 'Stay alert; be in prayer so you do not wander into temptation...' (Matthew 26:41). Unless you acknowledge your tendency for sin you won't pray against it and you will always be vulnerable. The most effective weapon the enemy has against you - is you! Your old nature must be crucified daily. Prayer is how you do that.
Burning your bridges. Any bridge to the past that you refuse to burn gives Satan a re-entry point back into your life. The new believers in Ephesus brought out all their old books of witchcraft and pornography and burned them in the town square. Sound extreme? Paul says, 'Make no provision for the flesh.' Be ruthless with yourself. If you give Satan a toe hold he'll turn it into a strangle hold. Remember, change is inevitable but growth is optional. If you do not say goodbye to Egypt you will never make it to the Promised Land.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to move forward in my walk with You by protecting me from those things that keep me from moving forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen