“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away” (Mark 4:16-17).
All you or I need to do is look around and this is what we see. Many have gone to church, and now no longer go to church. The game is becoming more apparent. As long as I get what I want, I’ll be a part of it, but as soon as things change, I’m out of here. We see a great deal of this in our day. People are not bonded to one another, let alone the Lord. It is a free-for-all in our world. Give and take but take more than you give: this is the world’s message.
I love Your word, O Lord. Then I go into the world and forget what You have said. Much of Your word has fallen off of me. Or maybe I do not love Your word. Create in me a new and clean heart. What I am able to do in this world begins with You. The comfort of habit is easily shattered. Your word rooted in me may be cut to the ground, but the roots are still there.
Lord Jesus, teach me through Your word. You have given me the words of everlasting life. This world gives me words of temporary comfort or pleasure. Take me from where I am to where I need to be so that I may live into the life for which You died. Help me to see the simple reality of this as I live my daily life in order that I would grow in this faith You have given me to become more like You. Amen.
I take issue with your example. I attended the Lutheran Church for 75 years. Even when I was working out of state, I found a church to attend both for Sunday and Bible study during the week. During my late 50s, I noticed the ELCA, moving in a direction I did not agree with and spoke to my pastor about it. He just said to give it time. I did. Finally at 75, I decided I could no longer support the woke ELCA and did not want to listen to any more show-time sermons – they were not from the Bible. Even had one minister give a sermon on how evil and bad Americans were and how we used up more than our share of resources – I walked out that Sunday during her tirade.
I now wee Lutheran CORE fighting to change the ELCA back to something more normal but it is a losing battle at this point. The ELCA seems intent on destroying themselves. I even saw an article a month ago where some ELCA pastors said that parts of the Bible were no longer applicable and they could be ignored.
I did find out about Lutheran CORE and hooked up with that but there are no NALC congregations near me. So, I now attend First Baptist Church in Altoona, FL. At least it is Bible based but I do miss the liturgy and many other things that I grew up with. I do wish there were an NALC church nearby but there is not. I do read your daily devotions and I have the Sunday service email to use when needed so that is great. I also have all the hymnals from the church – Black through the green book. I even spearheaded the adoption of the green book in one church where I was a member. I honestly believe that if the pastors would tell their congregations what is taking place within the ELCA, things would change back. Most congregants have no idea what is happening.