“You have spurned the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown in the dust. You have broken down all his walls; You have brought his strongholds to ruin.” (Psalm 89:39-40)

Worldly things will pass away and those things which man builds will return to dust. Come then into the presence of the One who is forever. Do not rely upon your understanding or the way you perceive things, but listen to the One who created all things. Know that the goodness of the Lord is forever. Seek the Lord while He may be found and walk in humility with the One who made you.

Lord, I live in a mixed up world that seeks its own ideas and believes that it can create something that will last. Help me begin now to see that only in You is there hope and a future. Lead me to live into the promises You have given me that I would walk humbly with You and follow You in all of Your ways. Keep me from the deception of this age, knowing that only in You is there true life.

You have come to save as many as believe that we would walk in Your ways, Lord Jesus. Guide me this day in the way of salvation. Uphold me in the righteousness You have called me to walk in that I may now and always hold fast to the truth You have revealed. Keep me from harm and help me to be faithful in all I do this day that I would walk humbly in the Father’s sight. Amen.

BE CAREFUL THEN HOW YOU LIVE
Devotional for August 19, 2018 based upon Ephesians 5: 15-20

In six verses the apostle Paul describes proper behavior for good living. He tells us to be careful how we live, and then he gives us three things that we must do. Be wise, be sober, and be thankful. It is a short list. But if we would just live our lives around these three things – being wise, being sober, and being thankful – what a difference that would make.

First, BE WISE. Paul says, “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

Wisdom. How do you gain wisdom? The Biblical author James says that if we ask God for the gift of wisdom, He will be more than happy to give it to us. But, as usual, we need to be careful what we ask for, because God usually gives the gift of wisdom not immediately, but instead over a long period of time. We cannot download the gift of wisdom. There is no app that we can add to our cell phones so that we can immediately have the gift of wisdom. Rather people usually gain wisdom only over time – from many hard knocks, by learning from many mistakes, and through many tough experiences in life.

Paul says, “Making the most of every opportunity.” If we are not careful, we will miss out on many good opportunities. What good opportunities have you missed out on? What good opportunities are you missing out on right now? Every day we are bombarded with choices. We need the gift of wisdom to make the right and best choices.

And then Paul tell us why we need to be wise and to make the most of every opportunity. “Because the days are evil.” Wise people know that there is much evil and many evil influences and evil influencers in the world. Wise people have the ability to judge and discern and they will choose what is true, right, lasting, and good. Wise people will seek to live according to the will of God.

Second, BE SOBER. Paul says, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.”

The Bible is not against drinking alcohol. It was not grape juice, but wine, that Jesus made out of water at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. The same apostle who told the Ephesians not to get drunk also told his young friend Timothy to drink not just water, but also a little wine, because of his many health, including stomach, ailments. And at one of the most holy times in the life of our Lord Jesus – at the Last Supper – wine was served, and Jesus was the one who served it.

A little alcohol is not a bad thing, but people can make it into a bad thing. They can fill their lives with it. They can drown in its power. Paul tells us instead of filling our bodies with wine, to fill our lives with the Holy Spirit. For if we do, we will have life and we will have it abundantly.

Third, BE THANKFUL. Paul says, “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reminds me of the story of the man who went to his rabbi and complained, “Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can we do?” The old rabbi thought about it for a moment and then replied, “Bring your goat into the room with you.” The man was incredulous, but the rabbi insisted, “Bring your goat into the room with you. Do as I say and then come back in a week.” A week later the man came back looking even more distraught. “We cannot stand it,” he told the rabbi. “The goat is absolutely filthy.” The rabbi told him, “Now go back home and take the goat out, and then come back in a week.” A week later the man came back looking radiant. He explained to the rabbi, “Life is beautiful. We enjoy every moment of it – now that the goat is back outside and there are only nine of us in the house.”

It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? We can be grateful, or we can be bitter. We can seek wisdom, or we can live as fools. We can be sober and learn what the will of the Lord is, or we can fill ourselves with wine.

It’s all a matter of how we live. We receive the consequences – the results – of the way we live. So Paul tells us, “Be careful how you live.”

Dennis D. Nelson
President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE

“It shall be established forever like the moon, and the witness in the sky is faithful.” But You have cast off and rejected, You have been full of wrath against Your anointed.” (Psalm 89:37-38)

The promises of the Lord are everlasting. Though many fall away and go their own way, the Lord remains faithful. You who have been called by the Lord, why do you not heed what you have heard? Come then and know the goodness of the Lord and walk in His ways. Do not waver or fall into the way of the wicked. Do not tarry, thinking yourself exempt. Come back to the Lord and know life as it is to be lived.

Lord, I do waver and think that I can walk as others walk. I am polluted by the wickedness of this world that calls evil good. Clear my mind and thoughts to walk in Your ways always knowing that only in You can I find what my heart longs for. Guide me to walk with and in You always that I may now and forever remain in Your presence and live out Your purpose.

Thank You, Lord, for providing the way of salvation. Guide me, Savior, in the way I should walk. Help me to remain humble and faithful to the calling You have given me that I may now and always walk in Your ways and live according to the purpose for which I have been created. Now and always lead me in the calling of salvation You have put before me that I would learn faithfulness. Amen.

“Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. “His descendants shall endure forever and his throne as the sun before Me.” (Psalm 89:35-36)

The Lord swore to David. Unlike humans, the Lord keeps His promises. He will abide in the truth and delivers to us that which He has promised. Look carefully and know His word is truth. The world seeks to make the Lord a liar, but it is the world which will be found to have lied. The Lord has spoken the truth from the beginning, for He is truth. Trust in the Lord and know that His promises are sure.

Guide me O Lord through the maze of all of the things said about You that I may know the truth of Your Word. Help me to see clearly that all things have always been in Your hands. Nothing in all of creation is able to separate those who are in You from the promises You give. Lead me to live by faith all the days of my life in the hope and promises that You give.

Lord Jesus, without You it would be impossible to live in this faith You have given. By the power of Your Spirit, lead me this day to walk humbly and faithfully in the truth You have revealed. Help me now and always to hold fast to Your ways and walk before the Father as one of the godly ones. You have lifted me up and will sustain me by Your grace. Lead me to walk in thankfulness for Your goodness. Amen.

“But I will not break off My lovingkindness from him, nor deal falsely in My faithfulness. “My covenant I will not violate, nor will I alter the utterance of My lips.” (Psalm 89:33-34)

The Lord has promised to never break His covenant. Many go the way they will, but the Lord is always faithful. He holds out His hand of mercy for those who will take it. His grace endures and in love He offers salvation. Though your sins be as scarlett, come to the Lord, know His goodness and receive His forgiveness. Know that the Lord who is faithful will teach you to be faithful in the love He grants by grace.

Lord, when things do not go as I think they should I fear and wonder where You are. Your promises are sure and Your presence is real. It is I who is far off. It is I who is distant. Bring me close to see that You are always there. Lead me in the way I should go that I may now and always walk in Your ways and know the goodness of Your mercy. Lead me, O Lord, that I may follow.

Holy Spirit, You are always calling. Lord Jesus, You have paved the way. Father in heaven, Your goodness is ever present upon the earth. Help me to walk this day humbly in Your presence and know that in Your grace alone is the hope of all people. In You alone will the promise be fulfilled. Lead me, O LORD, that I may now and always walk in the way of faithfulness and live in Your mercy and grace. Amen.

“If his sons forsake My law and do not walk in My judgments, if they violate My statutes and do not keep My commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes.”  (Psalm 89:30-32)

Notice that when speaking to the ones of the promise God does not damn them, but He rebukes and punishes them.  Those who are in the promise of the Savior are saved even though they need reproof and teaching.  Be comforted that the Lord loves you enough to go to whatever length necessary to hold You fast all the days of your life.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be comforted.

Many of the faithful ask what is going on.  You have spoken and we all need correction and reproof.  We do not know what You know, Lord, but You have told us that there is a time of shaking and the holy ones are being purified.  Teach me to see that I need to keep my eyes upon You that I may learn faithfulness.  No matter what happens, lead me, O Lord, to walk in Your ways.

Savior of the world, teach me and guide me.  Reprove me where I need admonishment.  You have paid the price of salvation and have granted the gift of faith.  Guide me today in the way You would have me go and help me to see the truth of what is happening around me.  Grant that I remain humble and confident in the truth You have given that I may walk with You forever.  Amen.

“My lovingkindness I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall be confirmed to him. “So I will establish his descendants forever and his throne as the days of heaven.” (Psalm 89:28-29)

The descendants of the holy One are those who believe. As many as believe are the ones that are in His lineage. The gift of salvation has been granted to those who walk after the One who has called them from the beginning of time and walk in the ways of the Lord. This age will pass away and those who come to eternal life through the Savior will be united with Him forever.

Lord, there is more than I know or see that is going on. Grant me eyes of faith to trust that no matter what happens around me, I am in Your hands. Guide me in the call You have given that I would walk now and always in the life You have given me through faith.  Lead me by the grace I need to hold fast to the truth You have revealed that nothing would snatch me away from You.

Lord Jesus, You have sent the Holy Spirit to lead us all the days of our lives. Guide me now and always in Your way that I would walk humbly in the faith You have given me. Teach me and grow me according to the Father’s will that I would now and always live into this life to which You have called me.  May I hold steadfast to the faith and not falter that I may be with You always. Amen.

“He will cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’ “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 89:26-27)

The word of the Lord speaks the truth of Jesus. He who is the only begotten has come and leads the way as the first born among many brethren. Did He not teach us to pray, “Our Father?”  Is He not the One who has made grace and salvation possible? See how all of Scripture speaks of Jesus and the salvation He has brought into the world.  By grace through faith we see the prophecy of Jesus.

Lord, help me to see clearly that You have fulfilled what You spoke long before it came to pass. Guide my heart to receive the good news of great joy that You have come into the world to follow in the salvation You prepared before the foundation of the world. Lift me up with You to be with You now and forever that I may walk in the goodness of your provision and mercy.

Lord Jesus, You are the fulfillment of prophecy. Scripture speaks of You and the salvation You have brought that all who believe might be forever united with You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Guide me O Lord in the way of salvation You have prepared that I may walk with You today and forever. By faith you have called me and in grace You have paved the way that I may walk with You now and forever. Amen.

“My faithfulness and My lovingkindness will be with him, and in My name his horn will be exalted.  “I shall also set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.”  (Psalm 89:24-25)

The Lord promises to bless the one who walks with Him in His providence and provision.  The one who walks with the Lord learns from Him and is guided in the Holy Spirit.  He promises to be with those who come to Him forever and will never leave nor forsake them.  Come to the Lord and know the goodness of His provision and ever-watchful eye.  Know the Lord.

Lord, there are so many obstacles in this age that get in the way.  Help me, I pray, to see through all of the things that get in the way that I may humbly follow You.  Lead me heart, mind, and soul to live into the promises You give that I may forever walk in Your presence.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I may forever walk with You.  Help me through whatever is in the way to be faithful.

Lord Jesus, You came to save, and we need salvation.  Guide me in the way of salvation that I would forever walk in Your presence and be led by what You have taught Your disciples.  Lead me this day in the way of salvation that I would humbly walk with You, my Lord and my God.  Remove far from me those things which hinder faith that I may know that You are with me.  Amen.

JESUS IS THE BREAD OF LIFE
Devotional for August 12, 2018 based upon John 6: 35, 41-51

Every culture on earth has some form of bread, be it bagels, biscuits, baguettes, tortillas, pita, matza, or even lefsa. People get together to “break bread.” In the Arabic language the word for bread is the word for life. Bread is basic to life. It sustains, nourishes, draws people together, and both tastes and smells good. So much so that it can help you sell your house if you bake some bread soon before someone comes over to look at your house.

That is what Jesus was saying when He said, “I am the bread of life.” Jesus is essential to life. Everything that bread represents – sustenance, relationship, goodness, and delight – Jesus claims that He is.

Notice that Jesus did not say, “I can give you the true bread from heaven.” Rather He said, “I am the true bread from heaven.” “You can live without manna, Moses, and religion, but you cannot live without Me.”

And that’s what makes Jesus’ claim so outrageous for many people. That’s why it became such a problem for the crowd. Jesus was telling them that He is more important than anything else in life. That was more than the crowd could take. That is why many stopped following Him.

There is no middle ground with Jesus. You either stone Him or you serve Him. You either receive Him and revere Him or you reject Him. You either follow Him or you turn away.

The people in the crowd that day were impressed by the miracles of Jesus. They also admired the teachings of Jesus. But they did not want to have to admit that they needed Jesus. They would rather have manna. They would rather have a list of rules. They would rather be religious than to have to be in a relationship with Jesus.

And many people today stumble over the same thing. They would like to experience the miracles of Jesus. They admire and would like themselves and other people – especially their children – to live according to the teachings of Jesus. But they would rather take their chances and try to do it by themselves than to have to admit that they need Jesus.

Every time we come forward to receive communion, we confess that we need Jesus. We admit our need for a relationship with Jesus. We are saying that we cannot live without Jesus – in this life and in the life to come.

Maybe we do not fully understand the nature of our need and how it works. But we know we need something that we cannot provide for ourselves. We cannot obtain it in any other way except to come forward and receive it.

Jesus is the bread of life. We cannot earn it, buy it, work for it, or come to the point of deserving it. All we can do is to receive it as we believe in the one whom God has sent.

Dennis D. Nelson
President of the Board and Director of Lutheran CORE