Feeling stressed out?

“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 fallen world brought you stress today?  As a senior adult, I’ve learned that stress comes in many different forms; 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 then there are those 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.  Sometimes, we get stressed out worrying about today and tomorrow; life is not fair, if He cared He would do something now!  I have seen people 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 forty cents to feed this child living in a poor, third world country?  Others tell me it’s not really our 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

Our timing.

“Be very careful, then, how you live; not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20

Last Saturday, there was an article in the Miami Herald that gave news that in a three-day period last week, 108 gang members had been killed by a combination of Haitian policed and local vigilantes.  The citizens of Port-au-Prince have become extremely tired of the chaos brought about by the gangs and have been taking this matter into their own hands.  For them, enough is enough.  The unspeakable harm that has been happening to them, their families and possessions has reached a boiling point.  Prayers have been offered for an end to this chaos and during the past years, their prayers are being answered with a call to organize and work with the police and put an end to this violence.  God is in control.  His children have learned throughout history that His timing is perfect and He will deliver them.

The apostle Paul gives us instructions in his letter to the Ephesians in the verses above.  Don’t doubt His timing.  If you find yourself getting nervous about an upcoming challenge or darkening storm clouds rolling in…stop it.  Our Heavenly Father is in control of days.  We need to turn and surrender, repent and bow our heads and bring everything before Him, asking for His directions.  That attitude is a first step and a major secret to living above our challenging storms rather than under them.  Today, please take a few moments to humbly surrender your day to our Triune God, and see how He leads us through this week.

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

Be still, and know that I AM God.

“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 of that once 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 in my native tongue; God was present at that moment in French, Creole and English.  No matter what the evil forces of this world are throwing at you or the 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 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

Eternal Father, strong to save.

“Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

I listened to Alexa play the hymn ‘Eternal Father, strong to save’ recently and it always puts a lump in my throat and causes goose bumps to scurry up and down my spine.  It was written by William Whiting in 1869 and its words cause me to consider how fortunate we are to be called His children living with His promise that we will be with Him in Paradise one day.  If you have ever been on the ocean or a large lake in a small boat during a storm or swimming against the current you fully understand how helpless we are against His might. 

The children in the attached photo attend school at Pont Sonde and they fully understand the power of the vodou priest or a large group of violent gang members; but take comfort as you and I do in knowing that the power of our Triune God is more powerful and mighty than all the forces of the evil foe; we can be sure that He is with us, in control of the storms and will ultimately bring us to be with Him in Paradise.

This hymn is also known as ‘The Navy Hymn’ as it was played on most ships each day they were at sea.  During World War II, it was used at the funeral for almost all sailors buried at sea and if there was no band or recording available, it was sung a cappella by the crew or the words were read by the commanding officer.  I still remember how it struck me as it was performed as President John F. Kennedy’s body was carried up the steps of the capitol to lay in state in November 1963, and also as his body was lowered into its grave.  May it bring you comfort on this day as you may be facing storms and trials along your journey.

“Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave, who biddest the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep; oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!  O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard and hushed their raging at Thy Word, who walked on the foaming deep, and calm amidst its rage didst sleep; oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!  Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood upon the chaos dark and rude, and bid its angry tumult cease, and give, for wild confusion, peace; oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea!  O Trinity of love and power!  Our family shield in danger’s hour; from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect us wheresoever we go; thus evermore shall rise to Thee glad hymns of praise from land and sea.”

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

What pleases God...pleases me.

“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 to this verse from Romans, that in our lifetime, there will be some problems; 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 come through satan.  He can call down evil upon their lives; but he 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

Excellent directions.

“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 the learned of this fallen world attempt to strangle us with their directions and 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

Who will go? Send me!

“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 individuals 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

Stuff that matters at the end of our journey.

“Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.  Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.  Only Luke is with me.  Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.  I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.  When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” 2 Timothy 4:9–13

I’ve been reading ‘A skeleton in God’s closet’ by Dr. Paul Maier and it has been causing me to consider what is next.  When I am near the end of my journey, close to death, who or what would I most want by my side?  Have you given that part of your future any thoughts recently?  I turned another year older a few days ago and as I grow older, much that I once attended to and perhaps even thought about over the years means very little now that I'm almost halfway through my seventh decade on this side of Paradise.  The things that really do seem important come into clearer focus.  Read what the apostle Paul was asking for when he was nearing the seventh decade of his life in the above verses in 2 Timothy.

People who had been with him had left and only Luke was with him.  He asked Timothy bring Mark, his favorite coat and some books and papers. As Paul neared certain death, his list of wants grew short and precise.  Most important to him were a few valuable companions and some helpful and meaningful personal belongings.  That's it.  Made me think about the few items I would take with me to Luther Oaks if that became necessary; a short list of stuff in a cardboard box.  When I left Haiti in December of 2003, all of my belongings fit into a small suitcase and a backpack. 

This Monday, could you just take a few moments to take time to review your list of what you keep investing in and holding tightly in your hands?  When was the last time you prayerfully allowed the Lord to help you set priorities for the way you invest your time, talents and treasures?  Why wait, there's no time like the present.  The end of your journey may sneak up on you, and you may find yourself wondering why you didn't do it sooner.  Leave a legacy as you can’t take it, or need it, in Paradise.

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 plates in this photo are filled with food at the school in Bois Marchand and this 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

Good morning Saint...

“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 we are both ‘saints’ and ‘sinners’.  Are we saints?  The fallen 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 most of us probably 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 that we celebrated a few weeks ago, 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