TITLE: God Cares
DATE: December 31, 2018
TEXT: 1 Peter 5:6-7  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Those who keep track of such things say that one of the biggest problems which afflict us, especially during the holidays, is the belief that we are alone, and nobody cares about what is going to  happen to us. The feeling that we could completely disappear and nobody would notice our absence can be overwhelming.

That was certainly the situation for a man who once, quite inadvertently, upset Napoleon. In short order he was arrested and sentenced to prison.  You will notice there was no hearing; there were no witnesses called up who might defend him, or speak on his behalf.

He was arrested and jailed. 

Filled with hopelessness, he scratched the words, “Nobody cares” on the stone wall of his cell.

Then, one day, a green shoot sprouted through the cracks in the pavement of his cell floor. By sharing some of his daily water ration, the prisoner, did all he could to make sure the plant  grew. Eventually it brought forth a beautiful blue flower. As the petals opened in full blossom, the captive crossed out the words he had written.

In their stead, he now wrote: “God does.”

Now, if the story ended there, it would be fantastic…but it goes on. In the cell next to our prisoner there was a man whose daughter who was allowed to visit the jail.

• The little girl, touched by the prisoner’s love for the plant, shared his story with others.
• Eventually the news reached Empress Josephine, who, moved by the story,
• persuaded the emperor to set the prisoner free.

The prisoner was right: Most certainly God cares. That fact is so important it ought to be carved on the doorpost of every day in this New Year.

God cares. That fact, proven over and over by the life, suffering, death and resurrection of the Christ. God cares. That is a fact which needs to be constantly shared with individuals when they reach a crossroads, a challenge, a circumstance or situation which is personally painful to them.

God cares.

Yes, God cares for the widow and widower who has lost a help-meet of 50 years. He cares about the teen who feels unaccepted by classmates. He cares about the loving couple who cannot have children. He cares about the single person who wonders if he will ever find a suitable mate.

Wherever this New Year takes you; you can be at peace, , God cares.

Many years ago, our Lord showed He cared when He reached into a dungeon’s dark depths and caused a flower to blossom. Today, each of us can be at peace because our caring Lord can show his loving kindness by reaching into our dark hearts.

God cares and our hearts have no problem too great or dark that God cannot fix it through the Redeemer’s work and the Holy Spirit’s presence

 THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I cannot say what will come my way in the New Year. I do know this, because of Your ongoing presence in my life, I cannot be overwhelmed by circumstance. Especially when times are difficult. In Jesus’ Name I give thanks. Amen.

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: Sheep To The Slaughter
DATE: December 30, 2018
TEXT: John 10:11-15 – ESV -  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. -
​
On our first trip to the middle East, our guide, Samuel, said, “People from America are used to seeing the shepherd driving his sheep with a dog running around to gather up the strays. In Israel things are different. Here, the shepherd always leads the way. Just like the Bible says, ‘the sheep follow their owner because they know his voice.’”

Now Sammy was a first-class guide, and he became embarrassed when the next flock we saw had the shepherd pushing his flock along in front of him.   Our laughter prompted Sammy to approach the man and ask, “Why are you driving your sheep?” The man, and Sammy, talked for a while, in a tone and tongue that we couldn’t understand.

Finally, with a broad, smug smile, our guide returned to the group and explained, “The man says he may look like a shepherd, and he certainly dresses like a shepherd, but he’s not….

…He’s the butcher. He’s taking these sheep to the market.” 

As near as I can tell, that identity mix up has happened throughout history.

• In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve thought they were following the kindly suggestion of a friend when they listened to the snake’s subtle suggestions to sin They were wrong.
• When the Children of Israel reached the borders of the land-flowing-with-milk-and-honey they sent spies into the land to explore The people  ignored the men who trusted in the Lord and centered their attention on the spies who had been frightened by all they had seen. Following the butcher, they finished their lives in the wilderness and never gained entrance to the Promised Land.
• Samson thought he had a pretty good deal going with his girlfriend. He probably  thought her endless questioning about the source of his strength was kinda-cute. He was wrong. She was the butcher and listening to her cost him his freedom, his sight, his life.

We could, without any difficulty, continue on.

1. We could think of the young lady swept overboard by the fast-talking lothario.,
2. We can remember the pensioner who contracted for a job at a price too good to be true.
3. We could remember Nazi Germany which thought of Hitler as a savior and not as a butcher.

You will notice there are a lot of butchers who try to pass themselves off as the Shepherd. They talk a good game and sound like the real McCoy, but they are conmen, butchers.

The question is “How can you tell who is the legitimate Savior?”

The answer is a simple one shared by Jesus, Himself. He tells us, “Take a look at what the shepherd does. If he runs away, he’s not the guy you need. If He stays and gives up His life to save the sheep… well, that’s the Shepherd, the Shepherd and Savior You can trust, whom you can follow.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in this coming New Year there will be many voices calling me to go this way and sending me that way. Grant that I may ignore any and all voices which contradict You. Help me follow the Savior every day. In Jesus’ Name, I ask it. Amen.

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: A Really, Really Wicked New Year
DATE: December 29, 2018
TEXT: . Galatians 4:4-5  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,  to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
​
When I go on the internet, my computer opens three web pages which bring together the news feeds from over 200 organizations. There are organizations which specialize in Christian news, in unchristian news and in general regions movements. There are those who emphasize secular news, scientific news and made-up news. There are feeds which are political, apolitical and popular. There are those which emphasize agriculture, urban living, international trade as well as global monetary and environmental disasters.

Which is just my way of letting you know I try to keep things open so every day some idea will jump out for use in a devotion. This week I ran across one such idea, a quote. This is what it said:

“We have fallen on evil times, and the world has grown very wicked. Governments are corrupt, and even children are no longer respectful to their parents.”

At first I thought those lines were taken from some fellow who had just tossed his hat into the political arena. Of course it was possible they came from the pen of a cynic, or some critic who is discontent with our modern age.. My wife thought they had been taken from a pastor’s Sunday sermon. (I hadn’t considered that possibility.)

Well, the truth is those sentences come from none of those sources. They are translated from a clay tablet which is on display in a Turkish museum. As near as anyone can guess, the tablet dates from around 3,000 BC, which makes the writer’s opinion to be about 5,000 years old.

And the words… what do they prove? They prove many things simply do not change.

In these closing days of 2018, there are all kinds of predictions being made about the dire state of the Union and the deplorable condition of the World. Some will try to put a positive spin on the future, while others will only be  able to see gloom and doom.

As the unknown author of the tablet shows us, there will be more than enough evil to go around. The turning of the calendar’ pages will offer plenteous room for sin to succeed; for Satan and sadness to accomplish their purposes. The only things we don’t know for sure are the particulars… you know, the “how, when, who and why.”

As the writer of Ecclesiastes echoes: “There is nothing new under the sun.” Which is why, in this upcoming New Year we can be sure there  will be tragedy and terror; temptation, tribulation and heartbreak.

And we can also be sure the Triune God will still be in control. The Holy Spirit will still be sharing the story of salvation that has come through the Savior. Because of His atoning work that began in a Judean stable, and continues as He intercedes for us before God’s throne of justice, we have a peace the world cannot know.

The coming of the New Year will assure us that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, not even the coming of a new year shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, this coming year, evil will walk about this world, stalking the unsuspecting and unsaved. Thankfully we have the Savior Who has given His life to win salvation and eternal life for all who acknowledge the Savior as His own. May our days be placed into His hands. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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: Why?
DATE: December 28, 2018
TEXT: John 3:16-17 - (ESV) -  “For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
​
20-year-old Hunter Shamatt was going to his sister’s wedding in Las Vegas. Attending a special family celebration was a good thing.

When Hunter Shamatt switched planes in Las Vegas, he did so without his wallet… an error not discovered for a few hours. Losing his wallet was a bad thing.

A few days later Hunter Shamatt received a package with a note which read, “Found this on a Frontier flight from Omaha to Denver, Row 12, seat F wedged between seat and wall.” For Hunter this could have been a good or a bad moment. If his cash and cards were there, that would have been good; if his wallet was empty well, that might have been disastrous.

The letter continued, “Thought you might want it back. All the best. TB PS: I rounded your cash up to an even $100 so you could celebrate getting your wallet back. Have fun!!!"

Good news? That was magnificent news. Not only had a total stranger returned everything Hunter had lost… the stranger had added $40.00 of his own money.

The question is, ‘WHY?”

Well, I can give you an answer: The good-deed-doer was discovered. His name is Todd Brown and he works for Applied Underwriters of Omaha. When Todd was asked about his motivation he replied,  It's also a sort of habit: "When I send my mom a card, I still put a dollar in there because it feels good when you open it."

Please understand, when Todd said, “a dollar” in the above paragraph he didn’t mean that exact amount. A fellow who gives $40 to a total stranger is not going to be a cheapskate with his own mom. The point is: it’s a habit and Todd likes the results.

Some 2,000 years ago our heavenly Father sent His Son into this world to be our Savior. It was an act of love, but it was not done to help a total stranger. No, God did this gracious act for His own, lost, rebellious children. He sent His Son to be a sacrifice for those sinful, souls who had rejected and despised their Maker’s authority.

The question is, ‘Why did He do it?”

Well, I can give you an answer… and it’s not because sacrificing His Son was a habit. The sending of Jesus Christ to take away our sins was a one-time event. It had never happened before; it will never happen again. No, sending His Son as our Substitute was not a habit sort of thing.

The question still stands, ‘Why did God sent His Son?”

Well, I can give you an answer. God, Himself says “why.” He sent His Son…” in order that the world might be saved through him.”

In short, God liked the results.

And that is a good thing.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have done all which was necessary to win our forgiveness and bring us back to the family of faith. May we prove grateful for this loving act In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

The story which served as inspiration for this Daily Devo was written by the editors of Newser on December 2, 2018. The website where he article can be found is: http://www.newser.com/story/267759/his-lost-wallet-came-back-with-something-extra-inside.html?
utm_source=share&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=def
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: Death Comes Soon Enough
DATE: December 27, 2018
TEXT:  Matthew 6: 31-33 – ESV - Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
 
Here’s a shocker: odds are you  are probably going to die.

Understand, I’m not saying “FOR SURE” that you’re going to die. There are exceptions…

1. Enoch walked with God and he left this world without meeting up with death. The Old Testament prophet Elijah avoided death by hitching a ride on a fiery chariot which took him directly to heaven. Some argue the prophet Moses didn’t die.
2. Then, of course, there will be those people who will be alive when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. In His wisdom the Lord has decided that these living folks can be judged just as they are.  Which all goes to prove, there have been, and there will be exceptions to the old truism: “There’s nothing sure in this life except death and taxes.”

So, about the only thing I can say about death’s arrival is this: you don’t want to rush things along.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,  rushing death” is exactly what many people are doing. The Center shares that each day the U.S. of A. has more than 128 successful suicides.  The Center’s calculations tell them that this rise in suicide and drug overdose rates have taken the number of US deaths to a high unmatched in the last 100 years.
In other words…in 2016 an average American could expect to live to be 78.7 years but in 2017 he would reach his end a month earlier, that is, at 78.6 years.

And the greatest reason for length of life being shortened is suicide and drug overdose. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those who are aged 10-34; it is the fourth leading cause of death for those who are  35-54. Which seems unbelievable….

• because we live in a nation where the stores are packed with just about anything a person could want or need.
• because we live at a time in history when good medical care stands at the ready and the pharmacies are filled with an ever growing array of medicines to make us feel right.
• because, the people in our land have the ability to pick up the phone, break out the charge card and get an immediate scratch to every itch they can feel.

And it’s not enough.

We probably shouldn’t be surprised. Stuff can never take the place of the Savior. Ever.

You see, we are not just earthly creatures with earthly longings; we have a spiritual component, which needs the Redeemer to be made right with the Lord.  Jesus knew what He was talking about when He said  (John 10:10) - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

And if you have an abundant life in Jesus, you won’t have to rush death or fear death when it occurs.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the things of this world promise to raise our standard of living, but usually they only raise our sense of longing. Help us to recognize that with the Savior in our hearts, the rest of life can fall into perspective and find its proper place. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

The story upon which this devotion is based on a number of reports including one carried by USA Today and written by John Bacon on November 29, 2018. The website where this article is carried is: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/11/29/us-life-expectancy-suicide-50-year-peak-and-drugs-cause-death/2146829002/

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: Christmas Makes Strange Bedfellows
DATE: December 26, 2018
TEXT: Acts 2:38 - (ESV)  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
​
In the San Francisco Bay Area this year, Christmas was a community celebration.

One of the most obvious places of civic cooperation was found in a small park where hundreds of decorated Christmas trees welcomed visitors to stand in awe of  the diversity of the groups and the differences in their ornamented celebration of the Savior’s birth.

There is no doubt one of the trees getting some of the greatest attention was sponsored by Satanists from the San Francisco Bay area.

Christians at the Christmas tree display were  quick to point out that Christmas is the celebration of the Savor’s entry into this world as the Sacrifice Which would break Satan’s spiritual stranglehold on the souls of fallen sinners.

To many of the regular observers, it seemed as if the Satanic display was an insult, a poor joke, a publicity scheme or a combination of all the above. I don’t know if the Satanists weighed in on that discussion.

You see, they had a problem of their own.

The problem was: when the devil-worshippers had decided to sponsor a Christmas tree, they also decided to go “all out.” This they did by hand-crafting 140 ornaments, you know, the traditional Christmas ornaments, like pentagrams and upside-down crosses.

The Satanic worshippers have been quite upset that people seem to be stealing the ornaments from their tree. There are three different suggestions being offered to explain this malicious action:

1. Sponsors of other trees are trying to short-circuit the Satanists.
2. Some people motivated by envy, are  taking the ornaments for themselves.
3. My own opinion is: I think a pentagram, which is a five-pointed star, can just as easily be described as a “star of Bethlehem” and it doesn't take too much work to turn an upside-down cross into a right-side up cross.

After making a public service plea for the thievery to be curtailed, the Satanists added, “If this keeps up, we might have to put some kind of curse on the new ones (ornaments) – or maybe just stick something gross on the backside, we haven't decided yet.”

With that last little bit about using “curses” and “gross things” to preserve their ornaments, I believe the Satanists may have shown their true colors and revealed they may not have fully grasped the Savior or the purpose of His mission of love.

So, what shall we do with the devil-worshippers next year when they want to put up another tree?

• We could tell them, ”No!” and end up with them suing us.
• We could “lose their paperwork” until December 26th.
• We could give them five Christian ornaments for every one of theirs which is stolen. In this way we will slowly transform their tree and make it one of ours.
• Or… we could point out the Savior’s love is so great it even extends to those who crucified Him and those today who oppose His sacrifice done to save sinners.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Your love reaches out to sinners in every time and location. Today we ask you to touch those who have pledged their allegiance to Satan. Let them realize, while there is time, that Jesus is the only Mediator Who can bring them to the Father, forgiveness and salvation. In the Redeemer’s Name I pray. Amen.

The article which inspired this devotion was written by Kayla Kosloski and carried by Christian Headlines on November 29, 2018. The article can be found at this address: https://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/satanic-bay-area-group-warns-christmas-tree-park-visitors-to-stop-stealing-their-ornaments.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

 

TITLE: A Savior For The World… And You
DATE: December 25, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 9: 6-7 – ESV - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,     and his name shall be called[e] Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace  there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore..

It was in the 1800’s when a poor, little girl from London had gathered up her courage and brought together all her resolve.
Why? Simple, she was going to go to worship on Christmas Day.

It took courage because she was not dressed properly like the others who worshiped in the large congregation that day. It took all her resolve because she had never been taught the many fine points of Theology and therefore, she was embarrassed.

Truth be told, all her courage almost failed her when, before worship, she saw the fine-robed pastor standing outside the great doors of the cathedral. He was welcoming the worshipers, but she didn’t know that. Indeed, she would have slipped away and gone home if he hadn’t called out to her.

Visiting with her, he quickly shared the message of the angels: Jesus was good news for all people, including her. Then he asked if she wanted him to pray for her. Without looking up, she nodded, and begged, “But don’t mention my name.”

It was a great Christmas Day worship, and all heard of the birth of the Redeemer.

The pastor preached on how Jesus had come for all of humanity. Then, when the service was coming to a conclusion, the pastor stood before the altar and prayed: "O Lord, there is a little girl who does not want her name known, but You know her. Secure her special soul." The congregation was respectfully silent, as is proper during a prayer, but then, from way back in the sanctuary was heard a pleading, little voice.

The little girl was on her feet saying, "Please, it's me Jesus, it's me. I’m that little girl."

How close each of us are to this little child.


No matter if we are young or old, rich or poor, wise or foolish, like her, we come to Jesus, unsure, afraid, dirty, doubting and unworthy. Yet, in spite of our shortcomings, the Spirit reaches out, encourages us, welcomes us to hear, once again, the good News of great joy which has come for all the billions of people in this world.

As we gather before the manger to look at the Christ Child, we realize that He also sees us.

But His eyes do not focus on billions of people. He looks at each of us, as individuals. True man and God, He knows my sins, my sadness, my despair. Kneeling in awe of such grace each of us can whisper, “Please, it’s me, Jesus, it’s me. I’m the little girl, the little boy, You have come to save.”

And, like that little girl, we know it is so. Jesus has arrived to seek and save the Lost. He has come for all people, but ….but the Savior is especially here for me.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus… there may be many presents under the tree but You have always been, and always will be, the best Present of all. Let me always remember, You were born to save me. In Your Name I pray. Amen.  

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: Alone on Christmas
DATE: December 24, 2018
TEXT: Luke 2:10  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
​
They lived at a time when nobody understood germs, bacteria or sanitation.

That is why, when the Black Death came to Goldberg, Silesia, before Christmas of 1353, the people were petrified. They knew that in many places, the plague had killed one out of every four people. Some cities had been filled with the dead. Historians, writing about those times said, “All lived in awful fear someone might breathe upon them or touch them.”

No one went out. No one knew who was dead or alive…. or if anyone was alive.

Fear of contamination in Goldberg continued until Christmas Eve. On that night, a man ventured out of his house. He thought he was the only survivor in the entire city. Every house he passed was filled with memories of those he had loved or with whom he had done business.

Knowing it was Christmas Eve, he put aside his loneliness and fear of illness and raised his voice to sing a Christmas hymn.

 A great and mighty wonder,
a full and holy cure!
the Virgin bears the Infant
with virgin-honor pure:

Refrain:
Repeat the hymn again:
'To God on high be glory,
and peace on earth to men.'

As his song of praise rang into the night’s stillness, another voice, from behind a door, echoed his own. Then a woman joined him in the street. Their songs brought forth strange echoes, and 25 survivors, all that were left of the town, came and sang of the love of God shown to them in Jesus, the Savior.

4 Since all he comes to ransom,
by all be he adored,
the Infant born in Bethl'em,
the Savior and the Lord:

Refrain:
Repeat the hymn again:
'To God on high be glory,
and peace on earth to men

Although the Black Death is no longer the threat it once was, the world is still filled with spiritual disease.

Prejudice, hatred, injustice, dishonesty, greed, lust, idolatry infect human hearts with the damning disease of sin. Like the residents of Goldberg, we are helpless to find a cure or a preventative. Even though we are surrounded by thousands of people, many still lock themselves away in loneliness.

No, we could not come up with a cure on our own; but just because we were helpless, that doesn’t mean that the gracious Lord was in the same helpless predicament.

Indeed, the Christ’s presence on the human stage some 2,000 years ago brings us the message which says, “God cares.”

The Christmas angel announced the birth of Immanuel who was “Good news of great joy for ALL people.” His proclamation shared a Savior Who would tear down the barriers of evil which divide us.

 Jesus is the Savior Whose love transforms sinners into saints, the damned into the delivered. By His sacrificial love He aids those who are ailing and gives hope to those who are hurting.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in this quiet moment accept my thanks that I am never alone. Surrounded by Your love, may I share Your grace with others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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: Wanted: Dead or Alive
DATE: December 23, 2018
TEXT: Luke 2:10  - ESV - 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
​
In the 1700’s, a deadly plague came to a small village in Lithuania.

The most obvious symptom of the pestilence was this: immediately upon contracting the illness the person fell into a death-like coma. Although a small percentage survived, most victims succumbed within 24 hours. The great problem was this, the medical personnel couldn’t tell if someone was dead or alive.

Nobody got too concerned, until it was revealed one of the sick had been buried alive.

A town meeting was quickly called to decide how to prevent a repetition of the tragedy. Two solutions were proposed. The first was: put food and water in every casket and provide an air hole to the surface. Using that air hole, a revived individual could call for help.

Everyone knew, this would be time consuming and costly, but worthwhile if it saved lives.

The second solution was faster, easier and less expensive.

This second group suggested every casket be equipped with a giant spike which would be located in the lid of the casket, directly above the heart of the “dearly beloved.” One group wanted everyone to be able to escape from the grave, the other wanted to be sure everybody stays in their grave.  

Since Adam and Eve first fell into sin, there has been a similar battle for our souls’ eternal end.

Two ideas have been put forth: the first suggests, and demands, that sinners, without exception, should die temporally and eternally as the penalty price for their sins. The other proposal comes from the Lord Who desires all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Of course the Father’s plan is far more costly than the other. This plan calls for a great payment to be made to buy back our souls. That payment, as we are blessed to know, came from the sacrifice of the life of God’s own Son.

To make the reconciliation between God and man into a reality, the Christ, true Man and true God, was born in Bethlehem. In that ancient town of prophecy, Jesus began His life which would fulfill every commandment and resist every temptation until it ended in His substitutionary sacrifice on Calvary’s cross…  and in the victory of Resurrection morn.

This our Lord willingly did so the grave would lose its sting and death would forfeit its victory.

Today, because God's plan has been finished, the words of the Christmas angel find a truth which truly is good news of great joy for all people, in every place, in ever time. We have good news which says, ‘we can live forever, because of the newborn King.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for Your gracious promise and plan which was designed to save sinful humanity. Let me rejoice in the fulfillment of that plan which is free to me, but costly to the Christ Who had to die so I might live. Finally, this day I pray for the many millions who still do not know; who do not believe; who are not saved. Touch their hearts, O Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

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: Misinformed, Misunderstood, Mistaken
DATE: December 22, 2018
TEXT: 1 Peter 3:15 - (ESV)-15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

Jennifer Sinclair is the principal of Manchester Elementary School in Nebraska.

Recently she wrote to her staff and said, “I come from a place that Christmas and the like are not allowed in schools, as over the years in my educational career, this has evolved into the expectation for all educators.“ What she was saying is, “My background doesn’t allow for Christmas to be celebrated and nether should yours.”

Then Jennifer shared a list of Christmas things which were going to be off limits for her teachers. Banned items included Santa’s, Christmas trees, “Elf on the Shelf,” singing Christmas Carols, playing Christmas music, Candy Canes and reindeer, homemade ornament gifts, Christmas movies and red and green items.

Of course, our enthusiastic Principal didn’t just share a list of things which were forbidden; she also encouraged her teachers to use innocuous, and politically correct, winter-type symbols like: polar bears, penguins and the character Olaf from the movie Frozen.

Hearing of what was happening, Liberty Counsel from Maitland, Florida write a letter to the Superintendent of Jennifer’s school. The letter didn’t call for anybody to be fired or punished. On the contrary, the letter assumed the Principal was well -intentioned, but had been misinformed. All the letter tried to do was clear up some common misconceptions and set the record straight.

So you might know what the real rules are, I share a few high points:

1. The 1st Amendment does not demand secular and religious Christmas symbols be banished from our public schools.
2. There is no law which stops state schools from teaching objectively about religion or religious holidays.
3. No law stops state schools from celebrating the Christmas holiday with a program which has a mix of secular and religious songs.
4. Nothing stops state school music programs from having a mixed balance of sacred and secular songs relating to the Christmas holiday.
5. The law supports, and doesn’t prohibit classroom assignments which have a connection to Christmas.”

Now I don’t know about you, but the flexibility of that list was a real eye-opener to me. You see, I, too had been misinformed. I was under the opinion just mentioning Jesus could get a teacher drawn-and-quartered. Not so. By law, and hopefully by their supervisors, teachers are given a fair degree of latitude in sharing Christmas and the Christ.

They may not be able to preach a sermon, or say a prayer, but just explaining the names Jesus and Christ could go a long way in making some introductions to the Savior Who was born to save us from ourselves.  

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I give thanks for Christian teachers. They may be in a parochial school, or a state school. They may give of themselves in Sunday School or at a Bible Class. Bless their use of time and energy so their classes may be blessed and all may see the Savior’s love most clearly . In  Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Michael Foust for Christian Headlines on December 5, 2018 . Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/school-bans-santa-christmas-trees-candy-canes-and-the-colors-red-and-green.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

 

TITLE: Nothing Lasts Forever.., or does it?
DATE: December 21, 2015
TEXT: Luke 1:46, 47, 52 - And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
​
About 1,200 years ago, the emperor over most of Europe was a fellow by the name of Charlemagne. He was the kind of fellow who looked like an Emperor and many in his kingdom acted as if he were a sports hero, movie star and popular politician all rolled up into one.

That being said, even Emperors are not invulnerable to the ravages of time.

Knowing the clock was winding down for him, Charlemagne gave orders for his funeral. He instructed that:

1. He be buried with a Bible,
2. his sword was to be placed alongside him,
3. the imperial crown should be on his head, and the royal mantle draped over his shoulders.

Every request was fulfilled and the emperor (or what was left of him) stayed that way for about 180 years. When his tomb was opened, his skeleton was intact, his skull still sported the crown, and a bony finger was pointing to Matthew 16: 26 which reads, “ “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Most of Charlemagne’s bones were reburied, although some were given out as relics (and even now scientists are examining some of his bones taken from the tomb.)

Which is a long of getting to the theme of this devotion which says: people die. The toughest, the richest, the bravest, the most famous. Sooner or later they die. Indeed, it is a rare individual who can even be remembered as more than an historical footnote 100-years after he passes away.

But that is not the case with the Savior.

Shakespeare once wrote: “we occupy our brief time on life’s stage and then we’re gone.”  For most people that is true… but that is not the case for the Savior. His hometown tried to “bump Him off” and His King tried to kill Him. Numerous plots were hatched against Him. One of His closest friends betrayed Him , both His Church and government condemned Him, but Jesus did not go away.

Yes, He died, but He did not go away. Three days after His very public death, He had a very public resurrection. Which explains why, while other leaders are forgotten, each year, Jesus’ birth is celebrated by more saved souls than the year before. 2,000 years after His birth, His presence remains so powerful that our calendar revolves around His coming, and each passing day points out that no one is His equal.

Jesus’ defeat of sin, the devil and death says God is in control. He tames today’s terrors and providing hope for tomorrow’s unknowns. Only the Savior Who has conquered death can promise that those who believe on Him will not be forgotten in life or in death.

Because of Jesus, God’s good news of great joy, immortality has been achieved for all believers.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord there is very little in this life which is permanent… including each of us. I give thanks that You will never leave us, forsake us or forget us. I rejoice that Your promises will last forever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
:
The article which inspired this devotion was written by Rosella Lorenzi on February 5, 2014 for Seeker. The website where the article is found is: https://www.seeker.com/father-of-europes-bones-found-1768280980.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

TITLE: Wait As Long As You Want. He Isn’t Coming.
DATE: December 20, 2018
TEXT John 14:19 - ( ESV) - 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
​
His full name was Diya ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Adud ad-Dawlah Abu Shuja Muhammad Alp Arslan ibn Dawud.

For the purposes of this devotion, we shall call him by the name given to him by his armies: Alp Arslan or Heroic Lion.  Alb Arslan was Sultan over Iran and ruled the territory between the Tigris and Oxus river. During his rule, which has been called “Iran’s Golden Age”, he forcefully expanded the frontiers of his country to the south and the northwest. He defeated Byzantium on the field of battle and managed to enrich his nation’s coffers.

Understandably, Alp Arslan was immensely popular and when he died a great many stories and legends about him began to be told. Not long after his official burial, certain “prophets” promised that the day would come when the dead Sultan would rise from his grave, mount his horse and lead his nation to new conquests and even greater glory.

 So strong was this belief, that beginning in the year 1072, a thoroughbred horse, complete with saddle and groom, was placed at the front of Alp Arslan’s tomb at the Mosque of Kuchan. Over the years horses and grooms kept a steady wait. They had been on duty 420 years when Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. They had been waiting for 700 years when the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Centuries came and centuries went as people waited for Alp Arslan to take up the reins of both horse and government. Today the dream of Alp Arslan’s return has become a fairytale for children rather than the centerpiece of hope for those wait with longing.

You know, Daily Devotioners, it is a sad thing for people to place their hope for the future in a dead deliverer.  It is a dangerous thing for folks to put their faith for eternity in temporal things, fleeting things like power, position, possessions, property or other people.

 Far better to put your faith in a real Savior, a living Redeemer.

Real  that is Who Jesus is. He is so real I challenge you to find anyone, in all of history who is like Him. His life, from His Birth in Bethlehem to His crucifixion on a Roman cross to His resurrection from a borrowed tomb are all proof positive that His predicted sin-atoning, soul-saving, hell-destroying work has successfully taken place.

Because of what Christ did on those special occasions and the perfect life He lived between those great events say He has fulfilled the cause for which He was sent.

Because of Jesus our transgressions are removed, our sins are erased and believers have a new home in heaven.

That explains why, for Christians, Christmas becomes a rejoicing that God, our heavenly Father is in control. We have in Jesus, not a dead demigod, but a living Lord, a redeeming Savior that can be approached in trials and sorrows.

When we come to the Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ of the cross, we are not speaking to a dead superstition, we are not reaching out to a made-up fairytale. No, we are approaching God’s good News of Great joy Who remains in control, continuously hearing, loving and saving.

THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, let our lives be filled with joy because Jesus has actually, physically, confronted sin, the devil and death AND, HAS WON forgiveness and eternal salvation for us. Grant us the grace to bring the story of the Savior to others who do not yet know God’s good News of great Joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
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: No Room In The HOA
DATE: December 19, 2018
TEXT: NIV - Matthew 2: 13 – “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
​
The Jeremy Morris family believes in celebrating the birth of Christ. A fair number of years ago the family put up a big display at their home in Hayden, Idaho. For five nights leading up to Christmas, from 6 to 8 PM, they would put on a Christmas event. Sure, they had candy canes and Santa and lots and lots of lights… but they also sang hymns and told the story of the Redeemer’s birth.

To see this event, visitors were charged… well, they were charged nothing. Everything was free, unless a “Roman Centurion” approached you and asked for a donation which went to a charity for kids with cancer. 

Eventually the Morris family decided to move… and take their celebration with them. It was a decision which was not well received when they moved into a new home which put them under the direction of the West Hayden Estates Homeowners Association. In short order the Morris crew received a letter saying the Association didn’t want them to push “their religious beliefs on others…” 

An earlier draft of that letter had said, “And finally, I am somewhat hesitant to bring up the fact that some of our residents are avowed atheists and I don’t even want to think of the problems that could bring up … we do not wish to become entwined in any expensive litigation to enforce long-standing rules and regulations and fill our neighborhood with the riff-raff you seemed to attract over by Walmart … Grouse Meadows indeed!!! We don’t allow ‘those kind’ in our neighborhood.”

Letters like that, coupled with threats against their lives, married to people referring to them as “the enemy”, brought the matter to court. It took years before a decision was rendered, a decision which awarded the Morris family $75,000.00. The family says they are going to use that money to find a home in a neighborhood which is more Christmas friendly.

I guess the more things change the more they stay the same.

What does that mean? Well, 2,000 years ago Jesus was born in Bethlehem. It didn’t take too long before the Magi showed up in Herod’s court asking to see the “newborn King of the Jews.” Judea, Jerusalem and Bethlehem became very unfriendly places for Christmas. It didn’t take too long before the Lord told Joseph he needed to move his family to a location which was safer. 

2,000 years ago, or now… it doesn’t make much difference. The Lord doesn’t force His Son upon any one or any country. If a nation, or even a HOA doesn’t want the Savior, He will move on to a place where He is welcomed.

Maybe that’s what Jesus was talking about when He told the story of the sower. You remember, He said:
…. 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.(NIV Luke 8: 11, 12, 15)

Which takes me to the end of this devotion. I’ve got to go. Pam wants me to hang the Christmas lights.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may the Holy Spirit touch hearts, minds, and communities so they might be prepared to welcome the Christ Who has come to rescue them from sin, the devil and death. In His Name I pray. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Judd Wilson for the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press on November 22, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.cdapress.com/local_news/20181122/jury_sides_with_morris_familyin_this_unusual_christmas_story
 
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: If I Should Die Before I Wake, I Pray The Lord My Soul To Take
DATE:  December 18, 2018
TEXT: Romans 8:35, 37- (NIV) - 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
​
A long time ago I got involved in a conversation with an atheist. The only part of that conversation which I remember was this line. He said: “If I was a Christian and I really believed in hell, I wouldn’t be able to rest until everyone knew about Jesus and how faith in Him could keep me out of there.”

26-year-old John Allen Chau was a US missionary who believed in hell and in telling people how not to go there. Last month he died trying to tell hostile natives on India’s North Sentinel Island how they could be saved by faith in Jesus Christ.

Did I say he “died?” Actually, John was murdered. It was a possibility he understood. You see:

1. North Sentinel Island is populated by a tribe of people who have rejected, quite violently, all contact with the outside world.  
2. The people of North Sentinel Island have been isolated for so long they have no immunity to many illnesses. Because they are a risk to others and at risk from others,
3. It is illegal for anyone to get closer to the island than five-nautical miles.

John knew all those dangerous possibilities.

In spite of the hazard to himself and the tribe, he had five fishermen take him to the island. Right before he went, he wrote to his parents. This is what he said:
"You guys might think I'm crazy in all this, but I think it's worth it to declare Jesus to these people…."Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed. … This is not a pointless thing. The eternal lives of this tribe is at hand and I can't wait to see them around the throne of God worshipping in their own language."

To be honest I have some mixed feelings about John and his choice of missionary fields.

On the one hand I admire his dedication, his faithfulness, his sense of obligation and immediacy to the sharing of the Savior and the life eternal which comes only through the Christ. On the other hand, I question his going to a place where his presence could easily hasten this tribe’s appearance before God’s throne of justice.

I have no such reservations concerning the coming of the Christ to Bethlehem.

The only downside was this: While the Missionary John might have escaped the exploit unmolested and unharmed; for Jesus to complete His work; for Him to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies it was necessary for Him to die. From the first Jesus realized the eternal future of every man, woman and child depended on Him fulfilling the prophecies and doing the work of the promised Redeemer.

Thanks be to God, it was a job which His third-day resurrection from the dead says He completed with flying colors.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, please send the Holy Spirit to smooth out the path before Your missionaries and grant them the grace and the words to touch the hearts and minds of souls which today still need the Savior. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by John Gidman for Newser on November 18, 2018 . Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/267613/he-yelled-jesus-loves-you-the-remote-tribe-killed-him.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

 

TITLE: Good Deed Doers
DATE: December 17, 2018
TEXT: Colossians 3:17 (ESV) - 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

On January 8, 1815, 2,000 of Britain’s finest soldiers were counted as casualties at the Battle of New Orleans. The great problem is, their sacrifice was unnecessary since a peace treaty had been signed on December 24th… more than two weeks earlier. Those were the days when it took considerable time for news to travel any kind of distance.

Today, as we all know, news can be beamed into our living rooms almost instantaneously.

That makes it possible for the evening news, in ½ hour, to show us the tragedies of an auto accident in our own community; a child abuse case from the next county over; the scandal of numerous murders from our state’s biggest city, the pain of a family who has lost a son or daughter to one of the overseas conflicts in which our nation is involved; the mass grave of hundreds who were killed in a bloody civil war which is going on in half-a-dozen countries.

Yes, these videos of sorrows and sadness find their origins in one source: the sins of humankind.
​
Which explains why this devotion is so pleased to offer you the results of another kind of video. This video comes out of Milwaukee and is taken from the security camera of a Milwaukee County Transit System bus. More specifically it is the video taken on October 13th from the bus driven by Natalie Barnes.
​
If you took the time to watch that video, you would see:

1. Natalie Barnes picking up an older man who rode her entire route.
2. Natalie talking to the man at the end of her route. That is when she found out his house had been condemned and he had been homeless for the last week.
3. That is also the conversation when Natalie offered to buy some supper for the man. He declined her generosity, but accepted her invitation to ride on her bus to stay warm.
4. I know I just said the man refused a meal… but later on the video shows Natalie and her rider with some bags which appear to be food.
5. Later in the video, while she is on break, you can see Natalie calling a friend to make arrangements for the man to be in a temporary shelter.
6. Before they go their separate ways Natalie offers to get the man some necessities, if he wants them. He says, “I don’t know how to thank you.” To which Natalie replies, “I want to help you….let me know what happens….”

To the best of my knowledge, there is no video of the Savior and His life of ministry which began in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. I suppose it doesn’t really matter. The four Gospels give us some pretty good snapshots of His life and work. One day He feeds a multitude; another day He restores sight to the blind. One day He brings a dead girl back to life and another day He corrects the errors of the overly proud Pharisees.

Then, of course there are those two days… the first day shows Him carrying our sins and dying on the cross. Amazing, even there He manages to provide for His mother, forgive His murderers and provide hope for a man who is dying with Him. The second day shows Him alive, providing proof to any who would see, that He had defeated death and now was offering salvation and eternal life to all who would believe on Him as Savior.

I wish there would have been a video camera there that day. I would love to watch the world’s only Savior do the greatest good deed which has ever been done.
 
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for people like Natalie who do good deeds. May I do the same. Most of all this day I rejoice in the Savior Who did good deeds which touch and change my world. In His Name I give thanks. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Kate Seamons for Newser on November 21, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/267548/bus-drivers-relentless-kindness-caught-on-video.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

TITLE: When Life Just Plain Stinks:
DATE: December 16, 2018
TEXT: Matthew 4:16 - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
​
Some events are so unimaginable, so unexpected, or so unthinkable, that they shake the world.

That was certainly the way it was for the people of the 5th century when they received the news that Rome had fallen. The symptoms of the great city’s illness were numerous. No longer was there dignity in the home. Increasingly, taxes were being designated for entertainment of the masses and the bureaucratic social welfare system. Individuals were involved in a mad chase after pleasures which were becoming more brutal. The military was built up and financed to fight against enemies from across the border, while the real enemy was the degradation and decadence of the people. Of course, there was the decay of religion, which came when faith faded into formality.

Still, Rome had survived so many attacks that when the end finally came, people were shocked, feeling that they were living in a land of darkness and under the shadow of death.

No doubt, many of the readers of this devotion have felt that way.

People often talk about where they were when they heard of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of John Kennedy, or when those jets plowed into New York’s Twin Towers. It doesn’t take a great deal of thought to recall those events which have shaken our world. You don’t have to work for GM to be hurt by the decision to close five plants and lay off 14,000 workers in the days immediately before Christmas.

Since the world is so confused and conflicted, we need to be turned to Him Who alone can provide comfort and peace. Jesus is the Light who illuminates this dark and sinful world. His birth in Bethlehem, and His resurrection 33 years later, is the One, unchanging, irrevocable event which continues to give hope and happiness.

How can this be? Let me give you an example.

We have all seen the wildfires of California this year. We have watched as homes and businesses went up in a terrible puff of smoke. One of those houses destroyed was the Lord’s House, that is Our Savior Lutheran Church in Paradise. A photograph provided by the LCMS shows the church’s cross still standing while the church burns down in the background.
Pastor Brandon Merrick says, “I both love and hate that picture…I hate what the fire destroyed, but I love what has been saved from that (fire), and that is the cross.…The fact that the cross stands is what I think is truly important about that picture…That's the Gospel.”

Speaking for Christians in every age who have seen bad times; who have endured terrible calamities; who have survived the most tragic of catastrophes, Pastor Merrick said, "These are the times when faith really steps up and calls us to not just endure, not just to survive, but to find joy in the little things in life."

Peter understood. That’s why, on Pentecost he quoted King David who wrote, “Acts 2:25b-26 (ESV) “‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26  therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope.”

Hope, joy, peace. All this comes from the Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ of the empty tomb.

THE PRAYER:  Dear Lord, may all who are hurting; all who are in harm; all who deal with the horrors created by this sinful world be turned to you. Let them place their hurting hearts into Your ever-caring hands. Grant me the peace which passes all understanding, light in my moments of darkness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Jerry Olenyn on November 26, 2018 for  KRXR-TV on . Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://krcrtv.com/news/butte-county/paradise-cross?fbclid=IwAR2T9TD1Yn2spZ5c2oXz4GNcrl_u8WWrnigfwFiw6Gjb9uB4m8oDXg_-wnY
 
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: Saint, Sinner, Slugger
DATE: December 15, 2018
TEXT: John 1:14  (ESV) - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
​

• Legend says that he saved a poor man’s daughters from a tragic life by throwing gifts of socks filled with gold into his house for their dowry.
• Legend says that when Myra had trouble selecting a bishop an angel appeared and selected him.

It is impossible for the wisest scholar to separate legend from the reality when it comes to the fourth century Turkish bishop.  Best sources say he was arrested, imprisoned and tortured for his faith. That was during the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian. Traditions say he was invited to the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325.

After that whole truth and almost truth kind of blur together, 

At Nicea, we are told, he vehemently defended the deity of the Savior against any and all detractors. So strongly did he bear witness to Jesus Who is Son of God and Son of Man that he actually slapped the heretic, a fellow named Arius, in the face for speaking against Jesus.

Because of that action, he was officially demoted from the position of bishop.

The next day, after his accusers were given heavenly visions speaking on his behalf, he was reinstated. After the Council finished, Nicholas, for that was the name of this Bishop, spent the rest of his life helping souls in the Name of the Christ.
His charity and gift giving is still remembered in the person of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). Indeed, it has made him, after the Savior, the most recognized individual of Christianity.

Nevertheless, it is right for us to remember first and foremost, Nicholas was the man who was willing to take a stand for the Savior.

Even the most casual of observers ought to notice there are individuals, groups and governments who are still trying to remove Jesus from the manger and the hearts of humankind. They would deny Christ’s deity, complain about His incarnation and ridicule His redemption.

Nevertheless, the coming of God’s Son to seek and save the lost remains the second (after the resurrection) most important event in the history of the world. Jesus’ presence has moved mild men, like Nicholas, to monumental acts of faith, preserved them in times of persecution and made them willing witnesses to the wonderful, forgiving grace of God.

Now this devotion would not encourage you to follow Nicholas and clobber every critic of Christ and Scripture. That would be unacceptable in this politically correct age.

Nevertheless, we can still rejoice in the example of Nicholas, a man who was willing to defend the Redeemer of Scripture.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord,  raise up powerful witnesses in every age. Give them the wisdom and courage to point lost souls to the Redeemer in Whose we pray. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
 
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: Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit
DATE: December 14, 2018
TEXT:- 1 John 4:9 - ESV-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.
​
If you go to Bolivia, and if you look very hard, and if you are very lucky, you may encounter a person who says he is a Toromonan, or a Yanaiquan, or a Yuqui. If the names sound unfamiliar it is because these tribes are some of the few groups in this world who remain relatively untouched by the benefits, and curses, of civilization.

This means they can be listed among the few people in this world who don’t know Mickey Mouse.

No doubt you, having seen Mickey’s movies, having bought his paraphernalia, having vacationed at his parks are most familiar with the favorite brain-child of Walt Disney. Listed among the most “recognizable individuals” in the world, this year Mickey has celebrated his 90th birthday.

Okay, so you know Mickey… now tell me, “What do you know about Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?”

Well,  if you’re drawing a blank, Oswald was also a Disney creation… but Oswald was one who was in theaters before Mickey. Sadly, there was a revolt among some of the artists who worked for Walt and they stole Oswald and took him to a different studio.

Most of the world forgot Oswald and seven of his cartoons were thought to be lost forever.

Well, not so. 70-years-ago a Japanese teenager, Yasushi Watanabe, bought a cartoon for less than $5.00. For 70-years that film sat in his collection. And then, one day he read a book about the search for Disney’s lost films.  That book described a lost film which had a plot very much like the one he had in storage. A few phone calls and he was positive: for 70-years he had kept one of Disney’s films locked away, unseen, unappreciated, undervalued.

The book he read permanently changed his life.

Now the reason I share Mr. Watanabe’s story with you is because I know more than one individual who is like Mr. Watanabe. You do, too. No, they don’t have a long-lost Disney film in their basement, but they do have something which they have locked away; something which is unseen, unappreciated and undervalued.

Of course, I am referring to the forgiveness and salvation which was won for them by their Savior.

2,000 years ago Jesus entered this world. True Man and True God, He was born in Bethlehem and lived His life doing for us all that we could not do for ourselves. With His words, “It is finished”, the work of redemption was completed and His third-day resurrection is the proof-positive that there is life and light for all who believe.

And that’s where the problem comes in. Jesus has died to save everyone, but not everyone is saved.

Millions upon millions refuse to look at the book which speaks about God’s gracious acts which save. As for Jesus, He is, to them a Person of no importance, Someone Who is forgotten, and Whose work is for earlier, more easily mislead generations. It is a sad decision because, left unchanged it will be a decision which will see them spending eternity in a place they don’t want to go.

Which explains why we who are already saved, consider it to be of paramount importance to remind them of Jesus, God’s good news of great joy.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, let me always be thankful for what Jesus has done. And when I can touch others use me to help people see the great gift Jesus has won for them. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by the Editors of Newser on November 16, 2018 . Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: http://www.newser.com/story/267340/one-of-walt-disneys-earliest-films-found.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

 

​TITLE: The Greatest Disaster is Not A California Wildfire
DATE: December 13, 2018
TEXT: John 8:12 (ESV) 12  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The whole world has watched the fires of California

• Wipe out homes and entire communities
• Ruin large businesses and small.
• Destroy the future of the rich and famous as well as the poor and forgotten
• Tear families apart by taking some lives and putting others on the “Missing” list.

AccuWeather predicts the total cost of the fires will be $400-billion dollars…

• Which makes the cost of fighting them, equal to 2% of our Gross Domestic Product and

• America’s most expensive natural tragedy.

While the fires have been the big story; there have been other stories, smaller, individual stories which have come out of the blazes. So there might be good news, small bits of brightness among the darkness, is the reason these stories also need to be told.

For example have you heard of Dane Ray Cummings? Dane is a garbage collector in the city of Paradise. Because of the approaching fire, Dane’s boss told him to end his day early.

Dane didn’t do that. You see the boss knew the route, but Dane knew the people.

Knowing some of the older folk might be stranded kept Dane going. He said, "I been on that route eight years, and I just picked the people that I knew were older, and I tried to stop and help them and let them know that they were coming and make sure they were getting out."

And so it came to pass, toward the very end of the route, Dane came across 93-year-old Margaret Newsum who was standing on her front porch. Dane told her, “'You’re not staying here. You've got to get out of here. Why are you still here?'" They were questions which didn’t need an answer. Dane already knew what he was going to do. Breaking some company policies, Dane personally rescued Ms. Newsum as he lifted her into the truck and drove her to safety.

Centuries ago it seemed as if the fires of hell would consume every man, woman and child who would ever live. It was a great story of darkness, tragedy and loss.

But then a Light appeared in the small Judean town of Bethlehem. No, that’s wrong. Jesus was not A light; He was THE Light. The angels who were sent to announce His coming said He was “good news of great joy for all people.”

And so He is. In His short life, He fulfilled the laws we have all broken and resisted every temptation Satan and the world placed before Him. He called sinners to repentance and assured them that there was hope. He was betrayed by a friend, accused by His church; condemned by His government and nailed to a cross.

That is what spectators could see that day. What they couldn’t see is that Jesus carried our sins to the cross, paid their price and with His third-day resurrection from the grave, defeated death. Today, in triumph, He has sent His Holy Spirit Who offers personal rescue; Who provides a safe path out of the flames which once seemed so impossible.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, in a dark and tragedy filled world, grant that I may see my Savior and trusting in Him Who is good news of great joy, see the deliverance He has won for me. In His Name I pray. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by John Johnson for Newser on November 12, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active:  http://www.newser.com/story/267133/as-fire-neared-garbageman-got-93-year-old-to-safety.html
 
See also: https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/accuweather-predicts-2018-wildfires-will-cost-california-total-economic-losses-of-400-billion/70006691
 
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: The Elevator Failure
DATE: December 12, 2018
TEXT: Psalm 30:3-4 (ESV) 3  O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. 4  Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.

On Chicago’s Magnificent Mile sits a skyscraper.

Once it was known as the John Hancock Center, but since February of this year the “Hancock Center” simply goes by the building’s address 875 North Michigan Avenue. It should be noted the name change does not affect the fact that the building is the 33rd tallest in the world and it has North America’s fastest elevators.

I wonder how many people, having looked out the observation windows at the four states which are visible on a clear day, have some trepidation getting on that ultra-fast elevator. How many of them ask, ‘What is going to happen to me if one of the cables break? I wonder if there is a backup system to catch me before I hit the bottom?”

Well, Daily Devotioners, now we have an answer to these deep and dark questions.

We know because a few weeks ago six visitors got on the elevator at the 95th floor. They pushed the buttons for their destination and prepared themselves for the queasy-stomach, ear-popping ride to their desired floors. That is what should have happened… it is what has happened every day since the building was finished in 1968.

Of course, none of those other elevator rides had a broken cable.

This one did. As a result, the elevator which normally is extremely fast began to descend faster than any of them expected; faster than they thought possible; faster than they wanted to go. They passed the 85th floor…the 75th, the 65th. They were still in freefall mode when they shot past the 55th floor, the 45th floor, and the 35th floor. They passed the 25th floor like they had been shot from a cannon, and the 15th floor became an instantaneous memory.

It was only when they arrived at the 11th floor that a backup system put the brakes on their elevator car and saved the six from squishing out on the bottom of the shaft. So now we have an answer to our questions: for example, we know if the right cable breaks you are going to be in for the thrill of a lifetime. We also know that the folks who designed the elevator incorporated safety measures… safety measures which have shown themselves to be effective

Now I wonder if the Lord has designed His plan of salvation using backup safety measures for the protection of believers? What will happen if His design to rescue us from sin, Satan and death were to have some kind of catastrophic failure?

The answer to those questions is a simple one.

Scripture is clear there is no backup plan to the Savior’s sacrifice. That is because Jesus’ birth, life, death, burial and resurrection IS the backup plan to the perfect universe God originally set into motion at creation. When humankind ruined God’s gift, His mercy and grace were reflected in His promise to send Jesus to be our Substitute.

And when it comes to the possibility of failure…  look at the passage above.

The Lord’s plan is perfect. It reaches out to all sinners and provides forgiveness to every soul who is given faith.  There is no need for wiggle-room; no need for a back-up plan. From Alpha to Omega, the Lord has taken care of us.
​
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, while I am thankful for those six who were saved from the falling elevator, I am even more grateful that You have saved me. Because of the Savior, my soul once destined for hell, has been saved. In Jesus I give thanks. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Josh Gardner for Newser on November 20, 2018 . Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active:  http://www.newser.com/story/267458/6-people-stranded-in-elevator-were-rescued-through-a-wall.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

 

​Adults: Please look over this devotion before sharing with youngsters. It does deal with an adult theme… which you may not wish to explain. Pastor K..

TITLE: Remembering the Bad
DATE: December 11, 2018
TEXT: 1 John 1:8-9 - (ESV) -  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

In the world of sports there are team rivalries and there are TEAM RIVALRIES.

The annual football game between Yale and Harvard, fits into that second category. Because that is so, when the helmeted and padded representatives of those schools take the field, it is just naturally expected that these young men will do their best to bring pride, prestige and bragging rights to their alma mater. This year’s battle between Yale and Harvard was no different.

For the first three quarters of the game the score had been close. It could have gone either way.  

But then, in the 4th quarter, Harvard’s running back, Devin Darrington got the ball and exploded up the middle for a 27-yard touchdown. At least a touchdown is what should have been the result of Devin’s run. But there was a problem. The problem was this: as Devin hit the five-yard-line he turned to his pursuers and gave them a gesture which is pretty-much recognized as being insulting.

The gesture produced some repercussion, such as

1. The Ref called, “Unsportsmanlike conduct” and negated the touchdown
2. Harvard’s Coach Tim Murphy, observed, “The bottom line is: He (Devin) was wrong.”

Later, Coach Murphy added, “I'm just so grateful to our team that he didn't have to… live with that for a year or however many years." That was the coach’s way of saying,  “If we had lost that game because of Devin’s showboating and insulting gesture, every single alumni would have remembered what Devin had done, reminded him of what he had done and made him pay for the embarrassing and unnecessary loss.”

It wouldn’t be the first time the world has forgotten the good a person has done and concentrated on recalling the bad.

• George Custer was a hero after the Civil War, but people only really remember his disastrous “last stand.”
• England’s Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, may have been a wise statesman, but that all is pushed to the side as people recall him caving into Hitler so we might have “Peace for our time.”  
• The disciple  Thomas was ready to die with Jesus in Jerusalem, but he is not remembered for his willingness to faithfully follow. No, he is called “Doubting” Thomas because he challenged his friends who had said the Savior had risen and was alive.

All of which leads us to two thoughts about the Christian life. The first reminds us that even though we sin, the Lord has promised to forgive us because of the Savior’s sacrifice. Jesus’ entire time on earth was dedicated to making forgiveness and salvation a reality for all who believe.

The second thought is a reminder: people are not as forgiving as is the Lord. They remember for a very long time all the errors, mistakes and sins Christians make. They remember and see the Savior through the sinful shortcomings of our lives. Which is why we need to keep our noses and our lives as clean as possible.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, let our days be lived in thanksgiving to the Savior Who gave His life so we might have life and for our neighbors so they may see in us the transforming power of Your great grace. In Jesus’ Name Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Liam Quinn for Fox News on November 17, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/harvard-has-touchdown-called-back-against-yale-after-running-backs-obscene-gesture
 
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: Under the Bus
DATE: December 8, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;

Christopher Greyshock of West Milford, New Jersey, is probably a nice-enough guy. He certainly is an avid sports fan, with the New York Jets being his beloved team of choice.

I know that because of a police accident report which featured Mr. Greyshock.

The report said Mr. Greyshock’s vehicle had been involved in an accident which occurred around 5:15 on a Sunday afternoon. Being of a curious nature, the officer wondered how such a thing could have happened. In the course of finding an answer to his wondering, the officer gave Mr. Greyshock a sobriety test.
​
Mr. Greyshock did not do well on the test.

Indeed, Mr. Greyshock failed the test; and he failed it big time. “But”, Mr. Greyshock said, “It’s not my fault. It’s not my fault because the Jets just lost to Buffalo by a score of 41-to-10, It’s not my fault I drank too much. I drank too much because the Jets suck.”

And that is how it came to pass, Mr. Greyshock threw the Jets under the bus.

He’s not the first person to do that sort of thing. If you want to see the first time an-under-bus-throwing happened, watch sinful Adam try to get himself off the hook before God. Without hesitation he threw Eve under the bus. Being a quick learner, Eve immediately threw the serpent under the bus.

Go to any courtroom in the land, stop by any counselor’s office, visit any home with more than one child and you will see the practice of throwing someone under the bus, elevated into an art form. The truth is, there is a lot of evil in this world, but there aren’t many people taking credit for their share of that evil.  they can’t take the blame… they’re too busy blaming someone else… they’re too busy throwing someone else under the bus.

Throwing someone else under the bus is something you will never see Jesus do.

Indeed, Jesus does just the opposite.

1. In Gethsemane, Jesus, Who never committed a sin, shouldered the sins of the entire world. He never complained about how unfair that was and He never blamed anyone else.
2. At His trials He was accused of many things, but He never defended Himself, or pointed out the witnesses against Him were lying.  
3. When He was unjustly crucified the Savior chose to forgive, rather than blame those who were responsible for placing Him there.

We shouldn’t be surprised. The Prophet Isaiah spoke about the injustice Jesus would endure and the courageous way He would respond. Isaiah wrote (ch. 53):

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. 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. 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.

Oh, one last thing… two of the people whom Jesus didn’t throw under the bus… are you and me.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, rather than denying our sins or trying to blame others for our wrongdoing, may we confess our sins and rejoice in the forgiveness which comes to us through the Savior. In His Name I pray it. Amen.
 
Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Editors of Newser and Wire Services on November 14, 2018. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active:  http://www.newser.com/story/267257/i-drank-too-much-because-the-jets-suck.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

 

TITLE: Like A Leper
DATE: December 7, 2018
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
​
Every age of man seems to have an illness which strikes terror into people’s hearts.

• Today the medical community lives in constant fear that Ebola will manage to break free of the Congo and get to a major city where it can no longer be tracked, traced or quarantined.
• When my parents were young, goodness when I was young, it was polio which was most feared.
• Before that there was the Spanish flu, and, of course,
• the infamous “Plague” which had the ability to wipe out an entire village in 24 hours.
• Still, if you want to meet the record holder for disease most feared for the longest period of time, well, that award would be given to leprosy.

For thousands of years, those who contracted the illness were isolated, ignored and driven out of healthy society so they could slowly die, being comforted only by other fellow sufferers. In the 12th century, Francis of Assisi came across such a leper as he walked along a narrow mountain path.

One of the favorite individuals of Christian history, St. Francis repeatedly showed himself to be a man of faith, courage and love. That being said, Francis was terrified of leprosy and he shrunk back from any contact with this sick man.  Francis recoiled at the thought of being contaminated by this individual who had been horribly disfigured by the disease.

Believing faith must show itself in the difficult times as well as the more comfortable, Francis ran and threw his arms over the fellow’s shoulders, kissed him and journeyed on. Francis had gone only a few steps before he looked back for a final glance at this fellow who had touched his heart. Ever after Francis was convinced that leper was the Lord Jesus.

He came to that conclusion because that last look showed the road behind him was totally empty.

The loving action of Francis is an incredibly impressive example of Christian living and giving. Nevertheless, it pales in comparison to the actions of our Lord and Savior.

While Francis embraced the leper and moved on, Jesus made a lifelong commitment to take our illness to Himself.

All too often Christians think of Jesus’ Bethlehem birth as a kindly gesture of grace from God. They forget the distance between God and sinners is far greater than the difference between healthy Francis and his leper.

In short, it was an ultimate act of love for God’s Son to leave His heaven’s perfection and be born in a stable.

The perfection of paradise was replaced by a world soured by sin and sadness. Jesus’ birth says He is embracing our humanity. No other religion of the world speaks of such an act from their deities. No other faith can tell its followers: ‘Look into the manger and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord has done to save us.’
​
Christianity, and Christianity alone says: We have a Redeemer Who has embraced sick souls like ours and taken our sickness unto Himself.

THE PRAYER – Dear Lord send Your Holy Spirit and touch our hearts with Your great love. As You were willing to embrace me and take away my sins, so may I, in Christian love embrace those who are ill in body and soul. In Your Name. Amen.
 
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