Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 139:1-12

Focus Verses: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” (Verses 7-12)

We have all had those days, when nothing seems to be going the right way. Sometimes, these bad, chaotic days go on and on as the weeks turn into months or even years. All you want to do is crawl into bed, close the blinds to shut out all light, and pull the covers up tight around you. During these times, we may feel distant, not only from our friends and loved ones, but also from God. You just want to hide, run away, or even die, and you wonder, “Why would God love me? Does He even love me? Where is God?”

Psalm 139 reminds us God is always with us, watching over us. We cannot hide from Him, whether we soar through the clouds or go into the deepest, darkest depths of the sea. He holds us in His Hand. In our most problematic times, He will lead us out of the darkness into His marvelous light.

God does all this for us because He loves us so much, even when we feel we cannot be loved, that He came to earth and dwelt among us, taking on our sins and dying on the cross in our place. He is close by and wants a relationship with you. Being reconciled through Christ, we are no longer separated from God and have a renewed relationship with Him. Remember to turn all your cares and worries over to God in prayer. He loves you and will be with you through all the ickiness of your days.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You promise to be present and hold me in Your hand, even during my worst days. Remind me to turn to You at all times, but especially when I feel distant or burdened, so that I may be comforted and return to serving and praising You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

(Kate Phillips, 2nd-Year Deaconess Student)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 127

Focus verse: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Verses 3-5)

On the sixth day, God made man and breathed into him the breath of life. Then something marvelous happened. In his incomprehensible wisdom, the Lord gave man the privilege and honor to cooperate in his creative act. The Lord blessed the man and the woman saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.”

Life continued through the bearing and rearing of children. This is the Lord’s house-building, a gift for man’s continuation, for the handing down of life; a life that has its foundation in the breath of God. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This life, bestowed upon the man and woman, is treasured and extended through their union. Generation after generation shares more than just lineage; they share in God’s heritage of life.

This is true for the 91-year-old woman, down to her just-conceived-great-grandson, and everyone in between. Each has life, with neither having any more nor any less. Each forgiven of all their sins in the death and resurrection of Christ who also shares in this very life. Each being a blessing from the Lord to those before and to those who follow. “Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Blessed be they who uphold this heritage given by God. Blessed are they who are brought to the font, birthed in the church, and given the heritage of Christ’s resurrection; a newness of life that never ends.

Let us pray: Creative Father and giver of life, be with all the living and bless them with Your heritage of life and salvation in the death and resurrection of Your Son. Through Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

(Jeffrey Kyler, Sem IV)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 100

It is often easy for us to confess the Creeds and say “Yes, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,” but it is another thing to grasp the extent of His magnificent creation. It is even more difficult to reconcile our place in the vastness of His handiwork!

Psalm 100 is a psalm appreciating God’s unending goodness and mercy. More than a list of His accomplishments (because this psalm is quite short compared to others), at its heart it is a rejoicing for those in Christ Jesus, those washed in the blood of His death.

“Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture,” verse 3 tells us. Out of the entirety of the universe, God knows you! For the sake of Christ Jesus, He loves and forgives all your sin, both those sins committed by your hands and that sin which endures in your human nature. Because of your baptism into Christ’s death on the cross, you are numbered among the “sheep of his pasture”—protected, valued, never forgotten.

The sinful world might tell us that we determine our value and what we do with our lives and the lives of others, but we know from this psalm and throughout Scripture that it is God “who made us” and every person and living thing. We “give thanks to him” and “bless his name” that we should be numbered among His children.

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your dear Son, my beloved Savior Jesus Christ, whose death atoned for me that I might be numbered among the sheep of Your pasture. Please keep me and the lives of all, both born and unborn, in Your tender loving care so that all may have the same opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(Philip Jaseph, Sem II)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 94:16-23
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
“Who rises up for me against the wicked? Who stands up for me against evildoers?” (v. 16). We read this psalm, and this question quickly becomes very much our own. Though we may not face hordes of armies waiting to take us captive or slaughter us like God’s people of old did, we still inhabit a wicked and evil world. There are those who seek to silence our voices in the public square, and there are those who wish to keep faithful Christians out of government offices and other jobs. On not so grand a stage, there are simply those who deny believers the right to speak of Christ in public by simply wishing others a Merry Christmas. There are wicked and evil people in this world who stand diametrically opposed to us.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Just as there is wickedness and evil in this world, perhaps increasingly so these days, there is a wickedness that rages in our own hearts. This evil in us is the very thing which leads to our own death. It is the wicked one, Satan himself, trying to bring our souls to the land of silence. It seems from without and within that we cannot escape evil!
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Then we cry out with the Psalmist, “Who rises up for me?” and we are answered. It is the Lord. A stronghold and a rock. The one who conquered the wicked one upon the cross. Christ Jesus is the one who stands for you in the face of all evils.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, rock of my refuge, help me to find strength and comfort in You alone as the wickedness of this present world and the evils of my flesh continue to assail me. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Matthias Wollberg, Sem IV)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 94:8-15
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Focus verse: “For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage.” (Verse 14)
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The God and Creator of all things has promised that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt. 18:20). Where His faithful remnant is, there He is also. He did not forsake His people of old. He will not forsake His people now.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Who are these people of God? They are not only the people of ancient Israel, or even all the faithful who have gone before. The people of God are all those who been baptized in the Triune name of God. Through Baptism, they have been adopted into the family of God and are now His children.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
What comfort does this adoption offer? Simply this: that even if all the world has turned against you—if your parents, siblings, and friends have abandoned you—even then God is there. When you are lost, afraid, and have nowhere left to turn, cling to the promise of God that “He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). He has called you to be His own dear child. He loves you and wants you to live a life of faith and repentance, clinging only to Him and trusting in His promises. For “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess. 5:24).
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You did not abandon Your people to slavery in Egypt, but delivered them out of bondage. Neither have You abandoned us, but sent Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place and deliver us from the bondage of sin and death. For this we thank and praise, serve and obey You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Chelsie MacIntosh, 2nd-Year Deaconess Student)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 94:1-7
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
In this psalm of lament, the Psalmist does not understand why it seems that the Lord does nothing to protect the most vulnerable of society—the widow, the sojourner, and the fatherless—while the evildoers prey on them. He cries, “O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult?” (verse 3).
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The Psalmist doesn’t have much hope for justice. The Lord doesn’t give him a timeline when justice will come. The Lord simply informs him that justice will come. The Lord will bring his justice and wipe out the evildoers from their wickedness (verse 23).
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Like the Psalmist, we see evildoers preying on the most vulnerable in society. Because of “choice,” they murder the young. Because of “euthanasia,” they murder the old. In our anguish, we too cry to the Lord asking, “How long will these senseless killings last?”
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The Lord heard the lament of the Psalmist and He hears ours. He gives the same response, which is both frustrating and comforting. It’s frustrating that He doesn’t tell us when justice will occur. It’s comforting, however, that justice will occur. On this side of eternity, we can’t resolve the “when” with the “that.” We simply hope that at His appointed time, the Lord will bring His justice and wipe all wickedness from the face of the earth.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: O Lord, preserve and protect the most vulnerable ones, and curb the evil desires of those who would destroy them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Lyle Buettner, Sem II)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 39:6-13
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Have you ever stopped to think, “Why am I so often miserable, while those who hate me seem to be full of riches and prosperity?” or, “Why is it that I am tormented by my sin and made to face the consequences? But when the godless sin, they often get off scot-free.”
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The writer of Psalm 39 expresses the reality that we suffer because of our sin. We are chastised by God, disciplined by His hand. All the while, the ungodly build up for themselves riches and prosperity. But to what end? For we are mortal and all is vanity. Yet God teaches us wisdom by His rebuke and delivers us from our sin.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
So in our affliction, we say with the Psalmist, “For what do I wait? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions, do not make me the scorn of the fool!” “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears!”
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Are you convicted because you encouraged an abortion? Are you tormented because you considered abortion, or because you went through with it for yourself? Our transgressions are many, and whatever they are, God’s hand may be heavy against us to discipline our sin with rebukes. But in His mercy, He delivers us from these transgressions because of His gift of forgiveness, won by Jesus Christ in His death on the cross. In Him only is our hope and salvation.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You discipline us as a dear father disciplines his children. Teach us to remember that by this discipline You bring us back to our only Savior, Jesus Christ, to give us Your gift of forgiveness. In the same Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Tanner Post, Sem II)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 39:1-5
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Focus verses: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you” (verses 4-5).
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
In our world today, it can be hard to remember that life is fragile and short. Yes, today there have been many advancements in the field of medicine that have increased life expectancy, but still we only live for 80, 90, or, at best, 100 years. As David writes, “Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!”
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The fragility of mankind becomes painfully obvious as one approaches the end of life. The hands that were once strong and able to work become weak and weary. The legs that were once able to walk and run for miles are now only able to shuffle from one side of the room to the other. As the end of our days approach, the devil and the world will attack, claiming that the lives of the elderly are not important. They will claim that they should end that life with dignity and extinguish that life before God can call them home in His own time.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
In this psalm, David gives us an answer to how the Christian approaches their last few years upon this earth: in trust. We continue to trust in the Lord, for He has provided for us from the very beginning, and He has not forgotten His servants. While our lives here are very fleeting, we also know in whose hands that life is held, and we trust Him to care for that life.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are the creator and sustainer of all life. Look upon the elderly and those near the end of life. Continue to care and sustain their bodily need until the time that You call them home to be with You. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and forever. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Brian Homan, Sem II)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 36:7-12
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Focus Verse: “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (verse 7).
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
The world we live in is dark. In this darkness, death and destruction attempt to snuff out life. We all live in it. From pre-born babies in the womb to the elderly, all suffer in this darkness. At times, you may feel there is no hope for you, no relief for you, no choice but to give in to the darkness. You may feel exposed, enslaved by your past decisions.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
But God knows your battle. He took upon Himself your flesh and battled the same struggles, though without falling into sin. So take refuge in the shadow of God. Like a hen covering her chicks, God covers you to protect you against the assaults of the devil and your own sinful flesh. Beyond this, God offered himself for your protection. His Son, Jesus, has taken your sin and payed the penalty it brings: death.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Receive the precious, steadfast love of God that is now yours in Christ. This precious love comes from the pierced side of our King on the cross. His love for you is faithful; it will not fade away like the riches of this world. He is always reaching out to draw you into himself. To be hidden in God is to be safe, protected, and secure. In this protection there is life! Under the shadow of His wings, you may live as one who has been forgiven and redeemed. How great is the love the Father has for you, his precious child.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Merciful Father, your love is steadfast and faithful. Grant to me refuge from the world which accuses me, that in this love I may be free from the accusations brought against me and live in righteousness and purity forever. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Cory Kroonblawd, Sem II)

Posted on

Life Devotion

Text: Psalm 36:1-6
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
When it comes to sins against the lives of society’s unwanted, these stem entirely from selfishness. As the Psalmist reminds us, a wicked man flatters himself and has no fear of God. Rather, he plots trouble for his own selfish desires. Is this not the base of the claim that the pre-born are inconvenient in their timing, or the elderly when they are consuming resources that the foolish man thinks could be better used elsewhere, or the disabled and troubled who are told their lives are somehow not worth living?
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
It is selfish to consider such possibilities because God alone has brought about their life and He alone is able to end it. The wise man seeks not to understand God’s motivation or to correct God’s plan, but rather seeks to help the pre-born’s mother provide for her child’s needs, visits the elderly to give them company and learn from their life, and engages with those whose life is difficult in order to ease their burdens.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
As verses 5-6 remind us, the Lord is in control of all things, and His love is beyond our understanding. But He saves all for His purposes, and we are given to simply receive with thanksgiving.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
Let us pray: Our Heavenly Father, we come before in You in awe of Your continued love and faithfulness towards us. Help us to act wisely and not like wicked men, to protect those to whom You have given life, no matter if they are pre-born, elderly, or in need of special care. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
‍‍‍‍‍‍ ‍‍
(Caleb Stoever, Sem II)