It's not about you.

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

Back in the day, while living in Haiti, a book written by Rick Warren called ‘Purpose Driven Life’ gained much attention and with a few of my brothers and sisters in Christ in the U.S., we went through it in person on occasion and usually on line.  The main point of the book was to encourage the reader to understand that this life we have, is not about me, but is ALL about God.

Every time we forget that it’s not about me, we get prideful, fearful about what is challenging our status and often get angry.  Those feelings always lead us to being discouraged and just keep us focused on ourselves as we try to manage those challenges on our own.

It’s NOT about you!  God created you to share a message and it’s not about you…it’s about Jesus Christ.  I read that book in 2002 and for the past 18 years that statement “It’s not about me” flashes in my mind several times each day, and I share it with others who are filled to overflowing with ‘their’ accomplishments.  In the verse today, Paul reminds us that we are here for Jesus’ sake and not our own.  The Holy Spirit moves us to serve others because of what Jesus has done for us.

Our Heavenly Father cares about the motivations of your heart, and there is much rejoicing when you are doing things that bring the saving message of the Gospel to lost souls and glorifies Jesus.  I am going to close today with the words from the hymn ‘Thine the Amen, Thine the Praise’ that were written by Herbert F. Brokering who was born in Beatrice, NE in 1926 and died on my birthday in 2009.

“Thine the amen Thine the praise, Alleluias angels raise, Thine the everlasting head, Thine the breaking of the bread, Thine the glory Thine the story, Thine the harvest then the cup.  Thine the vineyard then the cup is lifted up, lifted up.  Thine the life eternally, Thine the promise let there be.  Thine the vision, Thine the tree, all the earth on bended knee.  Gone the nailing gone the railing, gone the pleading gone the cry.  Gone the sighing gone the dying what was loss lifted high.  Thine the truly Thine the yes, Thine the table we the guest.  Thine the mercy all from Thee, Thine the glory yet to be, then the ringing and the singing, then the end of all the war.  Thine the living, Thine the loving evermore ever more.  Thine the kingdom, Thine the prize, Thine the wonder full surprise.  Thine the banquet then the praise, then the justice of Thy ways.  Thine the glory, Thine the story, then the welcome to the least.  Then the wonder all increasing at Thy feast at Thy feast.  Thine the glory in the night No more dying only light.  Thine the river Thine the tree, then the Lamb eternally.  Then the holy, holy, holy celebration jubilee.  Thine the splendor, Thine the brightness only Thee, only Thee.

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

I am trusting Thee.

“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.  Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.  May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue; those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”  “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise” says the Lord.  “I will protect them from those who malign them.”  And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.  You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”  Psalm 12

Has this world brought you stress today?  Stress comes in many different forms; the pandemic, the people at work who would rather than work spend more time complaining about work.  The neighbors across the fence who bend your ear complaining about their ‘other’ neighbors and you can see the worn path between their houses as you were also their ‘other’ neighbor.  Family members who don’t live up to your expectations or don’t see eye to eye with you and the smooth political figures who spend your tax dollars in ways that fill their personal coffers and drive our country further into debt; is God watching us?  Does He hear our prayers?

The Haitian word for ‘stress’ is “tèt chaje” and this Haitian child has stress in her life too, but her stress is different from your stress.  Today, she wonders if there will be food at her school as she has heard the vodou priest has cast a spell on the cooks and they will be sick today and there will be no food at school.  Is God watching over this child today?  He sees, He cares, He knows and He is aware of the need at her school.

Satan wants you, this child and me to doubt our Heavenly Father; telling us that He doesn’t care about us.  We are stressed out worrying about today and tomorrow; life is not fair, if He cared He would do something now!  There are people at my church who put a dollar a week into the collection plate and live in a big house and travel to fun places and seem to have it all; why do I have to tithe?  Is our Heavenly Father watching?

Why should I give a quarter to feed this child living in a poor country, not really my problem; God can take care of her.  Our Heavenly Father has a plan for this child and for you and me; our lives have a purpose in His creation.  We are called to trust in Him, seek His wisdom and go out into this sin filled world and seek and save the lost and prayerfully bring them the hope of Jesus Christ.  I close today with the words to the hymn ‘I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus’ that was written by Frances R. Havergal in 1874.

“I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, trusting only Thee; trusting Thee for full salvation, great and free.  I am trusting Thee for pardon; at Thy feet I bow, for Thy grace and tender mercy trusting now.  I am trusting Thee for cleansing in the crimson flood; trusting Thee to make me holy by Thy blood.  I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead, ev'ry day and hour supplying all my need.  I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail.  Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me must prevail.  I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; never let me fall.  I am trusting Thee forever and for all.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

I AM forever...

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

The Church in the attached photo is Eglise Evangelique Lutherienne du Bon Berger in Caredeux which is a suburb in the Northeast of Port-au-Prince; the white truck was the vehicle God blessed with me while living in Haiti.  I was blessed to have been there on a few Reformation Sundays and the above verse from Psalm 46 reminded me again that God is exalted among ALL the nations, in ALL the earth.

Pastor Thomas Bernard read Psalm 46 in French and I followed along in my NIV Bible during the service; God was present at that moment in French, Creole and English.  No matter what kind of crap that the evil forces of this world are throwing at you or this congregation in Caredeux, God reminds us to be still and know that He is God; He is in control.  We will be tossed about throughout our lives, pulled this way and that but don’t fear; be still and know that God is with you.  I close with the words to the hymn ‘I AM forever who I Am’ that we sang on a Reformation Day, back in the day in Lincoln and it was written by Kurt Von Kampen.

“Though mountains slide into the sea, and waters rush where fields should be, though monuments and nations fall, Your Holy city stands through all.  When nothing seems to stay the same, You teach us your eternal name.  We buy and sell, we lose or gain, our fortunes shift like sun and rain.  Sustain our lives, reward our toil with bread and honey, wine and oil.  Save us and others from our greed; You always give us what we need.  Our lust for power, wealth and land diminishes the earth you planned.  Prevent our crimes and futile wars; convince us that all things are yours.  We rage and burn and kill and steal, but you redeem, restore and heal.  Like shepherds watching for the light, aware of dangers in the night, we hear the angel “do not fear”, the Savior of the world is near.  We run, we see, we touch, we laugh, You came to earth on our behalf.  Each generation looks for truth and doubt can trouble age or youth.  If other gods would take your place, remember us with love and grace.  Reclaim us if we go astray; You are the Truth, the Life, the Way.  Some days seem long, though life is brief, and death is waiting like a thief.  When vision fades and dreams go dry, we still on unseen things rely.  Our stories take up but a page but Yours goes on from age to age.  I AM forever Who I AM; above you, beneath you, around you and within you.  Be still and know that I am God.”  

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Do you doubt Him?

“But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears.” Zechariah 7:11

Why do some people doubt that the Holy Bible is God’s Word?  Why do some people refuse to listen to the Gospel message?  Does this passage from the book of Zechariah sound familiar?  There were vodou priests living in my neighborhood in Petionville Haiti who not only refused to pay attention to God’s Word but took another step to further distance themselves from the saving Grace of Jesus Christ and sought out satan for assistance as they sacrificed animals in their temples.

I know for a fact that these children from Merrotte who are standing next to the plantain grove hear the vodou drums pounding on Saturday nights in their neighborhood as the priests call upon evil spirits to do their business in attempting to keep the Christians from attending Christ the King Lutheran Church on Sunday morning; as I’ve slept in that Church and listened to their cadence into the wee hours of Sunday morning.

I am sure that we all have known people who have refused to pay attention and closed their ears so that they could not hear the Truth.  Paul says that men also close their minds to God’s general revelation in nature, as well as His special revelation in His Word.  Sinful man turns away from God and willingly chooses to believe in the lies of satan; the grand deceiver.  Thank you for helping to prepare over 33,000 young missionaries in Haiti to bring the message of Salvation to the closed ears and minds in Haiti.  I’ve chosen the words from the hymn ‘"Open now Thy gates of beauty’ which was written by Benjamin Schmolck in 1723 to close today’s devotion.

“Open now Thy gates of beauty, Zion, let me enter there, where my soul in joyful duty waits for Him who answers prayer.  Oh, how blessed is this place, filled with solace, light, and grace!  Lord, my God, I come before Thee, come Thou also unto me; where we find Thee and adore Thee, there a heaven on earth must be.  To my heart, oh, enter Thou, let it be Thy temple now!  Here Thy praise is gladly chanted, here Thy seed is duly sown; let my soul, where it is planted, bring forth precious sheaves alone, so that all I hear may be fruitful unto life in me.  Thou my faith increase and quicken, let me keep Thy gift divine, howsoe'er temptations thicken; may Thy Word still o'er me shine as my guiding star through life, as my comfort in my strife.  Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee, let Thy will be done indeed; may I undisturbed draw near Thee while Thou dost Thy people feed.  Here of life the fountain flows, here is balm for all our woes.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Along our journey.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

The Apostle Paul could have added that in our lifetime, there will be some problems; a pandemic, people with rough edges and painful situations but we can be certain that God will be with us, work with us as we move through our journey of serving Him.

Our Heavenly Father knows satan, his every move; how he reacts under pressure; what's important to him; God knows everything about him.  The vodou priest that lives near these young girls who attend the Lutheran school in Les Cayes knows that their Holy Spirit is much more powerful than the legion of evil spirits that through satan he can call down upon their lives; but the vodou priest will not stop trying to fill their lives with fear and lies to persuade them to turn away from Christ.

Our Heavenly Father is never the initiator of evil; trials, troubles and fearful situations.  He sometimes allows these troublesome events to happen, as only He can bring good from them.  These girls in Les Cayes and you and I will surely face problems in our lives but we can always be comforted that our Triune God is always with us, protecting, delivering and loving us each moment along our journey.  Today we close with the words to the hymn ‘I Leave all things to God's Direction’ which was written by Salomo Franck in 1685.

“I leave all things to God's direction, He loveth me in weal and woe; His will is good, true His affection.  With tender love His heart doth glow.  My Fortress and my Rock is He: what pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.  My God hath all things in His keeping, He is the ever faithful Friend; He grants me laughter after weeping, and all His ways in blessings end.
His love endures eternally: what pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.  The will of God shall be my pleasure while here on earth is mine abode; my will is wrong beyond all measure, it doth not will what pleaseth God.  The Christian's motto e'er must be: what pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.  God knows what must be done to save me, His love for me will never cease; upon His hands He did engrave me with purest gold of loving grace.  His will supreme must ever be!  What pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.  My God desires the soul's salvation, me also He desires to save; therefore with Christian resignation all earthly troubles I will brave. His will be done eternally: what pleaseth God, that pleaseth me.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Think about such things.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable; if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Of all of the words that were attributed to the Apostle Paul, this verse has always been one of my favorites.  These words describe the qualities of a life that we all should strive to model.  These words are an excellent way to start my morning prayer.  Prayer is one of the unlimited resources that each of us has; the world will not send us a monthly bill for this service.

When this world attempts to strangle us with its directions and flawed lessons, prayer never changes and is always the correct direction to proceed when we turn our focus to the Cross.  In our daily prayers we set aside the troubles, trials, agendas and pains of this world and let God’s wisdom and directions become our priorities as we receive His abundant blessings through a myriad of means in our lives.

As the children in the attached photo who attend school at Mammou in Port-au-Prince give thanks for their meal, we too give thanks in our daily prayers for His continual providence in our lives and for the Heavenly Home that is promised to each of us through our Savior Jesus Christ.  The hymn ‘I'm but a Stranger here’ which was written by T.R. Taylor in 1836 closes the devotion for today.

“I'm but a stranger here, Heav'n is my home; earth is a desert dread, Heav'n is my home.  Danger and sorrow stand round me on every hand; Heav'n is my fatherland, Heav'n is my home.  What though the tempest rage, Heav'n is my home; short is my pilgrimage, Heav'n is my home; and time's wild wintry blast soon shall be overpast; I shall reach home at last, Heav'n is my home.  There at my Savior's side, Heav'n is my home; I shall be glorified, Heav'n is my home; there are the good and blest, those I love most and best; and there I, too, shall rest, Heav'n is my home.  Therefore I murmur not, Heav'n is my home; whate'er my earthly lot, Heav'n is my home; and I shall surely stand there at my Lord's right hand. Heav'n is my fatherland, Heav'n is my home.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Your calling.

“What, after all, is Apollos?  And what is Paul?  Only servants, through whom you came to believe as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” 1 Corinthians 3:5

There are some in our world that insist that a person who is committed to Christ will become a Pastor and do work in a Church or in a Christian organization and somehow their work is more holy than work that is accomplished in the business sector, or in a public school or in a home.

Christ came to give each of His children a different ‘calling’ in their everyday lives.  We are called to bring Christ into the darkness of this world in our places of business, in our schools, in our neighborhoods and in our homes.

Each of the children in the attached photo who attend Bon Berger Lutherienne in Caredeux have different talents and are being touched and prepared by our Heavenly Father to do His work and bring news of His Son to the lost who will come into their lives.  Some of these children may become Pastors, some teachers, some mechanics, some gardeners and some office workers; they and you and I are all doing what He has brought us here to do for Him. 

There are young children, retired adults, pastors, teachers, doctors, plumbers, architects, office workers and families supporting Trinity/HOPE feeding programs; supporting at different levels, but continually supporting to complete His work in these children in Haiti.  Hymn No. 496 from the Lutheran Hymnal ‘"Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying" which was written by Daniel March will close this devotion.

“Hark the voice of Jesus crying, “Who will go and work today?  Fields are white and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheave away?"  Loud and long the Master calleth, rich reward He offers thee; who will answer, gladly saying, "Here am I, send me, send me"?  If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul, you can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all.  If you cannot rouse the wicked with the Judgement's dread alarms, you can lead the little children to the Savior's waiting arms.  If you cannot be a watchman, standing high on Zion's wall, pointing out the path to heaven, offering life and peace to all, with your prayers and with your bounties you can do what God demands; you can be like faithful Aaron, holding up the prophet's hands.  Let none hear you idly saying, "There is nothing I can do," while the souls of men are dying and the Master calls for you.  Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be; answer quickly when He calleth, "Here am I, send me, send me!"

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Success.

“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.” Ecclesiastes 10:10

The dictionary has the following definitions for the word ‘success’; “achievement of intention: the achievement of something planned or attempted.  Attainment of fame, wealth, or power.  Something that turns out well: something that turns out as planned or intended.”  The Haitian word for ‘success’ is siksè.  How do you define success?

If you turn on the television early in the morning you are bound to find infomercials promoting products that will give you success.  Go to the dentist office and open a magazine that has an article on how to find success.  What brings success?

Wisdom brings about success; good wisdom comes from God.  The metal plates filled with food at the school in Bois Marchand did not come about by accident.  Volunteers with Trinity/HOPE sought out wisdom from our Heavenly Father so that the feeding of children attending Christian schools in Haiti might be successful.  We are still seeking His guidance seeking ways to raise the bar of excellence and lower the prices of the meals.

There are other feeding programs in Haiti that have not succeeded and I can only imagine that they were plans by men and not of God.  When plans are from the pride of men and not from our Heavenly Father they will in time fail.  Chuck Swindoll recently wrote that “Wisdom may not give us great popularity and wealth and it may not mean that we will be the most respected in our field or that we will have the most significant voice in the company, but ultimately, as God gauges it, we will be successful.”  Start your plans by seeking His wisdom and give thanks while you enjoy your successful endeavor.  I close today with the words from the song ‘Taste and see’ that was written by Lowell Alexander.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; you've tried everything that you thought you could; taste and see that His love is real.  Open up right now and let your heart be filled with peace overflowing, joy everlasting.  Love so amazing taste life so exciting, hope so inviting.  All who are crying to be free; taste and see, taste and see, taste and see.  Taste and see that His Word is true.  You've been hurt before but He won't lie to you.  Taste and see never thirst again; every broken heart Jesus Christ will mend.  You'll never know ‘til you try, you'll never live ‘till you die to yourself and find for yourself that He's good.  You'll never see with your eyes until your heart realizes that He is all that you need; taste and See.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Saints among us.

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.  The brethren who are with me greet you.” Philippians 4:21(NASB)

I did a search on the word ‘Saint’ recently as I had read a commentary by Martin Luther that indicated we are both ‘saints’ and ‘sinners’.  Are we saints?  The world causes me to reluctantly identify myself with that title as it tells me that is reserved for a person with a higher spiritual level than I possess.  Identifying with the title ‘sinner’ is a given for me, but being called a ‘Saint’ is something that we shy away from when that title is brought up in our conversations.

Roman Catholic theology indicates that "A saint is one who has exhibited unsurpassable devotion to Christ."  The Roman Catholic Church teaches that a “Saint has a special work in interceding with God for the souls of people which are captive to the pain of purgatory.”  On the day of Reformation Luther took a stand on these teachings and we are so thankful that he did.  The saints in the attached photo attend Bon Berger Lutherienne in Caredeux and they, like us, are both saints and sinners.

It is interesting to note that the Apostle Paul’s most used word for Christians is the word "Saint."  A search on the Internet indicated that he used it 45 times in his epistles and when he speaks of saints, he is referring to ordinary Christians like the children in Caredeux and you and me.  The hymn ‘Saints of God, the Dawn is brightening’ was written by Mary Maxwell in 1849 and her words seemed to be an appropriate to close this devotion.

“Saints of God, the dawn is bright'ning, token of our coming Lord; o'er the earth the field is whit'ning; louder rings the Master's word: pray for reapers, pray for reapers, in the harvest of the Lord!  Now, O Lord, fulfil Thy pleasure, breathe upon Thy chosen band, and with Pentecostal measure send forth reapers o'er our land, faithful reapers, faithful reapers, gath'ring sheaves for Thy right hand.  Soon shall end the time of weeping, soon the reaping time will come, Heav'n and earth together keeping God's eternal Harvest-home.  Saints and angels, saints and angels, shout the world's great Harvest-home.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay

Hate me, because of YOU?

“Everyone will hate you because of me.” Luke 21:17

Being hated by others is probably not something for which we attempt to attain; but being a Christian, it is inevitable as Jesus tells His disciples and us that this will happen.  Have you ever given this passage much thought?  Actually, we have lived most of our lives in America during a time of religious freedom; unlike some of our great-grandparents experienced.  A small number of us actually know what it means to be hated by the world; but that is rapidly changing.

The child eating their daily meal at the Lutheran School in St. Marc is probably hated by some in the neighborhood where he lives because he follows Jesus and believes in the Triune God.  The vodou followers hate him and hate you for feeding him and this child’s family have been told by their local vodou priest that Jesus is dead…period.  There may be people in your family, or place of work or within your circle of friends who know that you are helping to feed children in Haiti and they think you are foolish or perhaps hate you because you are not giving your treasures to them instead of Trinity/HOPE.

Stand firm.  Be reminded that your treasures are being used wisely to feed His children and also that Jesus has told us that this world will hate you because of Him.  Your love of Christ sets you apart from this world.  I close with the words of the hymn ‘I Know My Faith is Founded’ that was written by Erdmann Neumeister in 1718.

“I know my faith is founded on Jesus Christ, my God and Lord; and this my faith confessing unmoved I stand upon His Word.  Man's reason cannot fathom the truth of God profound; who trusts her subtle wisdom relies on shifting ground.  God's Word is all-sufficient, it makes divinely sure, and trusting in its wisdom, my faith shall rest secure.  Increase my faith, dear Savior, for Satan seeks by night and day to rob me of this treasure and take my hope of bliss away.  But, Lord, with Thee beside me, I shall be undismayed; and led by Thy good Spirit, I shall be unafraid.  Abide with me, O Savior, a firmer faith bestow; then I shall bid defiance to every evil foe.  In faith, Lord, let me serve Thee; though persecution, grief and pain should seek to overwhelm me, let me a steadfast trust retain; and then at my departure take Thou me home to Thee and let me there inherit all thou hast promised me.  In life and death, Lord, keep me until Thy heaven I gain, where I by Thy great mercy the end of faith attain.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you…Jay