Daily Devotional Thought--From the Confessions (The Seventh Commandment)

Our Friday series on the Ten Commandments brings us this week to the Seventh Commandment.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What is the Seventh Commandment?
You shall not steal.

What does this mean?
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.

Concordia: A Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord summarizes Luther's Large Catechism well:

Stealing is not only physically robbing another's possessions, but it is also taking advantage of other people. Luther was very concerned about unjust business practices. His comments particularly challenge us today, since we live in a culture built on a free-market economy and generally agree that any price charged to people is morally acceptable. On the other hand, Luther points out how working people also steal from their employers by not giving a full day's work for a full day's pay. Though written over 475 years ago, Luther's comments on the Seventh Commandment are amazingly relevant and timely, and they point out the biblical distinction between the two kingdoms. For example, toward the end of the discussion, Luther wisely notes that the duty of the Church is to reprove sin and teach the Word of God. It is the duty of governing authorities to restrain lawlessness. The Church, as a spiritual institution, does not order society or enact societal laws; this is solely the duty of the government (p. 384).

Luther summarizes his thoughts in the Large Catechism with these words:
Therefore, let everyone know his duty, at the risk of God's displeasure: he must do no harm to his neighbor nor deprive him of profit nor commit any act of unfaithfulness or hatred in any bargain or trade. But he must also faithfully preserve his property for him, secure and promote his advantage (LC, I, 233).

Clearly, the Seventh Commandment forces the Christian to look toward the good of others, sometimes the most difficult thing to do.

So, how do you know if you have sinned against the Seventh Commandment? Begin by asking yourself these questions:

• Have I gotten anything in a dishonest way?
• Have I made illegal copies of any printed material, audio or video tapes, or computer programs?
• Do I faithfully attend to the responsibilities of my vocation(s)? Have I been lazy at work, doing poor work in school or at my job, or working hard only when the teacher or boss is around?
• Do I take care of what I haven, pay what I owe, return what I borrow, and respect other people's property?
• Do I given generously, or am I selfish, stingy and greedy with my time and money? Have I been stingy in paying my workers?

What do you do now? It's simple. Confess. And receive the forgiveness that is yours in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotional Thought--From the New Testament

Acts 17:10-15:

10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Thank God there are still Christians like the Bereans today.

Pastors give thanks for them on good days, but bemoan them on days when the flesh gets the best of us.

But Berean Christians are necessary for the church to maintain a proper confession of faith.

You may have a response similar to one of these:

• "But Pastor, I don't want to be a pest."
• "But Pastor, who am I to question you?"

To the first, I would remind you of St. Paul admonition to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15ff). That is to say, if you have a question about something your pastor is teaching or preaching, go to him in humility and with respect. Assume that he misspoke, or that you misunderstood, or that he just didn't communicate as clearly as he had hoped. In other words, assume the best. And in most cases, you will find your pastor to be glad you asked--at least someone was listening!!

To the second, I our reading from Acts reminds us of a faithful group of Christians who carried out their collective office as the Priesthood of All Believers, searching the scriptures and delighting in the Word of God (Psalm 1, John 10, etc.). A church full of people who are taught well, and are able to discern the truth from error, will be a church whose pastors are forced to study so that they in fact do deliver the goods--Preaching Christ Crucified and delivering the Word of God in its truth and purity.

The church that is made up of Christians like the Bereans is a church where pastors and people are abiding in the Word of Christ together, are having Christ revealed to them, and therefore, know the freedom of the Gospel.

We we all be so bold as to pray for brothers and sisters in the faith who will hold us accountable to the sacred Word of God. Amen.

In Lubbock at Pastor's Conference--Daily Devotions Return Thursday.

My flight departed San Antonio at 6:30 a.m. and will arrive in Lubbock around 9:45 a.m. I will be attending the Texas District Pastor's Conference. The topic for the conference is the pastor's role in pre-marriage counseling. One of the presenters is Dr. Salminen, formerly a professor at Concordia Seminary. I'm looking forward to learning from him again, and expect his presentation to be helpful.

Daily Devotional Thoughts from me will resume on Thursday. Until then, use your Portals of Prayer, the Congregation at Prayer, or check out any of the links to other pastor's cites on the left.

Thank You Dr. Reed Lessing!!

Dr. Reed Lessing taught me Hebrew, and then I had him for Hebrew readings and Hermeneutics. And this was all in my first year at the seminary. He didn't know then, and I guess he probably still doesn't know, but he set an example for me in devotional life, and dedication to the study of holy Scripture, that I strive to follow still today. Shortly before leaving for my vicarage year, I took a summer course with him called Preaching the Old Testament, and again I learned from his instruction and example that my future ministry would depend on my own time in the Word of God. And so it began...

Some time early on during my vicarage year, I began spending time in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, as well as the Greek of the New Testament. Following Dr. Lessing's pattern, I began with Genesis 1, and Matthew 1. I would take 5,6,7 verses a day, or whatever my schedule would allow. And sometimes my schedule didn't allow any.

After returning to the seminary for my final year, coursework made it difficult to continue this pattern, but still, I made some progress--slowly.

Now in the parish, some days are more difficult than others to find time to spend with the Hebrew and Greek...but still, I pursue it. Some time last year I completed my translation of the Gospel of Matthew, and am now in chapter 9 of Mark.

But today...what began some four years ago...my translation of the book of Genesis...is COMPLETE!

I write this post for two reasons:

1. So that Dr. Lessing, and the many more teachers that I and other pastors have had in our pastoral formation, would know that the Lord uses their service to shape us and mold us. You work is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)!
2. So that other pastors in the parish might be encouraged to spend time in the languages. Schedules are difficult, I know. But you will make progress, little by little. Your skills with the language will improve over time. But most importantly, you will be fed by the Good Shepherd through His Word so that you can also feed the sheep entrusted to your care as you serve the flock of faith.

Dr. Reed Lessing, THANK YOU! This ongoing study is dedicated to you.

The Essential Lutheran Library (Finally!)

With the arrival of The Lutheran Study Bible on Wednesday afternoon, The Essential Lutheran Library is complete in my study. Doesn't it look pretty! CPH is now selling this as a bundle, in three editions: Standard ($129.99); Premium ($199.99); and Ultimate ($229.99). I've written about TELL before; you can read that post here. Here is CPH's description of the product:
Since the days of the Reformation, certain key books have been a part of the life of Lutherans: the Bible, the hymnal, the Catechism. In addition, Lutherans have treasured prayer books and the Book of Concord as essential texts to keep their eyes fixed on Christ. The books in The Essential Lutheran Library will serve to give shape and definition to the faith and life of every Lutheran Christian.


There is another edition of TELL that CPH isn't selling...yet. It the Pastor's Edition and it contains the Pastoral Care Companion, a most helpful little book that I take with me on hospital visits, when I bring the Lord's Supper to our shut ins, and on so many other occasions. Along with the Agenda, which provides the rites for Holy Matrimony, Funerals, Confirmations, etc, the Pastor's Edition of TELL would be a wonderful gift for any man thinking of heading off to the seminary to become a pastor. And by the way, it looks pretty good in my study as well! Here's to you, CPH, for the fine service you are providing to the Church!

Daily Devotional Thought--From the Confessions (The Sixth Commandment)

Friday's Ten Commandment series brings us today to the Sixth Commandment.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What is the Sixth Commandment?
You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean?
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.

Here is a helpful summary found in Concordia: A Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord:
Luther had been married for almost four years when he wrote the Large Catechism. His former life as a monk makes his comments on the Sixth Commandment all the more interesting and powerful. Luther keenly discerns that chastity is not a matter of vowing to live a celibate life, but of honoring God and one's spouse with one's whole being: thoughts, words, and actions. Marriage should be cherished and honored as a divine estate. God created this institution before all others and blessed it above all the rest; and since He brings children into the world through it, He provides all other estates for its support and benefit. Luther condemns forced celibacy with the Roman Church, but recognizes that God does exempt some from married life, either because they are unsuited to it or because they possess the supernatural gift of chastity. The Sixth Commandment releases those who have taken a vow of chastity but who have not been given this supernatural gifts. For Luther, God intended marriage not only to prevent sin, but also as a means by which husbands and wives love and cherish each other. Marriage is a precious good work far superior to the contrived spiritual estates of monks and nuns.

But the Sixth Commandment applies more broadly than just to husbands and wives. Chastity is for the teenager, the single college student, and the widow, just as it is for the husband and the wife.

When the gifts of God are used in their proper place, they remain God's gifts. In this case, the gift is our human sexuality. Satan would have us use God's gifts in places never dreamed of by the giver of the gift--God himself. This is how Satan distorts God's good gifts, and in turn, destroys human life.

A curb tells me where it is good to drive my car. But if I decided that I knew better than the curb, bad things would happen. If I drove on the side walk, or in my neighbors lawn, the results would destroy. So it is with the gift of human sexuality, regardless of our age.

So how do you know if you've sinned against the Sixth Commandment? Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Have I used for my own pleasure my ears to hear stories or incite cravings of the body for one who is not my spouse, or my mouth to speak such words and stories?
• Have I indulged my eyes with longing for my sexual satisfaction from a man or a woman who is not my spouse?
• Have I dishonored marriage by ridicule, divorce, or neglecting to encourage others to be faithful to their spouses in the fear of God?
• Have I had sexual intercourse with a man or woman who is not my spouse?
• Have I dishonored my spouse by neglecting to care for my spouse's body, mind, feelings, and needs, withdrawing faithfulness from my spouse?
• Have I failed to trust God to bless us in our marriage, even in times of trouble?
• Have I neglected to pray for my spouse, to attend the Divine Service together, and to live in the fear and love of God in times of sexual temptation?
• Have I engaged in homosexual thoughts, words, or deeds, or given support to homosexual activity?

These questions will, by the Spirit of God, reveal to us where the Old Adam remains, and where our sinful flesh rages on. But it will also point us to Christ, our Bridegroom, who loves his bride, the church, unconditionally, and gives his own righteousness so that you and I may wear the white dress of righteousness ourselves. The Law will show us our sin, but it will point us to our Savior, and in this way, The Law of God is ALWAYS good! Amen.

Daily Devotional Thought--From the New Testament (Trusting Christ Instead of People)

(From Faith Alone, daily devotions from Martin Luther)

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. (John 2:24)

No one understands how difficult it was when I first realized that I had to believe and teach an idea that was contrary to the teachings of the church fathers. This was especially shocking to me when many outstanding, reasonable, and educated people shared their views. The church fathers include many holy people, such as Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine. Despite that, my dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ must be worth more to me than all the holy people on earth--yes, even more than all the angels in heaven. When I read Augustine's books and discovered that he also had been in error, I was greatly troubled. Whenever this happens, it's very difficult for me to calm my own heart and differ with people who are so greatly respected.

But I dare not accept something just because a respected person says it. A person can be holy and God-fearing and still be in error. That's why I don't want to rely on people. As this passage says, the Lord Christ didn't rely on people either. Furthermore, in the book of Matthew, Jesus earnestly warns us to beware of false prophets, who will come and not only claim to be Christians, but also "perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible" (24:24).

Rather than trusting the church fathers and their writings, we should crawl under the wings of our mother hen, the Lord Christ, and look to him alone. The heavenly Father said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5). God wants us to listen to Christ alone.

Happy Anniversary, Pastor DeVries

We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Pastor DeVries' installation as Pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church during our services on Sunday--and what a celebration it was--but the actual date is October 14, which is today.



So today, again, we say "thank you" to the Lord for 25 years of His gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation in Christ Jesus being bestowed on the flock of faith at Mt. Calvary through the dedicated and faithful ministry of Rev. K. T. DeVries. Congratulations, Pastor DeVries, and thanks be to God!



Here are a few pictures of the celebration:





Those who served during the festival service (from left to right): Josh Zammit, D.C.E. gave the Children's Sermon; Millard "Butch" Watson our Lay Minister read the Old Testament and Epistle readings; Pastor DeVries received the Word for a change, and then delivered the Benediction; Pastor Richard Mittwede (a son of the congregation and now Associate Pastor at King of King, Round Rock) delivered a wonderful sermon for the occasion; Pastor Truwe (that's me) served as the liturgist; and Pastor Emeritus, James Haupt read the Holy Gospel.
This is the plaque given to Pastor DeVries:
The Fellowship Committee served a wonderful meal for the occasion. Mt. Calvary loves to eat. Thanks to Joe and Cheri Short for all their work in preparing the meal!
Pastor DeVries and his wife Cathy go through the line.


A portion of the 240+ that were served!Mt. Calvary member Robyn White made a special cake in honor of the occasion.Pastor DeVries and Cathy find out from President Bill Greinke that the congregation is sending them on a trip to ROME! This was a complete surprise to just about everyone in the room. Grandma Cathy enjoys her first grandson, Nathan. Is this the next Pastor DeVries? Only time will tell!

Daily Devotional Thought--From the New Testament (Who is Our Mother?)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In today's New Testament, Jesus speaks seemingly confounding words:

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:46-50).

How can Jesus' mother, not be his mother? She gave birth to him, she fed him, she raised him. How is anyone but Mary, the mother of Jesus?

How can your mother not by your mother? She gave birth to you, she fed and nourished you, she raised you. How is anyone but your mother, your mother?

Because, you see, it is in the Church that you received the new birth by water and the Spirit (John 3:5). It is in the Church that you are fed and nourished with the Bread of Life (John 6). It is in the Church that you are raised to know your Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11; Matthew 28:19-20).

Just as you have an earthly father and a heavenly Father, you have an earthly mother, but you also have a mother given to you from above, and this mother is the Church. For it is through her that the children of God are fed with His gifts.

A mother's boy for life. May we all be fed and nourished by our mother, the Church. Amen.

Daily Devotional Thought--From the Old Testament (All Sheep Are God's Sheep)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we celebrated our Lord's shepherding the flock of faith here at Mt. Calvary for 25 years through the faithful and dedicated ministry of Pastor DeVries, we read from Ezekiel 34:

Consider these words:

"For thus says the LORD God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.

I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong i will destroy. I will feed them in justice."

Sheep are prone to wander. Our own children, or spouse and many of our other neighbors, as sheep of the flock of faith, are prone to wander. And because you are also a sheep, you know all too well how easily this wandering occurs.

Our schedules keep us from reading or studying God's Word, or speaking with our heavenly Father in prayer. Our sinful flesh is lazy and doesn't want to spend time in God's Word, or more likely, doesn't like when the Word reveals this Old Adam who is still swimming through the flooding waters of Baptism.

We wander from the comfort of God's Word and His Sacraments, but because He is the Good Shepherd, because His heart burns with compassion for you, His sheep, because He has laid down His life and poured out His blood to be able to call you His sheep, He runs after you to fold you and all his wandering sheep back into the fold--back to the green pastures, where your cup runneth over.

Your wandering children, spouse, neighbor, and yes, even your wandering nature is gathered together because All of the sheep are God's Sheep--and the Good Shepherd seeks the lost, and brings back those who wander and stray.

Rescued by the Good Shepherd. Amen.