tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303145132024-03-07T20:42:44.189-06:00Watchful One"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-85552616770522535052013-10-07T08:19:00.004-05:002013-10-07T08:19:58.930-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Monday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (for the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">O God, our refuge and strength,
the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your
Church. Grant that those things which we
ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
8:20-22 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">20</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Then Noah
built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of
every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. <sup>21</sup> And when the LORD smelled the
pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, "I will never again curse<sup>
</sup>the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from
his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I
have done. <sup>22</sup> While the earth
remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night,
shall not cease."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Creed—The Second Article<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the First Article?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And (I
believe) in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,
died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from
the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father
Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">I
believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and
also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">who
has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all
sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but
with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">that I
may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting
righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">just
as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">This
is most certainly true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Global warming or not, until Jesus returns to judge the
living and the dead, the earth will remain.
While this doesn’t do much to feed the post-apocalyptic movie industry,
it does much to comfort the children of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Will it be an asteroid that brings our world to an
end? Or how about an alien attack? Zombies seem to be the latest, most popular manifestation
of mankind’s preoccupation with the end of the world. But the promise remains: “</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">While the
earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and
night, shall not cease." </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Did you catch that?
While the earth remains the season, and all that comes with them, will not
cease to remain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, this broken world will come to an end. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at
the last trumpet, when Jesus returns in glory, this broken world will be burned
away, and the Lord will bring the new creation, the new heavens and new
earth. But that’s not a day to fear; it’s
a day to look forward to with great anticipation. For if Christ has been raised from the dead—and
He has!!—then all who believe in Him will be raised. Jesus is the firstfruits, the rest of us are
the harvest!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And until then, the Father who created us, will preserve
us, in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Thank You, gracious Lord, for preserving, and providing,
and protecting Your creation. By Your
promise, give us faith to trust, and the hope of the coming new creation; through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Monday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for faith to live in the promises of Holy
Baptism; for one’s calling and daily work; for the unemployed; for the
salvation and well-being of our neighbors; for schools, colleges, and
seminaries; for good government and for peace.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-58019731981533990962013-09-26T10:16:00.001-05:002013-09-26T10:16:22.050-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Thursday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 20-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy, and because without You we cannot but
fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable
to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
2:18-25 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">18</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Then the LORD
God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a
helper fit for<sup>1 </sup>him." <sup>19</sup>
So out of the ground the LORD God formed<sup>1 </sup>every beast of the field
and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would
call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its
name. <sup>20</sup> The man gave names
to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the
field. But for Adam<sup>1 </sup>there was not found a helper fit for him. <sup>21</sup> So the LORD God caused a deep
sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed
up its place with flesh. <sup>22</sup>
And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made<sup>1 </sup>into a
woman and brought her to the man. <sup>23</sup>
Then the man said,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"This at last is bone of my
bones<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">and flesh of my flesh;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">she shall be called Woman,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">because she was taken out of
Man."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">24</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother
and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. <sup>25</sup> And the man and his wife were
both naked and were not ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Creed—The First Article<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the First Article?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> I
believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me
my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses,
and still takes care of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house, and home,
wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides
me with all that I need to support this body and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy,
without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and
praise, serve and obey Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">This is most certainly true.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And the man and his wife were both naked and were not
ashamed. We tend to focus on the
nakedness, and are tempted to think that is the main difference between Adam
and Eve prior to the fall, and all of humanity since the fall. And granted; that is different. But what is most significant is that they
were completely unashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Since Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, and
were in complete communion with the will of God, there was absolutely no reason
for shame. Their bodies were beautifully
good, and there was no lust in their hearts.
They worked the earth and never complained. They were joined in the one-flesh union of
holy matrimony and there was no burden.
Their every act, word, thought, and desire was good and pleasing. And there was no shame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We’ve never known such an existence. Our whole lives have been lived with a will
that is contrary to the will of God.
Since sin entered through Adam, and Adam has passed it on to every human
since, we have been conceived in sin, brought forth in iniquity, and have had
every sinful desire known to man flowing from our hearts. Where Adam and Eve were completely unashamed,
the Law of God declares that we have every reason for shame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But not in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In Christ, God heals our shame. Not by allowing us to ignore our sin, but by
taking our shamefulness and putting it upon Jesus. By virtue of our sin and guilt and shame being
nailed with Christ to the cross, we are declared to be shameless, new creations
once again (1 Jn 2:28).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Like Adam and Eve, who stood before God without any
reason for shame, in Christ, we can stand without shame once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus, Thy boundless love to me<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> No thought can
reach, no tongue declare;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Unite Thy love possess me whole,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And reign
without a rival there!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Thine wholly, Thine alone I am;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Be Thou alone
my constant flame.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">O grant that nothing in my soul<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> May dwell, but
Thy pure love alone;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Oh, may Thy love possess me whole,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> My joy, my
treasure, and my crown!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">All coldness from my heart remove;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> My ev’ry act,
word, thought be love. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">LSB</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">, 683:1 & 2)</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Thursday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the Church and her pastors; for teachers,
deaconesses, and other church workers; for missionaries and for all who serve
the Church; for fruitful and salutary use of the blessed Sacrament of Christ’s
body and blood.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-33867477233088630762013-09-25T08:42:00.002-05:002013-09-25T08:42:37.628-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Wednesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 20-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy, and because without You we cannot but
fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable
to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
2:1-10 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Thus the
heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. <sup>2</sup> And on the seventh day God
finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all
his work that he had done. <sup>3</sup>
So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from
all his work that he had done in creation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Creed—The First Article<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the First Article?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> I
believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me
my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses,
and still takes care of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house, and home,
wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides
me with all that I need to support this body and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy,
without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and
praise, serve and obey Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">This is most certainly true.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He was finished, and the earth was complete. The entire creation was in place, well-ordered,
and working as He had given it to work.
Now He could rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the Old Testament, the people of God were commanded to
observe the Sabbath in likewise manner. In
Exodus, we read, “Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to
death” (Ex 31:15). By their resting,
they were to recall God’s work of creation, and rest in the peace of knowing
that the Father who created all things, will protect, preserve, and provide for
them. Sabbath was given as a day for God’s
people to remember His work and His promises.
Sabbath was a gift.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Fast forward to the time of Jesus. The Sabbath had been turned from a day of
rest—a gift to ponder and consider the promises of God—into another legalistic
demand by which the Jewish leaders could justify themselves. Take too many steps, or serve your neighbor in
need, and you were guilty of breaking the Sabbath—never mind the Law to love
your neighbor! But Jesus restores the
Sabbath, and returns it to its properly place among the people of God. Jesus makes sure that we have it as a gift,
and not as another legalistic demand of burden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Just as God had finished His work of creation before He
rested, so too, Jesus finishes His work of redemption so that there can be rest
once again. What was once good, and
well-ordered, and working the way God had given it to work, was in need of
restoration and redemption from the its corruption. And so Jesus accomplishes that
redemption. He is conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of Mary. He lives a life of perfect
love toward God, and in never-ending love towards His neighbor. Legalistic regulations won’t stop Jesus from
fulfilling the Law of love, and serving His neighbor perfectly. In Jesus, the entire Law of God is fulfilled,
including even the command to rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And now, because of Jesus, Sabbath is once again the gift
God had given it to be. For whether you
take the day to work in the yard and spend time with your family, your rest is
found in hearing the promises of God in Christ.
Because of Jesus, we don’t observe the Sabbath by being lazy, or making
sure not to do “too much” work. We keep
the Sabbath holy by treating God’s Word as holy and sacred. We keep the Sabbath by setting aside time
each week to have Jesus placed into our ears through the preaching and teaching
of the Gospel. We keep the Sabbath by
being in the Father’s house, where He feeds us with the body and blood of His
Son. For true rest comes not in stopping
our work, but in hearing and believing the promises of God in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). You
work hard, and life brings burdens upon you.
So whatever you have on your calendar this week or next, remember the
Sabbath, and in His Word of promise, Jesus will give you the give of rest, as
you have peace in His promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We praise You, O Lord, for the day of rest that our
bodies need. We exalt You, O Christ, for the eternal rest that You have won for
us! Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">TLSB, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">p. 15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for marriage and family, that husbands and wives,
parents and children live in ordered harmony according to the Word of God; for parents
who must raise children alone; for our communities and neighborhoods.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-79552770275071524742013-09-23T08:58:00.000-05:002013-09-23T08:58:02.118-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Monday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 20-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy, and because without You we cannot but
fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable
to our salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
1:1-19 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> In the
beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. <sup>2</sup> The earth was without form and
void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was
hovering over the face of the waters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">3</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And God said,
"Let there be light," and there was light. <sup>4</sup> And God saw that the light was
good. And God separated the light from the darkness. <sup>5</sup> God called the light Day, and
the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the
first day. <sup>6</sup> And God said,
"Let there be an expanse<sup>1 </sup>in the midst of the waters, and let
it separate the waters from the waters."
<sup>7</sup> And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were
under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was
so. <sup>8</sup> And God called the
expanse Heaven.<sup>1 </sup>And there was evening and there was morning, the
second day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">9</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And God said,
"Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and
let the dry land appear." And it was so.
<sup>10</sup> God called the dry land Earth,<sup>1 </sup>and the waters
that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">11</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And God said,
"Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants<sup>1 </sup>yielding seed, and
fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind,
on the earth." And it was so. <sup>12</sup>
The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own
kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind.
And God saw that it was good. <sup>13</sup>
And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">14</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And God said,
"Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day
from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons,<sup>1 </sup>and for days
and years, <sup>15</sup> and let them be
lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth." And it
was so. <sup>16</sup> And God made<sup>1
</sup>the two great lights - the greater light to rule the day and the lesser
light to rule the night - and the stars.
<sup>17</sup> And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give
light on the earth, <sup>18</sup> to
rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the
darkness. And God saw that it was good. <sup>19</sup>
And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Creed—The First Article<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the First Article?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> I believe
in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me
my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses,
an dstill takes care of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house, and home,
wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides
me with all that I need to support this body and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without
any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise,
serve and obey Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">This is most certainly true.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">God speaks, and His Word does what it says. We see it over and over in Genesis, chapter
1; God said…and there was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Sometimes we forget that the creative power of His Word did
not evaporate, but continues on still today.
But where it gave creation in Genesis, it gives new creation now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Hearts that were complete sinful are given a new and
right spirit (Psalm 51). Minds that were
alienated and hostile to God are renewed through the preaching of repentance
and forgiveness. Wills that were weak
and bound to sin, in Baptism, are freed from sin’s bondage and incorporated
into Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And all of it happens by a Word. All of it happens through a powerful,
CREATIVE, Word that does what it says.
For the Word which brought creation, now brings the new creation, even
among us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right
spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy
Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a
willing spirit (Psalm 51:10-12).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Monday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for faith to live in the promises of Holy
Baptism; for one’s calling and daily work; for the unemployed; for the
salvation and well-being of our neighbors; for schools, colleges, and
seminaries; for good government and for peace.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-76814856564305881122013-09-17T08:43:00.002-05:002013-09-17T08:43:39.689-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Tuesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 19-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Lord
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom nothing is secure. Rescue and
preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You, rejoicing in the
way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Exodus
32:1-14 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> When the
people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people
gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, "Up, make us gods
who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the
land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." <sup>2</sup> So Aaron said to them,
"Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons,
and your daughters, and bring them to me."
<sup>3</sup> So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in
their ears and brought them to Aaron. <sup>4</sup>
And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool
and made a golden<sup>1 </sup>calf. And they said, "These are your gods, O
Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" <sup>5</sup> When Aaron saw this, he built an
altar before it. And Aaron made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be
a feast to the LORD." <sup>6</sup>
And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought
peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to
play. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">7</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And the LORD
said to Moses, "Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the
land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.
<sup>8</sup> They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I
commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped
it and sacrificed to it and said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought
you up out of the land of Egypt!'" <sup>9</sup>
And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a
stiff-necked people. <sup>10</sup> Now
therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may
consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">11</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But Moses
implored the LORD his God and said, "O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot
against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great
power and with a mighty hand? <sup>12</sup>
Why should the Egyptians say, 'With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill
them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn
from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. <sup>13</sup> Remember Abraham, Isaac, and
Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I
will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I
have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it
forever.'" <sup>14</sup> And the
LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ten Commandments—The Close of the Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does God say about all these commandments?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> He says:
“I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of
the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but
showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Exodus 20:5-6</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we
should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But he promises grace
and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should
also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotional Thoughts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">There are many times, when having to discipline our
children, when Jamie and I talk sense into one another. And usually, she’s the one talking sense into
me. One of the kids has done something,
or together they have done something, that is intentionally disobedient, and
before I go to lay down the law, Jamie will offer a few words, and remind me of
the love that I’ve been called to give to them.
She’s not intending to keep me from disciplining them—which she has no
problem doing herself, by the way—she’s just reminding me that my discipline
should be padded with love, so to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the case of the Israelites, they were about to be on
the receiving end of God’s powerful wrath.
There they were, having taking off their rings and earrings, and
worshipping the golden calf—the graven image which Aaron had fashioned out of
their gold. The people responded with
praise for the calf: “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of
the land of Egypt.” And then Aaron, who
was supposed to be Moses’ right-hand-man built an altar before it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, their idolatry was not lost on the one who
Himself had brought them out of Egypt, and who Himself was their God. As their false worship was offered, the LORD’s
anger was kindled. In anger, he intended
to bring down His wrath on this idolatrous people, and start again from scratch
with Moses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But the Israelites had a mediator. The Israelites, sinful though they were, had
Moses pleading their case before the LORD.
The LORD was hot—literally. And
by reminding the LORD of the promises He had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Moses was able to cool him down, so that the LORD would have His discipline
padded with the loving promises He had given.
For the LORD will remember His promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, the Israelites were not off the hook, and were
not without punishment. If we would keep
reading on to verse 20, we would see how they were made to burn that calf, to
melt it down, and to drink into them the very god which they had created. That was creative discipline, I would say;
not the kind of consequence that would allow their foolishness to be forgotten
so quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">With Moses serving as mediator, the LORD’s anger had
cooled, and the LORD “relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing
on his people.” But even more, to these idolaters,
the LORD would renew His covenantal promises, and continue to be their
God. He would not put them off, but
would keep them, and would continue to build them up into a nation—for His steadfast
love endures forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, the Israelites aren’t the only ones with a
mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5 reminds us that
there is “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Hebrews chapter 3 reminds us that where Moses
was faithful, Jesus “has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much
more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Where Moses pleaded for the Israelites, the blood of Jesus
pleads the case for all mankind. The
death of Jesus was a atoning sacrifice for the Israelite’s idolatry and our
own. And where Moses had cooled the LORD”s
wrath, Jesus satisfies it by taking it upon Himself. And now, as children of the Father, even when
we are disciplined, it is a discipline padded by love, and mercy, and never
apart from the one who is pleading on our behalf—Jesus Christ Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">O Christ, Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world, thank You for giving Yourself for me. Forgive my sin, and strengthen me
to believe in You and love You. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">TLSB, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">p. 152).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for deliverance against temptation and evil; for
the addicted and despairing, the tortured and oppressed; for those struggling
with sin.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-44536788221412103812013-09-16T09:21:00.000-05:002013-09-16T09:21:07.591-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Monday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 19-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Lord
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom nothing is secure. Rescue and
preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You, rejoicing in the
way that leads to eternal life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Exodus
20:1-6 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And God spoke
all these words, saying, <sup>2</sup>
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of slavery. <sup>3</sup>
"You shall have no other gods before<sup>1 </sup>me. <sup>4</sup> "You shall not make for
yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. <sup>5</sup> You shall not bow down to them
or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity
of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those
who hate me, <sup>6</sup> but showing
steadfast love to thousands<sup>1 </sup>of those who love me and keep my
commandments. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ten Commandments—The Close of the Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does God say about all these commandments?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> He says:
“I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of
the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but
showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My
commandments.” </span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Exodus 20:5-6</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">God threatens to punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we
should fear His wrath and not do anything against them. But he promises grace
and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore, we should
also love and trust in Him and gladly do what He commands.</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion (Taken from the note in <i>Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions</i>)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Command and promise; Law and Gospel. That’s what we have in these words from
Exodus 20. On the one hand, we have the
clear reality of an all-powerful God who is just, and jealous, and promises to
punish those who would not believe in Him.
But on the other hand, this same all-powerful, just, and jealous God is
loving to all, and will show mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments. The Law threatens those who deny Him; but the
Gospel promises every blessing to those who have faith in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the meaning of The Close of the Commandments, Luther
says it so clearly: “God threatens to punish all who break these
commandments. Therefore, we should fear
His wrath and not do anything against them.”
Who can argue against that? Only
those who would reject His existence, or His authority, or disagree with His
Word, would be foolish enough to ignore this. But if this is the Word of the only true God,
then this Word is to be taken as authoritative, and its threats are to be taken
lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But he who has faith, will not ignore these words. How could he?
If faith exists in the heart, then that person believes in the one true
God, and trusts in His Word, and takes it seriously. If faith exists in the heart, where God has
promised to punish sin, the faithful person agrees that God is just in doing so—even
if he sees that sin in himself. If there
is faith in the heart, and sin is made known, the promise of threat will lead
to contrition, and repentance. And where
there is repentance, what follows is the promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">God’s love and mercy is promised to those who would not
deny Him, but trust in Him. Even though
our flesh is set against Him, and we daily fall short of the glory of God, the
Lord is merciful to those who know Him, and believe in Him. And while they will be unable to keep His
high demands, they will not ignore them, or deny them, or treat them as
unimportant. How could they? They’re the demands of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">No, where there is faith, there is forgiveness. But where there is faith, there is also a
person who sees God’s will as good and wise, and endeavors to keep it, even
handing it over to children and grandchildren—to those thousands of generations
that would continue to love Him and keep His commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">To be sure, the Lord has given commands, and has promised
to punish sin. But thanks be to God,
that for those who know him, and believe in Him, sin is put away on account of
Christ, and every blessing is given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">“You have this Law to see therein That you have not been
free from sin But also that you clearly see How pure toward God life should be.
Have mercy, Lord!” Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">LSB</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> 581:11).</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Monday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for faith to live in the promises of Holy
Baptism; for one’s calling and daily work; for the unemployed; for the
salvation and well-being of our neighbors; for schools, colleges, and
seminaries; for good government and for peace.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-53355707913691056932013-09-15T14:45:00.002-05:002013-09-15T14:45:23.090-05:00Only For Sinners (Sermon preached September 15, for Friendship Sunday, Proper 19-C)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only For Sinners—</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke
15:1-10</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Date: Proper 19-C (17<sup>th</sup> Sunday after Pentecost)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—September 8, 2013 (Friendship Sunday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Luke 15:1-10 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> <sup>1</sup> Now
the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. <sup>2</sup> And the Pharisees and the
scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with
them." <sup>3</sup> So he told them
this parable: <sup>4</sup> "What
man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave
the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until
he finds it? <sup>5</sup> And when he
has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. <sup>6</sup> And when he comes home, he calls
together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I
have found my sheep that was lost.' <sup>7</sup>
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. <sup>8</sup> "Or what woman, having ten
silver coins,<sup>1 </sup>if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and
sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? <sup>9</sup> And when she has found it, she
calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have
found the coin that I had lost.' <sup>10</sup>
Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who
repents."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="SermonText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of (our) heart(s) be
acceptable in your sight, O LORD, (our) rock and (our) redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="SermonText">
In the name of <span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif";">T</span>
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Tax
collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus; and even more, these tax
collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus in order to hear him. These poor, miserable, sinners, had ears that
were opened, and they were desiring to hear the Words which Jesus would have to
speak to them. Like Peter, in the Gospel
of John, who says, “Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life,” These sinners and tax collectors
had come to Jesus in order to hear the Words of Jesus, and in the Words of
Jesus, they would be given, and promised, and blessed to receive eternal
life. The Pharisees and scribes, on the
other hand; they were grumbling. They
were appalled that Jesus would receive such sinners, and that he would choose
to eat with them too. And so they
grumbled, and their ears remained closed, and they rejected the work, and the
word of the one who had come only for sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Poor,
helpless sinners who have ears to hear; and self-righteous fools, who would
rather not listen: these are the people to whom Jesus speaks the parables in
Luke 15. Ears that are open and eager to
hear, and ears that will do everything in their power to remain closed: these
are two completely different audiences to whom Jesus is speaking, and yet, to
these completely different audiences Jesus speaks the very same words—the
parables in Luke 15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
those tax collectors and sinners Jesus speaks the Parables of the lost sheep
and the lost coin. And to those
self-righteous grumblers known as the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus speaks the
Parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
And while Jesus speaks the very same Words to both of his audiences,
Jesus does not intend for His Words to do the same thing for those drastically
different groups. Not in the least! No, what Jesus intends his Words to do for
open and eager ears, despite their sin, is quite different from what Jesus intends
his Words to do for those self-righteous grumbles who are denying their sin. So what does Jesus intend for His Words to do
for those self-righteous grumblers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
to say it plainly, he wants His Words—the parables of the lost sheep and
coin—to convict them of their sin. There
they are, self-righteous, and thinking that they aren’t at all like those
sinners. And yet, Jesus has come only
for sinners. If they continue to think,
and to believe that they are without sin, then they will only be deceiving
themselves, and the truth of their spiritual poverty will continue to avoid
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
knows that their hearts are hard. He knows that they are grumbling because they
think too highly of themselves. Jesus
has come to save sinners, and these Pharisees and scribes are so self-righteous
that they aren’t willing to include themselves in that category; which means
that their ears will remain closed to the proclamation of Jesus’ life-saving
message of forgiveness, life, and salvation for poor miserable sinners. What they need is to be convicted; to be
shown the sin that lingers within, so that they might be brought to contrition
and repentance. Jesus desires that his
Words would bring them to freely confess that they have not kept God’s perfect
Law; that they have no righteousness of their own; that they daily fall short
of the glory of God; that they are sinners too.
For apart from this confession, their grumbling will never end, and they
will always see Jesus as someone else’s savior.
I mean, if you aren’t a sinner, why would you need a savior?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
Jesus speaks of a sheep that has gone astray.
And in His speaking of such a sheep, He is speaking of them. He’s speaking of those Pharisees and scribes
who, in denying their sin and their need for a savior, they have left the flock
of the faithful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
Jesus speaks of a coin that is lost in darkness. And in His speaking of such a coin, He is
speaking of those who are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the
life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of
heart. He’s speaking of those
self-righteous grumblers who, although they were supposed to know God, they
were not honoring him, or giving thanks to him, but had become futile in their
thinking, and foolish in the hearts which were darkened to the light of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do
you know what happens to a sheep that finds itself alone, and apart from the
flock? It doesn’t call out and make
noise so that it can be found, for it knows that it might be found by a
predator. No, a sheep that finds itself
alone, will just lie there, helpless, and will refuse to move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
do you know what happens to a single silver coin that is lost at night in a
home with no light? It does not sparkle,
hoping to catch your eye. It just lies
there, dark, and unable to be found. You
see, sheep that have gone astray can’t help themselves any more than a single
coin in a dark home can find itself.
Both are completely helpless. If
the shepherd does not come, and if the light is not on, both will remain lost
forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
there, in Luke 15, the shepherd had come.
In fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy, Jesus had come, searching for His
sheep, and seeking them out. Like a
shepherd that seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been
scattered, so in speaking the words of Luke 15 to those Pharisees and Scribes
Jesus was seeking the lost, so that the lost would be found. It is the lost that the Father sent Jesus to
seek, and to rescue and to bring out of their darkness. And so, to these lost sheep of Israel, Jesus
speaks these parables so that they would be brought to repentance, and the
angels in heaven could rejoice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s
what Jesus intends for His Law to do for all who cling to sin. He intends to put the perfect Law of God
before you, with its high demands, so that you might see your sin, and flee
from it. He does this for self-righteous
sinners who deny their sin completely, but He does this also for Christians. He
does this for Christians who carry around this body of flesh, with its sinful
desires. He does this for Christians who cling to their sins of pride, or
selfishness, or envy, or lust or something else. He does this for Christians who are tempted
to hang on to their sin, rather than crucifying it in repentance and
faith. And so Jesus gives the Law to
all: Christians and non-Christians alike.
To those who are comfortable in their sin, He gives the Law so that they
might grow uncomfortable, and learn to confess it. But to those who know their sin, the Law is
given so that sin will not become comfortable once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
see, Jesus desires all to be saved. His
desire is that all would cling to him in repentance and faith. And since the Law brings knowledge of sin, Jesus
gives the Law, so that we might always hear Him, as that other audience would
hear Him. He gives the Law, so that we
would see our need for a savior!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
what about that other audience? What
about those tax collectors and sinners?
What was Jesus’ intention in speaking these parables to them? If Jesus wanted to bring one group to
contrition and repentance; if Jesus’ words were supposed to bring the
self-righteous to see their sin, and confess it, what were His words supposed
to do for those who already knew their sin, and were terrified by it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
if His words were meant to convict the one audience, His words were meant to
console the other. You see, while that
first group would have a problem seeing itself as lost, and would need to be
brought to repentance, those tax collectors and sinners would see their sin and
fear that they would be lost because of it.
All around, and wherever they looked, everyone knew that they were
sinners—and they knew it themselves. But
when Jesus would speak, they were drawn to him, and they would come to him,
because Jesus spoke of a kingdom that was for sinners, rather than a kingdom
that would exclude them. And so, they
desired to be hearers of His Word—sinners though they were. And to these poor miserable sinners, Jesus
tells the very same parables, but He tells them with a different intended
affect. Where Jesus had previously
needed to convict, and to give contrition, so that there might be confession, to
terrified sinners, Jesus desires to console, so that there might be
comfort. After all, it was for sinners
that He came.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
intends to console them, and to comfort them, and to give them knowledge of a
Shepherd that is seeking them. He wants
them to know that they have been found by a shepherd who has left the flock to
search for them. He wants them to know
that the light is on, for the light has come, and the darkness of their sin
will not prevail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
is how it is for sinners who have been separated from the flock, and whose sin
has darkened their lives. Jesus has
come. The Father has sent him. He has laid down His life for the sheep. He is the Good Shepherd that seeks to find
the lost. He is the Good Shepherd that
searches, and seeks, and speaks His Word of promise to all who are afraid that
their sin will separate them from the love of God. And so, to an audience that is desperate that
is afraid of being lost, and is desperate to hear Good News, he speaks of a
shepherd so that they would know they have been found in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
he speaks of darkness being turned to light, for Jesus has come, and in Him the
darkness of sin has been turned to the light of life. He is the light of the world. To sinners whose lives have been lived in
darkness and are afraid that is where they’ll remain, the Word that Jesus
speaks is a lamp to their feet, and a light for their path. What was lost in darkness, is found in the
light as Jesus consoles and comforts those who are desperate to know that they
will not be excluded forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tax
Collectors and sinners were coming to Jesus; and they were coming to Jesus in
order to hear Him. These poor miserable
sinners had ears that were opened, and they desired to hear the words which
Jesus would speak to them. They had come
to Jesus to hear the Words of Jesus, and in the Words of Jesus, they would be
comforted and consoled, as they heard of a Shepherd who seeks who saves the
lost. For while the Pharisees and
scribes might have grumbled at the fact, it is really good news, that Jesus
came into the world only for sinners. Because
that means Jesus came to save you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is Friendship Sunday. We are glad you
are here. And whether Jesus’ words today
have convicted you, consoled you, or both, we are thankful, that today we can
say without a doubt, that Jesus is a friend of sinners. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">T </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-50521389814139811762013-09-13T06:00:00.000-05:002013-09-13T06:00:11.985-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Friday (From the Lutheran Confessions)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><!--[endif]-->
<div>
</div>
<!--[if !mso]--></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT-8czTLbtxQG5bZUv9Vs6CKkngjzk8t_3jitoyCwj_AgWPLJwJrIh68_evvhHVweO1ZdEClXqHlzcNTS6Scl1aU6jFsPLR3iQU8trKNAaIySM0rJBmO5uD264ryUj2CuZJUW/s1600/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT-8czTLbtxQG5bZUv9Vs6CKkngjzk8t_3jitoyCwj_AgWPLJwJrIh68_evvhHVweO1ZdEClXqHlzcNTS6Scl1aU6jFsPLR3iQU8trKNAaIySM0rJBmO5uD264ryUj2CuZJUW/s320/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Brace yourself…this is a long one for a Friday. Most of the thoughts from the Augsburg
Confession have been rather brief. But
not this week’s; this week’s is quite lengthy.
Maybe that should tell us something about the Lutheran Reformer’s earnest
desire to maintain an understanding that Good Works are necessary. But the question is, FOR WHAT? See what the Lutheran Church believes about
good works. Enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 18-C)</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O
merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Article
XX (Good Works)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">1</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Our teachers are falsely accused
of forbidding good works. <b><sup>2</sup></b> Their published writings on the
Ten Commandments, and other similar writings, bear witness that they have
usefully taught about all estates and duties of life. They have taught well
what is pleasing to God in every station and vocation in life. <b><sup>3</sup></b>
Before now, preachers taught very little about these things. They encouraged
only childish and needless works, such as particular holy days, particular
fasts, brotherhoods, pilgrimages, services in honor of the saints, the use of
rosaries, monasticism, and such things. <b><sup>4</sup></b> Since our
adversaries have been admonished about these things, they are now unlearning
them. They do not preach these unhelpful works as much as they used to. <b><sup>5</sup></b>
In the past, there was only stunning silence about faith, but now they are
beginning to mention it. <b><sup>6</sup></b> They do not teach that we are
justified only by works. They join faith and works together, and say that we
are justified by faith and works. <b><sup>7</sup></b> This teaching is more
tolerable than the former one. It can offer more consolation than their old
teaching.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">8</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> The doctrine about faith, which
ought to be the chief doctrine in the Church, has remained unknown for so long.
Everyone has to admit that there was the deepest silence in their sermons
concerning the righteousness of faith. They only taught about works in the
churches. This is why our teachers teach the churches about faith in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">9</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> First, they teach that our works
cannot reconcile God to us or merit forgiveness of sins, grace, and
justification. We obtain reconciliation only by faith when we believe that we
are received into favor for Christ’s sake. He alone has been set forth as the
Mediator and Atoning Sacrifice (1 Timothy 2:5), in order that the Father may be
reconciled through Him. <b><sup>10</sup></b> Therefore, whoever believes that
he merits grace by works despises the merit and grace of Christ [Galatians
5:4]. In so doing, he is seeking a way to God without Christ, by human
strength, although Christ Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the
life” (John 14:6).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">11</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> This doctrine about faith is
presented everywhere by Paul, “By grace you have been saved through faith. And
this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">12</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> If anyone wants to be tricky and
say that we have invented a new interpretation of Paul, this entire matter is
supported by the testimony of the Fathers. <b><sup>13</sup></b> Augustine
defends grace and the righteousness of faith in many volumes against the merits
of works. <b><sup>14</sup></b> Ambrose, in his book The Calling of the Gentiles,
and elsewhere, teaches the same thing. In The Calling of the Gentiles he says,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Redemption
by Christ’s blood would be worth very little, and God’s mercy would not surpass
man’s works, if justification, which is accomplished through grace, were due to
prior merits. So justification would not be the free gift from a donor, but the
reward due the laborer.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">15</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Spiritually inexperienced people
despise this teaching. However, God-fearing and anxious consciences find by
experience that it brings the greatest consolation. Consciences cannot be set
at rest through any works, but only by faith, when they take the sure ground
that for Christ’s sake they have a gracious God. <b><sup>16</sup></b> As Paul
teaches, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God”
(Romans 5:1). <b><sup>17</sup></b> This whole doctrine must be related to the
conflict of the terrified conscience. It cannot be understood apart from that
conflict. <b><sup>18</sup></b> Therefore, inexperienced and irreverent people
have poor judgment in this matter because they dream that Christian
righteousness is nothing but civil and philosophical righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">19</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Until now consciences were plagued
with the doctrine of works. They did not hear consolation from the Gospel. <b><sup>20</sup></b>
Some people were driven by conscience into the desert and into monasteries,
hoping to merit grace by a monastic life. <b><sup>21</sup></b> Some people came
up with other works to merit grace and make satisfaction for sins. <b><sup>22</sup></b>
That is why the need was so great for teaching and renewing the doctrine of
faith in Christ, so that anxious consciences would not be without consolation
but would know that grace, forgiveness of sins, and justification are received
by faith in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">23</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> People are also warned that the
term faith does not mean simply a knowledge of a history, such as the ungodly
and devil have [James 2:19]. Rather, it means a faith that believes, not merely
the history, but also the effect of the history. In other words, it believes
this article: the forgiveness of sins. We have grace, righteousness, and
forgiveness of sins through Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">24</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> The person who knows that he has a
Father who is gracious to him through Christ truly knows God [John 14:7]. He
also knows that God cares for him [1 Peter 5:7], and he calls upon God [Romans
10:13]. In a word, he is not without God, as are the heathen. <b><sup>25</sup></b>
For devils and the ungodly are not able to believe this article: the
forgiveness of sins. Hence, they hate God as an enemy [Romans 8:7] and do not
call Him [Romans 3:11–12] and expect no good from Him. <b><sup>26</sup></b>
Augustine also warns his readers about the word faith and teaches that the term
is used in the Scriptures, not for the knowledge that is in the ungodly, but
for the confidence that consoles and encourages the terrified mind.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">27</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Furthermore, we teach that it is
necessary to do good works. This does not mean that we merit grace by doing
good works, but because it is God’s will [Ephesians 2:10]. <b><sup>28</sup></b>
It is only by faith, and nothing else, that forgiveness of sins is apprehended.
<b><sup>29</sup></b> The Holy Spirit is received through faith, hearts are
renewed and given new affections, and then they are able to bring forth good
works. <b><sup>30</sup></b> Ambrose says: “Faith is the mother of a good will
and doing what is right.” <b><sup>31</sup></b> Without the Holy Spirit people
are full of ungodly desires. They are too weak to do works that are good in
God’s sight [John 15:5]. <b><sup>32</sup></b> Besides, they are in the power of
the devil, who pushes human beings into various sins, ungodly opinions, and
open crimes. <b><sup>33</sup></b> We see this in the philosophers, who,
although they tried to live an honest life could not succeed, but were defiled
with many open crimes. <b><sup>34</sup></b> Such is human weakness, without
faith and without the Holy Spirit, when governed only by human strength.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">35</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"> Therefore, it is easy to see that
this doctrine is not to be accused of banning good works. Instead, it is to be
commended all the more because it shows how we are enabled to do good works. <b><sup>36</sup></b>
For without faith, human nature cannot, in any way, do the works of the First
or Second Commandment [1 Corinthians 2:14]. <b><sup>37</sup></b> Without faith,
human nature does not call upon God, nor expect anything from Him, nor bear the
cross [Matthew 16:24]. Instead, human nature seeks and trusts in human help. <b><sup>38</sup></b>
So when there is no faith and trust in God, all kinds of lusts and human
intentions rule in the heart [Genesis 6:5]. <b><sup>39</sup></b> This is why
Christ says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That is why the
Church sings: “Lacking Your divine favor, there is nothing in man. <b><sup>40</sup></b>
Nothing in him is harmless.” (Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Edited by
Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005, S. 42).</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">This is another key article in the
Augsburg Confession. Article XX offers more details about faith and works than
what was previously written. Lutherans insist on the biblical truth that our
good works do not save us. So they are sometimes accused of opposing good
works. This article sets forth the Bible’s clear teaching that good works are
the fruit of faith, not the cause of our salvation. The Lutheran hymn
“Salvation unto Us Has Come” offers a short, powerful summary of these
essential Gospel truths:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Faith
clings to Jesus’ cross alone<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
rests in Him unceasing;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
by its fruits true faith is known,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">with
love and hope increasing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
faith alone can justify;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Works
serve our neighbor and supply<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
proof that faith is living. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">(Paul
Speratus, 1484–1531; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Rome continues to insist that people
are saved by God’s grace, but not through faith alone. This teaching
dangerously encourages people to believe they are able, even in some small way,
to contribute toward their salvation. This diverts their focus from Christ and
His merits to their own works. It also leads to despair, doubt, and uncertainty
when people come to realize the enormity of their sin and wonder if in fact
they have done “enough” to merit or deserve God’s favor. After setting forth
the proper biblical distinction between faith and good works, the Augsburg
Confession asserts very clearly that our good works are necessary, not to merit
grace, but because this is God’s will for our lives. God’s gift of saving faith
enables us to do good works. (See also <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap</span></a>
XX; <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span style="color: green;">SA</span></a> III XIII; <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span style="color: green;">FC Ep</span></a>
IV and <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span style="color: green;">SD</span></a> IV.) (Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions.
Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005,
S. 41).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Almighty, everlasting God, for our
many sins we justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy You sent Your
dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who won for us forgiveness of sins and
everlasting salvation. Grant us a true confession that, dead to sin, we may be
raised up by Your life-giving absolution. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may
be ever watchful and live true and godly lives in Your service; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(<i>LSB</i>, collect #153).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Friday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the preaching of the holy cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ and for the spread of His knowledge throughout the whole world;
for the persecuted and oppressed; for the sick and dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap </span></a>Apology of the Augsburg
Confession<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span style="color: green;">SA </span></a>Smalcald Articles<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span style="color: green;">FC Ep </span></a>Epitome of the Formula of
Concord<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-09-13%20(AC%20Article%20XX).docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span style="color: green;">SD </span></a>Solid Declaration of the
Formula of Concord<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-20722709314499867312013-09-12T06:00:00.000-05:002013-09-12T06:00:02.393-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Thursday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 18-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O
merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mark
10:17-31 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">17</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And as he was
setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him,
"Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" <sup>18</sup> And Jesus said to him,
"Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. <sup>19</sup> You know the commandments: 'Do
not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do
not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" <sup>20</sup> And he said to him,
"Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth." <sup>21</sup> And Jesus, looking at him,
loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you
have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come,
follow me." <sup>22</sup>
Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great
possessions.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">23</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And Jesus
looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it will be for
those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" <sup>24</sup> And the disciples were amazed
at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is<sup>1
</sup>to enter the kingdom of God! <sup>25</sup>
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich
person to enter the kingdom of God."
<sup>26</sup> And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him,<sup>1
</sup>"Then who can be saved?"
<sup>27</sup> Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is
impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." <sup>28</sup> Peter began to say to him,
"See, we have left everything and followed you." <sup>29</sup> Jesus said, "Truly, I say
to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or
father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, <sup>30</sup> who will not receive a hundredfold
now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and
lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. <sup>31</sup> But many who are first will be
last, and the last first."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ninth & Tenth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Ninth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not covet your neighbor’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house,
or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him
in keeping it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Tenth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey,
or anything that belongs to your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife,
workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do
their duty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(Taken from <i>The Lutheran Catechesis Series</i>, written by Rev. Dr. Karl
F. Fabrizius)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus called the rich young man to live by faith in Him
rather than in his earthly possessions and the works he had performed. The
young man thought he was good, when there is no one who is good but God alone.
The man’s sadness reflects his dependence upon his possessions for good, rather
than upon the Good One. The one thing the young man lacked was faith in Christ—a
faith which confesses sin and looks to Christ for the forgiveness of sins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus preached the Law to condemn us all, for all our
hearts are distracted by the riches of this life, not only money and
possessions, but everything that we may value for good in our lives (i.e., health,
family, etc.). Sinners can be saved only by the Good One, Jesus, who draws as
[camels] through the eye of the needle. Through the preaching of the Law and
the Gospel, the Holy SPIrit has called us to repentance and life in the truth
faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">“My heart’s delight, My crown most bright, O Christ, my
joy forever. Not wealth nor pride Nor fortune’s tide Our bonds of love shall
sever.” Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">LSB </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">557:4).</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Thursday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the Church and her pastors; for teachers,
deaconesses, and other church workers; for missionaries and for all who serve
the Church; for fruitful and salutary use of the blessed Sacrament of Christ’s
body and blood.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-71478068343160229582013-09-11T06:00:00.000-05:002013-09-11T06:00:02.664-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Wednesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 18-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O
merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Matthew
6:33-34 (Congregation at Prayer verse of the Week)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">7</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you. <sup>34</sup> “Therefore do not be
anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for
the day is its own trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ninth & Tenth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Ninth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not covet your neighbor’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house,
or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him
in keeping it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Tenth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey,
or anything that belongs to your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife,
workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do
their duty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">A heart that covets is a heart that is anxious. And until that covetous heart has what it is
that it covets, anxiety will persist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">On the other hand, a heart that fears, loves, and trusts
in God above all things, is a heart that will not be anxious about
tomorrow. And while that heart trusts in
the LORD above all things, and for all things, there will be no anxiety. Where there is faith, there is not anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And now, I imagine, you are confused. You are confused because, if you are honest,
you know that you have a heart that experiences anxiety over things you desire
and don’t yet have. But at the same
time, as a forgiven child of God who knows and trusts the Father’s will, you
that you have also experienced the peace that surpasses all understanding,
knowing that “sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So which are you? Covetous and anxious? Or full of faith and contentment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The truth is, you’re both!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Even the Christian experiences both realities occurring in
him or her. According the Law of God, we
have to admit that we desire what we don’ have, and that we are often anxious
until we get it. That simply reveals the
truth that, while we remain in the flesh, our sinful nature exists and is at
work in the desires of our heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But…at the very same time, according to the Gospel and
the forgiveness, life, and salvation that are freely bestowed upon you in
Baptism, the preaching of the Gospel, and even in the giving of the Holy
Communion; according to this proclaimed Good News, you are also a new creation;
the old has gone, behold, the new has come—now there is faith. And the faith that exists within you is the
part of you that is satisfied and content with what the LORD has given
you. That’s the part of you that can
say, without your fingers crossed, and will the full conviction of faith, “I
know the LORD will provide all that I need.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You may recall the man who said to Jesus, “Lord, I
believe. Help my unbelief.” This
confession is on our lips when we confess, “Lord, I am content with what I
have; help me to no longer covet.”
Forgiven sinners, we learn to seek first His kingdom, and to trust that
all the things we need will be given unto us.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord Jesus, help me speak the truth in all my
conversations and testimony. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>TLSB</i>, 1588).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for marriage and family, that husbands and wives,
parents and children live in ordered harmony according to the Word of God; for
parents who must raise children alone; for our communities and neighborhoods.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-17334225311442663922013-09-10T06:00:00.000-05:002013-09-10T06:00:10.109-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Tuesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 17-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O
merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
3:1-8 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Now the
serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had
made. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">He said to the woman, "Did
God actually say, 'You<sup>1 </sup>shall not eat of any tree in the
garden'?" <sup>2</sup> And the
woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the
garden, <sup>3</sup> but God said, 'You
shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden,
neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" <sup>4</sup> But the serpent said to the
woman, "You will not surely die. <sup>5</sup>
For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be
like God, knowing good and evil." <sup>6</sup>
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a
delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,<sup>1
</sup>she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who
was with her, and he ate. <sup>7</sup>
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they
sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">8</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And they
heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day,
and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among
the trees of the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ninth & Tenth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Ninth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not covet your neighbor’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house,
or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him
in keeping it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Tenth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey,
or anything that belongs to your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife,
workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do
their duty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotional Thoughts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">If it has been given to another, it has not been given to
you. That seems easy enough to
understand. The problem is, our sinful
heart desires what has been given to another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We don’t often think of the sin of coveting being
committed there in the garden by Adam and Eve.
But it was their desire for what was God’s—knowledge—that caused them to
consider the forbidden fruit, and eventually, to eat it. They desired to be like God. They desired what was given to another. The option that was placed before them by
Satan, was an option they began to desire, and this desire—already the sin of
coveting—is what would lead Even, and then Adam, to eat what the LORD had not
given them to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Rather than being covetous, faith in Christ and His
promises allows us to be content. By
looking at Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on our behalf, we are convinced of the
Father’s love. With this conviction, we
hold fast to the Father’s promises to provide, and protect. He has promised daily bread, and so we trust
that what the LORD has given to us is what the LORD desires us to have. Even more, we trust that what the LORD has kept
from us, is what the LORD desires to keep from us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, what has been given to us today may not be
given tomorrow. And likewise, what has
been kept from us today, may be given tomorrow.
But again, that is for the LORD to decide. For His will is always good and wise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Adam and Eve were not given to be “like God.” It was not in the LORD’s will for them to
have knowledge of good and evil. It had
been His will for them simply to have knowledge of the good that he had created
and given for them to tend. And so,
having been redeemed from the curse of the Law through Christ—the second
Adam—we now look to the sins of the first Adam as sins not to be repeated, but
to put off. While our hearts will covet
many things, in Christ, we learn to trust that what our Father has chosen to
give, is what is good to have. And what
my neighbor has received, well, that is good for him as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">O Lord, by Your Holy Spirit,
keep us from all covetous desire, that we might be content with what You have
given, and find our peace in the promises of Your Son. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for deliverance against temptation and evil; for
the addicted and despairing, the tortured and oppressed; for those struggling
with sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-58223379269305997062013-09-09T09:21:00.004-05:002013-09-09T09:21:53.511-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN2VxHcdy390d8Jgyn5IOkHQ_TflrKlIkpRL9oprq62k03tjsRm90Zuu4oz5kPs3cBG_bMYx2WwYVz6XUxvOLfD7BRD0lKsiayJOrEEoffbP0EnZgabVPdbZtYb3Obx3oqzNY/s1600/Ahab+Covets+Naboth's+Vineyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibN2VxHcdy390d8Jgyn5IOkHQ_TflrKlIkpRL9oprq62k03tjsRm90Zuu4oz5kPs3cBG_bMYx2WwYVz6XUxvOLfD7BRD0lKsiayJOrEEoffbP0EnZgabVPdbZtYb3Obx3oqzNY/s320/Ahab+Covets+Naboth's+Vineyard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 164.25pt; margin-left: 0; margin-top: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 260.9pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\gtruwe\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\06\clip_image001.jpg">
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect of the
Week (Proper 18-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O
merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives
and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1
Kings 21:1-16 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Now Naboth
the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of
Samaria. <sup>2</sup> And after this
Ahab said to Naboth, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a
vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better
vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in
money." <sup>3</sup> But Naboth
said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of
my fathers." <sup>4</sup> And Ahab
went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had
said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my
fathers." And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would
eat no food. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">5</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But Jezebel
his wife came to him and said to him, "Why is your spirit so vexed that
you eat no food?" <sup>6</sup> And
he said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him,
'Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you
another vineyard for it.' And he answered, 'I will not give you my
vineyard.'" <sup>7</sup> And
Jezebel his wife said to him, "Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat
bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth
the Jezreelite." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">8</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> So she wrote
letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters
to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. <sup>9</sup> And she wrote in the letters,
"Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. <sup>10</sup> And set two worthless men
opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, 'You have cursed<sup>1
</sup>God and the king.' Then take him out and stone him to death." <sup>11</sup> And the men of his city, the
elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to
them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, <sup>12</sup> they proclaimed a fast and set
Naboth at the head of the people. <sup>13</sup>
And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men
brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying,
"Naboth cursed God and the king." So they took him outside the city
and stoned him to death with stones. <sup>14</sup>
Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned; he is
dead." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">15</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> As soon as
Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab,
"Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he
refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead." <sup>16</sup> And as soon as Ahab heard that
Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the
Jezreelite, to take possession of it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Ninth & Tenth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Ninth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not covet your neighbor’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house,
or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him
in keeping it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Tenth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not covet
your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or
anything that belongs to your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife,
workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do
their duty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the story above, we might be tempted to think that
Jezebel was alone in her guilt. But the
Ninth and Tenth Commandment indict Ahab as well. It’s not obvious at first. Ahab asked Naboth for his vineyard, and it
was Jezebel that conceived and carried out the plot. What makes Ahab complicit in this sin?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">A careful examination of Luther’s meaning to the Ninth
Commandments helps us out. There we see
this important phrase “or get it in a way that only appears right.” That is to say, in our scheming to get our
neighbor’s house or inheritance, even a plan that allows us to appear innocent
does not free us from the guilt of having schemed and plotted to take what the
LORD has given to another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Sure, it was Jezebel who plotted and schemed, but it was
Ahab’s authority which allowed the plot to be carried out. If Ahab would have spoken up, and honored his
neighbor Naboth; if Ahab would have kept the Seventh Commandment, and helped
Naboth to improve and protect his possession, then the covetous heart of
Jezebel would have been kept from giving birth to greater sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In this story, we understand what James meant when he
wrote, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own
desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it
is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). In the story above, the enticing desire for
the vineyard, having given birth to the sinful plot of Jezebel, became fully
grown in the death of Naboth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Ahab knew that he could hide behind his name, and the
authority of his kingly office. By
allowing Jezebel to carry out her plot, he would have the vineyard, and
everything would <i>appear to be right.</i>
And while appearance might create reality in the minds of men, it
doesn’t satisfy the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Contrast this with the heart of Christ, who, instead of
taking from others, gives of Himself for the benefit of others. In sacrificing His life for the sins of the
world, He gave us the priceless treasure of life and salvation. By His Spirit, we will learn to put to death
our covetous desires, that they might not grow up into outward acts against our
neighbor. And in so doing, we will also
learn to be content with whatever the LORD decides to give. And thankfully, it is the Father’s good
pleasure to give us the Kingdom, for the sake of His Son, who serves us with
His Word, so that by faith, it would be ours forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord Jesus, touch our cold and loveless hearts, and fill
them with the warmth of Your love, that we may reach out to all who are in
need. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">TLSB</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: HE;">, p. 575).</span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Monday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for faith to live in the promises of Holy
Baptism; for one’s calling and daily work; for the unemployed; for the
salvation and well-being of our neighbors; for schools, colleges, and
seminaries; for good government and for peace.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-73194879752838283112013-09-08T12:00:00.000-05:002013-09-08T12:00:03.062-05:00Counting the Cost (Sermon preached September 8, Proper 18-C)<div class="SermonText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Sermon Text: <a href="http://legacy.esvbible.org/search/Luke+14%3A25-35/" target="_blank">Luke 14:25-35</a></div>
<div class="SermonText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="SermonText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of (our) heart(s) be
acceptable in your sight, O LORD, (our) rock and (our) redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="SermonText">
In the name of <span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif";">T</span>
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The
Church that fails to tell the truth has little or nothing to offer. The Church that knows God’s Word and chooses
not to share it; the Church that believes what the Bible teaches, but is afraid
to speak of it; the Church that teaches only those things that will be
well-accepted by outsiders while it keeps Jesus’ less popular teachings under
wraps; the Church that confesses to have the faith that was once for all
delivered to the saints of old, and for some reason does not confess it, and
teach it, and proclaim, is a church that has little or nothing to offer. That kind of church is no kind of
church. It is useless. It is a church that has lost its saltiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> You
see, salt preserves. Put it in meat and
the meat will last. And in the ancient
world, when there was no refrigeration, salt was used to preserve many things…until
it would lose its saltiness. And if it
had begun to lose its saltiness, it had begun to lose its usefulness. It could
no longer preserve, and what was worse, a salt that had begun to break down,
could harm the soil, so you couldn’t just toss it on the ground, you had to, as
Jesus says, “throw it <b>away.</b>” Salt
that is not salty is useless, for it cannot serve its purpose. It cannot preserve. It is as useless as a Church that knows the
truth, but will not tell the truth. He
who has ears, let him hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> If
you desire to follow Jesus; if you want to be His disciple; if you hold His
Word sacred and gladly hear and learn it; if you are hoping to fight the good
fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith and be counted among the faithful
on the day of resurrection, then the Church will do you no good, if it does not
prepare you for what will be yours as a follower of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Like
a Boy Scout troop leader who neglects to tell the parents that this weekend’s
camping trip will cost $500; and like a CEO who conveniently forgets to tell
his new Project Manager that his new job will require him to travel during the
week, and will pull him away from his wife and new-born baby that is taking the
job to provide for; and like an Army recruitment officer that does not share
with his teenage recruits that they are likely to be serving in combat within
six months; if the Church is not honest with you, and does not prepare you for
what will be yours as a follower of Jesus, then the Church has lost its
saltiness, and has little to offer you, for as Jesus says, in no uncertain
terms, to be his disciples, and to follow him, is costly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He
begins by saying, that a follower of Jesus must be willing to lose his
family. Now, of course, when we take the
words of Jesus in the context of all of Scripture, we know that Jesus is not
saying that every Christian will have to hate his mom and his dad, and his brothers
and his sisters, and even himself, or he cannot be a follow of Jesus. That’s not what he’s saying at all. But make no mistake, Jesus is saying that
your father or mother, or brothers or sisters, or even your own life and
family, cannot be allowed to keep you from following Him. He is saying that no matter how close you
might be to a someone, that person cannot come between you and Jesus. If it happens, then you are not able to be
his disciple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course, thankfully, there are many of us who have fathers, mothers, sisters,
brothers, and even a spouse and children who would never want to come between
us and Jesus. There are many of our dear
family and friends who would affirm our faithful desire to follow Jesus, and
love Him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength. There are many of us who are blessed even to
be encouraged to be faithful in our seeking after Jesus, and that is a
tremendous blessing for which we are thankful.
And if that is the case, then our fathers and mothers, and sisters and
brothers, and even our own household will not be something we need to deny, but
will be those with whom we will be united not only in this life, but for all
eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
unfortunately, that is not always the case.
And when it is not the case—when our father, mother, wife, children,
brothers, sisters, or any other person would attempt to keep us from following
Jesus, Jesus says quite clearly that even our closest family members must take
a back seat to our following of Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus
teaches this quite clearly, and so must the Church. Jesus says your families may very well want
to stand in your way of following Jesus, and you will have to choose. You will have to choose between your apathetic
or unbelieving family and your following of Christ. And if the Church fails to share this truth;
if the Church is less than honest with those who hear its teaching and
preaching, then those who want to follow Jesus will not be able to follow Jesus
because when their family begins to question them, they won’t be prepared. They would be like seeds that are sown on the
road and are trampled and eaten by birds.
For when apathetic or unbelieving family members are allowed to keep us
from following Jesus, we show ourselves unable to be His disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course, your unbelieving family members are only one of the difficulties that
you will be given as you seek to follow Jesus.
For not only must you be willing to choose Jesus over your own family,
but you must be willing to suffer on account of your faith—you must be willing
bear your cross. And when Jesus speaks
of bearing a cross, he’s not talking about sickness, or disease, or the lack of
a well-paying job. He’s talking about
the suffering you will do because of your following of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like
when that coach who benches you because you missed a Sunday practice. You chose to be faithful—to remember the
Sabbath and to be present where Jesus was present, giving His gifts in Word and
Sacrament—but your coach thought you’re your soccer team was more important. And so you suffer for the sake of the Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Or
when you’re hated at work or school simply because you stated your position on
a controversial subject on which the Bible has something to say; or when you’re
excluded from the conversation at the coffee pot, or from the birthday party,
or even from Uncle John’s will, because you have simply confessed your faith in
what Christ has done and taught; or when you’re reviled because you uphold a
biblical view of marriage; or when your name is smeared and spurned as mud
because your friends, or classmates, or colleagues, or teammates, or neighbors
would rather ridicule you than hear you, when you speak of your Savior, and how
you cannot deny His Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">None
of that is easy, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. None of that is what itching ears want to
hear. None of that will be easily
accepted by those who want to inherit the kingdom, but are not willing to bear
their cross, and follow Jesus where He leads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
so, while the Church may be tempted to shy away from such difficult teachings,
and to spend its time looking through rose-colored glasses and preparing people
for a life filled with health, wealth, and prosperity, the truth is, if you
want to follow Jesus, you will suffer—you will bear a cross, for that is where
Jesus will lead. Better for you to know
it, and be prepared to endure it, rather than to expect something else, and to
be destroyed when it comes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
it is good for a builder to sit down and count the cost before beginning to
build, then it is also good for Christians to be made aware of the cost of
discipleship. It would be foolish for a
builder to embark on an ambitious building project with only half the
materials. When he runs out of money,
and the passersby see his half-built tower sitting there, he would be the punch
line of many jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
it is no laughing matter for those who desire to follow Jesus not to be told of
the cost involved. It is no joke to be
forced to choose between a life of faithfulness and a life of comfort with an
unbelieving family. And it is not funny,
when those who call themselves pastors have preached a kingdom where those who
are faithful, and those who follow Jesus, will be free of pain, and sorrow in
this life. And it is tragic, when
churches that claim the name of Jesus will not share the teaching of Jesus, for
if the church has prepared you to expect a life of popularity, and prosperity,
then when the life that Jesus describes in our text is the life that you’ve
been given, then you will not be prepared for it, for you will not have been
taught to count the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
it in an Adult Instruction, or Jr. Confirmation Class; be it with your friend
who recently lost a loved one, or with that man who is always so skeptical; be
it with those who have gotten bad news from the doctor, or even our little ones
who begin to discover that life is not always nice, if the Church is going to
serve its purpose, then the Church must retain its saltiness. If the Church is going to help preserve the
faithful, then the Church must give the faithful what they need. If the Church is going to have anything to
offer, it must continue to believe the Words of Jesus, and teach the Words of
Jesus, and confess the Words of Jesus to be true, even if the Words of Jesus
are likely to be rejected by many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls his followers the salt of the earth. And today, the Church where the Word of
Christ is taught and preached in all its purity; the Church were the people
hear it, and receive it, and believe it, is that salt. Which means that you, together, as followers
of Jesus, are the salt of the earth. And
as salt of the earth, you are prepared for what will come your way. Jesus has told you what to expect, as you
strive to follow him. Some of you will
have families who will encourage you in the faith, and some will have families
who will hate you for it. But regardless
of your family, you are called to follow Jesus.
And in your following of Jesus, you will be mocked, and excluded, and
reviled, and ridiculed, and some of you may even be persecuted. But it will not surprise you, because you
have been prepared. Your ears have been
opened. You have heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You,
who are willing to give up everything rather than give up Jesus; you will,
together, continue to be the salt of the earth.
And together, as the Church, we will believe the words of Jesus, and we
will teach the words of Jesus, and we will confess the Words of Jesus wherever
we have opportunity. And in so doing,
the Church will be the salt; and the salt will continue to preserve for the
Lord a people. For that is what salt does.
And that is what the Church will do, as it counts the cost, and trusts
in Christ, and speaks of Christ, to all who have ears to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
see, when the Church is speaking, and speaking all of Christ, then the Church
will be built in its entirety, for Christ is the builder who not only begins
His project, but completes it, and perfects it as well. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">T </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-75286522275590175982013-09-03T09:07:00.001-05:002013-09-03T09:07:53.568-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--Tuesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 17-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord
of grace and mercy, teach us by Your Holy Spirit to follow the example of Your
Son in true humility, that we may withstand the temptations of the devil and
with pure hearts and minds avoid ungodly pride; through the same Jesus Christ,
our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke
19:1-10 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> He entered
Jericho and was passing through. <sup>2</sup>
And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was
rich. <sup>3</sup> And he was seeking to
see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was
small of stature. <sup>4</sup> So he ran
on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to
pass that way. <sup>5</sup> And when
Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry
and come down, for I must stay at your house today." <sup>6</sup> So he hurried and came down and
received him joyfully. <sup>7</sup> And
when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a
man who is a sinner." <sup>8</sup>
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my
goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore
it fourfold." <sup>9</sup> And
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also
is a son of Abraham. <sup>10</sup> For
the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Seventh & Eighth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Seventh Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not steal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get
them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions
and income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Eighth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not give
false testimony against your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him,
slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain
everything in the kindest way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotional Thoughts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Zacchaeus was a tax collector. And there would have been nothing wrong with
being a tax collector—“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Luke 20:25)—but Zacchaeus
had a more serious problem. He had a problem
with greed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Now maybe it was the greed in his heart that made him
seek the vocation of tax collector; who knows?
But we do know that once he became a tax collector, the greed in his
heart had been given an opportunity to satisfy itself at the expense of those
he had been given to serve. And with his
greed left unchecked, that is exactly what Zacchaeus had been doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Until Jesus came to him…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus had come to seek and to save the lost, and with the
sin of greed unchecked, Zacchaeus fit that description. So Jesus sought him out, and while Luke doesn’t
give us all the details, Jesus brings this greedy-hearted-sinner to repentance,
and with repentance came faith in Jesus.
Now a son of Abraham again through faith, salvation had come to
Zacchaeus, and with faith, there came the fruit of faith: love and service
toward the neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Because of the surprise visit of Jesus to the house of
Zacchaeus, it is easy to forget the end of the story, but it is the end of the
story that illustrates how we might keep the Seventh Commandment. For Zacchaeus was not simply confronted,
absolved, and restored; Zacchaeus also bore the fruit of that repentant faith
in his giving back of what he had gained from his greed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Like a shopper that returns extra change given by a clerk,
or a citizen that pays the taxes he is due, even though the chances of an audit
are slim, one of the ways faith in Jesus is demonstrated, is through Christians
that keep their greedy hearts in check, and deal honestly with money. If money is owed, in repentance and faith,
Christians seek to repay their debt. If
another has been blessed, a Christian will not seek to have what has been given
to another, but will seek to help that person keep their possessions and
income. And if, like Zacchaeus, we have
benefitted from acting on the impulses of our greedy hearts, in repentant faith
we seek to “make it right;” to give back what is not rightfully ours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course none of these actions are what bring us salvation. That comes through Jesus’ seeking and
saving. But for Zacchaeus, and also for
us, when we’ve been confronted, absolved, and restored, our faith simply cannot
say “no” to what the Lord has “yes.” And
so, we learn to love our neighbors by helping them to improve and protect their
possessions and income. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord, in Your name, we welcome all who repent and share
in the forgiveness we have received. Grant us willing hearst to share the
Gospel freely. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>TLSB, </i>p. 1756).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for deliverance against temptation and evil; for
the addicted and despairing, the tortured and oppressed; for those struggling
with sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-43284990893535159112013-08-30T06:00:00.000-05:002013-08-30T06:00:12.193-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--From the Lutheran Confessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ns7wHV3jj35UtwWzk4iued2BHtt7ECvGwxo9DiuwB86at9y0r4kzZEetnWV6GNS3cmZoooISVdBoaigC-Q9uh68YqakQsH1DKJRR8HvIbTEJ0CYX0G7_fKlhyphenhypheniJVjbqvRupu/s1600/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ns7wHV3jj35UtwWzk4iued2BHtt7ECvGwxo9DiuwB86at9y0r4kzZEetnWV6GNS3cmZoooISVdBoaigC-Q9uh68YqakQsH1DKJRR8HvIbTEJ0CYX0G7_fKlhyphenhypheniJVjbqvRupu/s320/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Free Will! One
of my favorites! The notion of man’s “free
will” is as common among the Christian church as any; it’s almost assumed. And while the Reformers do speak of man
having freedom to choose “civil righteousness” (like whether or not to obey the
speed limit), the Lutheran confession is clear that there is no “free will” in
spiritual matters. That is to say, by
our own reason or strength, our will is incapable of accepting anything of
God. Apart from the Holy Spirit working
through the Gospel, we are bound to sin and darkness, and not free at all. But through the Holy Spirit, who calls,
gathers, enlightens and sanctified, do are made new, and receive a will that
desires the things of God. Enjoy what
you find! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 16-C)</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by
Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Article
XVII (Christ’s Return for Judgment)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">1</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Our churches teach that a person’s will has some freedom to choose civil
righteousness and to do things subject to reason. <b><sup>2</sup></b> It has no
power, without the Holy Spirit, to work the righteousness of God, that is,
spiritual righteousness. For “the natural person does not accept the things of
the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14). <b><sup>3</sup></b> This righteousness
is worked in the heart when the Holy Spirit is received through the Word
[Galatians 3:2–6].<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">4</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
This is what Augustine says in his Hypognosticon,
Book III:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We grant that all people have a free will. It is free
as far as it has the judgment of reason. This does not mean that it is able,
without God, either to begin, or at least to complete, anything that has to do
with God. It is free only in works of this life, whether good or evil. <b><sup>5</sup></b>
Good I call those works that spring from the good in nature, such as willing to
labor in the field, to eat and drink, to have a friend, to clothe oneself, to
build a house, to marry a wife, to raise cattle, to learn various useful arts,
or whatsoever good applies to this life. <b><sup>6</sup></b> For all of these
things depend on the providence of God. They are from Him and exist through
Him. <b><sup>7</sup></b> Works that are willing to worship an idol, to commit
murder, and so forth, I call evil.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">8</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Our churches condemn the Pelagians and others who teach that without the Holy
Spirit, by natural power alone, we are able to love God above all things and do
God’s commandments according to the letter. <b><sup>9</sup></b> Although nature
is able in a certain way to do the outward work (for it is able to keep the
hands from theft and murder), yet it cannot produce the inward motions, such as
the fear of God, trust in God, chastity, patience, and so on. (Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions.
Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005,
S. 40).</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">By the time of the
Reformation, the Roman Church had fully developed a false and potentially
damning doctrine, one that stated that a person is able, to some degree, to
strive for and receive God’s mercy. Article XVIII asserts Scripture’s teaching
that people, apart from God’s grace, are wholly incapable of perceiving
spiritual things. The longest quote from a Church Father in the Augsburg Confession
occurs here. It demonstrates Lutheranism’s continuity with the Church
catholic—in contrast to Roman error on this doctrine. Augustine echoes the
Bible’s teaching that while we humans can perform acts of civil righteousness,
which may be called “good,” spiritually we are evil and enemies of God.
However, in Christ, our loving God breaks down the wall of hostility separating
us from Him. By His Spirit, through His Word, He gives us Christ’s perfect
righteousness as a gift. In external, worldly matters we do have the freedom to
make decisions according to human reason, but this does not mean, apart from
God’s grace, that we have similar powers in matters of eternal life. (See also <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap</span></a> XVIII; <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span style="color: green;">FC Ep</span></a>
II and <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span style="color: green;">SD</span></a> II.)
(Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis,
MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005, S. 40).</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Almighty, everlasting God, for our
many sins we justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy You sent Your
dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who won for us forgiveness of sins and
everlasting salvation. Grant us a true confession that, dead to sin, we may be
raised up by Your life-giving absolution. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may
be ever watchful and live true and godly lives in Your service; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(<i>LSB</i>, collect #153).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Friday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the preaching of the holy cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ and for the spread of His knowledge throughout the whole world;
for the persecuted and oppressed; for the sick and dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap </span></a>Apology of the Augsburg
Confession<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span style="color: green;">FC Ep </span></a>Epitome of the Formula of
Concord<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/5-For%20Friday%20(Lutheran%20Confessions)/2013-08-30%20(AC%20Article%20XVIII).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span style="color: green;">SD </span></a>Solid Declaration of the
Formula of Concord<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-14749516734505484662013-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:002013-08-29T06:00:01.077-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--Thursday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 16-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by
Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
39:6b-21 (From the Daily Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1qlZ1Vdyk2Co3ihZ-LjtHMWLPNO6FklmxTj_6sjliJnOiE_RodfZBvGaWvFGciGFmofNUFRI6UaKz_Crevvdt9h50xXYbdUK9yf6bOW7qFgdrnMNcaf3wSGk2lEdqBwHAYxR/s1600/Joseph+and+Potiphar's+Wife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1qlZ1Vdyk2Co3ihZ-LjtHMWLPNO6FklmxTj_6sjliJnOiE_RodfZBvGaWvFGciGFmofNUFRI6UaKz_Crevvdt9h50xXYbdUK9yf6bOW7qFgdrnMNcaf3wSGk2lEdqBwHAYxR/s320/Joseph+and+Potiphar's+Wife.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 201pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 4.8pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 154.75pt; z-index: -251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\gtruwe\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\03\clip_image001.jpg">
<w:wrap anchorx="margin" type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. <sup>7</sup> And after a time his master's
wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, "Lie with me." <sup>8</sup> But he refused and said to his
master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about
anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. <sup>9</sup> He is not greater in this house
than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you
are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against
God?" <sup>10</sup> And as she
spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or
to be with her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">11</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But one day,
when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was
there in the house, <sup>12</sup> she
caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his
garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. <sup>13</sup> And as soon as she saw that he
had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, <sup>14</sup> she called to the men of her
household and said to them, "See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to
laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud
voice. <sup>15</sup> And as soon as he
heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me
and fled and got out of the house."
<sup>16</sup> Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came
home, <sup>17</sup> and she told him the
same story, saying, "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us,
came in to me to laugh at me. <sup>18</sup>
But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me
and fled out of the house."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">19</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> As soon as
his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, "This is the way
your servant treated me," his anger was kindled. <sup>20</sup> And Joseph's master took him
and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were
confined, and he was there in prison. <sup>21</sup>
But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor
in the sight of the keeper of the prison.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Fifth & Sixth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Fifth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help
and support him in every physical need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the sixth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
commit adultery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and
do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Even though Joseph lived about 1,900 years before the
time of St. Paul, the wisdom that we see in both men is the same. Paul would write the Corinthian Christians to
“<i>flee from sexual immorality</i>” (1 Cor
6:18) and in Joseph we see what that looks like. What Paul teaches, by inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, we see Joseph carry out, also by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by
whom we have the gift of repentance and the desire to keep God’s Word. The Lord has given the Six Commandment for
the protection of His institution of marriage, and where Paul would one day
exhort Christians to live sexually pure lives, we see in Joseph, an example of
how to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Notice, that Joseph doesn’t even risk dabbling with this
temptation. There is no flirtation, no
lingering of eyes, no flattery of speech so as to indicate a desire that he
wished he could act on. There is the
threat of temptation, and Joseph fled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, like Joseph, our fleeing from temptation is no
guarantee that the temptation will no longer continue. Joseph was handsome in form and appearance,
and Potiphar’s wife didn’t give up on her pursuits of him. Though he fled temptation, temptation ran to
him. And so it goes for us. The Swimsuit Issue of Sports Illustrated was
opted out of (Yes, SI does give that option, and will extend your subscription
by one week of you take it!), internet history is monitored and filtered, even
the choice of movie and television show is made with care to avoid sexual temptation,
and to love and honor our spouse. But
temptation pursues us from all fronts.
Billboards, pop-up screens, waitresses trying to make an extra buck, or any
number of unsolicited sources of sexual temptation pursue us, and tempt us to
dishonor the gifts of sexuality, marriage, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">With Christ, there is forgiveness of sins. And with Christ’s forgiveness comes a new
creation—the old has gone, behold, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). Like Joseph, though we be tempted, we need
not give in. And even though the
temptation persists, as we flee to Christ and the refuge of His Word we are
reminded not only of the forgiveness that is ours, but of the beautiful and
holy gift he has given in our sexuality, and in our spouses. And there, we are reminded that these gifts
aren’t worth forfeiting for a momentary whim of pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, apart from the Holy Spirit, we would all give
in. But with Him there is repentance,
and in repentance, a new man comes forth to live by faith, and to fight against
the flesh. With repentance and faith, we
lead sexually pure and decent lives, and the state of marriage is held in high
esteem. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord Jesus Christ, You were tempted in every way, just as
we are, yet You were without sin (Heb 4:15). Be with us in our temptations,
free us from the prison of sin, and by Your cross brign us to eternal life.
Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>TLSB</i>, p. 77).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Thursday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the Church and her pastors; for teachers,
deaconesses, and other church workers; for missionaries and for all who serve
the Church; for fruitful and salutary use of the blessed Sacrament of Christ’s
body and blood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-9303079843395408972013-08-28T06:00:00.000-05:002013-08-28T06:00:07.642-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5Bgus2jxTS4dXzHq_hzYFS8ecVCny9NnEkyoVtUQ0QxaY7nsz33iOqZ0tNlljDWhnxdMwNmZ5uucz9sul2rAMyf6ac2w47y8hrhcFvQuNNlF6ppB-mH2jD3QriVrXwNyeZdh/s1600/LSB+Icon_066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5Bgus2jxTS4dXzHq_hzYFS8ecVCny9NnEkyoVtUQ0QxaY7nsz33iOqZ0tNlljDWhnxdMwNmZ5uucz9sul2rAMyf6ac2w47y8hrhcFvQuNNlF6ppB-mH2jD3QriVrXwNyeZdh/s200/LSB+Icon_066.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 16-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:132pt;height:132pt;
z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:top;
mso-position-vertical-relative:margin;mso-width-percent:0;
mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\gtruwe\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\21\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord, You have called us to enter
Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and
lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mark
10:6-8a (Congregation at Prayer verse of the Week)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">6</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male
and female.’ <sup>7</sup> ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother
and hold fast to his wife, <sup>8 </sup>and the two shall become one flesh.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Fifth & Sixth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Fifth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help
and support him in every physical need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the sixth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
commit adultery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and
do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The Lord has given the Sixth Commandment, for the sake of
the Fifth Commandment. Let me say that
another way: The LORD establishes marriage and the family in order to protect
the gift of life. And to say it one last
time: The gift of marriage is the institution given by the LORD for the giving
and nurturing of life. So by keeping the
Sixth Commandment, we also keep the Fifth Commandment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">It also follows, therefore, that in abusing the gift of
marriage, we fail to help and support our neighbor in his physical need. How is this so? Because where the family dissolves, so too,
dissolves the honor given to life. Where
man and woman do not live together in holy matrimony, the life of our neighbor
is also not honored, crime increases, and society declines. Indeed, the failure to honor the institution
of marriage results in a failure to honor and serve our neighbor in his/her
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">On the other hand, in Christ’s work of redemption, we see
a picture of the love of husband and wife.
Where Christ gives Himself for His bride—the Church—so too, is the
husband called to give his life for his own bride—the wife. And likewise, as the Bride of Christ receives
the gifts Christ freely gives to her, a wife receives the self-sacrificial
gifts her Christian husband bestows on her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But this even goes further. Christ dies for his bride, loving her with
his own self-sacrifice, and what is the result?
Life! So too, in the marriage,
when the husband loves his wife, and remains faithful to her, even giving
himself in the most intimate of ways.
And what is the result? Life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">So, you see, Christ has fulfilled both the Sixth
Commandment and the Fifth Commandment.
In Christ we see the love of marriage personified, and through Christ,
who dies for the bride, life is given and protected. In Christ, we see that the Sixth Commandment
is given for the sake of the Fifth.
Marriage is the gift by which the LORD gives and preserves life. By His Spirit, may our own marriages do the
same. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">O Lord God, at the creation of Adam and Eve You instituted
and blessed marriage as the union of a man and a woman and commanded that it be
held in honor by all. Grant Your blessings to all married couples, that their
life together may be blessed with wisdom, purity, self-sacrifice, and love;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(Collect #242).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for marriage and family, that husbands and wives,
parents and children live in ordered harmony according to the Word of God; for
parents who must raise children alone; for our communities and neighborhoods.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-41538713118992503942013-08-27T08:44:00.003-05:002013-08-27T08:44:47.925-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--Tuesday<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 16-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by
Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke
10:25-37 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyZt-GCHeBNjCvwPJpeSo6s42F2nlhmNGKOW293L6bBu-ic_20p39lpCV6T7SLViI_aHNl0JLjFi0YZQE10lRkrbbAt09oI_tcBfUCUK0qkaV_YZGhyLJfSQWsWam6C608_Tc/s1600/The+Good+Samaritan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyZt-GCHeBNjCvwPJpeSo6s42F2nlhmNGKOW293L6bBu-ic_20p39lpCV6T7SLViI_aHNl0JLjFi0YZQE10lRkrbbAt09oI_tcBfUCUK0qkaV_YZGhyLJfSQWsWam6C608_Tc/s1600/The+Good+Samaritan.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;left:0;text-align:left;margin-left:0;margin-top:6.6pt;
width:240pt;height:224pt;z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;
mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\gtruwe\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\14\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight" anchorx="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">25</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test,
saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" <sup>26</sup> He said to him, "What is
written in the Law? How do you read it?"
<sup>27</sup> And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with
all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." <sup>28</sup> And he said to him, "You
have answered correctly; do this, and you will live."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">29</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus,
"And who is my neighbor?" <sup>30</sup>
Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he
fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him
half dead. <sup>31</sup> Now by chance a
priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other
side. <sup>32</sup> So likewise a
Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other
side. <sup>33</sup> But a Samaritan, as
he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had
compassion. <sup>34</sup> He went to him
and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own
animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. <sup>35</sup> And the next day he took out
two denarii<sup>1 </sup>and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of
him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' <sup>36</sup> Which of these three, do you
think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the
robbers?" <sup>37</sup> He said,
"The one who showed him mercy." And Jesus said to him, "You go,
and do likewise."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Fifth & Sixth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Fifth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You
shall not murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help
and support him in every physical need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the sixth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
commit adultery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and
do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotional Thoughts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">If yesterday’s story of Cain and Abel reminded us that
the LORD’s desire is to protect life.
Today’s story, the well-known story known as the Good Samaritan—reminds us
to protect <i>every </i>life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Travel across the globe, and you will find that murder is
illegal in every country and culture. However, as history has shown us
repeatedly, if we can redefine the word neighbor, and limit those who we
include in that category, then the LORD’s protection is also limited. During WW2, for example, ethnic Jews,
Gypsies, and the mentally disabled were not given the protection due our
neighbors because they were allowed to be labeled as “less than human.” Today, even in our own country, the value of
a life is judged by some on the basis of a person’s ability to contribute. No longer are secularists debating whether or
not there is life in the womb, or in a seriously ill patient; not the question
is one of “personhood.” Is that life a “person?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, if a life is not considered as a person, it
will surely not be given the protection due those who we easily see as
neighbors. And in this line of thinking,
the LORD’s desire to protect life is disregarded, and we sin against him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And so the story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that Jesus
doesn’t allow us to limit the definition of “neighbor,”—or person, for that
matter. On the contrary, Jesus expands
it, so that there would not be a single person to whom the people of God would
deny the love and care due to our neighbors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Of course, even the Good Samaritan would serve only as a
glimpse into the will of God revealed in Christ. For while the Samaritan surely stepped across
ethnic and/or religious dividers to love and serve his neighbor, Jesus would
step across any all barriers so that He might serve all men. And all the men for whom Jesus would die were
by nature His own enemies. For while we
were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly—or in these terms, the
non-neighbors! And so, Jesus teaches
that everyone, maybe even especially our enemies, are to be considered our
neighbors, and worthy of our love and care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">After all, if you struggle with this teaching, and find
it difficult to look beyond the differences we have with our fellow man, ask
yourself this question: “Is this a person for whom Christ died?” And since Christ has died for the sins of
all, then with your eyes on the cross, we might learn how to keep the Fifth
Commandment, and to support <i>all</i> of
our neighbors in every physical need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord, make me more like You, that I grow in faith and
love for my neighbor. May people see You in my actions as I reach out to them
with Your love. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>TLSB, </i>p. 1735).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for deliverance against temptation and evil; for
the addicted and despairing, the tortured and oppressed; for those struggling
with sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-90681266934920781522013-08-26T08:21:00.001-05:002013-08-26T11:22:31.342-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORVFBLUB7HNnPZXHkXC9e_Vx1e7_UHAbG1wP90bHdmCF2OzUlcaBQRGcFu8aO9h_Sh7PtIsDDZPLpVCCxYCUwsZEHyvnwG2EpZ_CN_q6J11nqt9_oTDqK1yqWB52oWhkCsRm8/s1600/Cain+and+Abel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORVFBLUB7HNnPZXHkXC9e_Vx1e7_UHAbG1wP90bHdmCF2OzUlcaBQRGcFu8aO9h_Sh7PtIsDDZPLpVCCxYCUwsZEHyvnwG2EpZ_CN_q6J11nqt9_oTDqK1yqWB52oWhkCsRm8/s320/Cain+and+Abel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe"
filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:245.1pt;height:187.5pt;
z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;
mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;
mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\gtruwe\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\13\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="tight" anchorx="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect of the Week (Proper 16-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">O Lord,
You have called us to enter Your kingdom through the narrow door. Guide us by
Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son,
Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Genesis
4:1-15 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">1</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Now Adam knew
Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten<sup>1
</sup>a man with the help of the LORD."
<sup>2</sup> And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper
of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground.
<sup>3</sup> In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering
of the fruit of the ground, <sup>4</sup>
and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.
And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, <sup>5</sup> but for Cain and his offering he
had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. <sup>6</sup> The LORD said to Cain, "Why
are you angry, and why has your face fallen?
<sup>7</sup> If you do well, will you not be accepted?<sup>1 </sup>And
if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for<sup>2 </sup>you,
but you must rule over it." <sup>8</sup>
Cain spoke to Abel his brother.<sup>1 </sup>And when they were in the field,
Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. <sup>9</sup> Then the LORD said to Cain,
"Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my
brother's keeper?" <sup>10</sup>
And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood
is crying to me from the ground. <sup>11</sup>
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive
your brother's blood from your hand. <sup>12</sup>
When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You
shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." <sup>13</sup> Cain said to the LORD, "My
punishment is greater than I can bear.<sup>1</sup> <sup>14</sup> Behold, you have driven me
today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a
fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill
me." <sup>15</sup> Then the LORD
said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on
him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him
should attack him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Fifth & Sixth Commandments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Fifth Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You shall not murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help
and support him in every physical need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the sixth
Commandment?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You shall not
commit adultery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and
do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In chapter three of Genesis, we have the curse, a judgment
spoken by God on all creation because of the sin of Adam and Eve. Nothing was exempt. Rather than unending life, plants, animals,
and even the crows of the LORD’s creation—mankind—would now suffer the wages of
sin and die. The LORD gives life; it is the sin of mankind that brings death. And it doesn’t take long for mankind to bring
death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The curse was in chapter three, and in the very next
chapter we hear the story of Cain murdering Abel. Selfishness, jealousy, covetous desire,
anger, hatred: all of these sinful
desires are already in the heart of Cain and are what lead him to commit that
first bloody murder. And even though
this is just one chapter after the fall, we learn from this that when man is
born sinful, he is born completely sinful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Like dogs giving birth to dogs, and cats giving birth to
cats, sinful man gives birth to sinful men.
The offspring of Adam don’t need generations to <i>become </i>sinful; they are born sinful—completely sinful. Cain’s heart was already full of all those
sinful desires spoken of by Jesus in Matthew, chapter 15. And so, where there are sinful hearts, there
will be sinful desires; and these sinful desires, left unchecked, will result
in the taking of life and the destruction of the LORD’s good creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">This is why the LORD gives the Fifth Commandment. The creator of life is also the protector of
life. He delights not in the death of
anyone, and so he has given mankind his explicit will on the subject of life
and death. “You shall not murder.” You are not to take life into your own hands,
for life is not yours to give or to take.
Rather, you are to help and support your neighbor in all his physical
needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We see this even in how the LORD gives His punishment to
Cain, the murderer. Rather than the LORD
shedding the blood of Cain to pay for the blood of Abel, the LORD protects even
the life of the guilty. Sure, there was
judgment on Cain, as he was made a fugitive and wanderer in the land. But there was also protection for his
life. The LORD placed a mark on him, and
warned anyone who might seek to harm him.
Because the LORD and giver of life, is also the protector of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You see, the blood of Cain cannot pay for the blood of
Abel. The death of any of our enemies
does not satisfy our desire for vengeance.
Only the blood of Jesus can do that.
And it has done that. The blood
of Jesus was shed so that life might once again be the gift that is given by
the LORD. Through His blood, death is
defeated, and eternal life is given. So
the LORD not only continues to give life, and through the Fifth Commandment protects
life, but in Christ, the LORD still makes life to last forever. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord and giver of life, chase from us all the hatred,
envy, jealousy, and covetous desires which lead us to mistreat our
neighbors. Bring us to repentance, and
by faith in the forgiveness won for us by Christ, teach us how to love and
serve our neighbor in all his physical needs; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-82301441810179284022013-08-25T13:29:00.000-05:002013-08-25T13:29:06.791-05:00Fatherly Discipline, Fatherly Love (Sermon preached August 25, Proper 16-C)<div class="SermonText">
Sermon texts: <a href="http://legacy.esvbible.org/search/Hebrews+12%3A4-24/" target="_blank">Hebrews 12:4-24</a>; <a href="http://legacy.esvbible.org/search/Luke+13%3A22-30/" target="_blank">Luke 13:22-30</a></div>
<div class="SermonText">
<br /></div>
<div class="SermonText">
In the name of <span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif";">T</span>
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> You
and I have a Father who desperately wants to keep you, and all His children,
for all eternity. You and I are the
Father’s sons and daughters. By Holy
Baptism we became coheirs, with His only-begotten Son, of all the Father’s
blessings. Your sin was crucified with
Christ. With Jesus, your eternal life has
burst forth from His empty tomb.
Salvation belongs to the Lord, and he gives it freely to His sons and
daughters. The Father loves you, his
children. His desire is to keep you for
all eternity. This is why He must
discipline you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Of
course, like all children, we would rather not be disciplined, at least at
first. But this morning, God the Holy
Spirit will bring us to maturity, and will teach us to welcome the Father’s
discipline with thanksgiving. By God’s
Word we will see, that when the Father gives His Law, it is Good and Wise. We will learn that the Father’s discipline
brings with it the fruit of repentance and faith. This is how he turns His children from their
sin, so that they would flee to Jesus, who from the curse has set us free. The Father’s discipline brings us to
righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider
first today’s Gospel reading. It would
be difficult to find a clearer passage in all of scripture to remind us of the
importance of our Father’s discipline.
When asked if those who are saved will be few, Jesus’ answer should
catch the attention of even the most faithful churchgoers. <b>Many,
I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen
and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door,
saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you
come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and
you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where
you come from. Depart from me, all you
workers of evil!’ </b>(Luke 12:24-27)
Talk about a narrow door. So
narrow, in fact, is the way of salvation, that many who live their lives thinking
that they will inherit the kingdom, will be sent away from the Lord, and into
that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> People
who ate and drank with Jesus; folks who gathered to hear him teach in their
streets; thrown out of His presence and into eternal death. Haven’t we eaten with Jesus? Haven’t we drank from the cup of His
blood? Haven’t we gathered together for confirmation
classes, Bible classes, and haven’t we had devotional time to learn the Lord’s
teaching? How are we any different than
those who Jesus calls workers of evil?
How are we to know if we will avoid our own weeping and gnashing of
teeth? How are we to know whether or not
the door is too narrow for us? Hear
again verses 5 and 6 of the Epistle, from Hebrews, chapter 12:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>My son(s) (and daughters), do not regard
lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and
chastises every son (and daughter) whom he receives.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So how do you receive the discipline
of the Father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> For
many, the discipline of the Father is good, as long as it is applied to someone
else. When they hear the Law clearly
preached, they respond by saying to their pastor: “You really got ‘em today.” “They really needed to hear that.” Or maybe this sort of person just sits in the
pew thinking, “I know someone like that.”
The problem is, if the Father’s discipline is always intended for
someone else, than the Father is not treating you as a son or daughter, for the
one who He disciplines <b><u>is</u></b> the
one He loves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Other
folks are simply convinced that the Father’s discipline no longer applies. It goes something like this: “the Old
Testament was full of rules and regulations, but now we have the New Testament,
which is all about love and peace. Do
you really think I could go to hell for dishonoring my parents, or for ripping
off my employees, or for having premarital sex, or for hating that guy at
church, or for harming my classmates reputation, or for scheming to get my
brothers inheritance, or for encouraging my neighbor’s wife or workers to leave
him, or turn away from him. God loves me
just the way I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Well,
God the Father does love you, but He has no intention of leaving you in your
sin, walking down the path that leads away from heaven. He hates the sin that flows from your heart:</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander (Matthew
15:19).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And yes, this does apply to all of
us, you and me. There’s no denying it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In
your own struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of
shedding your blood. In other words,
when temptation has come upon you, you have fallen. You have not been able to stand up against
the devil’s attacks and come out unscathed like Jesus Christ. You have not been able to humble yourself to
the point of death, rather than seek your own glory. Unlike Jesus, you have fallen short of the
glory of God, which is why the Father doesn’t simply leave you as you are. No, the Father disciplines you because he
loves you. His desire is to keep you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And
so, my friends, there is another response to the Father’s discipline—a faithful
response. This response is only taught
by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God.
And it enables the Father’s sons and daughters, sinners like you and me,
to confess the absurd:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh how I love your law! I meditate
on it all day long. (Psalm 119:97)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your
laws. (Psalm 119:20)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> <span style="background: yellow;">I love your</span> commands more than gold, more than
pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong
path. (Psalm 119:127-128)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">I hate and abhor falsehood but <span style="background: yellow;">I love your</span> law. (Psalm 119:163)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The faithful response, made possible
only as the Holy Spirit gives faith in the Word, is to receive the Father’s
discipline with thanksgiving. With eyes
of faith, the Holy Spirit teaches us to know that the Father’s discipline is
always for our good, for by it he chases away the sin that so easily entangles,
and produces in us the repentance that leads us to the cross, where our
righteousness is found.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We
have all had earthly parents who disciplined us and we respected them. Listen
to how Dr. Luther describes the respect we have for our earthly parents:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every head of a household must punish and should not
tolerate evil…A father does not punish his son in order to make him spiteful
and ruin him in body and soul, but rather to ward off his vice; he wants to
purify him and wipe away his faults. He
hates, not the person, but the vice.
This is a wrathful love which is kind and good toward the person; hence
it cannot tolerate the nastiness in him.
So, too a woman cannot bear it when there is dirt on her child’s nose,
but must wipe it away; she does not do this in order to hurt the child. Magistrates, teachers, and parents must
chastise, but this chastisement is fatherly and kind.<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Sermons/By%20Liturgical%20Date/Ordinary%20Time/Year%20C/Proper%2016-C,%20Hebrews%2012,%204-24%20&%20Luke%2013%5e22-30%20(Fatherly%20Discipline,%20Fatherly%20Love).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So,
if we can readily admit that our earthly parents’ discipline is good and wise,
shall we not much more be subject to our perfect heavenly Father? Our earthly parents disciplined us for a
short time as it seemed best to them, praying for help, and experimenting along
the way, but God the Father’s discipline is <b><u>always</u></b> Good and Wise.
The Father disciplines us, his children, so that he might keep us as His
children. His discipline serves to keep
us on that narrow way spoken of by Jesus, and for this reason, we receive the
Father’s discipline with joy and thanksgiving, even though it isn’t fun or
pleasant. And according to the
Scriptures, it won’t be fun or pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
the Law is preached or taught to us in such a way that it pierces through to
our heart and causes us to see our sin in the mirror, it isn’t fun or
pleasant. It forces us to change our
sinful ways, to flee from temptation, to put to an end certain behaviors, and
to ultimately admit that our ways are often times not the ways of the
Lord. The Father’s discipline in the law
humbles us, and while it isn’t pleasant at the time, in repentance and faith, we
learn to receive it with joy and thanksgiving.
As sons and daughters who have been instructed and sanctified by the
Holy Spirit, we know that the Law’s greater purpose is to drive us to repentance,
where we are stripped of our self-righteousness, and by faith, find our refuge
in the cross, and the blood of Jesus which flows from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Even
the Father’s only begotten Son, did not find the Father’s discipline to be
pleasant at the time:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> "My Father,
if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me." But the Father would not refrain from
disciplining His own Son—and so, Jesus became the mediator of a new covenant,
and His blood was sprinkled out so that it would speak a better word than the
Law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> You see,
the Father’s wrath and final judgment has been carried out on His Son, so that you,
His children, would not suffer the same fate, and be separated for all
eternity. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You and I have a Father who desperately wants to keep you,
and all His children, for all eternity.
You and I are the Father’s sons and daughters. And so, He disciplines You, by His Word, he
trains you through the crosses you bear, and he instructs you in the midst of
your greatest burdens, to cling to Him.
So that you too would confess how you delight in His law, how you
welcome His discipline, how you give thanks for His instruction—even when it
isn’t fun or pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But how much joy there will be on that Day when the Son of
God will appear and say: “Behold, I am your Savior and Deliverer…I have
chastised you that your sin might be purged away and that you might acknowledge
Me as your God and Savior”!<sup> <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Sermons/By%20Liturgical%20Date/Ordinary%20Time/Year%20C/Proper%2016-C,%20Hebrews%2012,%204-24%20&%20Luke%2013%5e22-30%20(Fatherly%20Discipline,%20Fatherly%20Love).docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></a></sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You
and I have a heavenly Father who disciplines us, His children, because He desperately
wants to keep us for all of eternity. Salvation
belongs to the Lord, and he gives it by grace to His sons and daughters who in
repentance and faith, flee for refuge to Jesus, who from the curse has set us
free. Disciplined by the Father, and repenting
of our sin, we humbly worship at His throne, Saved by His grace through faith
alone. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">T
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Sermons/By%20Liturgical%20Date/Ordinary%20Time/Year%20C/Proper%2016-C,%20Hebrews%2012,%204-24%20&%20Luke%2013%5e22-30%20(Fatherly%20Discipline,%20Fatherly%20Love).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Luther, Martin: Pelikan, Jaroslav Jan (HRSG.); Oswald, Hilton C. (Hrsg.);
Lehmann, Helmut T. (Hrsg.); <i>Luther’s
Works, Vol. 51: Sermons I. </i>Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1999, c1959
(Luther’s Works 51), S. 51:298.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Sermons/By%20Liturgical%20Date/Ordinary%20Time/Year%20C/Proper%2016-C,%20Hebrews%2012,%204-24%20&%20Luke%2013%5e22-30%20(Fatherly%20Discipline,%20Fatherly%20Love).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><sup><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></sup></a>Luther,
Martin: Pelikan, Jaroslav Jan (Hrsg.) ; Oswald, Hilton C. (Hrsg.) ; Lehmann,
Helmut T. (Hrsg.): <i>Luther's Works, Vol. 8 : Lectures on Genesis: Chapters
45-50</i>. Saint Louis : Concordia Publishing House, 1999, c1966 (Luther's
Works 8), S. 8:12<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-82026029114244853452013-08-23T07:40:00.000-05:002013-08-23T07:40:08.468-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--From the Lutheran Confessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNO-IM1an2DAnxTqojH-v9k4nyaD7mFFHAtb7jfGsILZ4AdRTsSQ_ShGTzT1JKoREWWYeQzVf8VkYk9nw_8bfgb9rhuGELV4Hynrh6FMbe_IQnHht2x3vDbnBbdWEOaebP0Om/s1600/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNO-IM1an2DAnxTqojH-v9k4nyaD7mFFHAtb7jfGsILZ4AdRTsSQ_ShGTzT1JKoREWWYeQzVf8VkYk9nw_8bfgb9rhuGELV4Hynrh6FMbe_IQnHht2x3vDbnBbdWEOaebP0Om/s320/The+Augsburg+Confession.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Today’s topic—Christ’s Return for Judgment—should be
pretty straightforward…but it’s not. In
the first paragraph we see the simplicity of the Scripture’s teaching on the
return of Christ, a teaching that is Good News for the Christian. Then we see the false teachings that were
already running rampant during the time of the Reformation: Annihilationism and
Millennialism. Enjoy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 15-C)</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Merciful
Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with
Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of
His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Article
XVII (Christ’s Return for Judgment)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">1</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Our churches teach that at the end of the world Christ will appear for judgment
and will raise all the dead [1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:2]. <b><sup>2</sup></b> He
will give the godly and elect eternal life and everlasting joys, <b><sup>3</sup></b>
but He will condemn ungodly people and the devils to be tormented without end
[Matthew 25:31–46].<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">4</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Our churches condemn the Anabaptists, who think that there will be an end to
the punishments of condemned men and devils.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">5</span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Our churches also condemn those who are spreading certain Jewish opinions, that
before the resurrection of the dead the godly shall take possession of the
kingdom of the world, the ungodly being everywhere suppressed. (Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions.
Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2005,
S. 40).</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Note:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">This article affirms
the biblical view of the end times. It pointedly rejects any speculation or
opinion about believers ruling the world before the final resurrection of the
dead. It also rejects all theories about a “millennial” earthly rule of Christ
as contrary to God’s Word. (See also <a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/From%20the%20Lutheran%20Confessions/2013-08-16%20(AC%20Article%20XVI).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap</span></a>
XVII.)(Concordia: The Lutheran
Confessions. Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing
House, 2005, S. 40).</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Almighty, everlasting God, for our
many sins we justly deserve eternal condemnation. In Your mercy You sent Your
dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who won for us forgiveness of sins and
everlasting salvation. Grant us a true confession that, dead to sin, we may be
raised up by Your life-giving absolution. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may
be ever watchful and live true and godly lives in Your service; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(<i>LSB</i>, collect #153).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Friday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for the preaching of the holy cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ and for the spread of His knowledge throughout the whole world;
for the persecuted and oppressed; for the sick and dying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/gtruwe/Desktop/Concordia/Devotions%20(Misc)/Daily%20Devotional%20Thoughts/From%20the%20Lutheran%20Confessions/2013-08-16%20(AC%20Article%20XVI).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span style="color: green;">Ap </span></a>Apology of the Augsburg
Confession<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-88763260665416969382013-08-22T10:39:00.001-05:002013-08-22T10:39:32.318-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--From the New Testament<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 15-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Merciful
Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with
Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of
His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Romans
13:5-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">5</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for
the sake of conscience. <sup>6</sup> For the same reason you also pay
taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very
thing. <sup>7</sup> Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes
are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed,
honor to whom honor is owed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Catechism:
The Fourth<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">What is the Fourth Commandment?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Honor your father and your mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">We should fear and
love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities,
but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">In the
name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif";">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">The
Fourth Commandment most clearly gives order to the family. Parents and
children live in harmony with one another when each understands its office and
the duties given to it. As the Father loves and preserves His creation,
so too, earthly parents are called to give that love and service to those
children entrusted to their care. Likewise, as we are to give the
heavenly Father the highest honor, so too, since our parents are in the
parental office, children are to honor, serve and obey, love and cherish their
parents—their familial authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">But the
authority which is fundamental in the family also extents to the other spheres
of life. The order given by God to promote harmony and well-being is also
applied in the spiritual realm, and the civil realm. Those who are called
by God to serve in the Office of the Holy Ministry truly are spiritual fathers,
and those who receive their love and service are called to give them the honor
due that particular office. This what Paul writes in 1 Thess 5:12-13: “We
ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you
in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love
because of their work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">The
third sphere, which Paul speaks of above in Romans 13, is the civil
sphere. Here too, the same order seen in the family is given by God so
that there would be harmony and well-being among all people. Those who
serve in government offices serve in fatherly offices and are, therefore,
called to a high form of service. Those who receive that serve, likewise,
are to give those offices their honor. And with this understanding, there
is order, and there is peace in the land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Be it
the family, the Church, or the civil sphere, problems arise when the Fourth
Commandment is broken. Authorities who abuse their power, or who fail to
carry out their duties of loving service stand guilty before God.
Children, congregation members, and citizens who fail to give honor to those
who serve in God-given offices of authority are likewise guilty of having
sinned against the Fourth Commandment. And no matter who the guilty party
is, order has been lost, and you can be certain, there will be strife.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">To see
this displayed most clearly, consider how Christ is the head of the
Church. Those who know of His work of redemption through his death and
resurrection have no problem submitting to Him and giving Him honor and
praise. And so, Christ becomes the model for all those in
authority—servants who pour themselves out for those they’ve been called to
serve. And likewise, the honor and praise we rightly give to Christ is
reflected in how we treat our authorities in any realm. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif";">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">
Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Visit,
O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep all harm and danger far
from them. Grant that we may dwell together in peace under the protection of
You holy angels, sharing eternally in Your blessings; through Jesus Christ, our
Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">(#239).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-57632283362217831132013-08-21T08:56:00.003-05:002013-08-21T08:56:39.116-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--From the Old Testament<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 15-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Merciful
Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with
Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of
His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Proverbs
3:11-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">11</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary
of his reproof, <sup>12</sup> for the
LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Fourth<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Fourth
Commandment?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Honor
your father and your mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other
authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Love is the motivation for God’s actions toward us
whenever He chastens or corrects us. Undeserved love is also the motivation for
a father who disciplines and corrects a son. Solomon uses the relationship of a
father to his son to highlight the intimate relationship of love that God has
with us, and how our relationship to our children is patterned after God the
Father’s relationship with His Son.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Just as Jesus our sin bearer endured chastening upon the
cross as the beloved Son whom the Father loved, so also it is necessary for us
to be chastened and disciplined when we sin by the parents who love us. Solomon
refers to God by use of the name “LORD”—the divine name given at the burning
bush—which highlights the fact that He is “the eternal God of the promise of
salvation,” who is always motivated by love for His wayward children, even when
He is compelled to discipline them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">His promise of love to us in the Gospel is the cause of
everything He does for us as His children. The LORD delights in His children,
even though they have gone astray and need correction, precisely because they <i>are</i> His children who have been begotten
by Him in love through His Word of promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the same way, parents love their children, not because
they have no sin and make no mistakes, but because they <i>are</i> their children conceived in love. Discipline and correction are
intended to bring us to repentance for sin, to teach us the way that leads to
life and loving serve to others, and to save us from the self-centered ways
that lead to death and destruction. Our
fathers’ love for us is seen precisely in the fact that they are willing to discipline
and correct us. And so we honor them,
serve and obey them, love and cherish them (<i>Lutheran
Catechesis</i>, p. 50c).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Visit, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and
keep all harm and danger far from them. Grant that we may dwell together in
peace under the protection of You holy angels, sharing eternally in Your blessings;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(#239).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Daily Prayer (For Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We pray…for marriage and family, that husbands and wives,
parents and children live in ordered harmony according to the Word of God; for
parents who must raise children alone; for our communities and neighborhoods.</span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-40410007681134310602013-08-20T08:43:00.002-05:002013-08-20T08:43:57.732-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--From the Psalms<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 15-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Merciful
Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with
Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of
His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ,
Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm
119:81-88 (Assigned Psalm for Proper 15-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">81</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">82</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will
you comfort me?"<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">83</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I
have not forgotten your statutes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">84</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> How long must your servant endure?<sup>1 </sup>When will
you judge those who persecute me?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">85</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live
according to your law.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">86</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with
falsehood; help me!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">87</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have
not forsaken your precepts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">88</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the
testimonies of your mouth.</span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Third Commandment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Third Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Remember
the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it
sacred and gladly hear and learn it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotional Thoughts</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">If you ever tire of the Word of God—who doesn’t?—then consider
the words of the Psalmist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You can almost hear the battle being waged within him. On the one hand, he hopes in the Word of
Yahweh. On the one hand, he confesses
that all of Yahweh’s commandments are sure.
On the one hand, he has not forsaken Yahweh’s precepts. On the one hand, the psalmist’s desire is to keep
the testimonies which Yahweh has spoken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But on the other hand, his eyes are longing for a
promise. On the other hand, he confesses
that he has become like a wineskin n the smoke—dried up and ruined. On the other hand, he speaks of enduring
hardship, being persecuted, while those who are enemies of Yahweh dig pitfalls
for him. On the other hand, there is the
struggle of a man living through his sinful nature, even while having, and
knowing, and trusting in the Word of Yahweh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You see, the Third Commandment functions in two
ways. In the first way, it shows us that
we ought to delight in the Word of God; that we ought to hold it sacred, and
gladly hear and learn it. For in the Word
of God, we’re given a Sabbath rest which come through the Yahweh’s promises
fulfilled in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">But in the second way, it shows us rightly shows us to be
sinners. Indeed, we should hold gladly
hear and learn the Word of God because we know it to be sacred. But we’re just like the psalmist. The Devil tells us that there’s more
important things to do today. The world’s
relentless demands tire us and tempt us to neglect the one thing that can give
us true rest. And our flesh is all too
easily prone to giving in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And so, the words of the Psalmist are our words, prayed
in faith. By the power of the Holy
Spirit, we confess our sin of tiring of the Word of God. That’s repentance, and that’s the point of
the Law. But repentance brings
faith. And faith rejoices that Christ
has fulfilled the Law where we could not.
Where we tire of the Word, Jesus delighted in the Word. And by His death on the cross, even our
neglect of God’s Word is forgiven. That the
Gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">And so you live.
You live each day with this dichotomy.
On the one hand, you tire of God’s Word and treat it as less than
sacred. But on the other hand, in
repentance and faith, forgiven by Christ, you know that the Word of God is what
you need—not only for forgiveness, but in order to know how to live according
to the will of the Lord, who you fear and love.
In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Thanks be to You, Lord Jesus, Captain of our salvation,
for the godly weapon of Your Word, with which we drive the enemy before us, and
can rout thrones and potentates. Create in us a zeal for Your Word, willingly
to hear and learn it, that we may always have our weapon polished and ready.
Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>Reading the Psalms
with Luther</i>, p. 292).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314513.post-75889178002578763032013-08-19T09:12:00.001-05:002013-08-19T09:12:04.694-05:00Daily Devotional Thought--For the Family<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Collect
of the Week (Proper 15-C)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif";">Merciful
Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with
Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His
redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ, Your
Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke
2:41-52 (From the Bible Story Lectionary)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><sup><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">41</span></sup></i><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
Feast of the Passover. <sup>42</sup> And
when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. <sup>43</sup> And when the feast was ended,
as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents
did not know it, <sup>44</sup> but
supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began
to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, <sup>45</sup> and when they did not find him,
they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
<sup>46</sup> After three days they found him in the temple, sitting
among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. <sup>47</sup> And all who heard him were
amazed at his understanding and his answers. <sup>48</sup> And when his parents<sup>1 </sup>saw
him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you
treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great
distress." <sup>49</sup> And he
said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must
be in my Father's house?"<sup>1</sup>
<sup>50</sup> And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to
them. <sup>51</sup> And he went down
with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother
treasured up all these things in her heart.
<sup>52</sup> And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature<sup>1 </sup>and
in favor with God and man.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Catechism: The Third Commandment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the Third Commandment?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> Remember
the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We should fear
and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it
sacred and gladly hear and learn it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Devotion</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">After leaving Jerusalem, May and Joseph went a day’s journey
before noticing that Jesus wasn’t with them.
They began their search with relatives and acquaintances, and finally
returned to Jerusalem to continue the search.
Three days later, there he was, sitting in the temple, holding His
Father’s Word sacred and gladly hearing and learning it. There he was, sitting among the teachers, listening
to them and asking them questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">At first, Mary and Joseph were upset: “Son, why have you
treated us so?” But like a set of keys
that is simply laying where its owners last placed it, Jesus’ response is one
which, in hind sight, seems most obvious indeed. “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s
house?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The Son of God teaches us how to keep the Third
Commandment. Our flesh often tires of
hearing God’s Word. Watch a movie, read
a good book, head out to a concert, or watch another game on television: any—or
all—of those activities would surpass our desire to read, mark, learn, and inwardly
digest the Word of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In repentance, we hear again the Third Commandment, and
learn to place God’s Word where it belongs—that’s how we hold it sacred. In humility, we see Jesus’ keeping of the
Third Commandment, and we begin to see the wisdom of being in our Father’s
house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">You see, the rest intended for you is a rest that comes
through the Word. NO matter how hard you
work, when you sanctify the day by filling it with God’s Word, you are able to
rest in peace. You’ll have the promises
of God in Christ sustaining you. You’ll
have the comfort of the forgiveness of sins girding you up. You’ll have the witnesses of those who have
gone before us to encourage you to walk in faith. And like Mary and Joseph, you’ll begin to
expect to find Jesus where he’s been all along: in His Father’s Word. In the name of </span><span style="font-family: "LSBSymbol","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">T </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Lord Jesus, open my eyes to your life-giving presence. Through
You Word, Sacraments, and Spirit, bless my life, so that things that seem
mundane become a foretaste of blessedness in Your eternal presence. Amen </span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(<i>TLSB</i>, p. 1712).<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15958311988623152949noreply@blogger.com0