Daily Devotion for August 31, 2006

Be Faithful and Bold

 

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.   2 Timothy 1:6-7

 

As a young pastor Timothy had a genuine faith in God and was blessed with the special gift of ministry. But because of his youth, he faced serious challenges to his leadership of the church at Ephesus. Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to Timothy urging him to remain faithful and steadfast. He implored Timothy to rely on his spiritual gifts.

 

 In our text today, Paul identifies three key benefits provided by the Holy Spirit that enable us to serve God boldly. Essentially, the Holy Spirit gives us power, love and self-discipline. The Spirit gives us the ability to overcome our fears and weaknesses, the desire or love to render selfless services and the self-discipline to follow the truths contained in the Bible no matter the circumstances. These timeless spiritual virtues: power, love, and self-discipline are vital for the spiritual success of every believer.
 
Like Timothy, we encounter difficulties and challenges that test our faith and impede our efforts to walk with God. Under such circumstances, we should not succumb to fear and despair. Instead, we should persevere and step out boldly in faith, relying on the power, the virtues of love and self-discipline provided by the Holy Spirit. When we use these spiritual gifts, we gain the power to succeed at all times.
 
In his book, BE FAITHFUL, Warren Wiersbe notes that the Holy Spirit is always with us, even when we fail, but He "cannot fill us, empower us, and use us if we neglect our spiritual lives". Therefore we must fan the flames of the Spirit by doing those things that enable the Spirit to work within us. God is always speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. When we let the Spirit lead us each day, we will gain the attributes of love and self-disciple, and secure the power we need to succeed.

 

Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, please guide us to open our hearts and minds to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, so that we may exhibit the virtues of power, love and self-discipline in our daily lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 30, 2006

One in a Million

 

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 8

 

I remember God’s response when I mentioned wanting to minister to millions. He wanted me to have a heart that would minister to one as if he or she were a million, because each one means that much to Him. I am to care for those in my corner of God’s creation and it begins right under my roof, then to my widow neighbor, my mother and father and so on.

 

What special one could use the care of Christ in your life today? Is there one who needs a kind word, a smile, a listening ear, a visit, a hug, a call, or a card? I remember receiving a call not too long ago, just when I needed it, which made me feel like I was worth a million to God.

 

 Let’s all reach out with God’s love in our little corners of His creation and we will cover the millions that mean so much to Him.

 

Prayer
Loving Father God,
 Thank you for the care You have shown all of us through Christ. Grant us the grace and courage to care for Your millions one special one at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 29, 2006

Be my Friend

 

"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight" 1 Timothy 1:18

 

The wounds of a friend are given in good faith, but the kisses of a hater are false.  Proverbs 27:6

 

Be my friend.
 
Clean my tears when life seems unfair.
 Walk another mile by my side when loneliness is all I have.
 Encourage me when my strength is gone and I am ready to give up.
 Help me to bear the load of fears that I carry from my past.
 Give me your cloak when I have already taken your tunic.
 But above all...Preach the truth, and hold me accountable to live by it.
 Take the plank out of my eyes when I am judgmental of others instead of looking to my many sins.
 Teach me to fight the good fight and not give up before the end.
 When I complain, remind me of the sacrifices of others whom have given much more than I have been asked to.
 Prompt me to keep my feet far from temptation, and to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
 
Be my friend.

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to find a friend, and to be the friend that will never compromise with lies or sins, but be willing to sacrifice even the friendship for your truth. Amen.

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 28, 2006

Holding Patterns

 

When they (Paul and his companions) came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:7-10

 

Have you ever had the experience of spending a long day traveling? Perhaps you rose early and hustled to the airport, only to wait through line after line at the ticket counter and security checkpoints. You rush to the gate, board you plane, and trek through a second airport to change planes. Finally, settling into your seat on the second plane, you breathe a ragged sigh of relief. As the plane alights and tucks its wheels beneath it, you think, “I’ll be at my destination soon. Nothing can stop us now.” Just before time to land, the captain comes over the loudspeaker, “We’ve encountered some weather, folks. We’re going to be up here awhile in a holding pattern.” Tired and impatient, you fly around and around, unable to reach your intended destination.

 

 That’s how Paul and his companions might have felt on their trip. They were weary from traveling a long while. They traveled through Mysia (an Asian province) and arrived at Bithynia (another Asian province), no doubt looking forward to a warm meal and a good night’s sleep before rising refreshed to do God’s work. But the Spirit of Jesus (the Holy Spirit) would not allow them to enter. Were they confused? Frustrated? Thankful? We know only what they did next. They continued on in a holding pattern until God gave Paul a green light for the group to continue on to Macedonia.

 

 How do we react when God puts us in a holding pattern in our lives? Do we fight against the obstacles and roadblocks God places in our way or do we trust God and wait patiently?

 

Prayer
Lord God, I know You want me to be honest when I pray, and honestly, living in a holding pattern is frustrating. I want to serve you. I don’t want to sit still. Help me to trust you during this time, not to complain. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 25, 2006

Far to Near

 

“You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:45-47

 

Throughout my life I have heard people claim that “we all are sinners.” I agree with that statement. However, I don’t realize how much “we” need God until I declare that “I” need God. Somehow, it just seems comfortable to hide behind the “us” and “we” of the world. When I deal with those faraway terms, I can get philosophical and theological, but I don’t know if I get any closer to God. I only get nearer to God when I realize that I need Him.
 
 I deal with selfish ambition, jealousy, anger, and … well the list goes on – just to name a few things. I don’t like to admit that, but I do. I must admit “my” sinfulness if God is going to be able to work a miracle of grace within and through me. Theorizing about some distant group of people really does nothing to get me nearer to my God. I tend to appreciate God when I’m aware of what He has done and is doing for me.

 

Prayer
Lord, I need You. I didn’t do nor can I do anything to earn Your forgiveness. Thank you for giving me your grace and peace and forgiveness.  You have healed and saved me, and for that I’m forever indebted to You. May my life be a gift to You, for you have given me so much. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 24, 2006

Illuminate Me

 

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:19-21

 

Does a cat burglar run around in the daylight looking for a cop to confess to? No. A burglar seeks to do his illegal activities under the cover of darkness and in secret. He’s not looking for daylight to help reveal his covert actions. And he’s definitely not seeking out someone to see his actions and hold him accountable.

 

 We, much like the cat burglar, like to do what we want or desire. It is not the “norm” for a sinner to run to the light and love of God to have his every wrong thought, action or deed exposed. God’s grace provides ways for light and love to shine into each sinner’s life. Each of us has a choice to make when that light and love is revealed to us. We can choose to accept God’s love and forgiveness, and step boldly into the light. That light then shines into the deepest and darkest parts of our hearts, minds and souls to reveal all, as he lovingly exposes them and forgives them to allow for change.

 

 We don’t stop sinning instantly just because we accept Christ (All sins, past, present and future, are already forgiven, though). It is a moment-by-moment process of letting the Holy Spirit teach us the truth about God and ourselves. As we learn to listen and follow, we begin to step more and more into the light of truth and love, and he begins to change the “want to’s” of our life. We get to step from the guilt and shame of our failures beginning with the first close encounter when we accept Christ as Savior.

 

 In today’s scriptures, you can see that there has been a close encounter between verse 20 and verse 21 that makes a change in attitude about living in the light. In 1 John 1:7 it says, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all (or every) sin.
 I don’t know what your life struggles, heartaches and challenges are. Even if I did, nothing I've ever done or will do can change them. But I know someone who knows you and can help change your life...do you know my Jesus?

 

Prayer
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be the light to those of us yet in darkness. Jesus, thank you for shining truthful light into my life. Forgive me for not always being quick to examine what the light reveals, and for not always being ready to let go of things and cling closer to you and your love. I love you, Lord.

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 23, 2006

Trust

 

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

 

Trusting God seems easy when we are on the mountaintop and life is good. Trusting when we are in the valley with no hope in sight, that takes faith. We learn endurance while waiting on God during the dark times. We also learn obedience during the hard times. We need to be God-centered instead of self-centered during tests and trials. Maybe that’s why the scriptures say we must die to self if we are to have true life (Matthew 16:24,25). Waiting on God expectantly during difficult times is really putting trust in Him. Our attitude toward trials is extremely important. Impatience reveals our lack of trust. The fruit of the Spirit is ---- patience (Galatians 5:22). “The disposition that prepares the soul for living in trust is humility” (Andrew Murray). Humility is simply yielding our will to God and trusting Him. God works through us if we submit and trust Him.

 

Prayer
Lord, we look to you for higher thoughts and for a better attitude toward this life you have given us. Help me to trust you in all the areas of my life! Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 22, 2006

No Coincidences, No Accidents

 

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:16

 

God amazes me. I know that God is all-powerful and as a Christian, He will provide for all of my needs, even before I realize that I may have a particular need. I also know that he has put certain people in my life for a reason. At first these people and the “chance meetings” may seem like a coincidence or an accident; but no, God has all of this planned out and I should not be amazed or even surprised. When we follow God’s road map for our lives and not our own, we experience some interesting events.

 

 When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar (John 4:4-29), she had no idea of the events that would unfold because of this meeting: “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.
 
They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." (John 4:39-42) We never know whose lives we will touch or what effect we will have.  This Samaritan woman by the way is listed as the first Evangelist in the Greek Orthodox Church – not bad for a woman of the first century!
  
God has never come and sat down beside me that I am aware of, although sometimes I wish He would. After I got over the initial shock of Him being there, I would like to ask him several hundred questions! However, until that happens, I must be open to everything and anything that crosses my path. I do not know when, where, how, or through whom God will speak to me. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:12-16).

 

Prayer
Father God, life is indeed a journey. I pray that you open my heart, my mind and my eyes to those around me and to your plans for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 21, 2006

How Do I Know

 

The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us."
 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He." John 4:25

 

A friend once asked me how I knew something. She said, "You sound so sure."
 
There is a peace, a calmness that I feel.
 I know it comes from my most inner soul.
 I just know it is there.
 It comes from the Christ that is in me.
 I know it is there and it will never leave me.

Prayer
Dear Lord, my prayer today is for answers to previous prayers. I have faith in you answering them. I could use your help now in many different areas of my life. I need you in all aspects of my life. I need you now. My understanding and timing is not the same as yours. I know you understand that. My human-ness can't make it without you. In the name of your son, Jesus, I offer my needs and prayers to you today. Amen.

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 18, 2006

Go!

 

But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15

 

It was a day about ten years ago when I met Mr. James on a hot country "highway." I was traveling from Chicago to Michigan. I seldom pick up a hitchhiker, but on that 90+ degree, hot summer day this elderly gentlemen caught my eye, and, without reservation, I pulled over. I wasn't sure how old he was at first, but he told me later he was in his eighties. He seemed pretty tall and very thin, and he was dressed in, of all things, a suit! An old, thin, gray suit complete with a white shirt, tie and jacket. He bent over and looked at me before getting in. He told me later he wouldn't accept a ride with just anyone. Before my pride had a chance to feel his decision was based on anything of me, he let me know it was God who told him who he needed to ride with. It was scorching out, in the middle of the day without a cloud in the sky, and this elderly man stood by the side of the road, in his suit, waiting for God to tell him where he was needed.
 
He asked me a few questions and I told him I was going to see my parents. He asked me about my family, and I happened to mention my dad had recently had some surgery. He started talking about his relationship with God, what God could do for me and what God had meant to him. I had been professionally involved in church work back then for about 15 years. We were about 60 miles from Saginaw Michigan when I picked him up. He told me that he hitchhiked every day to tell people about Jesus. He hitchhiked to the John Deere store in a town right before Saginaw, and there he would get a ride back home everyday. I laughed at the time, but later I couldn't help but worry a little about him.

 

 I often think about him and wonder if he is still out there, in his 90’s by now. I look for him every time I go home.  I think about that old man wearing a suit on that sunny day, in the middle of nowhere, in overbearing heat, who just wanted to tell people about His Lord and what His Lord could do for them.

 

 Reading about Ananias reminded me again of Mr. James. He probably had just as many justifiable reasons not to leave the comfort of home and brave the unknown, but just as God said, “Go,” to Ananias, He said, “Go,” to Mr. James as well. Ananias greeted Saul with love, and Mr. James did the same for me.

 

Prayer
Dear Jesus, I have in my past let fear get in my way. In truthfulness, I often let fear of the unknown hamper me. I pray that I will be willing to follow your command. I am powerless, but you are not, God. I give my fears to you this day. Help me to remember the times when you sent people to minister to me. Please, Jesus, no matter what I may be facing or what I may be feeling, help me to obey you when you say, “Go.”  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 17, 2006

No Sand

 

[In Corinth, Paul] met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. Acts 18:2-3, 11

 

Vanity license plates interest me. I enjoy deciphering them and figuring out what people are revealing about themselves. I saw a cryptic one yesterday: NO SAND. Are they beach-haters? Clean freaks? But then I thought this would have been the perfect license plate on Aquila and Priscilla’s wagon. In Matthew 7, Jesus tells a parable about the wise man building his house upon the rock, the strong foundation of faith, while the foolish man builds his house upon the shifting sand.

 

 Aquila and Priscilla seemed to live a sand-less life. Immigrants to Corinth because of religious persecution, they traveled 500 miles over land and sea to a land where language and customs were foreign. Shortly after they arrived another foreigner, a fellow tentmaker named Paul, approached them. Paul opened their eyes to the Savior of the world. They invited him to stay with them; grateful to have a skilled worker to help them establish their tent making business.

 

 The thing is, Paul was a houseguest who stayed for a year and a half. I’ve never had a stranger in my home for a year and a half, but I’ll bet it took some sacrifice and adjustment on everyone’s part.

 

 Paul also had some serious trouble with the law. Aquila and Priscilla were just getting settled in their new community. They were struggling to create a clientele and a good reputation, and their houseguest was creating controversy in the synagogue. By this time, he wasn’t even working for them any more, just preaching each day to the gentiles because he’d made the Jews so angry. If it were me, I may have had some serious doubts about my houseguest and God’s plan. But Aquila and Priscilla were “NO SAND” people. They didn’t let swirling controversy and inconvenience take their focus off of serving God. Their lives challenged others to become passionate Christ followers, no matter the timing or the cost.

 

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I too want to be a “NO SAND” believer. I want to look past my comfort, success and acceptance to serve you no matter the cost. Use me, Lord. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 16, 2006

Finding Your Nathan

 

“So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said.” 2 Samuel 7:17

 

Do you have a Nathan? Do you have someone who offers you a positive influence by calling you into godly accountability for sinful behavior, as Nathan did for David? Excuse me for saying so, but I’d guess you probably don’t. Tell me if I’m wrong.

 

 You may have someone who’s on call. Someone who knows if you tell them you’ve gone off the wagon, broken your diet, stolen something, gossiped again, etc. You’re telling them because you WANT them to remind you that this is something you’ve confessed to God and that you’ve repented of and given to God – that it’s something you don’t want to do anymore. And maybe they are even able to tell you what the consequences of doing it will be, although Nathan was a prophet and how many prophets are there around us today?

 

 But in the passage from 2 Samuel 12, David didn’t call Nathan. The Lord sent Nathan to David, and he introduced the subject of David’s sinning in a subtle, indirect fashion that aroused David’s moral outrage before making it clear that David himself was the sinner! No one communicates like God!

 

 We need our Nathans but I believe they’re not only hard to come by, but also very, very hard to really want. If it were only a matter of the big sins, murder, theft, and adultery – well, you or I may feel we’ve overcome those pretty well. But what if we had a “friend” who at the end of the day knew better than we did ourselves the conversations and experiences of our day and called us or came to see us and said, for instance, “Hey, Tim! Pretty interesting conversation you had with your co-worker!” And then this “friend” went on to point out that I’d lied several times in the course of chatting with my co-worker! And then this “close pal” – who was REALLY getting on my nerves by now – proceeded to tell me that my co-worker knew darned well that I was lying and that I undermined my effectiveness as a leader and that in the future she would not be as likely to tell me certain things that were going on at work, things I needed to know, because she knew the truth could not necessarily be entrusted to me.

 

 You probably get my point: it’s hard to really want a friend like that! But without it, what does confession mean and what about repentance?

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, Please give me the strength to accept the Nathans who may offer themselves in my life, to welcome and embrace the truth they bring to me so that I may sin no more. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 15, 2006

Fruitful Influence

 

“ But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

 

Influence, in Latin is influens, meaning to flow into, or to cause change in the character, thought or action of. We all have influence and we all are affected by the influence of others.

 

 For me personally, I have to be careful who I allow the power to influence my thoughts. The world is in direct conflict with the word of God. It is so important for me to be connected to the word of God in order that my influence- my “flow into” myself is the Spirit of God, not the spirit of the world.

 

 When I allow God to “flow into” me through his word, through prayer and through the influence of other Christian believers, then my outflow is of the same character of Christ. What goes into a man is the same that flows out. If you put garbage in- you get garbage out.

 

 God is teaching me the influence of food into my body- when I flow into it good healthy foods and clear water- I feel good and my body is fueled properly, but the same holds true when I put garbage in- I feel sluggish and tired, my body can not perform as well.
 Your spirit needs to be fed as well, feed it well with the bread of life- the word of God, and you will experience an abundance of fruit pouring out. You will be filled with joy, peace, love, patience, kindness and goodness, and you’ll have self-control. Isn’t that the kind of bumper crop you want?

 

 Then when you are affecting others- they will feed on your fruit, and they will grow in Christ’s Character as well. It is a cause & effect that flows naturally. What flows in, flows out. What is coming out of your heart lately? How is your fruit? Do you need to spend more time with the Lord to build your strength? What kind of affect do you have on others?

 

Prayer
Lord, I know I have not spent enough time with you because my peace is not what it can be, help me to remember that I need you to flow into me, so you can flow out of me. Help me clean my thoughts and my heart, that you would always be first in my thoughts. Bind my mind to your mind that I may have the very same thoughts as you- that my priorities would be yours. Forgive me for my selfishness, and self- centeredness. Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 14, 2006

That’s What the King Once Did

 

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17

 

The last days that Jesus spent on earth are filled with intimate moments with his disciples. He is the master, the friend, the servant, the king. He knew that the time had come for him to go to the Father. At this point, Jesus wants to teach one of his greatest lessons. He acts first and explains later. Jesus gets up, takes off his outer clothing and wraps a towel around his waist, then washes the feet of his speechless disciples.

 

 It is hard in life to take off the outer clothing, the protection, the façade and to let others see in us nothing but a humble soul. We are encouraged and commanded by Jesus to serve, and he reveals the first step of that service: take off the outer clothing, take off the medals, the honors, the achievements, and come to the person you are serving not as your marvelous self, but as the feet and the hands of Jesus. Not a recognizable face, not the unforgettable accomplishments, nothing but a person whose life belongs to a king that turned the world order upside-down. This incarnation of God’s love wraps a towel of service around the waist and by doing so makes himself recognizable as a servant (For what master walks around with a towel, or a tray?).

 

 In some churches today it is customary for the pastor or the elders to wash the feet of members of their congregation. It is a symbol that they are there to serve. However the true proof of willingness to serve comes often in everyday life, not in the ceremonial atmosphere of a cathedral or church. But how can we completely lay aside the outer clothing, and think of ourselves as nothing else but a part of the outpouring of Christ’s love to the world? “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. No servant is greater than his master, nor a messenger greater than the one who sent him” Unless we let Christ wash our dirty feet, we won’t be able to do so. The perception that we acquire about the value of our own life is always dependent upon the intimacy that we experience with Jesus. The dirt on my feet makes me ashamed of my actions, but the hands that hold the scars of the cross are seeing the dirt and washing it away. The hands that command the waves and winds, the hands that heal, are touching my dirty feet and making me clean, comfortable, and ready to have supper with the greatest king of all. Who is He in my life right now? If he is the one who is washing my feet, then it will be easy for me to lay down my façade and become one with the lord, become his hands, and without pride, wash my brother’s feet. I am no greater than my master; I am no greater than the one who sent me.

 

 But if I hide my own feet from Jesus saying, “No, you shall never wash my feet,” the answer of Jesus is clear, “ Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Unless I have part with him, I will never be able to forget myself and be Jesus to others, for I would never know him in an intimate way. Knowledge of the Word and wisdom of the world are important to us in rendering service to others. Yet they are nothing without love, a love that we learn in intimacy with the lord Jesus. To love the ones we serve means to see them with the eyes of Jesus, to pick up their feet and love doing that in spite of the odor and let the water of eternal life wash them clean, making them comfortable and ready to have supper with God.

 

 After all, that’s what the King once did…

 

Prayer
Jesus, I stand in awe of you, I stand in awe of your love and your willingness to sacrifice it all so that we can be able to see the true nature of love. Help us to never forget what you revealed to us; help us to never forget that we are not greater than the master of the universe who washed our feet.

 

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 11, 2006

How Did You Come to Know Jesus?

 

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. 1 John 1:41-42

 

  "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." (be baptized) The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Acts 8:31, 34-35, 37

 

Martin Luther’s Catechism states: By nature I am spiritually blind, dead, and an enemy of God, as the Scriptures teach; therefore, “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him.”  (1 Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:1; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Cor. 12:3).  However, the Holy Spirit can work through others who are filled with the Spirit to introduce you to know Jesus.

 

How did you come to know Jesus? That is a question I frequently ask people. I want to know how they came to know Jesus, and I want them to be able to describe how it happened. It is a simple question, really. It gives people the opportunity to share the “hope that lies within them”.  For some, it is in their Baptism as a baby, for others it is through other means first.

 

 The scripture verses for today explain how various people came to know Jesus. The disciples were attracted to Jesus in several ways- by direct invitation from Jesus, and by direct invitation from friends or family members. The Spirit led Philip to the Ethiopian who was seeking God. The words of the Ethiopian are haunting. Upon Philip’s question about his understanding of the scripture, the Ethiopian said, “How can I understand these writings if no one explains them to me?” The Ethiopian was begging for help in trying to understand the most fundamental question of life- how could I have a relationship with God? Are there people in your life who are asking the question of a lifetime? That question is “How can I know Jesus?”

 

 Think back to the person or persons who introduced you to Jesus, or helped you, through God’s word to better understand Jesus. How did they do that? What questions did you ask? Have you talked to that person lately? If you are able to, call or contact that person, and thank them for introducing you to Jesus.

 

 We see in the gospel of John that Andrew, upon realizing who Jesus was, invited his brother to follow Jesus with him. This started a chain, which has lasted for 2000 years- one brother or sister leading another to Jesus. Our job is to keep the chain going, by offering the life-giving relationship of Jesus Christ to others.

 

Prayer
Jesus, let my life and my words show the world who you are.  By your Holy Spirit, work through my life so others can come to know you! Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 10, 2006

Living a Life of Love

 

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

 

What decision on your part could or has already changed your family history? What is your next step as a primary influencer for God in your family? Everyone will probably answer that question differently.  As for me and my house … having to change from a very orderly rule/consequences life to one that sees God’s love at work in and through and IN SPITE of us – well life and family got much easier (and more fun!). 

 

Living a life of love has become our primary way to influence others for God. Is that always easy? No. Do I always feel like being loving? No. In order to be a primary influencer for God I must begin by allowing God to influence me with the love of His Spirit and the truth of His words. For example, when I woke the other morning and I didn’t feel like getting up to serve others, I turned my mind toward God and listened. Admittedly, I did hear two or three scriptures that were not enough to budge me out of bed, but when I heard this one: Live a life of love just as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for you as a fragrant sacrifice. (Ephesians 5:1-2) Now that one got me up and going and living a life of love.

 

 How and who could you influence with God’s love today?

 

Prayer
Faithful Father, Thank you for the loving gift of Your Son. Because of Your mercy and grace may I be compelled to influence others with the same love that you have shown me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 9, 2006

Don’t Slip

 

(Jesus said) “A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words form an evil heart.” Matthew 12:35

 

Miriam and Aaron complained, and they got into trouble for it. (Numbers 12)

 

 It wasn’t so much their words that got them in trouble; it was their attitude. Their words revealed their attitudes of pride. (Compared to Moses who, verse 3 says, “…was more humble than any other person on earth.” which I often wonder if Moses wrote that?) The inner person, the heart, was revealed by their candid words.

 

 The phrase “I didn’t mean what I said” doesn’t ring true. Jesus said that my words reveal who I am. And holding my tongue doesn’t change what is in my heart; it only hides it.
 What I want is to never have to be careful of what I say. I would like to have a heart so pure that I could let my words flow straight from my heart to my mouth. As it is, my brain, because of the evil in my heart, must censor my words. And sometimes my brain doesn’t catch all the words that I wish it would.

 

 Rather than “watching my tongue” I need washing of my heart. It’s not a matter of self-control but of God control, because I can’t change myself. I must trust God to change me.

 

Prayer
Lord, when I consider all my words, it scares me. My words are inconsiderate, selfish, judgmental and a dozen other ugly adjectives. These words reveal my heart! I give you permission to change my heart. I want to be free to speak from my heart…without fear of what will be revealed. I know that even then people won’t always like what I say. Jesus showed me that fact. I’m not asking for popularity, just purity.  Cleanse my heart oh God.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 8, 2006

Always Growing

 

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 21:52

 

This past week, I found myself feeling like a failure. I felt that every important relationship in my life was flat-my relationship with God, my relationships with my children and friends. I had let everything get weed-covered and dried out. I could feel myself doing it, but really felt helpless to change it. It’s like I knew I was going over the falls, but I felt that I had nowhere to grab onto. Perhaps, okay not perhaps, but indeed, God was throwing me a lifeline, but I was too scared to open my eyes and grab onto it. It was easier to close my eyes hard and cry.

 

 I went to worship, and started crying as soon as I tried I had nothing in me that wanted to sing, clap my hands, or pray. I was so very empty. I had confessed to God that morning that I knew that I had let all of my relationships go unattended, first and foremost, my relationship with Him. Wouldn’t you know it? The whole message that He gave me from His word was about just that.

 

Scripture spoke to me. It said that if our relationship with God was not strong, no other relationship in our life stood a chance. I knew that what Scripture was saying was the truth. I confessed, cried some more, and confessed again. It wasn’t until this Monday morning that I began to feel better.

 

 Yesterday, I went out of my way to be nice to everyone in my life—to God, my family. I keep thinking I’m past this point, of thinking I can do it all on my own. I keep thinking that I’ve made it. When will I learn that I will grow in my faith and walk with God? Jesus even did that! I need to stay available for my family, and my friends. It’s not my life to keep to myself anymore, not since I gave it to Him.

 

 Won’t you confess what is hard today, ask for forgiveness, and experience the joy of repentance and love? You’re going to do it eventually; it might as well be sooner than later.

 

Prayer
Once again, God, I am here at your feet thanking you for saving me from my lonely solitude. Help me to come into the light and stay there, for that is where things, and I, truly grow. Amen.

 

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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 7, 2006

Faith Is Not Rational

 

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
 “Come,” he said.
 Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink cried out, “Lord, save me!”
 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”  Matthew 14:28-31

 

Faith is not rational. No matter how much we try or WISH it were, it simply is not rational.  God calls us to do things beyond what we are humanely capable of doing. He calls us to do things that are possible only with His direct intervention and support.  Ever feel like God is calling you to do something that you want to dismiss right away by saying “I can’t do that!”?  Maybe He is calling you to step out of your “comfort zone” and like Peter take a step in the realm of faith.  Peter didn’t have the FULL faith when he stepped out of the boat, otherwise he would not have sunk.  But he knew that if he was going to follow Jesus, he had to get out of the boat – as illogical as that was!  It’s in these steps that miracles take place.  Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to do something only God can do – THROUGH YOU?
 

 

Prayer
Lord, thank you for being there for me through every illogical thing I say or do. Lord, thank you for your faithfulness despite my rational limitations. Help me Lord to step out of my comfort zone, trusting you and your direction in leading me to do what you want me to do.  Fill me with that kind of faith Lord.  Amen  

 

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		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for August 4, 2006

Listening to God

 

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!” Mark 9:7

 

I like to talk. I know that there’s nothing wrong with that, but I do know that it is easier for me to talk than it is for me to listen.

 

 Listening requires attention, patience, and selflessness. Listening is hard work, but it is necessary in my relationship with other people and with God.

 

 Prayer is communication with God. Communication with God is different than communication to God. Peter missed that point, and so do most of us. Communication to God means that the person does all the talking.

 

 Communication with God means that God talks, too. It may take a lot of work for you, but go against what your nature says and listen to God for a change. He may have something very important to say to you.

 

Prayer
Lord, here I am. What do you want to say to me?

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom