“You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:10)

“Devoutly, uprightly, and blamelessly we are to do the work the Lord gives us to do.  It is not just a matter of sitting in a pew at worship, going to a few fellowship events, and maybe serving on a committee or two.  It is about having lives that are dedicated to the Lord as He dedicated His life to us.  Come into His presence and dwell with Him forever.  Do what He gives You to do.

Lord, this sounds so simple, but I often have things that get in the way.  Guide me, O Lord, that these things that get in the way would be removed so that I live the true Gospel.  Help me now and always, Lord, for You have given me the words of eternal life and apart from You I can do nothing.  In the truth You have spoken from the beginning, teach me to serve others as You have served me.

Lord Jesus, servant and Master of all, guide me by Your example to put into practice this day the ministry You have given me.  Lead me so that I may take Your Good News to others in order that they may receive what You have given me.  Guide me, Lord, and give me a willing heart to follow where You lead.  Teach me the truth and I will live in the freedom You alone give.  Amen.

“For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Are you one who takes or gives?  Many come in need and we are to give.  The day comes when that role is reversed somewhat.  We all are in need and rely upon the Lord, but He equips us to send us that we would share with others what we have received.  Go then as the Lord leads and learn from Him that You might hear His voice and love others as He has loved you.

Lord, I need to learn so that I would follow You and not the way of the world.  The world teaches me to take all I can get.  You teach me to love others as You love them.  Guide me Lord so that I would learn these things and serve, and not be a burden to others, but carry the burdens of others.  Teach me to proclaim the Gospel with my life.  Grant what is needed so that I would be approved as a worker of the Gospel.

Lord Jesus, You came to serve and not to be served.  By Your example, You healed the sick, fed the hungry, and raised the dead.  You loved into the disciples the truth of the Gospel and went to the cross for us all.  Help me to model Your example by breaking out of my shell and working alongside others with the truth of the Gospel.  Lead me, O Lord, in order that I may follow where You lead.  Amen.

“Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

How invested are you in the lives of others?  The Lord created us to be in relationship, first with Him and then with others.  Do you care for those around you?  Not just your family, but also the family of God that He has placed you in?  Be a willing participant in all that He is doing knowing that He is growing in you the likeness of Christ.  You were created in His image and He is making of you a child of the heavenly family.

Lord, help me to see with simplicity the truth that You have revealed through grace.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth in order that I would now and forever walk humbly in the path You have put before me.  Guide me, Lord, in the way You would have me go and help me to hold fast in those steps I take throughout the day.  You must lead and I must learn to follow.

Lord Jesus, You are the author and finisher of my faith.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of faith.  Help me to take each step as You direct and live into the life that is in relationship with those around me.  In Your Spirit, enliven in me the goal of my faith, which is to become what You are making of me.  Save me this day and lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.

“But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

Paul continues the word picture of one who freely gives to another and not for gain, but in order to nurture the other in true life.  This is how the good infection of Christianity is spread.  Through the goodness of God’s grace and mercy, we receive the salvation He alone purchased for us from the cross.  Learn from the Lord and be one who nurtures others in the faith that you have received.

Lord, this world is so conditional, to the point that often I am skeptical about what another wants when they are doing a good deed.  Help me, O Lord, to live into the life of faith that You have given me and teach me to nurture others as I have been nurtured.  Guide me, Lord, in this way so that I may mature in faith and learn to take on the role You have in mind for me in my ministry.

Lord Jesus, You prepared the disciples and then sent them into the world to serve You as they served others.  You intend the same for me.  Help me to not be a consumer of the faith, as so many are in this culture, but one who lives the faith, sharing with others as You have shared with me.  Guide me in the ministry You give me in order that I may humbly walk with You my Savior and live into the life of faith You have given me.  Amen.

“For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is witness – nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority” (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6).

When you do what you do, what is it that motivates you?  Are you doing what you are doing for gain?  This is something to meditate upon.  The Lord came to set you free, but whether you accept that freedom and walk with Him is up to you.  There is no condition on accepting Him.  But then, walk with Him and do the same for others as the Lord has done for you.  The Lord alone saves and He gives salvation away.

Lord, help me to understand this simple principle.  Guide me in the way of salvation so that I may now and always live without conditions.  You have freely forgiven me.  Help me to freely give the Good News away through all I do and with who I am.  Guide me in the way of living this new life and help me not to seek glory, but to live in obedience according to Your eternal Word.

Lord Jesus, You have come into the world in order that I may have life and have it abundantly.  I received this gift freely and You send me into the world to freely give it away.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of life such that I may be unconditional in my service to You.  It matters not what I think I deserve, help me to live knowing that I do not deserve the mercy You give me or the grace which I receive. Amen.

“For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

If the Lord is not directing these words, then may they never be seen and if seen, quickly forgotten.  The Lord is the One alone who is to be revered and worshiped.  Paul did not speak his words, but the Lord’s words were spoken to those who became believers.  So also, no preacher preaches truth unless they are the words of the One who is truth.  Listen to the truth and be forever set free.

Lord, You have the words of eternal truth.  Where else should we go?  Over the time since You were crucified, there are those who have spoken all kinds of things in Your name.  Help me to always know the truth when it is spoken and un-truth when it is spoken.  Help me to always follow the way of truth so that I would be faithful in the calling You have given me in grace.

Lord Jesus, keep me from error.  Help me to have a mind that discerns amidst all the pablum that is spewed in our age.  You alone are truth.  Help me to look to You for truth in my daily life.  No matter the cost, or the need to stand firm, help me to always hold fast to You, my Lord and Savior.  Guide me in the Gospel way knowing that You alone paid the ultimate price for my eternal freedom.  Amen.  

“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2).

Throughout the time since Jesus ascended, there has been hostility.  Sometimes it is slight and other times it is very dangerous.  The world hates the Gospel.  In spite of these things, the Gospel is preached and those whom the Lord knows, are reached.  You are one who has benefitted, for you have heard the Gospel because of one who came preaching.  Give thanks and always remember to be bold.

Lord, I take for granted the freedoms I have.  Only in You is there hope and an eternal freedom which You alone grant.  Knowing that this is most certainly true, help me O Lord to live into the faith You have given me so that I would stand my ground, live the Gospel, and freely speak of the great love You have given me by grace.  Guide me, Lord, to always be wise in these things.

Lord Jesus, You fought for my sake against the world who hates You.  You went to the cross for my sake even while I was one of those who was hostile to You.  Lead me in boldness to continue forward in faith no matter what.  Guide me into the eternal truth You have revealed.  Let me go forward no matter the opposition.  Lead me to hold fast to the truth which has been revealed once for all.  Amen.  

“For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

It is often amazing that we, who have many benefits and consider ourselves advanced, are put to shame by those with little who understand what is truly important.  If the Lord is not the center of your life, your priorities are not balanced.  He is the One through whom all things have their being.  Everything else is far behind this.  Learn from others to have what is right at the center of your life.

Lord, You know where I am and where I need to be.  Through the faithful witness of others, help me to leave behind the idols and pagan things that are in my life.  Guide me to look to You with the hope You give so that I may live this life of faith which You have given me.  In and through all things, may I be found a faithful witness of the truth and grace You have revealed from the cross.

Lord Jesus, You did not seek any notoriety, fame, or fortune while here.  And why would you?  It is already all Yours.  Guide me away from the elemental things that distract me so that I may focus upon the one thing that truly matters.  In You I have my being.  Lead me through this reality in order that it would permeate all I say and do.  Guide me this day to be a faithful witness of Your love in my life.  Amen.

“For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything” (1 Thessalonians 1:8).

What kind of fellowship do you extend to others?  Are you known as one who follows the Lord?  We all have a reputation.  The question is, what is yours?  Will others say that you follow the Lord?  Is it obvious?  These are important questions to ponder, for who we really are comes from deep within.  Are you one who belongs to the Lord?  Is that being reflected in your everyday life?

Lord, help me to always be consistent.  Guide me in the goodness of Your mercy and grace so that others will know who I am by what I say and how I act.  Help me to live out this gift of faith You have given me.  Lead me in Your goodness so that it is You alone whom I care about pleasing.  Let Your Word dwell richly and deeply in me and come out through all I do in order that You may be known to others through me.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that I may be given the power to become a child of the Heavenly Father.  You know all that is needed and You have provided the means for me to reach that goal.  Guide me this day so I may do all that is needed.  Help me live out my life of faith so that I may be consistent in witness, faithful in what I do, and reflect Your love to a world that needs to hear the Gospel.  Amen.

HOPE AND LIFE GIVING

I live in the Sonoran Desert about forty miles northeast of downtown Phoenix.  The Sonoran has been called the greenest desert in the world, because we normally have two rainy seasons.  There is a winter rainy season, as in many other deserts, but we also have a summer rainy season, which we call the monsoon season, when we have major thunderstorms which rival anything I ever experienced while living in the upper Midwest.

However, July and August of 2020 were the driest on record, and this past June (2021) was the driest on record.  In between we had very little in terms of winter rain.  The desert was dry, most of the plants looked dead, and the saguaros were all shriveled up.

But God in His goodness provided abundant rain during the month of July.  The desert is green again.  Plants along the road have sprouted flowers.  The saguaros look happy.  And shrubs that had looked dead have now sprouted new leaves.  It is amazing what water can do in the desert.  Water is very hope and life giving.

This past summer I have experienced two events that were very hope and life giving – a week of Nexus in July, and the NALC convocation in August.

NEXUS – “ALL THINGS NEW”

Nexus is a week of Bible study, theological reflection, fellowship, and vocational discernment for high schoolers.  It is organized by and held at Grand View University in Des Moines.  Many thanks to our friends and supporters, whose generosity made it possible for Lutheran CORE to be the sponsor of Nexus this year.  Twenty-two high schoolers and seven college-aged mentors grew in their faith and were challenged to hear and respond to God’s call on their lives. 

The theme for Nexus this year was “All Things New.”  The week centered around the question, “Can God redeem a really hard year?”  As the promotional material said, “We’ll dig into scripture to see the good news, how all things are being made new in Jesus, and how we get to be part of it!”

Morning devotions centered around the book of Ruth.  Ruth was a person who experienced all things being made new.  Leaving her homeland of Moab with her mother-in-law Naomi, she traveled to Bethlehem because Naomi had heard that “the Lord had considered his people and given them food.” (1:6)  How dangerous it must have been for those two widows to make that journey.  On the morning when I led devotions the focus was on Ruth 2.  Verse 3 in that chapter says, “As it happened, she (Ruth) came (to glean) to the part of the field belonging to Boaz.”  Ruth’s whole life changed, and she became an ancestor of David, and therefore, through Mary, an ancestor of Jesus, because she came to glean to the part of the field belonging to Boaz.  I shared with the students parts of the story of my life where God made all things new.  I told of how God directed the circumstances of my life to accomplish His purposes and to make things work together for good.  We can trust the One who led Ruth to come and glean in the part of the field belonging to Boaz.  I asked the students, “What in your life has been the equivalent of coming to glean in the field belonging to Boaz?”

The Old Testament lesson each morning was taught by Dr. Mark Mattes, while the New Testament lesson was taught by Dr. Ken Jones, both of whom are on the faculty of Grand View University.  Dr. Mattes taught from the book of Ezekiel.  Two of the points that he made that really stood out for me are the following –

• Ezekiel was a prophet.  Prophets say things that cause conflict.  In the same way leaders today will run into conflict.  Leaders need to develop skills to handle conflict.  They need to ask God to help them develop the fruit of the spirit of self-control so that they can respond well rather than react badly.

• The dry bones in the valley in Ezekiel 37 were probably from soldiers that had lost in battle.  Just like for those soldiers, we can feel defeated by the circumstances of life.  Like the house of Israel we can feel that “our hope is lost and we are cut off completely.” (verse 11)  Like those dry bones we need the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.  We need to hear God’s word of hope.  When our lives and life situations seem and feel hopeless, we need to remember that God is with us.  God is for us.  God can make all things new.    

One of the mornings Dr. Jones talked about Mark 15: 37-38, which says, “Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”  Dr. Jones shared how many people interpret those verses as saying that humans now have full access to God.  Another way to understand them is that they are saying that God will now refuse to be boxed in.  God is coming after us.  He will show up in ways that we do not expect.  Dr. Jones challenged us by asking us, “What are you going to see – that you did not expect to see – when God shows up?” 

NALC CONVOCATION – “GOD THE FATHER CREATES”

The NALC Theology Conference and Missions Convocation, held the week of August 3-6 in Corpus Christi, was centered around the theme “God the Father Creates.”  At a time when many church bodies are afraid and unwilling to use Biblical language of addressing God as Father because they feel that it smacks of male dominance and white supremacy, it was so refreshing – it was hope and life giving – to be with a group of Lutheran Christians who realize what a privilege it is to be able to call God Father.

Especially powerful for me was the presentation by Dr. Eric Riesen on the language in the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father who art in heaven.”  Dr. Riesen is president of the North American Lutheran Seminary.  He quoted Albert Einstein, who said that the most important question is whether the universe is friendly or not.  Dr. Riesen said that it is amazing that the hidden God, who has been revealed in the cross, sent His Son so that we might receive adoption as His children.  He sends His Spirit into our hearts so that we can cry, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4: 6)  The God who transcends all human understanding is a God whom we can call Father.  Being able to call God Father is a primary gift of the Spirit.  When we are united with Christ, God is also our Father through adoption.  Thinking of it in those ways – in those Biblical ways – I do not see why anyone would be hesitant to and would not want to call God Father. 

There were many other highlights of the week for me, including the following –

• Just being able to be together in person again.  That is something that we all missed last year with the convocation’s being virtual in 2020.

• The concern and passion of the NALC to raise up a whole new generation of pastors.  Realizing how many NALC pastors will be retiring in the next ten years, I was encouraged to hear the goal of raising up three hundred new pastors, the challenge to every congregation to raise up a new pastor, the challenge to retired and soon-to-retire pastors to continue to serve a congregation, and the variety of ways that have been laid out to prepare future leaders for the church.

• The appreciation, affirmation, and support that I received from so many people who stopped by the Lutheran CORE table.  I have a huge sense of the importance of the work of Lutheran CORE, and I was encouraged by the large number of people who affirmed what we do.

• The presentation on the final morning by Melissa Ohden.  Melissa is a survivor of an attempted saline solution abortion.  Author of the book, You Carried Me, she powerfully told the story of how she learned to deal with the pain of knowing that her own family had tried to kill her, and then how she learned to forgive and seek to make contact with her biological family.  She also told convincingly of the negative impact that an abortion – or an attempted abortion – will have upon an extended family.  I have tremendous admiration for anyone who is able to tell their own life story in such an open, honest, and redemptive way.  I have great respect for anyone who is able to turn their pain into a passion and their passion into a ministry.

VIDEO BOOK REVIEW – “THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CROSS”

Lutheran CORE continues to provide monthly video reviews of books of interest and importance.  Many thanks to Russell Lackey, pastor of Luther Memorial Church and campus pastor at Grand View University, for making this month’s video review.  His review is about the book, The Spirituality of the Cross, by Gene Veith.

In this book Veith deals with five major tenants of the Christian faith as understood by Lutherans – justification, the means of grace, the theology of the cross, vocation, and living in two kingdoms.  Veith explains them in a way that Russell Lackey describes as easy to understand and one that helps lay people talk about their faith with others.  Over the years Pastor Lackey has given copies of this book to council members, people in new member classes, and college students who grew up Lutheran but do not understand what it means to be a Lutheran.

This review, as well as nine others, have been posted on our YouTube channel.  Here is a link to that channel.

Lutheran CORE Voices – YouTube 

Many thanks to those who have made the reviews.  We continue to publish a new video book review during the first week of every month. 

When you look at a video review for the first time, please click on the Subscribe button.  As enough people do that, it will eventually help us to get a channel name that will include our organization’s name.  

Praying that you also are experiencing God’s hope and life-giving power, grace, and blessings,

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

dennisdnelsonaz@yahoo.com