"More Than They Were Able"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Much of today's devotion comes from Lisa of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We thank her and pass her encouragement on to others.

There's a commercial on television that shows people helping other people.

Actually, the commercial shows one person watching as another person does a small and unexpected good deed for another. Inspired, the observer ends up doing a kindly thing for yet another person.

Along with selling a product, the commercial is saying, "Good things can happen if we all do something good."

One of our Daily Devotion readers would agree. That's why she shared this with me: "Months ago, a co-worker started sending out a simple Bible verse every morning to a few others who had previously spoken of their faith together. I heard about this and asked to be on the e-mail list.

"From the time I started getting these daily verses the sharing of a simple daily Bible verse has grown tremendously. There are now over 40 people on the e-mail list. That's 40 people who make use of the opportunity to discuss and talk about the personal meaning of that day's verse.

"My favorite addition to the discussion is that we now have a prayer list every day. I love that people aren't afraid to ask for prayers -- prayers asking for encouragement during a difficult time, prayers of rejoicing and prayers asking for strength.

"It's truly amazing that a group of people (most of whom don't know each other) have formed a bond in Christ and are praying for each other and encouraging one another."

Our Daily Devotion reader concludes by saying this: "I wanted to share this with you in the hopes that other people won't be afraid to reach out to other Christian friends. It may start as just an e-mail between two people, but it has the potential to grow into something much bigger."

Our reader is right. Starting with a tax collector, some fishermen, a political activist, a murderer and a handful of other disciples the Holy Spirit has turned the world upside down. He can also use you. Share a Bible verse or share this devotion. Reach out to others. Let them know the Savior who gave His life for our lives. Point those around you to the Christ who rose so we would live forever.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, use me to direct others to Jesus. Let them see His love reflected in my life in the big and small things I do. In His Name I ask it. Amen.

 

For Audio of todays devotion please click here

Find a Church / Speak with LHM Response Center: Call 1-800-876-9880, M-F:8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST

(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Greetings blog friends & readers!  A wonderful new day has begun... early morning hours is so peaceful, quiet, & relaxing as I sit enjoying morning coffee in HIS Word.  Starting my day out in HIS Word seems to always bring clarity to the mind from the previous day; reflecting back over the list of gratitude in the blessings that Our Lord has provided.  Remembering to be Thankful always for what HE has done, not only for me but for those around me. 

Knowing that Jesus suffered & died on the Holy Cross for our sins is always first, of course.  To wash away our sins & never keeps track of them is an absolute joy in & of its self!  Wouldn't it be totally awesome if we all did that?  Yes!  Yes indeed it would be a wonderful world to live in.  Unconditional Love is the Almighty! 

As I reflect over yesterday, writing down the names that I need to either thank or make amends to (admitting my wrong doings) and sharing in the Glory of Our Beloved Father, it always brings forth a peaceful feeling & prepares me to continue this journey toward Heaven walking in HIS LOVE with the brand new beginning.  

Of course, before my feet even hit the floor, upon awakening my words are, "Good Morning God, I Love You!  What may I do for you today?" 

Knowing & remembering that it is HIM that always comes first.  That I am to live my life accordingly to HIS plans for me instead of my plans.  That's the beginning of the new day.  Jesus & Love. 

Once that is done, I come sit at the kitchen table with coffee & Bible.  Opening up to the daily devotion & read that chaper of todays contents.  Oh, I don't just read the one verse, (Hebrews 10:24).  I read the whole chapter.  Hebrews 10.  Doing this broadens my understanding of what God wants of me.  What HIS Will for me is. 

*Please not the italic print.

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

So my friends, I go from here encouraging others with love and good works... “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

Which brings me to my list writing:  Names that I will contact TODAY!  Yes, God may cross my path with even others (that's an added blessing).  But as I set out from here to do HIS Will in Faith; I will continue to seek out those who I've either harmed or those who may need an encouraging word.  

Again, please note the italic word:  I've ... it's not you, but me!  What your sins are do not matter, I've forgiven them jsut as Jesus has forgiven & does not keep track.   This is the reason I can sit & listen to someone confess their sins without judgement whatever it may be... and in that list is my own past sins.  I will bow to no one but HIM & HIM alone. 

"Free as an Eagle, Bold & Strong as I may be."

"And as a Dove with Love"



"I'm Not A Killer"

(Jesus said) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1

Most of us like to think of ourselves as being pretty normal individuals.

We try to obey the speeding laws and generally keep ourselves out of trouble. In contrast to the favorable opinion most of us have of ourselves, Clarence Darrow, the famous criminal lawyer, once said, "Everyone is a potential murderer." About himself, he admitted, "I have not killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction out of obituary notices."

To get satisfaction out of an obituary notice is a pretty sad commentary about a man.

Nevertheless, if I am being honest, I have to admit that I also get satisfaction.

No, there's no satisfaction in seeing someone die, but there have been numerous times when I've smiled to see some pompous or proud individual getting taken down a notch or two. I'm ashamed to say it, but there have been moments when I was pleased to see a know-it-all proven wrong.

It's a sad source of pleasure.

I'm not proud about it because, after all, there is probably any number of people who would get similar satisfaction in seeing me get some comeuppance.

Thankfully, the Lord is not one of those individuals.

God wants to see my name in the Book of Life, not on the pages of the dead. He wants me to live a beautiful and full life. To assure that becomes a reality, He has sent His Son to take my place under the Law, to carry my sins and defeat death.

All this He does for me. Not because I deserve it, but because He's God and He cares for His wandering, wayward children.

Now, because He has done that for me, I'm going to do my very best to be understanding of those whom I once looked upon with a judgmental eye. And if it's possible, I hope you do the same for me and everybody else you meet today.

From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

THE PRAYER: Father, thank You for writing our names in Your Book of Life. Please minimize our attitudes when they become overly judgmental and help us to share the Savior with those we meet. In His Name I pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries

Good Day Lovely Ones,

A blessing to be here this Sunday morning.  Brings Joy to know that you've come here to read my blog!  Why?  Sharing the Lord's Word with you and my experience, strength & hope is always a pleasure.  It brings great joy when you share also.  Please do leave a comment with your thoughts of todays devotion -- or any other thoughts you may have.  And Thanks! 

Like Pastor Klaus, I to have "caught" myself in moments when I was pleased to see a know-it-all proven wrong.  That moment of pleasure quickly changes tho.  Allow me to explain.  I'm a Pisces.  (Born March 4th)  They say Pisces are sensitive.  I find that to be true. 

Immediately after I feel the pleasure, I feel empathy for the "know-it-all" as no one wants to feel humiliated. 

However, the way people react to their feeling of humiliation is a different story.  Some become quite quiet.  Some become shocked - "speechless" and others even become instantly angered & defensive. 

To be honest, I find it hard to hold a conversation with the 3rd mentioned.  (The ones who instantly become angered & defensive)  Why?  For one, fear of their actions I suppose.  I've seen some throw things.  Others strike out with a punch.  Others become road-raged.  And even some have shot someone! 

Lord only knows what will happen when the brain goes from Zero to 100 in a matter of seconds!  

That takes me to a different topic... but for now, I'll stick with finding it hard to talk to the instantly angered.  Have you ever felt like you were "walking on egg shells?"  Oh yea, that kind of feeling is what I'm talking about!  Having to be careful of what words to say so you don't "offend" someone aka become a target of someones anger!  

Yea, THOSE kind of know-it-alls!  I find it difficult to even convers with them because there is no real conversation;  I cannot be "up-front" aka blunt or what I would call honest, the REAL me!   I mean, I'm honest no matter but having to stop & think about just what "right" words to say is difficult for me! 

I lose concentration very easily.  If I stop speaking to think about the "right word" my mind takes off to some other place!  Which is a real problem because I'm functioning with STM (Short Term Memory) Loss or, as I grew up knowing it has, CRS (Can't Remember Shit) syndrome! 

Well, I've got GREAT news!  During one of my recent Doctor appts. this STM was finally explained to me!  Yes, it's been bothersome now for a time (it's not always been this way) but I wasn't finding the answer to why!  (Lord knows I'm getting older but hey... I'm only 47!)  All I could say to ppl was, "Sorry, I've got STM!" and never knew why!  Well, NOW I do!   One of the side effects of being on Femera (Cancer Pre-vention Medication) is STM because of the hormonal medication messes with the "wiring" of our bodies!  Doctor also informed me that my 5yr window period for cancer will May of 2014, however Dr. Friday may want me to continue after that!  Yippee!  NOT! ha  She also comforted me by saying STM is better than getting cancer again!  Of course, having it 3x already I did AGREE!!!  :-)

People misunderstand my point of view (thought) much of the time because it comes out differently then what I'm trying to mean!    And because I don't want to be misunderstood and a "target" I tend to choice my words carefully with those "know-it-alls."  

So, that's what I deal with - LEARNING to communicate with those who need a "chill pill!"   Judge me if you'd like but I'm no longer embarassed to admit I've got STM and have a hard time conversing with the "know-it-alls."  Life is too short to be a target of someone elses anger!   And if you get offended - that's YOUR problem not mine! 

Sharing God's Word ~ "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1   As many know I am the Editor for our monthly Church Newsletter.  And because this is also a public Newsletter, I'd like to share a well written article by Pastor Greg DeMuth, Administrative Pastor of First Ev. Lutheran Church.  

(Praise the Lord ~ First Luth now has a FT PERMANENT PASTOR (& one that plays guitar)Woohoo!!!  Thank You Jesus!!!)

Anyway, lol, this article is Well-Worth the read! It's my hope that it'll turn those wheels in your thinking to what God spoke, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

How about a LOVE revolution?  ;-)

A number of years ago I met a man named Walter. You might say he was a little…DIFFERENT. Walter was 70 years old. Walter had a pony tail and wore a skirt—with panty hose and hiking boots. Every Sunday Walter picked flowers from his garden and placed them on the altar. To be honest, I had trouble being kind in my thoughts toward him. But that wasn’t the end of the story.

About 2 years later I found out that Walter had a wife. I met her in our church basement while she was sewing a quilt to be included in a Lutheran World Relief package going overseas. She seemed “normal” in comparison to her husband as we chatted. “So what do you think of Walter?”, she asked. I was completely unprepared for the question. “Well…uhh…”, I stammered. She laughed sweetly and told me his story. Walter had served in Viet Nam and had been exposed to some chemicals used to kill jungle vegetation. After years of failed treatments from the VA Hospital, Walter started wearing skirts because they provided the air circulation that the damaged skin on his legs needed. He wore panty hose to help contain his flaking skin. As I listened, I felt ashamed of my attitudes toward Walter. I had allowed outward appearances to blind me to who he really was. The truth was that Walter loved Jesus and had a precious saving faith in him.

As far as God’s word is concerned, all of us were “Walter’s”—all of us were outcasts. We didn’t look good enough on the outside to impress God. Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated…strangers…having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:12, 13) Instead of “weirdo” or “loser” or whatever name might have been placed on us, God gave us a new name: “my very own child”.

As we reach out into our community, there will be people who walk through our doors that will look rough, or scary on the outside. We need to remember that they need the love of Jesus just as much as we do. We need to welcome them and to get to know them. We also need to remember that all of us were outcasts in God’s sight until he washed us in the blood of his Son Jesus. Sooner or later God will put a “Walter” in your path. Be ready to accept and love, just as you’ve been accepted and loved for the sake of Jesus.

Walter died in 2004 of west Nile disease. His last request was for me to play “Crown Him with Many Crowns” at his funeral.

I was honored.

With my love to you in Jesus,
Pastor Greg DeMuth

Greg DeMuth
Guitar Geek & Creative under-achiever
http://www.sacredgroundmusic.org/

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHO TO TRUST

Advent Devotions 2010

Click here to listen to an audio version of today's devotion.

TEXT: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth. ... The LORD watches over the sojourners (Psalm 146:5, 9a).

Putting up Christmas lights by yourself isn't very easy, and often it's not very smart either. In the first week of December 2006 three men in northern Texas fell off ladders while decorating their houses. Two were paralyzed and the third died. They broke one of the first rules of using a ladder: always have someone there to help steady the ladder. They forgot the second rule too: if you must climb the ladder yourself, make sure it is secured to the roof.

We tend to trust in our skills, our abilities, and our knowledge-even our balance-more than we should. But asking someone to help who has no idea how to hold a ladder would be no better.

This week in church we light the third candle in the Advent wreath. Traditionally, and still in many churches today, that candle is a different color from the others. It is a reminder to turn our attention to Christ Jesus who is different from all other people. He is absolutely trustworthy and able to handle every single problem that could possibly come our way.

Are you hoping for a "perfect Christmas" this year? What are you counting on to make it perfect? Is it the perfect present under the tree? Is it getting all the presents bought and wrapped? Is it getting every string of lights onto your house and your Christmas tree and then keeping them lit all through the holiday season? Will it be the perfect Christmas if you are able to get each member of your family to join you? Will it be perfect if everyone is healthy?

 

How often do our hopes and aspirations for Christmas-and for life itself-depend on our accomplishments or someone else coming through for us? Whenever you have placed your confidence in an Internet business, a department store, or the forecast of the local meteorologist, how many times have you been disappointed at Christmas because you or somebody else has failed?

 

There is only one safe place to set our hope, and that is in the God who made the heavens and the earth. He alone has the power to do all we need. He alone loves us enough to give us more than we can ask or imagine. He is the God who became human and lived among us. He is God who laid down His life on the cross and rose again in glory for us. He is the God who walks along with us and guides us to our heavenly home. Our hope is in Jesus Christ our only Savior, for whose sake our Heavenly Father stands at the end of life's road with His arms widespread, waiting to welcome us into His heavenly Kingdom.

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be our Lord and Savior. Forgive us for placing so much trust in ourselves or in others. Teach us to rely on Jesus Christ alone for He can never fail us. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

~Lutheran Hour Ministries

(If you wrestle with having a perfect Christmas, please read our booklet What Is Christmas? You can order it by calling us at 800-876-9880.)

(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)



"Helping Others"

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." Ephesians 6:7

During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a defensive barrier.

Their leader, a low-ranking corporal, seemed to delight in shouting orders. He shouted, but he made no effort to help with the task at hand.

When the civilian asked the corporal why he was conducting himself in such a manner -- calling out commands but making no effort to provide assistance -- the corporal drew himself up tall and said, "Sir, I am a corporal!"

The civilian apologized for his ignorance. Then he dismounted from his horse and helped the exhausted privates.

When their job was completed, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, the next time you have a job like this and you don't have enough men to do that job, please go to your commander-in-chief, and he will come and help you again."

If that story about George Washington isn't true, it ought to be.

It ought to be true for all of us. We all ought to be helping each other whenever we can, with whatever gifts the Holy Spirit has given us.

That's what the Lord Jesus did when He was about the work of saving us.

He knew we couldn't save ourselves. We couldn't get that job done. So He pitched in and did everything -- everything that was necessary to win our forgiveness and salvation.

Now He has entrusted us with the opportunity of glorifying Him by helping others.

Following the Lord's example and doing as Washington did, parents can provide direction to their children; employers can give encouragement to those who work under them; churches can reach out to those who are floundering and lost.

Helping those who can't do the job themselves is not just an obligation; it's an opportunity that can change the world.

From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us use the gifts You have given us to uplift and uphold those who need the help and comfort we can provide. This we ask in the Name of Jesus who did that for us. Amen.

(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)

 Greetings friends,

Like these books helping each other to hold the shelf up; so we as His children are to help each other to hold His Word up -- to hold each other up. 

During this time of season, Advent, our church congregation gathers each Wednesday before service in the fellowship hall for fellowship & a delicious meal prepared & served by one of the many groups within our congregation.   In past years the three groups have been LWML, Youth, and Preschool.  This year the Youth group wasn't able to serve but we didn't know (Only because the "messenger" was in the hospital.) until that Saturday before when it was announced in the monthly newsletter.  

The following day at Pastors Installation meal, the Fly Away Gang (band) stepped up and filled the "opening" serving a wonderful meal with great fellowship. 

One of the blessings I recieved when moving up to MN from AZ to help Mom & Bob out was that I was able to get an apartment just 3 blks from them. 

On the 6th of December, my step-dad had hip replacement surgery. When Mom announced this in email -- I replied back saying I'd do the shoveling realizing that Mom would enjoy waking up to the daily paper with her morning coffee anyway. 

Not only that but it's an incentive to get fresh air & exercise by walking over every day.  Another blessing because Winter months I tend to hibernate in my apartment not getting either one -- I dispise the cold & the white stuff aka snow!  Hench the reason for moving to Arizona in 1996.  :-)   Not that I was running from family, it was the COLD weather Minnesota gets.

I do LOVE being active with Summer sports such as bicycling, motorcycling, swimming, hot-tubing, camping, hiking... all of which I can do year-round in AZ ~ not to mention the social activities that still occur outside during Winter!  :-)

Helping others is a big part of who I am, it comes natural for me.  I believe much of that was ingrained in me through both my parents.  Dad was always ready & willing to help or teach someone with whatever the need was.  He was quite the gifted & talented man, able to do many different things.  Another blessing that I recieved from of him!  He taught me well.  Along with my mom who taught me "office procedures," sewing, math, reading, card making, cleaning, etc.  Yes, I'm a fortunate & blessed person in many ways. 

Today, as I sit here this EARLY Sunday morning with my coffee, it's hard not to share with you a smile across the miles.  I'm so very Thankful for what Jesus has done for all us if we only believe & accept Him into our lives.  FAITH!  What a glorious day it will be!  Hallelujah! 

Sharing the Love of Jesus!   Prayers go out to my step-dad for his healing during his recovery of hip surgery.  And to all those who are homeless, fatherless, or suffering.  May your Sunday & weeks to come bring you many blessings from Him above!

                                     Audio for todays devotion click here.

"Following The Son"

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries 

By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®

For Audio Listen Here

"Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me." Psalm 5:8

Do you have a really good friend? I mean a really good friend?

The reason I ask is this: if you are going to try this experiment, you are going to need a really good friend.

The experiment to which I refer is one done by Jan Souman for the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. The experiment was simply this: can people walk in a straight line.

Souman took people to a park, to a beach, to the Sahara desert, and to the Bienwald forest of Germany. Most of the time he blindfolded his volunteers and asked them to walk a straight line.

They couldn't do it.

If the sun was out, that helped people, but if it was a cloudy day, they generally ended up going round and round. The best straight lines looked sort of like a corkscrew.

Now if you're curious as to why people can't go in a straight line, nobody can tell you. All the scientists know is this: it can't be done.

I suppose that finding isn't much of a surprise to the Lord. God asked Adam and Eve to walk a straight line and they failed. Since then, to this day, humans haven't successfully done that which God asked of them.

This is precisely why we needed Someone who could walk that straight line on our behalf. Jesus Christ, God's Son, our Savior did exactly that. He kept the commandments we had broken. He said "no" to the temptations that had tripped us up. He defeated death, which was our final demise.

Now, because Jesus has walked that straight line successfully, we are given faith. We are blessed with forgiveness, and we know we will be taking a straight line to heaven when we leave this world.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for doing all that we could not. Now we ask that the Holy Spirit will help us walk as best we can the straight line which will show our appreciation and thanks to You. In Your Name, I pray this. Amen.

Many thanks to Clifford, J. Baumer, PE, environmental engineer, for sharing not just the story on which this devotion is based -- he also shared the idea of the message.

Thanks, Cliff.

Pastor Klaus

Find a Church / Speak with LHM Response Center: Call 1-800-876-9880, M-F:8 a.m.-5 p.m. CST

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(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)

 

Greetings Lovely Ones,

A joyous season is amoung us... for some it is in preparation of Christmas -- gathering of loved ones, family, friends; for others it is in preperation of the coming of our Lord, Jesus, Our Savior, King of all Kings (Advent).  And yet for others, it means running around trying to find that perfect gift to give someone who, you may have or may not have seen 364 days before Christmas mean while comparing prices with the money to buy it.

 

As Pastor Klaus spoke in the daily devotion today, that perfect line... I ask then how are we to find that perfect gift to give?  Here's my thoughts.

 

While we think of our loved ones to buy for who already have every worldly thing  possible why not think of those who have nothing?  I'm not talking materialistic either.  I'm speaking of the Love of Jesus, Our Lord & Savior. 

 

There are plenty of people who are broken-hearted.  There are many who do not know Jesus and many who do but have no faith.  The perfect gift you could possibly give someone is inviting them to church with you, inviting them into your home for a hot meal, a warm shower, a clean change of clothing, even a clean pair of socks.  Or perhaps even a forever home. 

 

Now I speak of the last with a real sense of Love of Jesus.  Many know that I'm single & a 3x cancer survivor.  Thus, puts a damper for me adopting however, I can be a part of someones adoption by being supportive.  2009, I chose to support orphans through Show Hope.  A family founded organizing of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapmen and through other .orgs.

 

This year I chose to support the adoption of orphan(s) through Abby Riggs Ultimate Wish.  Abby has come along ways in her young 6 years of life.  Learning to accept life isn't all roses has she sat in an orphanage praying for a forever family.  Having to face chemo at age 3 & finished that process on Nov. 19th, 2010.  (Glory be to God!!!) Nearly dieing twice.  And the list goes on!  All while being able to come through with the Love of Jesus. 

 

If there's anyone who has taught me how to smile, and I mean really smile it is the Love of Jesus through Abby Riggs!    Won't you please help Abby (& another orphan or two) make their Ultimate Wish come true? 

 

By giving Abby her "Ultimate Wish" of a giving a forever home to another brother(s) or sister(s) you are giving the gift of LIFE!    What more "ultimate" gift could you possibly give Jesus, our Lord Savior, King of Kings?  

 

Thanks for your time here today & remember this is the season of preperation for the coming of Jesus.  Christmas is just 16 days away.  Happy Adventing.

 

"We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are like widows."  Lamentations 5:3
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."  James 1:27
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."  John 14:18
"Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in me.”  Jeremiah 49:11
"They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans." Isaiah 10:2