A “MARY” CHRISTMAS

Christmas is filled with things that take your breath away.  In fact, one person went so far as to say that life at its best is measured not by the breaths we take, but by the breaths we miss.  Life at its best is made up of times like Christmas – times of awe and wonder. 

How much do you think that first Christmas took Mary’s breath away?  How much was she not even able to speak?  Oh, she had talked with an angel in Nazareth, and she had sung her song to her cousin Elizabeth in the hill country of Judea.  But in Luke’s account of Christmas Eve, there is not recorded even one word from Mary.  It is as if what was happening to her was just too deep to put into words.  So it merely says, “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2: 19).

We need to be like Mary and spend some quiet time around the manager.  This Christmas we all need to be like Mary, who, apparently without saying a word, held her child, who was both God and human, close to her breast and pondered in her heart everything that was happening to her.

The first thing I believe she pondered was the LOWLINESS OF GOD’S APPROACH.  God did not come with noise and clamor.  Rather, as the beloved Christmas carol says, “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift was given.”  How often does the power of God come to us not with great noise, but instead in silence?  How often is God best experienced where there is the least noise?  How often is it that in the quietest of moments God most touches our lives?  Yes, Christmas is a time when the world holds its breath and listens once again for the soft cry of a baby.  So gracious and so holy was the time that Mary may not have said a single word.  Rather she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart, including the LOWLINESS OF GOD’S APPROACH. 

And then, second, I believe she also pondered the LOWLINESS OF GOD’S ARRIVAL.  There was no room for them except where the animals stayed, so Mary “wrapped Him in bands of cloth and laid Him in a manger.”  Do you think Jesus hesitated?  When the only begotten Son of God – pre-existent from all eternity – stood there on the balcony of heaven and counted what would be the full cost of His coming – of His emptying Himself, as the apostle Paul said.  Do you think He hesitated even for a moment before He came?  No, I do not think so.  Instead I think that He looked down and saw it all – including the cross and all the pain and all the shame – and then willingly and intentionally came.  Yes, I believe that when Mary was pondering all of these things, she was also pondering the LOWLINESS OF GOD’S ARRIVAL

And then, third, I believe she also pondered the LOWLINESS OF GOD’S AUDIENCE.  The first ones to learn of His birth were some shepherds.  Now I have read that the Pharisees of the day saw six professions as unworthy.  One of these was being a shepherd.  Shepherds were not permitted to give testimony in a court of law, and I have even read that they were not allowed to enter a synagogue because their work was considered ritually unclean.  So called “good people” would have nothing to do with shepherds.  But the good news of great joy was first given to a group of shepherds.  At the heart of the Gospel is the truth that knowing God is not something that is given only to important and powerful people.  Rather it is also given to shepherds.  And you and I are like shepherds – and we are all like sheep.  But the good news of Christmas is that we are all still worth everything to God.

“How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! 
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.”

What I pray for you during this Advent and Christmas season, is that you will have the heart of Mary, who sat there silently and nursed her child, who was both God and human, as she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

From my heart to yours I wish you a Mary – a M-A-R-Y – Christmas.

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

* * * * * * *

LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS SUPPORT NETWORK

I am very grateful to and for all those who are helping spread the word regarding the Lutheran Congregations Support Network and its work to inform ELCA congregations of the risks they are under and are likely coming to their congregational autonomy and property rights because of anticipated changes in the ELCA constitution and governance structure.  Here is a link to their website – lutherancongregationalsupportnetwork.org

Among the resources on their website are links to three videos, which give

• Interviews with pastors and congregations that have experienced ELCA tactics
• A description of the process by which a congregation can lose autonomy and come under institutional oversight
• Publicly available information about the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Thank you for helping spread the word. 

* * * * * * *

With the 2025 March for Life in Washington D. C. coming up on January 24, we wanted to share with you two articles from the NALC Life Ministries Team.

Making Ourselves Gods

by Pastor Mark Chavez, Chair of the NALC Life Ministries Team

All life hangs on the first commandment: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2-3) Martin Luther’s explanation of the First Commandment in the Large Catechism ends with these words:

Let this be enough for the First Commandment. We have had to explain it at great length, for it is        the most important. As I said before, if the heart is right with God and we keep this                                commandment, all of the rest will follow on their own. (BOC, Kolb/Wengert, p. 392)

The inverse of Luther’s words are equally true. Not keeping the First Commandment means we will not keep all the other commandments. Apart from Christ our hearts are not right with God. We have other gods. We do not keep the commandments. We do not preserve and care for life. Idolatry always leads to death.

We have many gods. They can be anything or anyone. The growth of one particular god in the current culture is especially disturbing and destructive. Culture would have us believe that we are each a god unto ourselves – “It’s my life, I can do whatever I want with it. It’s my body, I can do whatever I want with it.”

Self-idolatry is the extreme height of our sinful condition, incurvatus in se (turned or curved in upon self). Making ourselves gods, is also the height of our sinful rebellion. We attempt to displace the true “Author of life” (Acts 3:15). We think we are the authors of our lives. Our deception and delusion is profoundly tragic. Our authorship does not create, promote or preserve life. It destroys life. Not just our own life, but the lives of others as well.

Medical and scientific data has for many years proven that women who experience abortion and transgendered children and youth suffer physical, psychological and spiritual trauma. Were they to study the impact of physician assisted suicide on family, friends and the administering physicians, there is probably trauma for them as well. Culture says the above are ways of caring for life, but the truth is the opposite. Culture calls evil good.

Far too many are shaped by culture to assume life is in our hands, and we can do whatever we want with it. No wonder that the number of elective abortions, physician assisted suicides and transgendered children and youth is increasing.

Insisting we are gods is a complete rebellion against the only living God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The true “Author of life” owns every human life and body. He alone creates life. All life rests in his hands, not ours, including both believers in Christ and unbelievers. God’s ownership of a believer’s life and body is especially personal and intimate:

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from      God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1              Corinthians 6:19-20)

Since we, as God’s elect, were bought with an extravagant price, the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, our whole life belongs to him. As members of his body, we are called to speak the truth to the culture. We are not gods. All life is in God’s hands.

March for Life and Y4Life Conference in January!

 by Pastor Dennis DiMauro   

The NALC Life Ministries team is once again preparing for the March for Life in Washington D.C. this January, but our plan is a little different. Instead of holding a life conference, NALC Life has decided to team up with Lutherans for Life (LFL) and participate in their events at the March! Their youth conference, Y4Life, will be held at the Hilton Arlington Landing Hotel (2399 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202) from Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 through Saturday, January 25th, 2025 and it has over 400 kids already registered (register at https://y4life.org/event/y4life-in-washington-d-c-january-23-25-2025/ ). We encourage all our NALC youth to participate in this free conference.

On Friday, January 24th we will be once again participating in the March for Life under the NALC banner, and I hope you can join us at 12th and Madison Sts., N.W at noon as we march to the U.S. Capitol. Before the march there is a prayer service at DAR Constitution Hall 1776 D St. NW (18th and D St.) Washington, DC 20006 starting at 8:30am. All our NALC members are invited to attend this service and our clergy are invited to participate (stoles are white). If you have any problems at the march, please contact Pastor Dennis Di Mauro at (703) 568-3346. Pastor Di Mauro can also host you in his home if you would like to stay overnight in DC. We can’t wait to see you in our nation’s capital this January!!

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: January 26, 2025: 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 2

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10: (Ezra reads book of Moses, instructs people; Nehemiah declares a day of feasting)

Psalm 19:1-14: (The heavens proclaim God’s glory; my heart rejoices in his precepts. Let the

words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in his sight)

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a: (The unity of the Body of Christ)

Luke 4:16-30: (Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah concerning the healing of the poor, lame, blind and imprisoned, declaring that today that Word has been fulfilled)

RCL/ELW: Luke 4:14-21: (Rest heard next week)

*******

Opening Hymn: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, ELW #311, LSB #398

Hymn of the Day: O Christ Our Light, Our Radiance True: LBW #380, ELW #675

O Christ, Our True and Only Light: LSB #839

OR Rise, Shine, You People: LBW #393, ELW #665, LSB #825

OR The People That in Darkness Sat: LSB #412

Communion Hymn #1: We Give Thee But Thine Own: LBW #410, ELW #686, LSB #781

OR Arise, Your Light Has Come: WOV #652, ELW #314

Communion Hymn #2: O God of Mercy, God of Light/Might: LBW #425, ELW #714; LSB #852

Closing Hymn: O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing: LBW #559, ELW #886, LSB #528

*******************

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Lord God, thank you for your Word, given to us as Holy Scripture, the sure foundation for life as your beloved community. Thank you for your Word made flesh in your Son, Jesus Christ. Conform our lives to His. Send us with your Word to all who are blinded by distractions, deafened by voices of pleasure and power, lamed by suffering, imprisoned by sin, and impoverished in body, mind, or spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church a place where your Word is faithfully proclaimed, eagerly heard, and gladly heeded. We also pray your persecuted disciples. Do not let us despise or ignore their suffering or their testimony. Say to them, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Build up the Body of Christ in this congregation. Help us to accept, develop, and share the gifts you have given each of us. Teach us to encourage and rejoice in the gifts of others, whether those gifts seem small or great. Let all be done to glorify you and to share your mercy with those around us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray, therefore, on behalf of shut-ins, the physically and mentally challenged, the frail, and everyone whose gifts are often overlooked or despised, even by themselves. Grant that, following our Lord’s example, we may honor them; and that we may rejoice together as fellow members of his Body.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Teach your precepts to all who take counsel for the nations; to our military; and to first responders. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and common sense. Let all of us live peacefully, work fruitfully, and enjoy the many blessings and gifts which you have provided for the benefit of all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son bestowed healing, sight, freedom, and good news to all who are in bondage to the powers of sin, evil and death. We lift before you the needs of all who need his strong saving love, including: {List}. Visit them with your salvation; heal their bodies and revive their hearts; and let them rejoice you.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for receiving into your Kingdom those who died trusting in your Word. Keep us close to Jesus. Speak your Word of life, and let us feed on it. Fill us with your Spirit, and help us share it. Knit us into Christ’s Body, and make us rejoice in it. Keep us faithful unto death, and then say to us: “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep, and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength, forevermore.”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, dear Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us. We pray in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: January 19, 2025: 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 1

Isaiah 62:1-5: (Zion shall be the beautiful and beloved bride of God)

Psalm 128: (The blessedness of family life for those who love God)

                RCL/ELW: Psalm 36:5-10: (God’s steadfast love, righteousness, judgments, salvation are for all. “In your light we see light.”)

1 Corinthians 12:1-11: (no one speaking by the Spirit of God says “Let Jesus be cursed;” no one says “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit)

John 2:1-11: (Wedding at Cana)

*******

Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 1-3: LBW #76, ELW #308 (Heaven forfend we should call Jesus our heavenly Bridegroom in verse 2; instead he’s our precious diamond. Sigh.), LSB #395

OR Jesus, Come! For We Invite You: ELW #312

OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here: LSB #399, v. 1, 4, 5

Hymn of the Day: All Praise to You, O Lord: LBW #78

OR Songs of Thankfulness and Praise: LBW #90, ELW #310, LSB #394

Communion Hymn #1: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/458, ELW #775, LSB #743

OR What Feast of Love: WOV #701, ELW #487

Communion Hymn #2: Now the Silence: LBW #205, ELW #460, LSB #910

Closing Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright, v. 4-6: LBW #76, ELW #308, LSB #395

OR Come, Join in Cana’s Feast: LSB #408

******************

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Holy God, thank you for loving your people so passionately that the best human analogy is that of a wedding, and of the love between a bride and bridegroom. Forgive us when we can’t properly hear or understand these words! Thank you for the healing and forgiveness that you bestow in Jesus. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, who constantly forms us into Christ’s image and his bride.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Adorn your Church with faithful teaching and preaching, and with deeds of mercy and reconciliation. Grant that its worship befits the adoration and delight of a bride for her beloved. Overshadow your persecuted servants with your Holy Spirit. Let them bless the Name of Jesus their Lord. Let their tormentors repent of cursing his Name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Later this week as we commemorate the sanctity of life, we pray for mercy on women who seek, or who have endured, an abortion – and upon the father of their unborn child. Help them understand your love for them, and their unborn child. Where forgiveness is needed, grant it freely. Help them to turn to you. Give them the strength to choose life, not death, if they are pregnant. Give them the grace to forgive themselves and each other, and to be healed in body and soul, if they have already had an abortion. We also pray for those who struggle to have children and cannot; for those who have lost a child they loved; and for those who struggle to love their children when that is difficult. Have mercy on them all.  They face terrible demons of grief, shame, regret, fear, and anger. Help us to walk with them through their dark valleys. Help us to share our confidence that you will lead them safely through.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, for many of our congregations, the phrase “we are family” is literally true! Bind us together with the cords of your love, as well as kinship ties and traditions. Make this congregation a place where many are adopted into your family, and where the bounties of your blessings are lovingly shared with all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the States, tomorrow is Inauguration Day and also the commemoration of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Let his vision for a healed, just, and united people guide the new President and his cabinet. Let your steadfast love and righteousness dwell in the hearts of all our elected and appointed leaders; in the minds of all who take counsel for the nations; and in the actions of everyone in positions of authority in our society. Give us grace to share the gifts and skills you have so generously bestowed – especially with the poor and lonely, the suffering and the sorrowing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We plead on behalf of everyone who struggles with pain, grief, addiction, fear, shame, doubt, or despair. We lift before you the needs of: {List.} Give them courage to cling to you in times of trouble. Give to those who care for them a double portion of your compassionate and loving Spirit.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for all our beloved dead who clung faithfully to your promise of salvation. Dry our tears and ease our sorrow. Give us grace to live in faith toward you, and with fervent love for one another. Then, by your great mercy, gather us, with all whom your dear Son is pleased to call his bride and his beloved, at the table of that marriage feast which has no end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, dear Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us. We pray in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: January 12, 2025: The Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 43:1-7: (I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior)

Psalm 29: (Ascribe glory to the Lord; his mighty voice resounds over the waters)

Romans 6:1-11: (We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ)

                RCL/ELW: Acts 8:14-17 (Peter and John lay hands on those baptized in Jesus’ name, they receive Spirit)

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22: (John speaks of the One who will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit; baptism of Jesus)

*******

Opening Hymn: When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853

Hymn of the Day: Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker

(tune is same as for “Father Most Holy”): LBW #191, ELW #458

OR To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord: LSB #405

OR When Jesus Came to Jordan: WOV #647, ELW #305

OR The Star Proclaims the King is Here: LSB #399, v. 1, 3, 5

Communion Hymn #1: How Firm a Foundation: LBW 507, ELW #796, LSB #728

OR Remember and Rejoice: ELW #454

Communion Hymn #2: O Worship the King: LBW #548, ELW #842, LSB #804

Closing Hymn: I Bind Unto Myself Today: LBW #188, ELW #450, LSB #604

(ELW and LSB conveniently have this laid out on 2 facing pages. LSB also has a verse that has been omitted from LBW and ELW. If you dare, add it: “Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile foes that mar my course; Or few or many, far or nigh, in ev’ry place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me those holy pow’rs!):

************************

Let us draw near to the Throne of Grace, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a glimpse into the mystery of the Trinity in the Baptism of your beloved Son. Thank you for uniting us to him, in the power of the heaven-descended Dove. Thank you for naming us your beloved children, in our own Baptism. Give us grace to live lives well-pleasing to you. Let all of our thoughts, words, and deeds cry “Glory!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Through your holy Church, let the world hear the thunder of your voice and know the beauty of your holiness. Strengthen and defend all who suffer for confessing Jesus as Lord. Fulfill among them your promise that the flames of persecution should not burn them, nor the waters of death carry them away from you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless all who are baptized or reaffirming their baptismal covenant today. Stir up your Spirit in them, that they may be freed from sin, united to Christ, and named as your children forever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the people and the ministry of this congregation. Make us dead to sin and alive to you in Christ. Burn away the chaff from our hearts. Gather up and sanctify all that you have cleansed. Help us share with family and friends the goodness of the new life we have in our Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Protect, purify, and guide the leaders of all nations, especially our own. Establish peace, wisdom, and righteousness among us. Keep watch over those who walk through the floods of violence and the flames of war to defend us.  Conform their decisions, words, and actions to your will. Bring them home safely and soon. Bring healing to communities wounded by violence and fractured by injustice and hatred.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Say to all who suffer in mind, body or spirit, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Especially we name before you: {List}. Gather them from the far reaches of suffering and sorrow; restore them to all who love them; and remind them always that they are precious in your sight.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We remember before you our loved ones whom you have delivered from the waters of death. You have also called us by name, and made us your own in Baptism. Keep us united with Jesus.  Strengthen us by your Spirit to daily walk in the newness of his life. At the last, say to us and to all whom you name as your own, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ²I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.⁴ You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, ⁷everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Graciously hear, and generously answer our prayers, dear Father, in accordance with your wisdom and mercy for us. We pray in the name of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:17-18).

We are blessed when we make the good confession.  It is not a formula, but the truth.  The Holy Spirit awakens our spirit to know the truth.  The truth, the Anointed One who is God in the flesh, moves our soul from death to life.  Upon the truth of who He is, the bride, His church is going to be knit together from every tribe, tongue, folk, and nation.  All those who will come to Him in truth, and live as life has been created to live will be with Him forever.

Lord, I hear the words, but sink them deep into my soul so that I am one who does not just speak the words, but believes that You are the Christ.  Teach me how to live knowing this.  Guide me to understand that in You I do have hope and a future.  Lead me into all righteousness so that I may prepare for the eternal life which is mine in You.  You are the Word and You are truth.

Lord Jesus, Savior of mankind, guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live the good confession.  You are the Christ.  Be Christ in me and help me to walk in the salvation You have prepared from the beginning for all who believe.  In Your goodness and mercy, lift me up out of the thinking of this world to see things through Your word.  Guide me in the Gospel that You have given that I may be more like You each day.  Amen.

“He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?”  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-14).

We have heard this so many times that the significance for some diminishes almost to the point of irrelevance, The Incarnate One is God in the flesh.  God has come to save those who will follow Him.  The world fights for power.  God does not.  The world wants power.  Power belongs to God.  He is humble, gracious, and kind.  He is our Savior and God, the Almighty who comes to lead the way home.

Lord, I have heard the confession and, with every recitation of the creed, say it again.  But the truth of who You are often does not sink in.  I do not fully believe that You, who made all things, can fulfill a simple request.  Take away my unbelief and disrespect so that I live with the deeper faith You give that knows You are the Savior of the world.  Lead me ever closer to You and always farther from the ways of the world.

Lord Jesus, You are the Anointed One, the Light of the world.  Shine in the darkness of my soul and enlighten me to be one who follows You all the days of my life.  Help me to understand that in You is all life, for You are the author of life and all thing were made through and for You.  Guide me today in faith to seek You and listen as You direct me in how to live life as You have created it to be lived.  Amen.

“Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets” (Matthew 16:13-14).

This is the most important questions anyone can ask.  We all have religion.  We often follow the religion we were taught, or else, by rejecting the religion of our parents, follow some other religion.  All of these are following the beliefs of other people.  But, if you ask the question and learn the answer, your religion can blossom into faith in the One true God who saves.

Lord, help me to dare to ask the question when I have doubts.  Then, help me to hear and understand the answer.  No longer in the realm of religion, but in the realm of reality, Help me to know in my heart and spirit that You are the One through whom I exist.  By the Holy Spirit, make the connection so that I may live by faith and not just with religion.  Take me deeper into You and in so doing, come and deepen faith in me.

Thank You, Lord, for all that You are doing.  In the mystery of the faith which You have given me, guide me ever deeper into the new life You have given me by grace.  Help me to understand more and more each day so that I become more and more like You with each step of faith.  In Your goodness and mercy, teach me all that I need to know to remain faithful to the good confession that You are the Christ.  Amen.

“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”  Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:11-12).

Beware of the teaching of those who are not pointing to the truth of salvation through Christ alone.  Our part is to willingly join with Christ.  Never mistake that for the act of salvation.  Our salvation belongs to the Lord Who died for us in the Cross.  There is a dependency.  We are dependent upon what the Lord does.  Do not lean on your own understanding but lean upon the One who knows all things.  He alone must lead.

Lord, there are many ways in which the leaven of this world has taken root in me.  My attitudes and thoughts are not as pure nor as original as I think.  You alone must cleanse me of the leaven of this world.  You know where it is and what it is.  For my part, help me to be aware that it exists and discover where it is still a part of me.  Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You alone is there hope and a future.

Lord Jesus, let me take in Your word of truth and be guided by Your goodness.  Help me to understand that I need You.  Only You can save me from sin, death, and the devil.  There is so much pollution in me, and by Your grace, You lead me on the path of salvation.  Help me to always depend upon Your leading for all that I do so that I may humbly walk in the counsel of Your goodness.  Amen.

“Do you not yet understand nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you picked up?  Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets you picked up?” (Matthew 16:9-10)  

How easy is it to come to the place where we do not understand what our Lord is telling us.  We look to the physical and do not understand that we are also spiritual.  Our Lord wants us to know not only who we are, but whose we are.  Five loaves and seven loaves.  Twelve in all.  The complete number.  Our Lord is bringing all things together for the kingdom.  Trust in the One who will complete us.

Lord, I do get distracted by life in this world.  I read Your word, but I do not always understand what You are saying.  You know these things and now You call for me to come to a deeper understanding of Your will in my life.  Guide me to take the necessary steps in faith, as You lead me, so that I willingly come to the place where I hear what You are saying and see what You are doing.  Help me to remember and understand the things that You have taught me.

Holy Spirit, minister to me and open my ears to hear and my mind to understand the things my Savior is teaching me.  Help me to not be carried away with enthusiasm but live soberly in the wisdom You give by grace.  Take me deeper into this faith You have given me so that I may humbly walk with Your guidance today and each day that You give me on earth.  By Your grace, through the faith You grant, help me to be a faithful disciple.  Amen.

“They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.”  But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?”  (Matthew 16:7-8)

Our earthly thinking often will not take us to what our Lord is saying.  We often think in physical earthly ways.  Don’t pay attention to the propaganda that is all around us.  Even deeply religious people are filled with it.  Do not focus upon your belly, but upon the life our Lord gives you.  He will make you pure even as He is pure.  He will raise your faith to be in Him above all things. Lord, increase our faith!

Lord, You know where I am and how I think.  You know those things which enter my mind and influence the decisions I make.  Guide me out of the morass of worldliness to be willing to listen to Your word above all the other words that fly around me.  You are truth and You have given me the words of eternal life.  Continue to lift me up so that I may be guided by Your word always.

Word of God made flesh, You know that I need saving.  I often do not know how to think.  You have lifted me up into the hope of eternal life.  Help me to move beyond what my heart feels to live into the hope You have given me.  In all things that come my way, help me to understand Your word more fully and then apply Your word in my life.  Lead me to follow You in and for all things, for You alone are my Savior.  Amen.