“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

It is not a game we play with the Lord.  Ultimately, you are either all in, or else you are out.  The Lord does not want a part of you, but the whole.  Do not give just a little and expect much.  Invest all that you are in the Lord and you will reap according to what you sow.  The Lord knows all things and He knows your heart.  Be willing to submit to the Lord and to be shaped by Him.

Lord, there are so many things I want, but I want them on my terms.  Take this attitude away from me that I would simply be yours to do with as You please.  Let me not even worry about how much I am sowing, but simply sow all that I can for Your sake.  Guide me  O Lord  in the way of truth that I would become what You are making of me.  Help me give away what I cling to that gets in the way.

Lord Jesus, You did not collect things in this world, but gave yourself away.  On the cross, You gave Yourself for all.  Help me, O Lord, see that only in You is there a hope and a future.  Lead me ever upward in this journey of faith that I would see that all that I sow is only possible because of You.  May the Father reap what is sown and may I be granted my part through You.  Amen.

“So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness” (2 Corinthians 9:5).

The Lord provides in many ways.  Whether through another person, or in a way you do not understand, realize that all good gifts come from the Lord.  Do not covet because you do not have, nor think more highly of yourself because you have more.  Instead, in all things, give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and mercy.  Be one through whom the Lord works that You may be in His will.

Lord, teach me to live as You would have me live.  Guide me in Your goodness that I would do those things You give me to do and be content in all circumstances.  Help me to understand that You are constantly arranging things according to Your will.  Let me willingly receive all things that You give and be filled with joy that You have made possible this gift of salvation.

Lord Jesus, You lived a life filled with purpose as You went and invited all to join You.  Help me to live in the same purpose, not being concerned with my day to day circumstances, but rejoicing that I am walking with You.  Lead me this day in the way You would have me go that I may do what is pleasing in the Father’s sight.  In all things, may I always be thankful that I am with You.  Amen.

“But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we – not to speak of you – will be put to shame by this confidence” (2 Corinthians 9:3-4).

In spite of the good work that is done, we still need encouragement.  Are there ever enough hands to do all that needs to be done?  Receive those who come alongside that they might encourage you in the tasks at hand.  Do not be insecure because the Lord sends another to help, but instead rejoice that the Lord invests in the ministry you are doing.  Be guided always by Him and the direction He gives.

Lord, teach me those things which my old heart does not know.  Help me to see that You are constantly sending those who will help and providing for every need.  Lead me in the upward call to both give and receive, help and be helped, love and be loved.  Through all things, You strengthen each of us in this path of faith on which You have placed each one of us.

Lord Jesus, Your call was simple, “Come follow me.”  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may be where You want me to be, do what You want me to do, and live as You would have me live.  Help me to be receptive to all things knowing that You alone must be the author and finisher of my faith.  Guide me, Lord, and help me to always be willing to follow You no matter what that may mean.  Amen.

“For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them” (2 Corinthians 9:1-2).

We all need encouragement.  The world is filled with all kinds of wickedness and there are those who are constantly seeking to hinder our free expression of the faith.  This has not changed.  What you do for the Lord, continue doing.  Do not be hindered by what others think, but seek always to do that which is pleasing in the Lord’s sight.  Know that in Him all things are possible.

Lord, teach me to persevere in spite of what those around me say.  Guide me in Your goodness to reach out and continue, no matter the conditions, to do what is right.  Help me live into the life to which You have called me knowing that in You aloine is all hope.  May I live in the zeal of the truth of the Gospel and be guided by Your Spirit to stand fast, hold firm, and live out the gift of new life You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You know what it is to experience adversity and hostility.  Guide me in my daily life to be gracious and kind, but also firm in the conviction You have given me.  Lead me in the true faith through all things that I would forever look to You, My Savior, for all good guidance in living this life of faith You have given me.  Keep me in Your presence now and always.  Amen.

“We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.  As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.  Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you” (2 Corinthians 8:22-24).

We all need encouragement.  Sometimes we do not trust that the Holy Spirit is working among us.  Listen to the admonitions of the simple things we are to do.  Receive the one who is sent.  Be encouraging before others.  Listen and learn knowing that the Lord has provided all that is needed.  Know that in the Lord all will be well with Your soul.  He has paved the way for the faithful.

Lord, I become anxious in this world and question everything.  Guide me, O Lord, that I may walk humbly with You knowing that You already know what all the future will bring.  Help me to receive those whom You send and go where You send me.  Give me a heart that trusts You above all things.  Help me to be open and honest and a willing servant of others as You have been.

Lord Jesus, You willingly went from town to town doing what the Father gave You to do.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of being Your servant that I may be guided by Your goodness and mercy to serve as You ask.  You have already accomplished all that is needed.  So help me to be a part of what You are accomplishing for others.  Help me to see Your hand at work that I may be both encouraged and an encouragement to others.  Amen.

“taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).

Do not take lightly what the Lord has given you.  Through the grace received and the call to become like Christ, we have our part to do.  Many make light of it and think being faithful is a one or two hour a week proposition.  It is not a proposition, but life itself.  Life is not lived a couple of hours a week, but every moment of every day.  Come then into the life to which you have been called.

Lord, You know where I have fallen into the trap of this world’s thinking of limiting things to calendars.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of living that I may indeed become like Christ.  Teach me to be mindful and aware, thinking about what I am doing and willing always to look to You for guidance.  Lead me every moment, Lord, that I may grow into the likeness of Christ.

Lord Jesus, You who are the One through whom all things are made, came as the example of the godly life.  You have shown us what it is to be dedicated to living in a way that always looks to the Father.  Lead me this day that I may grow a little more like You.  Help me through those difficulties that come that I may press on in the journey of faith as You lead me to become what You are making of me.  Amen.

“We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness” (2 Corinthians 8:18-19)

The Lord calls whom the Lord calls and we have the opportunity to receive what the Lord has provided.  We are not to remain immature or infants in the Gospel, but to mature and grow in the gift of faith that we have been given.  Whatever your circumstance, know that the Lord provides the right thing at the right time that You may live into the life to which you have been invited.

Lord, help me learn to rejoice in all of the good gifts which surround me.  Help me to see that every person You send my way has purpose.  Guide me in the higher things that I would learn to love those opportunities You give knowing that in You is liberty and life.  You have given me the words of eternal life.  Where else should I go?  Help me walk this path of faith You have set before me.

Come, Holy Spirit, and awaken into me the life to which You have called me.  Empower me to give and to receive this day that I would learn by whatever means You will teach me.  Let me receive those whom You have sent that I would hear and by hearing, believe.  Through all things, guide me in the way You know I need to walk that I may grow to be more like Christ my Savior.  Amen.

“But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.  For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:16-17).

The call of the Lord is a strong thing.  Many fight against the Lord’s calling them into the Christ-life.  You may resist, but to what end?  Pleasure in this world?  The way of salvation is before you that you may put on the life of Christ.  If you walk with Him, it is not simply a matter of now or later.  Why put off what is going to happen anyway.  Walk in the way of the Lord today and grow in Him and His likeness.

Lord, show me with clarity the simple truth that delaying my journey with You accomplishes nothing.  I can read of those who have walked closely with You and my heart is stirred.  Let that stirring lead me to simply and humbly walk in Your presence and truth.  Lift me out of the coveting of this world to live into the life to which You have called me by grace that I may walk in faith.

Lord Jesus, You know the struggles of this world.  You know how hard it is as You watched those around You struggling with the simple things of faith.  Yet there were those who were bold in faith and received what only faith can bring.  Lead me more deeply into a life of faith that I would walk boldly in becoming what You are making of me by Your grace and mercy.  Amen.

I often wondered – during the years I was serving as a pastor – why God would bring the particular group of people together at the church where I had been called.  I have often wondered why Jesus chose the particular people that He selected to be the first twelve disciples.

According to Matthew 10: 2-4, the twelve included Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot.  Why would Jesus have chosen to be among His first followers and those to whom He would entrust the work of the Kingdom two people who could not have been more poles apart politically?  Matthew, the former tax collector and employee of the Roman empire, and Simon the Zealot, a member of a revolutionary movement. 

The Zealots were passionate about obeying the Torah, especially its commandments against idolatry.  As the Romans continued to impose their pagan ways upon the Jewish people, the Zealots sometimes turned to violence.

One of the offshoots of the Zealots was a group of assassins called the Sicarii, or daggermen.  They would mingle in crowds, slip up behind a victim, and then stab him with their sicari, or short curved knife.  One interpretation I have read is that Judas Iscariot had been a member of the Sicarii.  Talk about disastrous consequences if you do not practice social distancing.  Through their acts of terrorism the Sicarii sought to disrupt the Roman government. 

In Luke 22: 38, just before they left the Upper Room for the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples tell Jesus, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”  It is not hard to imagine that one of the swords belonged to Simon the Zealot or Judas Iscariot, who kept it hidden.  We all know what Peter did with his.  He pulled it out and cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. 

And yet what is amazing is that you never read of politically charged and divisive conversation among the disciples.  They lived during some very tense and difficult times.  We also live during some very tense and difficult times.  Matthew on one side, and potentially both Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot on the other side, would have come from totally opposite sides politically.  And yet you never read of politically charged discussions.  The only real dissension that I can think of among the disciples was the debate over who was the greatest, brought on by the request from James and John (or their mother, dependent upon which Gospel account you are reading) for the top seats in the Kingdom.

If the first century disciples could find their unity in Jesus and avoid explosive, divisive political rhetoric, then we – the twenty-first century followers of Jesus – should be able to do the same.

The days between now and the election in early November are going to be very difficult.  There will be many times when it will be very easy to get involved in very heated, even angry exchange, such as on Facebook.  I would urge all of us to take a deep breath, express ourselves in a responsible way, give each other the benefit of the doubt, not let comments from others “push our buttons,” and look to Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

May the Lord bless you,
Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE 

Prayers of the Church, 17^th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 21 – September 27, 2020

Let us approach the throne of grace on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence is kept.

Most holy Father, thank you for making us your children. Thank you for your patience with us when we speak and act in ways that grieve and displease you. Thank you for your Son Jesus, who perfectly says and does your will. Make us to be like him, so we are your heart’s delight and your blessing to the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform the Church throughout the world to the mind of your dear Son. Conform its proclamation and teaching to his own. Conform its works to his self-sacrificing love. Fashion the Church into the image and likeness of Christ – into his very body; so that the light of his love shines into the world, and many turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant strength, perseverance, and charity to our brethren who experience bitter persecution throughout the world. Stir up our hearts to defend and assist them. Soften the hearts of their tormentors, so that repentance and true faith in you may grow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Put the mind of Christ into this congregation. Let his humility and self-giving love shape and direct our words, worship, service, and fellowship. Give us such willing hearts that we gladly speak and act in obedience to your will, to your glory and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless all parents, step-parents, and foster parents. Give them your Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the Lord, and joy in your presence. Forgive their errors; relieve their fears; and grant them the joy of seeing their children grow into healthy, loving adults.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the world’s leaders – not only of nations, but also of local government, and of all useful fields of human endeavor – into your wise and willing offspring. Teach them your will for guiding those for whom they are responsible. Make all of us honest, wise, and kind. Help us to care for our neighbor; to work for opportunity and harmony in our neighborhood and nation; and to live at peace with each other.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep in your special care those in the military, and all who risk their lives for the sake of others. Inform their minds; strengthen their bodies; purify their hearts; shape their actions; and prosper all they do that is in accord with your will. Bring them home safely and soon; and shield their loved ones with your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring the joy of your saving help to everyone in distress, sorrow, danger or need – including: {List}. Lead them through the things that afflict and endanger them, into the light of your blessed presence; and into the joy of restored health, hope, and fellowship with those who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Thank you, dear Father, for the lives of your faithful servants who have been gathered into your eternal Kingdom. Especially we bless you for our departed loved ones. Wipe away the tears of those whose grief is raw and deep. Give courage and compassion, wisdom and energy, faithfulness and hope, to each of us as we walk our pilgrim’s pathway through this life. And bring us safely into your spacious house, where you have made ample room for everyone whom you have redeemed through the obedient and loving sacrifice of your Son; and where we will delight in praising your goodness forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Conform our prayers to the heart of Jesus, hear them through the interceding of your Holy Spirit, and grant them in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.