​TITLE: Worth Remembering
DATE: October 31, 2018
TEXT: 1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) 5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

There are questions of history which are easy to answer.

You don’t have to be a genius to know when the War of 1812 was fought; or who died at Custer’s Last Stand or who is buried in Grant’s Tomb or on what day do we celebrate the 4th of July.

There are holidays which come around every year which are easy to remember.

In October giant bags of candy remind us that Halloween is coming. The tremendous discounts offered by Supermarkets on their turkeys lets us know that Thanksgiving is just about here and heart-shaped cards announce it’s time to think of your Valentine.

Then there is Reformation Day. Reformation Day is a tough one.

Think about it: How many Reformation Day presents have you received? The newspapers haven’t reminded us of how many shopping days were left until Reformation Day. The TV stations haven’t told me where I can go to see the houses with the best Reformation Day lights. Pam hasn’t bought a new Reformation Day outfit…my community doesn’t have a Reformation Day parade, there are no Reformation Day fireworks and no Reformation Day flowers sent to sweethearts. Martin Luther doesn’t come down your chimney and he doesn’t go hippity-hoppity down the Reformation trail.

Then there is Reformation Day. Reformation Day is a tough one.

It’s tough because while most of us know that, 500 years ago, a German monk nailed 95 debating points onto the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany and while we know those sentences changed the world, we don’t know what they said. Let me ask: raise your hand if you memorized all 95.. how about 50? 40? 10? 1?

You see why I say remembering Reformation Day is a tough one.

Which is why most people and most churches often end up saying: ‘What Martin Luther did was very nice, and we’re glad he did what he did, but it was a long time ago and it doesn’t have much to do with us. We live 500 year after Luther pounded his nails and asking people to remember some nail pounding for 500 years is asking too much.

Besides, 500 years has changed things. Nowadays it seems like most religions are getting along… and if they’re not, at least nobody has started a 30 or 100 year war recently.

Which explains why Reformation Day is hard to remember and why we’re going to make it easy.

See our passage above? Scripture is clear, just as there is only one God; there is only one Mediator Who can get us into heaven. At the time of Luther the church was teaching there were two mediators; Jesus and the church. Luther’s 95-debating points said, “This doesn’t make sense to me. On the basis of Scripture can someone please clarify?”

When nobody could give a good explanation, Luther said, “This doctrine of Christ Alone is important to remember.” And he did… just as we should.
​
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in Ephesians (1:7) it says, “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Help us remember that all important truth: we are saved by Christ alone.. In the Savior’s Name we pray. Amen. 

TITLE: Asgardia
DATE: October 30, 2018                                                                                                                                                     
TEXT: Revelation 7:9-11 (ESV) 9  After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10  and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

THE TIME; JUNE, 2018

THE PLACE: VIENNA AUSTRIA AT THE HOFBURG, ’THE FORMER IMPERIAL PALACE

THE NOTABLE QUOTE: “This day will certainly be recorded in the annals of the greatest events in the history of humankind.”

Now I’m willing to go out on a limb here and say you probably missed the great event. I know I did.

Yes, it’s true, I missed Igor Ashurebyli, former Russian engineer, computer scientist, businessman and newly elected leader announce that his country, Asgardia, the first space nation of united humankind had been born.

Founded a year-and-a-half ago, Asgardia now boasts over 200,000 citizens who hail from countries all over the globe. These folks have become proud members of the nation of Asgardia and hope it makes good on its promises in regard to the future.

What kind of promises?

1. In ten years Asgardia hopes to have built permanent space arks where, with artificial gravity, people can live permanently,
2. In 25 years it is Asgardia’s desire to build a permanent space station on the moon. 

At the present time you can become a member of Asgardia by applying online for free. Eventually, according to Ashurbeyli, and if parliament approves, applicants may have to take an IQ test and there may be a “citizenship fee” of 100-Euros a year.

Now I know all of this talk about Asgardia is supposed to sound pretty impressive… and if I had never read the book of Revelation, I might have been overwhelmed and asked where I could apply to become part of Asgardia.

But the truth is this: because of the Savior’s sacrifice; because of the faith planting power of the Holy Spirit I am already a citizen of God’s kingdom of grace… and someday will be a member of the kingdom of glory.

These kingdoms, God’s kingdoms, are composed of peoples from all times and all places.  We are a Divine melting pot of once-sinful souls who have been cleansed by the Redeemer’s blood. These kingdoms, God’s kingdoms have doors that are opened not because of what we can pay, or how smart we are. They are opened because of God’s grace and the Savior’s sacrifice.

Oh,…there’s one other thing… this heavenly kingdom where I have my citizenship… it’s going to last longer…a whole lot longer than is Asgardia.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice that You have, in Your love, called me from damnation to salvation. As I live my life and see humankind’s many exploits and conquests, may I remember that You and You alone can save lost souls. In Jesus’ Name I ask. Amen.

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one carried by Reuters on June 25, 2018 . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-kingdom/space-kingdom-seeks-citizens-for-life-beyond-earth-very-soon-idUSKBN1JL2MC
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

​TITLE: Heads or Tails
DATE: October 29, 2018
TEXT: Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV) 4  “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. 

“It’s not fair!” 

Sooner or later I guess all of us conclude life’s not fair. When we were young it wasn’t fair that our older siblings got to stay up later than we did. It wasn’t fair the other kids got more allowance AND they didn’t have to do chores. It wasn’t fair that one kid was more popular; and it wasn’t fair when the whole class got punished for the transgressions of one misbehaving student. 

As we got older many things changed, but the unfairness factor remained constant. It wasn’t fair the other guy started on the athletic team; it wasn’t fair the other girl was picked to be a cheerleader. It wasn’t fair when a rival was admitted to the college to which we had applied. It certainly wasn’t fair the guy at the next desk got our promotion. 

It’s not fair. That’s humanity’s complaint….and, you know what, sometimes life isn’t…fair, that is

As an example I point to the case of Sarah Webb who did some serious speeding because she was late for work. Two female police officers from Georgia caught her on radar and pulled her over. The officers laughed as they debated, “Should we arrest her?”, or “Should we just give her a ticket and let her go?” Eventually they decided to flip a coin. 

If the coin landed heads, Sarah would be arrested; if the toss showed tails, Sarah would go free. 

Well, Sarah lost the flip and the officers wrote her up. 

Then, Atlanta News Station 11 heard of a movie showing the unfairness which had overtaken Sarah. Sarah saw the film, as did the public. A judge ordered all the charges against Sarah to be dropped. And the police, they were placed on paid, Administrative leave while they Department decided on their course of action. 

Yes, sometimes life isn’t fair. 

But don’t say unfairness is an attribute of the Triune God. I’m not saying you will always understand His decisions; you may not even agree with the things He does. Indeed, I am willing to guarantee. There most certainly will be times you won’t always agree with His rulings. Even so, you can trust the Lord to be as fair as fair can be.  

Indeed, I can only think of one time, and with one Person, where God’s justice was redirected. No, God’s justice didn’t go away… it was redirected. Naturally I am speaking of Jesus and His Divinely mandated mission in which He came to earth so that He might seek and save the lost. The prophet Isaiah speaks clearly about that redirection of justice: 

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;  he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?”

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, my Savior’s life was spent keeping the laws I have broken and resisting the temptations which have tripped me up. Grant that I may rejoice in Your grace which sent Jesus to offer Himself as my ransom. In His precious Name I pray. Amen. 

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Andrew Hay for Reuters on July 14, 2018 . Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-georgia-police-coinflip/georgia-police-use-coin-toss-to-decide-whether-to-arrest-woman-idUSKBN1K410R

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. It is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

​TITLE: Getting Even
DATE: October 28, 2018
TEXT: 1 John 4:7-9 (ESV) 7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 

Pollsters have been asking the people of London: “What bothers you most about living in the city?” The most popular answers are: 
     1. The slowness of the train system
     2. The price of providing a place to live and  
     3. The continuous political fighting over Britain’s decision to leave the Common Market

The greatest difficulty is the average British Oliver and Olivia feels there is nothing he, or she, can do to change things for the better. They feel frustrated and trapped by sad situations and negative circumstances.  

Understanding the frustration, Marc Diaper, boss of the fitness company Gymbox, decided to make a difference… a difference which he believes will help relieve people’s worries and calm their troubled hearts. 

Mr. Diaper’s solution was to create a number of physical activity stations which were designed to make people feel they weren’t so helpless after all. Using the services of a man whose resume says he is an anger management expert AND a fitness instructor, they designed a work out which was most unusual. Included in their regimen were items like….
     • Punching bags which sport the likeness of a famous, and for many people, an unpopular political figure. 
     • Large photos of infamous leaders placed on the floor so the exercisers can drop heavy medicine balls on them. 

The folks who put the program together explained, “We thought, what better way to actually release frustration and anger than (to) actually punch your most hated politician in the face on a punch(ing) bag.”

And does it work? 

The organizers maintain, “(People) They are leaving our classes feeling relieved, lighter and (at the same time) they do something good for themselves, they work on their body.” Their opinion was supported by one lady who said, “I have a problem to get my student loan because of Brexit, so today I really take out my frustration on this whole situation and I feel really good.”

Looking at the program, I have to confess, it is an interesting concept. Then, having paged through Scripture I have to add, “I can’t find anything in the Bible which supports that kind of action. 

Moses didn’t put Pharaoh’s face on a punching bag and David didn’t bounce rocks off a likeness of Goliath’s face drawn on a wall. Samson didn’t have much use for the Philistines, but you won’t find him working out in the gym so that he might redirect his negativity. 

Indeed, the Lord tells us to get rid of our anger, frustration and pent up fears by walking in the footsteps of the Savior. When we look to Jesus, the Author of our faith, we will see the Redeemer continuously reaching out to those who did their best to destroy Him and short-circuit His message of salvation. His love was so strong, at the Last Supper He tried to warn His betrayer, and from the cross He forgave those who put Him there. 

In that spirit, John encourages all who have been loved, rescued and redeemed by the Christ to put a lid on hatred and set free Divinely inspired love. 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is the Savior’s sacrifice and victory which have changed my life. May He also change my attitude toward those who do their best to destroy the God-given peace which Passes human understanding. In the Savior’s Name I pray. Amen.  
​
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Helena Williams for Reuters on September 28, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-fitness/boris-and-brexit-gym-punchbags-help-londoners-vent-their-rage-idUSKCN1M80E7

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

​Mark 10:14-16 (ESV) 14  But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16  And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
 
While I’ve done a lot of traveling in my time, I have yet to take a River or Ocean cruise with Viking.
 
That’s maybe a sadness, since it appears they are pretty good at what they do. Indeed, the travel industry seems to be tripping all over itself to heap accolades upon the cruise giant. The Viking website tells me they have been awarded…

• .Travel and Leisure magazine has awarded them the “World’s Best” title nine out of ten years.

 

• Conde Nast Traveler his decided they are the #1 River Cruise line in the world.,

 

• USA Today has said they are the Best River Cruise company for the last three years.

 
If you read travel newspapers and magazines you will be overwhelmed with awards and titles like:  “Best New River Ships,” “Best River Cruise Itineraries,” “Best Enrichment,” “Best Shore Excursions,” and “Best for First-Timers.”
 
Oh, there’s one other award Viking cruises has also earned. They have the strictest age policy in the travel industry. What does that mean? It means, if you aren’t over the age of 18, you can request permission to come aboard a Viking ship as a passenger… you can request it, but you aren’t going to get it.
 
It seems that misbehaving children have ruined the atmosphere of the ship and passengers have complained enough that the little ones no longer are going to be offered a berth.
 
Now I suppose that’s OK for a river cruise company. Generally speaking, most people who travel on Viking are over the age of 50, and children have always been in short supply on thoese ships. That’s why reporters were able to conclude the new policy isn’t going to cost Viking cruises a whole lot of business.
 
I doubt if the same thing can be said in regard to churches who look with disapproval on their children who are not always on their best behavior during worship. Oh, I know… no Christian adult would ever SAY anything to a parent whose little one is misbehaving… but those icy stares flashed from an upset adult worshipper to a parent speaks volumes.
 
The end result is parents conclude they will keep their children home until they’re old enough to know how to behave. Unfortunately, the children don’t learn how to behave… they, with their parents, learn how to stay away from worship. Without children, the congregational worship service does become quiet, reverential…and the congregation gets older.
 
All-in-all that’s a pretty poor commentary on the church which follows the Savior Who picked up the little children in His arms and blessed them. Which is why I suggest…

• Rather than “killer looks” we offer supportive words to our worshipping young families.

 

• Rather than filling up the “baby benches” with latecomers, we save them for the youngsters.

 

• Rather than condemning a baby’s cry, we start to think of it as training for a future choir member.

 
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You picked up the little children and blessed them. Grant that we, as Your followers, may have a place of worship where every sinner can find welcome and peace. This we ask in the Redeemer’s Name Amen.
 
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Rob Quinn for Newser on September 5, 2018. Those who wish to reference this article may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written  http://www.newser.com/story/264196/cruise-line-says-kids-no-longer-welcome.html

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TTEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV) 3  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures
 
Last month Jeremy and Krista got married in St. Paul Park, Minnesota.
 
Since Jeremy is a volunteer firefighter in that community they felt it was only fitting for them to get hitched in the local firehouse. As they talked about the pros and cons of the fire-station venue, the couple recognized there was the possibility the ceremony or the reception might be interrupted by a fire call. After discussion, they decided they were ready to take that risk. Krista gave the final ruling when she said, if a fire call comes “You can let the other guys go, you’re not leaving our wedding.”
 
To make a long story short, the wedding ceremony went off without a hitch. The “I do’s”, the rings and the vows were successfully exchanged.  It was only when the official photographs were being taken that the bell rang. A house was on fire… and calls were going out to all the fire departments.
 
Those departments were being told, ‘Send all the trucks and personnel you’ve got.”
 
Krista and Jeremy looked at each other and made a decision. Krista, whose own family had lost a house to fire said, “Go ahead and go, babe, you’re fine. Just go help them and come back when you can.” Jeremy took off his wedding togs and donned his firefighter garb. He says, “I stepped on the first truck that was heading out.” Jeremy returned two-hours-later, in time for their wedding dance before their approving guests.
 
Looking back, Krista commented, “I’ve got the rest of my life with him, they needed him for that moment.”
 
I like that attitude. Their words and actions showed the couple knows how to keep first things first. They know what is “of first importance.”
 
Saint Paul used that expression, “of first importance” when he wrote to the church in Corinth.
 
And if you’re wondering what was the primary thing the Apostle felt he had to share with those folks, you need to look closely at the next line. There Paul reminds them that he had told them:
 

• Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,

 

• that he was buried, 

​

•  that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

In a few short words, Paul sums up the suffering and the sacrifice of the Savior. He reminds his readers that Jesus died for our sins and then, three days later conquered death and grave with His glorious resurrection.
 
But there’s more. Twice in one sentence Paul emphasizes everything Jesus did was according to “the Scriptures.” Paul was telling them, and us, we can be sure Jesus is our Savior because He fulfilled all the Old Testament markers the prophets had set up to make the identification of the Messiah a certain and sure thing.
 
And so it is.
 
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many forces pulling us one way and pushing us another. May we be given the wisdom to know that following the Savior is of first importance and everything else comes a distant second. In the Savior’s Name we ask it. Amen.
 
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the editors of Newser on September 27, 2018 Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following links, which were fully functional at the time this devotion was written http://www.newser.com/story/265176/he-left-his-bride-before-the-first-dance-she-told-him-to-go.html. 
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

..NOTE: IN THIS DEVOTION JESUS’ IMAGINED WORDS ARE IN RED.”
TITLE: $1,500,000,000
DATE: October 23, 2018

TEXT: Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) 19  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

While I have been given no special insight into the conversations which go on in heaven, I imagine the following discussion might have happened.  The story begins with the Archangel Michael approaching the Savior with a question. 

He begins, “Master, our agents in the United States have reported some kind of unique phenomenon. It seems that, all over the country, great crowds of people are standing in long, long lines to buy some small papers with numbers on them. Just as notable: Many conversations are beginning with the words, “If you win, what will you buy?”Dear Jesus, do you have an explanation?” 

Jesus thought for a moment and said, “Ah, yes, Michael, that would be the lottery.” “And, Lord, just what is a lottery?”, Michael quickly queried. 

“Michael, a lottery is where people spend their money in the remote hope that they might win a whole lot of money. The chances of an individual winning are incredibly small, but, as your agents report, that doesn’t stop people from trying.” 
“Lord, suppose, just suppose, they did win. What would they do with all that money?” Gabriel asked. 

“Oh, that’s easy. They would buy stuff.” “What kind of stuff?”, Gabriel wanted to know. “All kinds of stuff:”, Jesus responded. “Some would .try to buy security; or peace of mind, or time. Many others would content themselves in the buying of things. One way or another, they would all use this money to try and transform their dreams and longings into realities.” 

Gabriel mulled over what he had heard. He continued with a new set of questions. “Can money really do all those things? “No”, said Jesus, “but most don’t know that. At least not yet.”

 Jesus continued, “I’m Divine and know everything, but that fact has always seemed a bit surprising to Me.  If people look at their rich rock stars, their movie idols, their millionaires and billionaires, it ought to be pretty obvious these folks aren’t all that happy. It ought to be equally apparent that the things money can buy have some serous limitations. “

Gabriel responded, “Is that why we warn them not to pin all their hopes on stuff which rusts, which can be stolen, which wears out, loses its value and has a short shelf life?” “That’s why”, Jesus agreed.

Before he left the Lord’s presence, Gabriel said, “Master, one last question? Do you think there will ever come a time when people will line up just as eagerly to hear the salvation story? I mean, with Your suffering, death and resurrection, You have given forgiveness and salvation to all who believe. Those are gifts worth far more than two billion dollars. More than that, these blessings don’t cost them anything. Then, to top it off, Your gifts are eternal. They will never lose their value.” 

Realizing the length of his questions, Gabriel summed up all he had asked with these simple words, “Will people ever be as eager for Your gifts as they are for these earthly treasures?”

“Some will” Jesus said. “They will when the Holy Spirit touches them. When that happens, they will know the truth and that truth will set them free. On that day they will know their true treasure is found only with faith in Me and not on a piece of paper from the 7-11.” 
​
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, someone is going to win a lot of money. May the love of that money not destroy him. There are many who will win nothing in the lottery. Help them see the truly valuable things of life are the imperishable gifts which have been bought by the Savior’s sacrifice. In His Name we pray. Amen. 

​TITLE: Getting Even
DATE: October 28, 2018
TEXT: 1 John 4:7-9 (ESV) 7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 

Pollsters have been asking the people of London: “What bothers you most about living in the city?” The most popular answers are: 
     1. The slowness of the train system
     2. The price of providing a place to live and  
     3. The continuous political fighting over Britain’s decision to leave the Common Market

The greatest difficulty is the average British Oliver and Olivia feels there is nothing he, or she, can do to change things for the better. They feel frustrated and trapped by sad situations and negative circumstances.  

Understanding the frustration, Marc Diaper, boss of the fitness company Gymbox, decided to make a difference… a difference which he believes will help relieve people’s worries and calm their troubled hearts. 

Mr. Diaper’s solution was to create a number of physical activity stations which were designed to make people feel they weren’t so helpless after all. Using the services of a man whose resume says he is an anger management expert AND a fitness instructor, they designed a work out which was most unusual. Included in their regimen were items like….
     • Punching bags which sport the likeness of a famous, and for many people, an unpopular political figure. 
     • Large photos of infamous leaders placed on the floor so the exercisers can drop heavy medicine balls on them. 

The folks who put the program together explained, “We thought, what better way to actually release frustration and anger than (to) actually punch your most hated politician in the face on a punch(ing) bag.”

And does it work? 

The organizers maintain, “(People) They are leaving our classes feeling relieved, lighter and (at the same time) they do something good for themselves, they work on their body.” Their opinion was supported by one lady who said, “I have a problem to get my student loan because of Brexit, so today I really take out my frustration on this whole situation and I feel really good.”

Looking at the program, I have to confess, it is an interesting concept. Then, having paged through Scripture I have to add, “I can’t find anything in the Bible which supports that kind of action. 

Moses didn’t put Pharaoh’s face on a punching bag and David didn’t bounce rocks off a likeness of Goliath’s face drawn on a wall. Samson didn’t have much use for the Philistines, but you won’t find him working out in the gym so that he might redirect his negativity. 

Indeed, the Lord tells us to get rid of our anger, frustration and pent up fears by walking in the footsteps of the Savior.

When we look to Jesus, the Author of our faith, we will see the Redeemer continuously reaching out to those who did their best to destroy Him and short-circuit His message of salvation. His love was so strong, at the Last Supper He tried to warn His betrayer, and from the cross He forgave those who put Him there. 

In that spirit, John encourages all who have been loved, rescued and redeemed by the Christ to put a lid on hatred and set free Divinely inspired love. 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is the Savior’s sacrifice and victory which have changed my life. May He also change my attitude toward those who do their best to destroy the God-given peace which Passes human understanding. In the Savior’s Name I pray. Amen.  

The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Helena Williams for Reuters on September 28, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-fitness/boris-and-brexit-gym-punchbags-help-londoners-vent-their-rage-idUSKCN1M80E7

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

​TITLE: Getting Even
DATE: October 28, 2018
TEXT: 1 John 4:7-9 (ESV) 7  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9  In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 

Pollsters have been asking the people of London: “What bothers you most about living in the city?” The most popular answers are: 
     1. The slowness of the train system
     2. The price of providing a place to live and  
     3. The continuous political fighting over Britain’s decision to leave the Common Market

The greatest difficulty is the average British Oliver and Olivia feels there is nothing he, or she, can do to change things for the better. They feel frustrated and trapped by sad situations and negative circumstances.  

Understanding the frustration, Marc Diaper, boss of the fitness company Gymbox, decided to make a difference… a difference which he believes will help relieve people’s worries and calm their troubled hearts. 

Mr. Diaper’s solution was to create a number of physical activity stations which were designed to make people feel they weren’t so helpless after all. Using the services of a man whose resume says he is an anger management expert AND a fitness instructor, they designed a work out which was most unusual. Included in their regimen were items like….

     • Punching bags which sport the likeness of a famous, and for many people, an unpopular political figure. 
     • Large photos of infamous leaders placed on the floor so the exercisers can drop heavy medicine balls on them. 

The folks who put the program together explained, “We thought, what better way to actually release frustration and anger than (to) actually punch your most hated politician in the face on a punch(ing) bag.”

And does it work? 

The organizers maintain, “(People) They are leaving our classes feeling relieved, lighter and (at the same time) they do something good for themselves, they work on their body.” Their opinion was supported by one lady who said, “I have a problem to get my student loan because of Brexit, so today I really take out my frustration on this whole situation and I feel really good.”

Looking at the program, I have to confess, it is an interesting concept. Then, having paged through Scripture I have to add, “I can’t find anything in the Bible which supports that kind of action. 

Moses didn’t put Pharaoh’s face on a punching bag and David didn’t bounce rocks off a likeness of Goliath’s face drawn on a wall. Samson didn’t have much use for the Philistines, but you won’t find him working out in the gym so that he might redirect his negativity. 

Indeed, the Lord tells us to get rid of our anger, frustration and pent up fears by walking in the footsteps of the Savior. When we look to Jesus, the Author of our faith, we will see the Redeemer continuously reaching out to those who did their best to destroy Him and short-circuit His message of salvation. His love was so strong, at the Last Supper He tried to warn His betrayer, and from the cross He forgave those who put Him there. 

In that spirit, John encourages all who have been loved, rescued and redeemed by the Christ to put a lid on hatred and set free Divinely inspired love. 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is the Savior’s sacrifice and victory which have changed my life. May He also change my attitude toward those who do their best to destroy the God-given peace which Passes human understanding. In the Savior’s Name I pray. Amen.  
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The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by Helena Williams for Reuters on September 28, 2018. Those who wish to reference those articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-fitness/boris-and-brexit-gym-punchbags-help-londoners-vent-their-rage-idUSKCN1M80E7

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

NOTE: IN THIS DEVOTION JESUS’ IMAGINED WORDS ARE IN RED.”
TITLE: $1,500,000,000
DATE: October 23, 2018

TEXT: Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV) 19  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

While I have been given no special insight into the conversations which go on in heaven, I imagine the following discussion might have happened.  The story begins with the Archangel Michael approaching the Savior with a question. 

He begins, “Master, our agents in the United States have reported some kind of unique phenomenon. It seems that, all over the country, great crowds of people are standing in long, long lines to buy some small papers with numbers on them. Just as notable: Many conversations are beginning with the words, “If you win, what will you buy?” Dear Jesus, do you have an explanation?” 

Jesus thought for a moment and said, “Ah, yes, Michael, that would be the lottery.” “And, Lord, just what is a lottery?”, Michael quickly queried. 

“Michael, a lottery is where people spend their money in the remote hope that they might win a whole lot of money. The chances of an individual winning are incredibly small, but, as your agents report, that doesn’t stop people from trying.” 
“Lord, suppose, just suppose, they did win. What would they do with all that money?” Michael ​asked. 

“Oh, that’s easy. They would buy stuff.” “What kind of stuff?”, Michael wanted to know. “All kinds of stuff”, Jesus responded. “Some would try to buy security; or peace of mind, or time. Many others would content themselves in the buying of things. One way or another, they would all use this money to try and transform their dreams and longings into realities.” 

Michael mulled over what he had heard. He continued with a new set of questions. “Can money really do all those things? “No”, said Jesus, “but most don’t know that. At least not yet.”

 Jesus continued, “I’m Divine and know everything, but that fact has always seemed a bit surprising to Me.  If people look at their rich rock stars, their movie idols, their millionaires and billionaires, it ought to be pretty obvious these folks aren’t all that happy. It ought to be equally apparent that the things money can buy have some serous limitations. “

Michael responded, “Is that why we warn them not to pin all their hopes on stuff which rusts, which can be stolen, which wears out, loses its value and has a short shelf life?” “That’s why”, Jesus agreed.

Before he left the Lord’s presence, Michael said, “Master, one last question? Do you think there will ever come a time when people will line up just as eagerly to hear the salvation story? I mean, with Your suffering, death and resurrection, You have given forgiveness and salvation to all who believe. Those are gifts worth far more than two billion dollars. More than that, these blessings don’t cost them anything. Then, to top it off, Your gifts are eternal. They will never lose their value.”
 
Realizing the length of his questions, Michael summed up all he had asked with these simple words, “Will people ever be as eager for Your gifts as they are for these earthly treasures?”

“Some will” Jesus said. “They will when the Holy Spirit touches them. When that happens, they will know the truth and that truth will set them free. On that day they will know their true treasure is found only with faith in Me and not on a piece of paper from the 7-11.” 

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, someone is going to win a lot of money. May the love of that money not destroy him. There are many who will win nothing in the lottery. Help them see the truly valuable things of life are the imperishable gifts which have been bought by the Savior’s sacrifice. In His Name we pray. Amen. 

 TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 (ESV) 24  Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
 
The Department of Housing and Urban Development have gone on record saying approximately 40,000 veterans have no place to call their own. Combinations of societal, social, psychological and preferential conditions are the complex reasons given as to why veterans who have defended our country have no nightly resting place.
 
But what happens to the bodies of these veterans in death?  Do they still have nowhere to go?
 
Those were the questions asked by Gino Perez, a shop class teacher at Valley High School in Albuquerque. Perez was told there is a program, the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program, which takes care of these sad situations. The Forgotten Heroes Burial program cremates the remains.
 
Then the vets’ remains are placed in a black cardboard box and given full honors when they are buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.
 
Perez, a Navy Veteran, was appreciative that the homeless were not forgotten in death. That being said, he thought he and his students might be able to make an improvement in the burial service… at least for a few of these individuals. As an act of respect, Perez’ class constructed a number of wooden urns to take the place of the cardboard boxes.
 
It was a gesture which may not make any difference to those who are gone… but it does make a difference to those students who are being taught to respect those who made sacrifices for them.
 
Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus, a Rabbi from Nazareth, had wandered the countryside without a place to lay His head. His mission, His teachings, His life were dedicated to the temporal and eternal welfare of all humankind. Sadly, Jesus had made a great many enemies. Those who hated Him came together and orchestrated His crucifixion.
 
Unfortunately, because the Sabbath was coming, Jesus’ burial had been rushed and left incomplete.  
 
Like Perez’ class which wanted to show their respect to veterans, some women wanted to show their respect to their deceased Rabbi Whose life had been dedicated to winning their freedom from sin, death and devil. That is what took them on their pre-dawn visit to the borrowed tomb where Jesus’ corpse had been placed.
 
In the history of the world many such visits have been made by mourners to the graves of soldiers who have made special, and supreme sacrifices. In all of that history, none of those millions of mourners have ever shared the experience of those ladies.
 
Rather than finishing funeral arrangements for a dead Body, they were privileged to be among the first to see their risen Savior. Jesus of Nazareth, God’s perfect Son and our Redeemer had shown Himself to be the ultimate Victor. In His life He resisted Satan’s temptations and fulfilled every law of God the rest of humanity had broken. Then, in death, He defeated the grave. Which is why we need not show respect to a dead Jesus; instead we are able to worship our living Lord.  
 
THE PRAYER:  Dear Lord, it is right we should respect those who have given part, or all, of their lives for our earthly freedom. May we be offer our worship and praise to the Savior Who has, with His glorious resurrection, won our eternal freedom. In His Name. Amen.
 
The above devotion was inspired by a number of sources, including one written by the editors of Newser on September 19, 2018. Those who wish to reference this articles may do so at the following link, which was fully functional at the time this devotion was written http://www.newser.com/story/264823/veterans-ashes-wont-rest-in-cardboard-thanks-to-teens.html. 
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TEXT: Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) 5  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

It’s a Sunday and I hope you’re looking at this devotion before, or after, church.

You do have a church, don’t you? I remember one lady who didn’t. Pam and I were shopping at a food store when we were approached by a cart which was so filled with stuff that we couldn’t see anybody pushing. Since we couldn’t see the driver, we assumed the driver couldn’t see us. We braced ourselves for impact. The juggernaut stopped a few inches away. That’s when the pilot, a lady whom I had never seen before, stepped out, pointed a finger at me and said, “I left your church."
Now, normally I would be deeply wounded by those words. I don’t know any pastor who wouldn’t be. I tried to lighten the moment by jokingly replying, “Ma’am, if it really is my church, you’ve made a wise decision. Indeed, if it’s my church, I’ll join you. Where shall we go?”  

She ignored me and continued: "Don't you want to know why I left?" I didn’t have time to answer. She told me, “I left your church because you weren't meeting my needs". "But”, I stammered, “I don't ever remember meeting you, I know I have never talked to you. Who are you?

She told me she had been in church twice in the last two years, and ‘no, she and her family had never officially joined.’ Since her daughter was getting married next year and they needed a place for the performance, she had been ‘thinking about joining.’ Then the lady informed me that my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have her as a member had been lost because ‘I wasn’t meeting her needs.’

“You didn’t meet my needs.”

The church hears that a lot. That’s because very often, people, quite unrealistically, stumble through the church doors expecting to discover heaven has come to earth. What a disappointment it is for them to see that all church folks are not born into this world with halos, harps and wings super-glued to their shoulders.

No, we’re not perfect; but we have a Savior Who is. 20-centuries ago God’s perfect Son left heaven. When He was born in Bethlehem, He was the first perfect Person this sin-stricken world had seen since before the fall. As our Redeemer and Rescuer, Jesus’ life was marked by perfection.  

• Perfectly He kept all the commandments we could not.
• Perfectly He resisted the special, and the everyday temptations Satan placed before Him.
• Perfectly He shouldered our sins, and died the death our transgressions had earned.  
• In perfection He rose from the dead and showed to all the world, that with Holy Spirit-given faith, our souls can be clothed in the whiteness of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Now I’m not entirely sure of what happened to the lady who left my church (without ever having joined it). And although I’m fairly sure she never found a perfect church, I pray she heard the Savior’s story and remained faithful to her perfect Lord.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, as Christians we pray that You will empower us to walk ever more closely to You. Grant that our lives may be lived in such a way as to point the lost to You. In the Savior’s Name I ask it. Amen.

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago  confirmands. It is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html

TEXT: Romans 3:22b-25 (ESV) 22  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 2
 
Pam and I have been married now for 48-years. We have known each other much longer than that.
 
Indeed, the day we got married, Pam’s mother shared that I had, when I was about 3-years-old, come up to her after church and said, “Someday I’m going to marry Pamie.” Well, the point I am trying to make is this: My wife knows me… better than I do myself.
 
The question is, “How well does she know me?” Years ago, when the schedule was especially rough, I whined, “I can hardly wait until retirement.” Hearing that, Pamie laughed. “And what’s so funny?, I demanded to know.
 
She replied, “You’re going to enjoy retirement for about three weeks and then you’re going to go crazy looking for something to do.” Then she added, “And you’ll probably drive me crazy, too.”
 
Well, when I stopped my daily devotion-ing and weekly sermon-izing, she started the clock. She was confident she knew me. She knew, in three weeks, I would become a blithering, obnoxious nuisance. Well, folks, she was wrong..
 
It took TWO weeks, not three. Pamie doesn’t know me as well as she thinks
 
Of course there is Someone Who knows us, isn’t there?”
 
Come with me to the top of a skull-shaped hill which sits outside the city walls of ancient Jerusalem. If you do, you will see three men who are being crucified. Look there. Do you see that person in the middle? His Name is Jesus. Do you know why He is being crucified? There are all kinds of charges against Him.
 
But the real explanation is this: He is struggling upon that cross is because of your sin.
 
Yes, He knows your sin, and He knows you. Understand, even though He has never done anything wrong Himself, He is not a Stranger to sin. He knows you and your sin because, right now, He is carrying your sin. He knows what your sins would do if they were left unchecked and unforgiven. He saw how all your sins have condemned you to eternal damnation, a forever fire from which you could never escape.
 
 Jesus saw you, He saw your sin, and He saw what He had to do. He had to take your place.
 
Taking your place, carrying your sin is why He is dying on that cross. In your place He is dying so your conscience can no longer accuse you; so your sin no longer can condemn you. Please don’t turn away. Look and realize you are watching the most remarkable display of undeserved love this world has ever, will ever see.
 
Because of what happened here and at the borrowed tomb, the price for your sin has been paid.
 
Amazing. Jesus knew us… really knew us.. and He still did what He did.
 
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many mysteries in this world, but none is greater than the mystery of Your love. In spite of knowing my dark heart, mind and soul, You sacrificed Your Son to save me. Keep me always remembering, and thankful for Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.  
 
The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann,one of my long-ago  confirmands. It is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html
​

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TITLE: The Buzzing Stopped
 
DATE: October 16, 2018
 
TEXT 1 John 1:9 (ESV) -9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Almost is a sad word. It means things never quite worked out the way a person hoped.
 
For example, take the case of John Wilson. John Wilson wanted to have a good time, and that meant a bit of drinking. Unfortunately, John didn’t have the wherewithal to buy his liquor. “Do not worry”, said his friend. “Stop at the liquor store in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and I wall take care of the rest.”
 
And so it was that John Wilson became the driver of a getaway car holding some stolen spirits.
 
The high-speed chase which followed left the two with the realization they weren’t going to escape…at least not in a car. Having considered the options,  John and his friend-in-crime bailed out of the car and made their way into the fields and woods. It seemed like a good plan…at first.

• The police went in after the pair, but the police had no success.
• The police sent in a dog after the culprits, but the dog couldn’t find them.
• The police sent up a drone above them, but the drone couldn’t spot the pair.

 
Those following the case, including the police, were convinced the two had escaped successfully. That’s just about the time John  turned himself in. The police report John’s escape was brought to an end by….do you want to try and guess…no, you’ll never get it right… not in 100 years.
 
John turned himself in because of the swarming mosquitoes
 
The officer who did the arrest said “When we handcuffed him he asked us to wipe his forehead because he had 15-20 mosquitoes on his forehead at that time."
 
Now you and I know the buzz of a single mosquito in a bedroom can rob a person of a good night’s sleep. We know how that drone can distract us when we’re outside. We all can remember the itch which comes after a successful bite.
 
But John had been surrounded by thousands of the beasties. Their drone had sounded like a monster truck rally and the bites…. John was bitten in every conceivable part of his anatomy… sometimes more than once.  It was too much. John had no choice. He had to give himself up.
 
I don’t know if John’s predicament seems familiar to you. It certainly does to me.
 
There have been times when I have sinned and thought I had been pretty successful in doing so. After all nobody caught me, nobody saw me, nobody accused me. I had made a good getaway… or so it seemed.
 
But then, quite unexpectedly I felt a small pin prick of conscience. Something was reminding me I had done wrong. “No matter, I can live with that” I thought to myself. But that pin prick was soon joined by others. Again and again I felt my conscience pointing out my errors. Soon the little buzz had become a roar. My conscience wouldn’t let up.
 
I ended up doing the only thing I could do. I turned myself in. I did just as 1 John says I should. I confessed my sin and the Lord forgave.” Because of what the Savior had done upon the cross, my sin was erased. The buzzing of my sentience stopped. Permanently.  
 
And there is no “almost” to that.
 
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that I may remember that my peace was won at the cross. May I leave my sins there, and rejoice in the peace which comes from Jesus’ death and resurrection. In His Name. Amen.